Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in research, with fully funded PhDs at KAUST and government scholarships at public universities.
PhD opportunities in Saudi Arabia
Why do a PhD in Saudi Arabia?
- KAUST fellowships with tuition, stipend and housing
- Government scholarships for international students
- Major energy, water and AI research
Universities in Saudi Arabia
Well-known research universities and institutes for PhD study in Saudi Arabia include:
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
- King Saud University
- King Abdulaziz University
- King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)
Choose a university by your supervisor and research group, not the overall ranking — fit with the group decides most PhD outcomes.
PhD structure
Programmes include coursework, qualifying exams, a proposal defence and a dissertation defence.
Fees and funding
Fees: International PhD students are usually on full scholarships.
Main funded routes: University-funded PhD programmes and research assistantships (KAUST and public universities).
Official starting points: KAUST
See PhD funding by country to compare routes across 46 countries, or estimate your budget with the study cost calculator.
Applying for a PhD in Saudi Arabia
Apply to KAUST (rounds from autumn to spring) or to public universities' scholarship portals.
Language: English tests for English-taught programmes.
Your application checklist
- CV with research experience and any publications
- Research proposal or statement written for the project or supervisor — see our research proposal guide
- Master's (and undergraduate) transcripts and degree certificates; for Pakistanis, HEC-attested copies
- Two or three academic references — see our recommendation letter guide
- English test score or proof of English-medium study, if required
- Interview preparation — see our interview guide
Student visas and work
Visa: Universities sponsor the student visa and residence permit (iqama).
Working during your PhD: Paid work outside the scholarship is generally not allowed.
After your PhD
Work requires an employer-sponsored visa.
Open PhD opportunities in Saudi Arabia
KAUST Fellowship — Fully Funded MS & PhD (Saudi Arabia)
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Saudi Arabia
- Fully funded, Stipend
- Open to all nationalities
- Study level: Master's, PhD
- MS about 1.5 years; PhD several years
This guide gives an overview for international applicants. Rules on fees, funding and visas change — always confirm the details on the university, funder and embassy websites before you apply.
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