Study in Saudi Arabia with a Fully Funded Scholarship at Umm Al-Qura University

Applications are now open through the Saudi Government’s Study in Saudi Arabia platform, allowing international students to apply for Master’s and PhD programs at Umm Al-Qura University (UQU). This prestigious public university, located in the holy city of Makkah (Mecca), is one of Saudi Arabia’s leading research institutions and welcomes outstanding international students from around the world.

The scholarship is designed to support talented students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in Saudi Arabia while receiving financial assistance throughout their studies.

Scholarship Summary

Host Country: Saudi Arabia

University: Umm Al-Qura University (UQU)

Degree Level:

• Master’s
• PhD

Scholarship Type: Fully Funded

Eligible Applicants: International Students from eligible countries

Application Mode: Online

Application Portal: Study in Saudi Arabia Platform

Application Deadline: To Be Announced (TBA)

About Umm Al-Qura University

Founded in 1949, Umm Al-Qura University is one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest and most respected public universities. It is located in Makkah, one of the world’s most important religious and cultural cities.

The university offers modern education combined with advanced research facilities across many disciplines including:

• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Islamic Studies
• Education
• Business Administration
• Health Sciences
• Medicine
• Pharmacy
• Applied Sciences
• Environmental Studies
• Social Sciences
• Languages
• Law

Students benefit from modern laboratories, libraries, research centers, digital learning systems, and an international academic environment.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected international students may receive:

• Full tuition fee waiver
• Monthly living allowance (stipend)
• Free university accommodation (subject to availability)
• Medical insurance
• Access to university libraries and laboratories
• Student support services
• Residence permit assistance
• Visa support
• Academic supervision
• Research opportunities
• Access to university facilities

Benefits may vary depending on the student’s program and Saudi government regulations.

Available Degree Programs

The scholarship supports postgraduate studies, including:

Master’s Programs

Applicants can apply for various Master’s degrees offered by the university, including programs in:

• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Information Technology
• Business Administration
• Islamic Studies
• Education
• Health Sciences
• Mathematics
• Environmental Sciences
• Applied Sciences
• Languages
• Law
• Social Sciences

PhD Programs

Doctoral scholarships are available in selected research fields such as:

• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Islamic Studies
• Education
• Business
• Health Sciences
• Applied Sciences
• Scientific Research
• Other approved doctoral programs

Program availability depends on the university’s annual admissions.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should generally meet the following requirements:

• Must be an international (non-Saudi) student.
• Must hold the required previous degree:
  • Bachelor’s degree for Master’s applicants.
  • Master’s degree for PhD applicants.
• Meet the academic requirements of the chosen program.
• Have a strong academic record.
• Be medically fit.
• Have a good conduct record.
• Meet any language requirements set by the department.
• Submit all required documents before the deadline.

Age Requirements

According to the current scholarship guidelines:

Master’s Degree

• Maximum age: 30 years

PhD Degree

• Maximum age: 35 years

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Valid passport
• Passport-size photograph
• Bachelor’s degree certificate (Master’s applicants)
• Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates (PhD applicants)
• Academic transcripts
• Updated CV/Resume
• Statement of Purpose
• Research Proposal (mainly for PhD)
• Recommendation letters
• Language proficiency certificate (if required)
• Medical report (if requested)
• Any additional documents requested by the university

Documents not issued in Arabic or English may require certified translations.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 – Prepare Your Documents

Collect all academic certificates, transcripts, passport, recommendation letters, CV, and other required documents.

Step 2 – Verify Your Documents

Ensure that your educational documents are properly certified or authenticated if required.

Step 3 – Visit the Official Admission Portal

Applications are submitted through the Study in Saudi Arabia online admission platform when applications open.

Step 4 – Create Your Account

Register using:

• Passport information
• Personal details
• Email address
• Contact information

Ensure your passport details exactly match your official documents.

Step 5 – Complete the Online Application

Fill in:

• Personal information
• Educational history
• Previous qualifications
• Employment information (if applicable)
• Preferred degree
• Preferred specialization

Step 6 – Upload Documents

Upload clear scanned copies of all required documents in the requested formats.

Step 7 – Submit Your Application

Review all information carefully before submitting.

Late or incomplete applications are generally not considered.

Step 8 – Application Review

The university evaluates applications based on:

• Academic performance
• Eligibility
• Document verification
• Program capacity
• Admission requirements

Step 9 – Admission Decision

Successful applicants receive:

• Admission Letter
• Scholarship confirmation
• Visa guidance
• Enrollment instructions

Step 10 – Apply for Student Visa

After receiving the admission letter, applicants follow the Saudi student visa procedures and prepare for travel.

Selection Criteria

Selection is generally based on:

• Academic excellence
• Quality of academic records
• Completeness of application
• Meeting admission requirements
• Available seats
• Program competitiveness

Why Study at Umm Al-Qura University?

Students benefit from:

• Internationally recognized degrees
• Modern campus facilities
• Advanced research environment
• Experienced faculty members
• Strong academic reputation
• Cultural diversity
• Excellent student support
• Opportunity to study in Makkah
• Growing research collaborations
• Access to Saudi Arabia’s expanding higher education system

Important Notes

• Applications are submitted online.
• Ensure all uploaded documents are accurate and complete.
• Incomplete applications may be rejected.
• Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
• Admission decisions are made by the university based on academic merit and available capacity.