Searching for a King Saud University NAMA Scholarship that covers your tuition, accommodation, travel, and living costs in full? This is exactly that opportunity. The KSU NAMA Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded postgraduate scholarship offered through a strategic partnership between the NAMA Foundation and King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Designed to develop future Muslim leaders in engineering, technology, and artificial intelligence, this initiative brings together academic excellence and a powerful vision for the future. If you hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and are ready to take your career to the next level at one of the Middle East’s most respected universities, read on.
About the King Saud University NAMA Scholarship
King Saud University, founded in 1957 in Riyadh, holds the distinction of being the first university established in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It has grown into one of the leading research institutions in the Arab world, consistently ranked among the top universities in the Middle East. The university operates across a broad range of faculties, from engineering and medicine to humanities and natural sciences, and plays a central role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030 through innovation and academic development.
The NAMA Foundation is a philanthropic organization committed to empowering Muslim communities through education and knowledge-building. In partnership with King Saud University, the Foundation has launched this postgraduate scholarship initiative specifically targeting the fields of engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence. The program aims to cultivate a generation of technically skilled graduates who can lead scientific advancement within their communities and beyond.
What makes this scholarship particularly notable is its clarity of purpose. It is not a general academic grant. It is a targeted, mission-driven initiative that seeks outstanding candidates with both intellectual ability and a genuine commitment to long-term impact. Applications are accepted from international students worldwide, and the scholarship covers all major living and academic costs for the full duration of study.
King Saud University NAMA Scholarship 2026 Summary
| Host Country | Saudi Arabia |
| Host Institution | King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh |
| Scholarship Partner | NAMA Foundation |
| Level of Study | Master’s (MSc) and PhD (Doctoral) |
| Eligible Degrees / Fields | Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Artificial Intelligence |
| Scholarship Coverage | Full tuition, monthly stipend (~$1,200/month), furnished housing, annual round-trip airfare, health insurance, book allowance, graduation allowance, family support for married students |
| English Requirement | IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 61, or STEP 85 minimum. Waived for degrees from USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand. |
| Eligible Nationalities | All nationalities (non-Saudi applicants not residing in Saudi Arabia at the time of application) |
| Application Deadline | March 31, 2026 (applications accepted March to May 2026) |
| Destination Country | Saudi Arabia |
| Category | Fully Funded, Foundation Scholarship, Postgraduate Scholarship |
Benefits of the King Saud University NAMA Scholarship
The KSU NAMA Scholarship 2026 is designed to be entirely worry-free. Recipients can focus completely on their academic work and research without any financial pressure. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of everything the scholarship covers.
Financial Benefits
- Full tuition coverage: All academic fees for the enrolled Master’s or PhD program are paid in full. Students do not bear any cost of instruction.
- Monthly living stipend: A competitive monthly allowance is provided to cover daily living expenses. This amounts to approximately $1,200 per month (or around SAR 54,000 annually), ensuring a comfortable standard of living in Riyadh.
- Annual round-trip airfare: Return flights between the student’s home country and Saudi Arabia are covered each year, allowing scholars to return home during university breaks.
- On-campus furnished housing: Free accommodation is provided at King Saud University’s campus facilities. Housing is furnished and designed to support an academic lifestyle.
- Comprehensive health insurance: Full medical coverage is provided through King Saud University hospitals for the entire duration of the scholarship.
- Book and research allowance: Funding is available to cover the cost of academic materials, textbooks, and research resources.
- Graduation allowance: A one-time allowance is provided at the end of the program to assist with shipping academic materials and personal belongings back to the student’s home country.
Additional Benefits
- Family-inclusive support: Married students may apply for family housing and additional support, making this scholarship suitable for scholars with dependents.
- Access to world-class research facilities and laboratories at King Saud University.
- Exposure to a multicultural academic environment aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
- Opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers and professors in engineering, AI, and technology sectors.
- Students not residing in Saudi Arabia can apply for an educational visa through the Study in Saudi portal upon acceptance.
Eligibility Criteria for the King Saud University NAMA Scholarship
All applicants are assessed on the basis of academic excellence, research potential, and alignment with the scholarship’s objectives. The criteria are clearly defined and apply equally to all nationalities.
General Requirements
- Applicants must be non-Saudi nationals and must not be residing in Saudi Arabia at the time of application.
- The scholarship is awarded exclusively to full-time students. Applicants who are currently employed full-time or part-time are not eligible.
- Applicants must hold the appropriate academic qualification with a minimum grade of Very Good: a Bachelor’s degree for Master’s applicants, or a Master’s degree for PhD applicants.
- All academic certificates and official documents must be properly attested in accordance with the university’s regulations.
- Applicants must pass a medical examination and submit a police clearance certificate if required by their home country or Saudi authorities.
Academic Field Requirements
- The program focuses specifically on engineering and technology fields. Eligible disciplines include Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, and Artificial Intelligence.
- Applicants whose Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees are in unrelated disciplines may not qualify, as the scholarship is targeted at STEM graduates.
English Language Proficiency
- Accepted English tests include IELTS, TOEFL, and STEP only. No other tests are considered.
- Minimum scores: IELTS 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 61 | STEP 85.
- The language requirement may be waived for applicants who completed their Master’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.
- KSU’s admissions codes are: IELTS code 147080, TOEFL code 7498.
Additional Considerations
- Scholarships are awarded through a competitive selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
- After the initial review, shortlisted applicants may be invited for an online or in-person interview as part of the final assessment.
- GRE scores are preferred but not mandatory, unless specified by the selected academic department.
Required Documents for the King Saud University NAMA Scholarship Application
Applicants must prepare and upload all documents in English or accompanied by certified English translations. Incomplete or improperly attested documentation will result in rejection at the document verification stage.
- Online application form: Completed through the official Study in Saudi portal or the KSU Graduate Admissions portal.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): A focused, well-structured personal statement explaining your research interests, career aspirations, and why you are applying for this specific scholarship program.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): An academic and research-oriented CV. Include your educational background, research experience, publications or patents (if any), technical skills, certifications, and relevant competitions or academic projects.
- Official academic transcripts: Certified and attested transcripts from all previously attended universities and academic institutions, submitted in English.
- Degree certificates: Attested copies of Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree certificates, as applicable to the program being applied for.
- English language test results: Valid IELTS, TOEFL, or STEP scores meeting the minimum requirements. Scores must be official and sent directly using KSU’s institutional codes where applicable.
- Letters of Recommendation: Academic reference letters from professors or research supervisors familiar with your intellectual capabilities and academic record.
- GRE scores (preferred, not mandatory): Submitting a strong GRE result strengthens your application, particularly in technical fields like computer science and engineering.
- Valid passport copy: A clear, high-resolution scan of your current passport. The passport must be valid for the duration of the program.
- Police clearance certificate: Required if stipulated by your home country or Saudi university regulations. Must be issued by an authorized security authority.
- Medical fitness certificate: Confirms that the applicant is free from infectious diseases and is physically capable of meeting the program’s demands.
Note: All documents must be properly attested by the relevant competent authorities as directed by King Saud University. Failure to submit complete and correctly attested documents during the verification stage will result in disqualification.
Application Timeline for the King Saud University NAMA Scholarship
The 2026 application cycle follows a phased process with a defined window for submissions. Being aware of each stage and acting promptly is essential.
Application Opening
- Applications for the 2026 intake open in March 2026.
Application Deadline
- The closing date for submission is March 31, 2026. The broader application window runs from March to May 2026.
Selection and Review Process
- Following the submission deadline, the NAMA Foundation and the KSU Initiative Steering Committee conduct an initial review of all complete applications.
- Shortlisted candidates are notified and asked to upload official attested documents through the Study in Saudi portal.
- Failure to upload required documents upon notification will result in rejection and removal from the selection process.
- Final selected candidates may be invited to attend an online or in-person interview.
- Successful applicants may begin their studies as early as the Winter Semester, pending completion of all required documentation and legal visa procedures.
The deadline is firm. There is no rolling review for late submissions. Applicants should treat March 31, 2026 as an absolute cutoff and aim to submit at least two to three weeks before this date to allow time for any corrections or re-uploads.
How to Apply for the King Saud University NAMA Scholarship
The application is submitted online through the official platforms designated by King Saud University and the NAMA Foundation. Follow each step carefully to ensure your application is complete and competitive.
- Visit the Official Portals: Access the King Saud University Graduate Admissions portal or the Study in Saudi platform. Create a new account using a valid email address that you monitor regularly.
- Complete Your Profile: Fill in all personal, academic, and contact information accurately. Ensure your name matches your passport and official documents exactly.
- Select Your Program: Browse the available MSc and PhD programs under the NAMA Scholarship and select the one that aligns with your academic background. Confirm the specific department requirements for your chosen program.
- Prepare and Upload Documents: Gather all required documents listed above. Scan them at high resolution and upload them in the correct format as specified by the portal. Ensure all certificates are properly attested before uploading.
- Write a Strong Statement of Purpose: Your SOP is one of the most important parts of your application. Clearly articulate your research interests, past academic achievements, and long-term goals. Explain why the NAMA Scholarship specifically matches your vision and how you intend to contribute to your community after graduation.
- Submit the Application: Review every section of your completed form before submitting. Once submitted, confirm that you receive an acknowledgment email from the system.
- Monitor Your Email: Shortlisted candidates are contacted by email for document upload and interview invitations. Check your inbox and spam folder regularly after the submission deadline passes.
- Contact the NAMA Foundation if Needed: For specific questions about the scholarship or application process, reach out directly to the NAMA Foundation at scholarship@namafoundation.org.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply before the deadline, not on the last day. Early submission allows time to correct any errors or upload missing documents without losing your place.
- Tailor your Statement of Purpose specifically to the NAMA Foundation’s mission of empowering Muslim communities through technology and engineering.
- Secure your recommendation letters at least three to four weeks in advance. Give your referees enough time to write a meaningful, detailed letter.
- Even if the GRE is optional, a strong score in a competitive application pool can differentiate you from other qualified candidates.
- Ensure every document is properly attested. This is one of the most common reasons applicants are rejected at the document verification stage.
FAQs About the King Saud University NAMA Scholarship
Who is eligible for the KSU NAMA Scholarship 2026?
The scholarship is open to non-Saudi international students from any country who are not currently residing in Saudi Arabia. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree for Master’s programs or a Master’s degree for PhD programs, with a minimum grade of Very Good. The scholarship targets candidates in engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence fields.
Is IELTS required for the KSU NAMA Scholarship?
Yes, English language proficiency is required. Accepted tests are IELTS, TOEFL, and STEP, with minimum scores of IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 61, or STEP 85. However, applicants who completed their Master’s degree at an accredited university in the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand may be granted a waiver from this requirement.
Does the scholarship cover family expenses?
Yes. Married students may apply for family-inclusive support, which includes family housing on campus. This makes the KSU NAMA Scholarship one of the few fully funded postgraduate scholarships that accommodates scholars with dependents.
When will scholarship results be announced?
The Steering Committee begins reviewing applications after the submission window closes. Initial nominations are communicated to shortlisted candidates who are then asked to upload official documents. Final results and enrollment confirmation are typically finalized in the months following the review, with the earliest possible start being the Winter Semester of the academic year.
Can I apply if I am already employed full time?
No. The KSU NAMA Scholarship is intended exclusively for full-time students. Applicants who currently hold a full-time or part-time job are not eligible. The scholarship is designed to allow complete dedication to academic and research work.
What fields are covered under the NAMA Scholarship?
The scholarship is specifically available for postgraduate studies in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, and Artificial Intelligence. It does not extend to other disciplines outside of engineering and technology.
Final Thoughts on the King Saud University NAMA Scholarship
The King Saud University NAMA Scholarship 2026 is a rare and powerful opportunity. It goes beyond standard scholarship coverage by pairing full financial support with a clear sense of purpose. Students who are admitted are not simply receiving a grant. They are being selected as part of a mission to build scientific and technological capacity within Muslim communities around the world.
If you have a strong academic background in engineering, computer science, or AI, and you are looking for a fully funded postgraduate scholarship in the Middle East, this initiative deserves your serious attention. Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in education and research as part of Vision 2030, and King Saud University sits at the heart of that transformation. Joining this program means studying at an institution that is growing in global influence and research output each year.
The benefits are exceptional, the scope is clear, and the process is straightforward. Review the eligibility requirements, gather your documents early, and submit a strong, well-prepared application before the March 31, 2026 deadline.
Apply Now for the King Saud University NAMA Scholarship 2026
Submit your application before the deadline and take your first step toward fully funded postgraduate study in Saudi Arabia. Visit the official application portal and contact the NAMA Foundation directly at scholarship@namafoundation.org for any specific questions. Access the official scholarship portal here: Apply Now at the Official KSU NAMA Scholarship Portal
Do not miss this fully funded opportunity to study at one of the Arab world’s leading universities with complete financial support, family accommodation, and a path toward global impact.
Need Help With Your Scholarship Application?
Applying for a prestigious scholarship like the KSU NAMA Award is a multi-stage process that demands careful planning, strong writing, and attention to detail. From crafting a compelling Statement of Purpose to ensuring all your documents are correctly attested and organized, every component of your application matters.
ScholyHub Consultancy provides expert, one-on-one support designed to help you stand out in competitive scholarship pools. Services include application strategy, Statement of Purpose writing, academic CV preparation, document review, and interview coaching. Visit ScholyHub Consultants to request professional guidance and give your application the best possible chance of success.