✨ Should I Apply for Umm Al-Qura University Scholarship for Non-Saudis?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Monthly allowance of 840 SAR for undergraduate and 900 SAR for postgraduate students, plus initial preparation and graduation allowances.
⏱
Duration
Duration of the degree program (4-5 years for UG, 2-3 years for PG)
🗓
Deadline
Varies (Usually between July and September via the Study in Saudi portal)
🔬
Fields
Islamic Studies, Arabic Language, Sharia, Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, Social Sciences, and Applied Sciences (Note: Medicine is generally restricted to Saudi nationals)
🏆
Awards/Year
Varies based on annual Ministry of Education quotas
🌏
Study Country
Saudi Arabia
🏛️
Provider
Ministry of Education, Saudi Arabia
The Umm Al-Qura University Scholarship is a comprehensive financial award provided by the Saudi Arabian government to distinguished international students. Located in the holy city of Makkah, the university provides a unique environment for both religious and secular education. The scholarship aims to promote academic excellence and cross-cultural exchange, covering all costs associated with studying and living in Saudi Arabia.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to international students under age limits (25 for UG, 30 for MA, 35 for PhD) with excellent academic standing and a clean criminal record.
🏛️ Host University
Umm Al-Qura University (UQU)
🤝 Sponsor
Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
🔬 Fields of Study
Islamic Studies, Arabic Language, Sharia, Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, Social Sciences, and Applied Sciences (Note: Medicine is generally restricted to Saudi nationals)
✨ Key Benefits
Covers all tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend, free accommodation, annual travel tickets, full medical coverage, and specialized graduation bonuses.
🎯 Target Students
International students (Non-Saudi residing outside Saudi Arabia)
🏷 Tags
Saudi Arabia
Fully Funded
Islamic Studies
Makkah
Undergraduate
Postgraduate
Arabic Language
💸 Funding Breakdown
Living Stipend
Yes (Monthly allowance provided)
Total Award
Monthly allowance of 840 SAR
✈️ Travel: Yes (Annual round-trip airfare to home country)
🏠 Accommodation: Yes (Free university student housing)
💊 Health Insurance: Yes (Free medical care at university and government hospitals)
🔄 Renewable: Yes
💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes (100%)
🏠 Living Stipend
Yes (Monthly allowance provided)
🏡 Accommodation
Yes (Free university student housing)
✈️ Travel Allowance
Yes (Annual round-trip airfare to home country)
💊 Health Insurance
Yes (Free medical care at university and government hospitals)
🎁 Other Benefits
Subsidized meals, book shipping allowance upon graduation, settlement allowance for new students, and access to university sports and cultural facilities.
📋 Renewal Conditions
Maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/5.0 and adhering to the university's code of conduct and Saudi laws.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Must be a non-Saudi resident outside KSA, have a high school diploma or equivalent for UG, hold a relevant degree for PG, be medically fit, and have no prior scholarship from a Saudi university.
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate, Master's, and PhD
📊 Minimum GPA
Very Good (approx. 80% or 3.0/4.0 scale)
🗣️ English Requirement
Not required for Arabic-taught programs; IELTS/TOEFL required for English-taught STEM or Business programs.
🎂 Age Limit
17 to 25 years for Undergraduates; up to 30 for Masters; up to 35 for PhD.
💼 Work Experience
Not required
🏆 Leadership
Not required but considered a plus for postgraduate applications.
💰 Financial Need
No (Merit-based)
🎯 Target Students
International students (Non-Saudi residing outside Saudi Arabia)
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Statement of Purpose or Motivation Letter)
Rec Letters
Yes (Usually two letters for postgraduate applicants)
Interview
Varies (May be required for specific academic departments)
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- Yes (Usually two letters for postgraduate applicants) Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Personal Statement / Essays
- Not required for Arabic-taught programs; IELTS/TOEFL required for English-taught STEM or Business programs.
- Interview: Varies (May be required for specific academic departments)
- Min GPA: Very Good (approx. 80% or 3.0/4.0 scale)
📋 Application Process
Ensure all documents are officially translated into Arabic by an accredited office. Certificates must be attested by the Saudi Embassy in the applicant's home country.
💡 Insider Tip: Use the 'Study in Saudi' (unified portal) to apply. Ensure your passport is valid for at least one year at the time of application.