King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) scholarships 2026 in Saudi Arabia offer international students fully funded Master’s and PhD opportunities in engineering, sciences, and business fields. These prestigious awards cover tuition, living stipends, housing, and medical care, making them a top choice for searches like KFUPM fully funded scholarships 2026, Saudi Arabia scholarships for international students, and study in Saudi Arabia free tuition.
Basic Information about the Scholarships
- Scholarship name: KFUPM Graduate Scholarships 2026 (fully funded for MS and PhD).
- Host country: Saudi Arabia (Middle East).
- Institution: King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran.
- Study levels: Master’s (MS, 1.5-2 years), PhD (3-4 years).
- Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, free housing, medical care, air tickets.
- Number available: Hundreds annually; automatic for admitted international students.
- Application deadlines: Master’s: July 31, 2026; PhD: October 31, 2026 (two cycles yearly).
- Intakes: Fall (September), Spring (January).
- Available for:
- All PhD programs
- PhD Direct Entry
- High GPA applicants (exceptional performance)
University/Institution Details
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), located in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, is one of the world’s leading petroleum-focused research universities and consistently ranks among the top 100 globally for engineering and technology. Established in 1963, KFUPM serves over 8,000 students with cutting-edge facilities, industry partnerships with Aramco, and English-taught graduate programs aligned with Saudi Vision 2030’s diversification goals.
Study Areas
- Accountancy (M.ACC)
- Aerospace Engineering (M.Sc)
- Applied Statistics (M.Sc)
- Architectural Engineering (M.Sc)
- Business Administration (M.B.A)
- Chemical Engineering (PhD, M.Sc)
- Chemistry (PhD, M.Sc)
- City & Regional Planning (M.C.R.P)
- Civil & Environmental Engineering (PhD, M.Sc)
- Computer Engineering (PhD, M.Sc)
- Computer Networks (M.Sc)
- Computer Science (PhD, M.Sc)
- Construction Engineering & Management (M.Sc)
- Electrical Engineering (PhD, M.Sc)
- Environmental Sciences (M.Sc)
- Geology (PhD, M.Sc)
- Geophysics (M.Sc)
- Industrial & Systems Engineering (PhD, M.Sc)
- Information Assurance & Security (M.Sc)
- Life Sciences (M.Sc)
- Materials Science & Engineering (M.Sc)
- Mathematical Sciences (PhD, M.Sc)
- Mechanical Engineering (PhD, M.Sc)
- Medical Physics (M. Med. Phys)
- Petroleum Engineering (PhD, M.Sc)
- Physics (PhD, M.Sc)
- Software Engineering (M.Sc)
- Systems & Control Engineering (PhD, M.Sc)
- Telecommunication Engineering (M.Sc)
King Fahd University KFUPM Scholarships Benefits
- Monthly stipend (based on category)
- ✅ No tuition fees (free study)
- Opportunity to become RA (Research Assistant)
- Funding for conference participation (conditions apply)
- Chance to work on research projects with extra income
- Free furnished, air-conditioned housing
- Free utilities & maintenance
- ✈️ Air tickets (international students only)
- 🏥 Medical & dental care
- 🍽️ Subsidized meals
- 📚 Free textbooks
- Access to:
- Main library
- Department resource centers
- 🌟 Campus Life
- Safe & secure environment
- Recreational facilities (including private beach)
Benefits not included
- Dependents/family support (spouse/children need separate sponsorship).
- Direct PhD duration: 5 years
- Full scholarship covers first 4 years only
- Personal expenses (clothing, entertainment beyond stipend).
- Off-campus housing if preferring private accommodation.
- Visa renewal fees after first issuance.
- Advanced dental/cosmetic treatments.
- Pre-arrival travel or airport transfers beyond reception.
Eligibility Criteria for the King Fahd University KFUPM Scholarships
📌 1. PhD (Direct Entry from Bachelor’s)
- 4-year Bachelor’s (BSc) required
- Minimum GPA: 3.0/4.0
- English test:
- TOEFL: 80 (IBT) / IELTS: 6.5 / Duolingo: 120
- Duration: 5 years
- 🎁 Full scholarship for first 4 years
📌 2. PhD (After Master’s)
- Relevant Master’s degree (MS) required
- Minimum GPA: 3.0/4.0 (BS + MS)
- English test:
- TOEFL: 80 / IELTS: 6.5 / Duolingo: 120
- 2 recommendation letters
- Must meet department requirements
- ⚠️ Admission not guaranteed
📌 3. MS (Thesis-Based / Engineering)
- 4-year Bachelor’s degree
- GPA:
- 3.0+ (with scholarship)
- 2.5+ (without scholarship)
- English test:
- TOEFL: 70 / IELTS: 6.0 / Duolingo: 105
- 2 recommendation letters
- ⚠️ Admission depends on evaluation
📌 4. MS (Project-Based)
- Bachelor’s degree required
- GPA: 2.5+
- English test:
- IELTS: 6.0 / TOEFL: 70 / Duolingo: 105
- Requirements:
- 2 recommendation letters
- 2-min intro video
- Statement of Purpose (1 page)
- Application fee: SAR 100 + VAT
- ⚠️ Admission not guaranteed
📌 5. MS in Business Administration
- Bachelor’s (Business/Engineering/Science)
- GPA: 2.5+
- English test:
- TOEFL: 69–70 / IELTS: 6.0
- 3 recommendation letters
- Optional: GMAT/GRE
- Requirements:
- Calculus + Statistics course
- Basic computer knowledge
- Statement of Purpose
- 3 years work experience
Required Documents for the Application
- Online application form via KFUPM admission portal.
- Statement of Purpose (500-1,000 words): research interests, career goals.
- Three recommendation letters (professors/employers).
- Official transcripts and degree certificates (attested).
- English test scores (TOEFL/IELTS valid within 2 years).
- GRE scores (if program-required).
- Resume/CV (2 pages max, publications highlighted).
- Passport-size photos and valid passport copy.
- Medical report (standard form provided).
King Fahd University KFUPM Scholarships Application Process
- Step 1: Select 2-3 MS/PhD programs from KFUPM offerings.
- Step 2: Prepare documents (SOP, recommendations, test scores).
- Step 3: Create account on KFUPM online admission portal.
- Step 4: Submit application before deadline (July/October cycles).
- Step 5: Department screening + possible Skype interview.
- Step 6: Admission decision (4-8 weeks); automatic scholarship offer.
- Step 7: Accept offer, submit medicals, apply for student visa.
- Step 8: Travel arrangements; airport reception upon arrival.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Target CGPA 3.5+: Competitive applicants exceed minimums.
- Craft compelling SOP: Link research to KFUPM faculty expertise.
- Secure strong recommenders: Professors with PhD insight preferred.
- Prepare early for tests: TOEFL/GRE 3-6 months before deadline.
- Highlight publications: Even conference papers boost chances.
- Contact professors: Email potential advisors pre-application.
- Apply both cycles: Increases admission odds.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
| Category | Monthly Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $0 (provided) | On-campus dorms fully covered. |
| Food (subsidized) | $150-250 | 2 free meals + groceries. |
| Transportation | $20-50 | Campus shuttles; Dhahran local. |
| Utilities | $0 (included) | Dorm air-con, laundry. |
| Mobile/Internet | $20-40 | Free campus WiFi. |
| Personal/Leisure | $100-200 | Shopping, gym (free). |
| Books/Supplies | $0 (provided) | Textbooks covered. |
| Total | $290-590 | Stipend $800-1,200 covers easily. |
Dhahran affordable; stipend allows savings.
Why Choose This Scholarship?
- Ranked 6th in Petroleum Engineering
- Ranked 60th in Chemical Engineering
- Ranked 4th worldwide in US patents
- Strong research opportunities
- Expert faculty mentoring
- Excellent teaching & learning environment
Frequently Asked Questions about the scholarship
Fully funded details?
Yes: tuition, stipend, housing, medical, flights – comprehensive package.
IELTS accepted?
Yes, 5.5+; TOEFL iBT 68+; no IELTS waiver.
Deadlines 2026?
MS: July 31; PhD: Oct 31 (check portal for exact dates).
GPA minimum?
3.0/4.0 Bachelor (MS); 3.3 Master’s (PhD).
Family allowed?
No dependents on student visa; separate family sponsorship needed.
Work permitted?
No during studies; full-time post-graduation possible.
Muslim requirement?
No – open to all faiths/nationalities.
