By: Hammad Ishaq | AI/ML Engineer & Data Scientist
Last verified on: October 11, 2025

Overview

The King AbdulAziz University Scholarship is part of the broader External Scholarships for International Students offered through the Saudi Ministry of Education’s Study in Saudi platform and administered in part via KAU’s scholarship portal. (Wikipedia)

KAU runs a Scholarship Portal for International Students that allows non-Saudi applicants to apply to study at KAU under fully supported terms. (dsa-scholarships.kau.edu.sa) The program’s purpose is to attract global talent to Saudi Arabia, enhance academic and cultural exchange, and increase KAU’s global footprint. (Kau University)

This opportunity is sometimes also referred to as “KAU International Scholarship,” “KAU External Scholarships,” or “Study in Saudi – KAU Scholarship.”

Benefits / Funding

While precise benefits may vary by level (undergraduate, master’s, PhD) and department, as of last verification, the official KAU pages and affiliated sources describe the following benefits:

• Full waiver of tuition fees (for the program) (Kau University)

• Accommodation (university housing or dorms) for international scholarship students (dsa-scholarships.kau.edu.sa)

• Health insurance / medical care during the period of study (Kau University)

• Monthly stipend / bursary to cover living expenses

  • Some non-official sources give amounts such as SR 900/month for general bursary, and SR 1,000 for research assistant roles (without summer work) (scholarpool.com)

  • One-time preparation allowance on arrival sometimes cited (e.g. SR 1,800) (Mina7 Portal)

• Thesis printing allowance (e.g. SR 4,000 for PhD, SR 3,000 for Master’s) in some accounts (Mina7 Portal)

• Book shipping allowance after graduation (e.g. SR 2,700) (Mina7 Portal)

• Two-way annual airfare ticket to/from home country (once per academic year) (scholarpool.com)

• Access to university facilities, cultural/athletic programs, academic support services (Kau University)

Note: Some of the above amounts (stipends, allowances) are from secondary sources and may not be guaranteed by the university. The official KAU scholarship portal does not always specify exact amounts.

Eligibility

These are common eligibility requirements based on official KAU pages and reliable sources; prospective applicants should verify on KAU’s portal:

Important: The official KAU pages (scholarship portal) do not list age limits or exact score thresholds; such details are often shared in external sources. Applicants should check the call-specific requirements on the scholarship portal.

Timeline & Deadlines

As of last verification:

• For undergraduate applicants, a commonly cited deadline is June 14, 2025 (Career)

• For Master’s / PhD, the deadline is often reported as October 31, 2025 (Career)

• Some sources mention no fixed deadline (year-round applications) in certain years (Opportunity Portal)

• KAU’s Scholarship Portal for International Students page is continuously live, though it does not always display open calls. (dsa-scholarships.kau.edu.sa)

• Results and acceptance communications are typically sent after review, but the university does not publicly state a fixed notification date. As of last verification, KAU does not publish the result timeline on the portal.

• The academic session often begins in the fall (e.g. September) in line with Saudi academic calendars, though the portal does not confirm a precise start date.

If a call is not active, applicants should monitor future windows on the portal.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Monitor the KAU Scholarship Portal
Visit the Scholarship Portal for International Students at KAU (English version) (dsa-scholarships.kau.edu.sa)

2. Register / Create an Account
Sign up with email, personal details, and create login credentials.

3. Log in and select degree level
Once logged in, choose whether you are applying for undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD. (dsa-scholarships.kau.edu.sa)

4. Select academic program / major
Browse eligible programs offered to international scholarship students. (dsa-scholarships.kau.edu.sa)

5. Complete the online application form
Fill in personal, academic, language, and other required details.

6. Upload required documents (see next section)

7. Submit application before the deadline
Submit the application and check for confirmation or tracking information.

8. Await selection results
If selected, you will receive a notification (often via email) and further instructions to formalize acceptance, visa, and enrollment.

Note: There is no public indication that KAU requires preselection by an institutional affiliate (i.e., your current university)—applications go directly to the KAU portal.

Required Documents Checklist

Here is a commonly cited list of documents; specific calls may demand variations:

• Passport copy (valid and with at least 6 months validity)

• Academic transcripts and certificates (high school for undergrad; bachelor’s for master’s; master’s for PhD)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) / resume

• Statement of Purpose (SOP) / research proposal (for graduate applicants)

• Two (or more) academic recommendation letters

• Language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) if required

• Good conduct / character certificate

• Medical fitness / health certificate

• Birth certificate / national ID

• Any other degree equivalency or authentication (e.g., attested by embassy)

Note: The official KAU scholarship portal does not list a detailed unified checklist; many of these are inferred from external sources. Applicants should check the call-specific checklist inside the portal.

Selection Criteria & What Reviewers Look For

KAU and related official pages do not publicly publish detailed scoring rubrics. However, in practice, successful applicants typically demonstrate:

• Strong academic record (top grades in prior study)

• Relevance of proposed field / study program

• Research potential (especially for Master’s/PhD)

• Clarity and quality of statement of purpose / proposal

• Positive recommendations from respected academics

• Language proficiency as per the program requirements

• Good character and fit with university aims

• No prior academic dismissal, and meeting all eligibility criteria

Because scholarship slots are limited, differentiation often depends on how well the applicant’s academic profile, research interests, and proposal align with KAU’s strategic interests (e.g., fields of national priority).

Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Application

1. Review prior calls on the KAU portal to understand patterns and requirements.

2. Tailor your SOP / proposal to connect with Saudi research priorities or KAU’s strengths.

3. Obtain strong recommendation letters from professors who know your work deeply.

4. Show consistency in your academic record (avoid gaps or dips).

5. If English test scores are optional, still submit strong scores to strengthen competitiveness.

6. Ensure your documents are correctly attested, translated, and clear (no blurry scans).

7. Submit early, not at the last minute (portal issues or clarifications might arise).

8. Stay updated via email or the portal, and check your spam folder.

9. Network with former KAU scholars or current students to learn tips and mistakes.

10. Backup plan: apply to multiple scholarships/universities in parallel.

Official Links & Apply Now

• KAU Scholarship Portal for International Students (English) – main portal to apply (login/register) (https://dsa-scholarships.kau.edu.sa/Default-211995-EN) (dsa-scholarships.kau.edu.sa)

• KAU Scholarship Page (overview) (https://kau.edu.sa/page/scholarship) (Kau University)

• KAU External Scholarships for International Students page (log in) (https://kau.edu.sa/page/external-scholarships-for-international-students) (Kau University)

• KAU Scholarship Portal – Study Programs page (English) (https://dsa-scholarships.kau.edu.sa/Pages-267119-en.aspx) (dsa-scholarships.kau.edu.sa)

Apply Now: Use the KAU Scholarship Portal for International Students (see above) to register and submit your application.

FAQ

Q1: Can I apply to KAU scholarship and also apply to another scholarship concurrently?
Yes. There is no indication in official sources that you must forgo other offers. If selected by multiple awards, check whether accepting one violates the other.

Q2: Is admission to KAU separate from scholarship application?
In many cases, the scholarship portal handles both admission (for international candidates) and funding. Applicants do not need to apply via separate admission systems. The KAU scholarship portal covers external scholarship admissions. (Kau University)

Q3: Can I change my field or major after acceptance?
There is no public statement that you may change major; doing so may require explicit permission from KAU’s admission and scholarship offices. Always check with the university directly.

Q4: What happens if I fail or interrupt my studies?
KAU does not publicly state the penalty rules on the portal. Likely, scholarship funding may be withdrawn or you may be required to reimburse or leave the program.

Q5: Do I need to come with my family (spouse/children)?
The scholarship covers only the student. Provisions for dependents are not mentioned. If desiring a dependent visa/support, consult KAU immigration/scholarship office.

Call-to-Action:
To begin your application, go to the KAU Scholarship Portal for International Students and register your profile, select your program, upload required documents, and submit by the due deadline.

Disclaimer: Always double-check the latest deadlines, benefit amounts, and eligibility details on the official KAU scholarship portal, as the university may update terms or open/close calls beyond what was verifiable at the time of writing.