KFUPM Graduate Scholarship 2026 | Eligibility and How to Apply

The King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) Graduate Scholarship 2026 is one of the most generous and competitive fully funded opportunities available to international students in the Middle East. It covers everything from tuition and accommodation to monthly stipends, medical care, and round-trip flights. KFUPM is currently ranked 67th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, making it the top-ranked university in the Arab world. If you are serious about graduate studies in engineering, technology, or business, this scholarship deserves your full attention.

This scholarship is open to international students of all nationalities who are applying for Master’s or PhD programs. Whether you are from Africa, Asia, the Americas, or anywhere else in the world, you are eligible to apply as long as you meet the academic and language requirements. Priority fields include Artificial Intelligence, Petroleum Engineering, Robotics, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, and Business Analytics.

This post covers the full eligibility requirements, a complete list of benefits, required documents, a step-by-step application guide, key dates, and practical tips to help you put together the strongest possible application before the April 26, 2026 deadline.

Scholarship Overview

Eligibility

The eligibility requirements differ slightly depending on whether you are applying for a Master’s or PhD program.

Citizenship: This scholarship is open to international students of all nationalities. There are no country restrictions.

For Master’s (MS) programs, applicants must have:

• A four-year Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• A minimum GPA of 3.00 out of 4.00
• English language proficiency: IELTS 6.0 or above, TOEFL iBT 70 or above, or Duolingo English Test score of 105 or above
• Two recommendation letters
• A statement of purpose
• An updated CV
• A short introductory video

For PhD programs, applicants must have:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field
• A minimum GPA of 3.00 out of 4.00 in both their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
• GRE or GMAT scores (required for some programs; check your specific program requirements)
• English language proficiency as described above

English test exemption: Applicants who completed their previous degree(s) at an accredited English-speaking institution may be exempt from submitting English test scores. 

Work experience: Not listed as a requirement for either degree level.

Eligible Countries

This scholarship is open to international students of all nationalities worldwide. The university does not restrict applications by country of origin.

Africa: All African countries are eligible.

Asia: All Asian countries are eligible, including South and Southeast Asia.

Americas: All countries in North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean are eligible.

Europe: All European countries are eligible.

Middle East: All Middle Eastern countries are eligible.

Oceania: All countries in Oceania are eligible.

Eligible Fields of Study

This scholarship is not open to all fields of study. It is specifically targeted at graduate programs in technical, scientific, and business disciplines. The eligible programs at KFUPM include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Robotics
• Petroleum Engineering
• Computer Science
• Business Analytics
• Engineering (general, including multiple sub-disciplines) 
• Sciences 

These programs are aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 national development initiative, which prioritizes technology, energy, and innovation. Applicants from humanities, law, social sciences, arts, or education are unlikely to find a suitable program under this scholarship.

Benefits

The KFUPM Graduate Scholarship 2026 is one of the most comprehensive funding packages available for graduate students in the region. Here is exactly what is covered:

1. Full tuition fee coverage: All tuition costs for your Master’s or PhD program are paid in full. You will not owe any tuition at any point during your studies.
2. Monthly stipend: A monthly financial allowance is provided to cover personal expenses.
3. Free furnished accommodation: Students receive free furnished and air-conditioned on-campus housing. The campus is located in Dhahran, Eastern Saudi Arabia.
4. Medical and dental care: Full medical and dental coverage is provided throughout the duration of your studies.
5. Round-trip airfare: International students receive a return air ticket to travel to and from Saudi Arabia.
6. Free textbooks and academic resources: All required academic materials are provided at no cost.
7. Subsidized meals: Campus dining is available at subsidized rates.
8. Research assistantship opportunities: Qualified students may receive research assistantship positions, which can come with additional financial benefits. 
9. Conference travel funding: Subject to eligibility, students may receive funding to attend and present at international academic conferences.
10. Campus facilities: Students have access to modern labs, recreational facilities, and a private beach on the KFUPM campus.

Required Documents

Gather all of the following documents before you begin your online application:

For Master’s (MS) applicants:

1. Valid international passport
2. Bachelor’s degree certificate
3. Official academic transcripts showing a GPA of 3.00 or above
4. English language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or Duolingo), unless exempt
5. Updated CV or resume
6. Statement of purpose
7. Two recommendation letters from academic or professional referees
8. A short introductory video 

For PhD applicants (in addition to the above): 9. Master’s degree certificate 10. Official Master’s transcripts showing a GPA of 3.00 or above 11. GRE or GMAT scores (required for some programs; verify for your specific program)

General: 12. Completed online application form 13. Application fee payment confirmation, where applicable (a processing fee of SAR 100 plus VAT applies for some program types)

How to Apply

The application window for the KFUPM Graduate Scholarship 2026 is very short, approximately three weeks. Follow these steps immediately to avoid missing the deadline.

Step 1: Visit the KFUPM Graduate Studies portal at the official KFUPM website and familiarize yourself with all available graduate programs and their specific requirements before choosing your program.

Step 2: Confirm that your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and GPA meet the minimum requirements for your chosen program. A GPA below 3.00 out of 4.00 will disqualify your application.

Step 3: Arrange your English language test scores if you do not qualify for the exemption. Check whether your previous institution qualifies as English-medium if you plan to claim the exemption.

Step 4: Reach out to two academic or professional referees and request recommendation letters well in advance. Give them enough time to write a strong letter before the April 26 deadline.

Step 5: Write your statement of purpose. Be specific about your research interests, why you are applying to KFUPM, and how this program aligns with your long-term career goals.

Step 6: Record your short introductory video. 

Step 7: Create an account on the KFUPM Graduate Studies online application portal and begin filling in your application form accurately.

Step 8: Upload all required documents in the formats specified by the portal. Double-check that all files are complete, legible, and correctly labeled.

Step 9: Submit your recommendation letter requests through the portal so your referees receive the necessary links to submit their letters directly.

Step 10: Review your entire application carefully before final submission. Check for errors in your personal details, program selection, and uploaded documents.

Step 11: Submit your application before April 26, 2026. Save or screenshot your submission confirmation for your records.

Step 12: Monitor your email regularly after submission for any communication from KFUPM regarding your application status, additional document requests, or interview invitations.

Key Dates and Timeline

Important note: The application window is only approximately three weeks long. There is no room for procrastination. Begin gathering your documents as soon as possible.

Application Deadline

The deadline to submit your KFUPM Graduate Scholarship 2026 application is April 26, 2026.

Applications submitted after this date will NOT be accepted.

Given the extremely short application window of roughly three weeks from opening (April 5) to closing (April 26), you should start preparing your documents immediately. Do not wait until the final days.

Selection Criteria

The KFUPM scholarship selection process is competitive. Here is what the admissions and scholarship committee is looking for:

1. Academic excellence: A minimum GPA of 3.00 is the baseline, but stronger academic records significantly improve your chances. This is a merit-based scholarship, and academic performance is central to the evaluation.
2. Relevance of background: Your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree should be closely related to the program you are applying for. A strong academic fit between your previous studies and your chosen KFUPM program strengthens your application.
3. Research potential (for PhD): PhD applicants in particular should demonstrate clear research interests and potential. A focused statement of purpose that identifies specific research questions or areas of interest will stand out.
4. English proficiency: Meeting the minimum English test scores is a requirement, but a stronger score indicates readiness for an academically demanding international environment.
5. Quality of the statement of purpose: A well-written, specific, and motivated statement of purpose shows the committee that you understand what you are applying for and have a clear plan for your studies and career.
6. Strength of recommendation letters: Letters that are detailed, specific, and written by credible academic or professional referees carry more weight than generic endorsements.
7. Introductory video: This is your chance to make a personal impression beyond the written documents. Clarity, professionalism, and genuine motivation in your video can tip the decision in your favor.
8. Alignment with Vision 2030: KFUPM programs are explicitly designed to support Saudi Arabia’s national development goals. Applicants whose career interests align with energy, technology, AI, or industrial development may be viewed more favorably.

Important Tips

1. Start immediately. The application window opens April 5 and closes April 26. That is only three weeks. Do not treat this like a deadline that is far away. Begin today.
2. Contact your referees now. Recommendation letters are one of the most common reasons applications are submitted incomplete. Give your referees at least two weeks’ notice, and follow up politely.
3. Check your GPA calculation carefully. KFUPM uses a 4.00 scale. If your institution uses a different grading scale, convert your GPA accurately. An incorrect GPA claim can disqualify your application.
4. Tailor your statement of purpose to KFUPM specifically. Mention the research centers, faculty, or facilities at KFUPM that attract you. Generic statements of purpose that could apply to any university are much less effective.
5. Prepare your introductory video ahead of time. Practice what you want to say, record multiple takes, and choose the one where you come across as clear, confident, and genuine. A shaky or poorly lit video creates a bad first impression.
6. Verify the English language exemption policy before assuming you qualify. If you studied in a non-English country or institution, do not assume you are exempt. Confirm this with KFUPM directly to avoid having your application rejected.
7. Check the specific GRE or GMAT requirements for your chosen PhD program. Not all PhD programs require it, but some do. Finding out after you have submitted your application is too late.
8. Apply for the fully funded scholarship even if you are also considering self-sponsored options. The fully funded track is separate from self-sponsored programs, and being considered for it costs you nothing extra.
9. Save all confirmation emails and document copies after submission. If any issue arises with your application, these records will be essential for follow-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Link

Apply through the official KFUPM Graduate Studies portal at:

https://cgis.kfupm.edu.sa/admission/kfupm-scholarship

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