By: Hammad Ishaq | AI/ML Engineer
Last verified on: March 05, 2026
Overview
The KSU & NAMA Postgraduate Scholarship is a strategic partnership between King Saud University, the oldest and one of the most prestigious research institutions in Saudi Arabia, and the NAMA Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to empowering global communities through education.
The program aims to attract top-tier international talent to Riyadh to contribute to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals. It specifically targets students with exceptional academic records and research potential in technical and scientific disciplines. Unlike general admission, this initiative is a "mission-driven" scholarship focused on building technical capacity in emerging technologies.
Benefits & Funding
This is a fully funded scholarship package. Recipients are provided with comprehensive financial support to ensure they can focus entirely on their research and academic performance.
Full Tuition Coverage: 100% waiver of all tuition fees for the duration of the Master’s or PhD program.
Monthly Stipend: A generous living allowance. For PhD students, this typically totals SAR 54,000 ($14,400) annually.
Housing: Free furnished on-campus accommodation or a dedicated housing allowance.
Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage at King Saud University hospitals and affiliated facilities.
Travel: Round-trip international airfare from the student's home country to Riyadh at the start and end of the program.
Relocation Support: One-time settling-in allowance for international students arriving from outside Riyadh.
Post-Graduation Opportunity: Eligibility to apply for a one-year stay-back permit to work in Saudi Arabia after graduation.
Eligibility Criteria
To maintain high academic standards, the KSU & NAMA initiative has strict eligibility requirements:
Citizenship: Open to non-Saudi international applicants. Applicants must not be residing in Saudi Arabia at the time of application.
Academic Standing: A minimum grade of "Very Good" (or a high GPA equivalent, typically 3.0/4.0 or above) in previous degrees.
Educational Background:
For Master’s: Must hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
For PhD: Must hold a relevant Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
Language Proficiency: Official scores from TOEFL (min. 61 iBT), IELTS (min. 6.0), or STEP (min. 85).
Exemption: Applicants who obtained their previous degree from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland may be eligible for a waiver.
Age Limits: While the general KSU PhD initiative is flexible, NAMA-specific tracks often prefer candidates under 30 (Master's) or 35 (PhD).
Health: Must be medically fit and provide a clean criminal record if requested.
Priority Fields of Study
The scholarship is primarily available for the following disciplines:
Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, and Civil Engineering.
Computing: Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Computer Engineering.
Emerging Tech: Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Information Systems.
Timeline & Deadlines
The application cycle for the 2026 intake typically follows this window:
Application Opening: Late February 2026.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 (Standard deadline for the NAMA track).
Alternative Window: General KSU PhD initiatives may accept applications until May 15, 2026.
Selection & Interviews: April – June 2026.
Final Results: July 2026.
Program Start: September 2026 (Fall) or January 2027 (Winter).
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
The application process involves two distinct parts: the academic admission and the scholarship interest declaration.
Step 1: Research Programs: Visit the KSU Graduate Studies Portal to verify that your specific PhD or Master’s field is listed under the current initiative phase.
Step 2: Portal Registration: Create an account on the official Study in Saudi portal or the KSU Graduate Admissions link.
Step 3: Fill the Application: Complete the personal, academic, and contact information sections.
Step 4: Scholarship Interest: For the NAMA-specific track, you may be required to fill out a supplementary Scholarship Interest Form (often hosted via Google Forms or the NAMA Foundation portal) to signal your eligibility for their funding.
Step 5: Document Upload: Upload high-quality scans of all required documents (see checklist below).
Step 6: Submit: Review all entries and submit. Note the application ID for future tracking.
Required Documents Checklist
Ensure all documents are in PDF format and translated into English or Arabic by an authorized translator:
[ ] Valid Passport: Copy of the information page (must be valid for at least 1 year).
[ ] Academic Degree/Diploma: Bachelor’s for Master's applicants; Master's for PhD applicants.
[ ] Official Transcripts: Complete records of all subjects and grades from previous degrees.
[ ] English Proficiency Certificate: Valid IELTS, TOEFL, or STEP results.
[ ] Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting research experience, publications, or patents.
[ ] Statement of Purpose (SOP): A 1-2 page essay on your research goals and why KSU is the right fit.
[ ] Letters of Recommendation: Two letters from academic professors who have taught or supervised you.
[ ] Research Proposal: Required for PhD applicants; should align with KSU's research priorities.
Selection Criteria
The Selection Committee uses a holistic approach, looking for:
Academic Excellence: High GPA and graduation from reputable institutions.
Research Potential: Quality of previous publications and the clarity of the proposed research plan.
Leadership Qualities: Potential to contribute to the applicant's home community and the global Muslim community (aligned with NAMA's mission).
Interview Performance: Shortlisted candidates will undergo a virtual interview to assess their communication skills and technical knowledge.
Practical Tips for Success
Contact a Supervisor: For PhD applicants, reaching out to a KSU professor in your field before applying can significantly boost your chances. If a professor agrees to supervise you, mention this in your SOP.
Quantify Achievements: In your CV, don't just list "Researcher." Mention that you "published 2 papers in IEEE journals with an impact factor of X."
Check "Study in Saudi": This is the centralized portal for all international students in the Kingdom. Ensure your profile there is 100% complete, as KSU often pulls data from this system.
Official Links & Apply Now
Applicants are strictly advised to use only official portals to avoid scams.
Official KSU Initiative Page: https://dgsinitiative.ksu.edu.sa/
NAMA Foundation Official Site: https://namafoundation.org/
Direct Application Portal: https://studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa/ (Select King Saud University and the specific NAMA-sponsored program).
Supplementary Interest Form: If applicable for the current cycle, it is typically linked via Youth Break the Boundaries.
FAQ
Q1: Can I apply if I am already living in Saudi Arabia? No. This specific scholarship is for international students residing outside the Kingdom. Current residents should look into "Internal Scholarships" on the KSU portal.
Q2: Is the GRE required? It is preferable but not mandatory unless the specific academic department of your chosen program explicitly requires it.
Q3: Can I choose any PhD program at KSU? No. Only selected programs in alignment with university research priorities (mostly STEM fields) are offered under this initiative.
Q4: Is there an application fee? As of the 2026 cycle, there is no application fee for the KSU & NAMA Scholarship.
Q5: Does the scholarship cover my family? The standard scholarship covers the student. However, high-achieving PhD students may sometimes apply for family visas, though extra costs for dependents are usually the student's responsibility.
Disclaimer: Scholarship details, including deadlines and funding amounts, are subject to change by King Saud University and the NAMA Foundation. Always verify the latest requirements on the official portals before submitting your application.
