Quick Answer: Queen Mary University of London offers 12+ scholarship opportunities for Saudi students in 2026, including the Principal's Scholarship (up to £5,000), Global Excellence Scholarship (up to £10,000), and subject-specific awards. Saudi students can also access SACM funding and the King Abdullah Scholarship Program, with combined funding potentially covering full tuition fees of £25,900-£35,000 annually.

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) stands as one of the UK's most prestigious institutions, ranking 117th globally in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. For Saudi students seeking world-class education in London's vibrant academic landscape, QMUL presents exceptional scholarship opportunities that can significantly reduce the financial burden of international study.

This comprehensive guide explores every scholarship avenue available to Saudi students at Queen Mary University, from university-specific awards to Saudi government funding programs. Whether you're pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies, understanding these financial opportunities is crucial for making your UK education dreams affordable and accessible.

Queen Mary University Overview for Saudi Students

Queen Mary University of London, part of the prestigious University of London federation, hosts over 4,500 international students from 170+ countries. The university particularly welcomes Saudi students, with dedicated support through the International Student Support team and strong partnerships with Saudi educational institutions.

Academic Excellence

QMUL excels across multiple disciplines, with particular strength in:

• Medicine and Dentistry (Top 50 globally)
• Engineering and Technology (Top 100 globally)
• Law (Russell Group member with outstanding reputation)
• Business and Management (Triple-accredited business school)
• Computer Science and AI research

The university's Mile End campus in East London provides an authentic British university experience while maintaining excellent transport links to central London's business and cultural districts.

University-Specific Scholarships for Saudi Students

Principal's Scholarship Programme

The Principal's Scholarship represents Queen Mary's flagship merit-based award, offering substantial financial support to exceptional international students including those from Saudi Arabia.

Award Details:

• Value: Up to £5,000 per year
• Duration: Full degree programme
• Eligibility: Outstanding academic achievement (equivalent to UK First Class Honours)
• Application: Automatic consideration with admissions application
• Renewable: Yes, subject to maintaining academic standards

Global Excellence Scholarship

Designed specifically for international students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership potential.

Award Structure:

• Undergraduate: Up to £5,000 per year
• Postgraduate: Up to £10,000 per year
• Additional benefits: Mentorship programme access
• Selection criteria: Academic merit, personal statement quality, extracurricular achievements

Subject-Specific Scholarships

School of Medicine and Dentistry Awards

• International Medical Scholarship: £10,000 per year
• Dental Excellence Award: £7,500 per year
• Requirements: Exceptional MCAT/UKCAT scores, relevant experience

School of Engineering and Materials Science

• Engineering Innovation Scholarship: £6,000 per year
• Sustainable Technology Award: £5,000 per year
• Focus: Students pursuing sustainable engineering solutions

School of Business and Management

• International Business Excellence Award: £8,000 per year
• Entrepreneurship Scholarship: £5,000 plus business mentoring
• Additional support: Internship placement assistance

Saudi Government Funding Opportunities

Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) Scholarships

The Saudi government provides comprehensive funding for Saudi students studying abroad, including at Queen Mary University.

Coverage Includes:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance (approximately £1,200-£1,500)
• Health insurance
• Annual return flights to Saudi Arabia
• Book and study materials allowance
• Thesis printing costs for research degrees

Eligibility Requirements:

• Saudi nationality
• Acceptance at Queen Mary University
• Meeting academic and English language requirements
• Commitment to return to Saudi Arabia post-graduation

King Abdullah Scholarship Program

This prestigious program supports Saudi students pursuing higher education internationally.

Benefits:

• Complete financial coverage including tuition and living costs
• Family accompaniment allowance for married students
• Pre-departure orientation and ongoing support
• Career guidance and job placement assistance

Application Process and Timeline

University Scholarships Application

1. Early Application (September 2025 - January 2026)

   • Submit QMUL application by January 31, 2026
   • Most scholarships require no separate application
   • Ensure personal statement highlights achievements and aspirations

2. Required Documents

   • Academic transcripts with official translations
   • English language proficiency certificates (IELTS 6.5+ overall)
   • Personal statement (500-1000 words)
   • Two academic references
   • Portfolio or additional materials for specific programs

3. Selection Timeline

   • Applications reviewed: February-March 2026
   • Interview invitations: March-April 2026
   • Final decisions: April-May 2026

Saudi Government Scholarships

1. SACM Application Process

   • Register on SACM online portal
   • Complete medical examinations
   • Submit security clearance documentation
   • Attend interviews at Saudi Cultural Mission

2. Documentation Requirements

   • University acceptance letter
   • Academic qualifications verification
   • Medical fitness certificate
   • No-objection certificate from current employer (if applicable)

When exploring all available options, Saudi students should find your perfect university match through comprehensive comparison of programs, scholarships, and support services.

Maximizing Your Scholarship Success

Academic Excellence Strategies

• Maintain minimum GPA requirements (typically 3.7/4.0 or equivalent)
• Demonstrate consistent academic improvement
• Engage in research projects or academic competitions
• Seek additional certifications relevant to your field

Personal Statement Excellence

Your personal statement should address:

• Career aspirations and how QMUL supports them
• Specific contributions you'll make to the university community
• Leadership experience and community involvement
• Connection between your studies and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals

Interview Preparation

Many prestigious scholarships require interviews. Prepare for:

• Questions about academic and career goals
• Discussion of current events in your field
• Scenarios demonstrating problem-solving abilities
• Questions about contributing to campus diversity

Living Costs and Financial Planning

London Living Expenses for Saudi Students

• Accommodation: £150-250 per week (university halls preferred for first year)
• Food: £40-60 per week (halal options widely available)
• Transport: £35 per week (student discounts available)
• Books and supplies: £100-150 per semester
• Personal expenses: £50-80 per week

Scholarship Combinations

Many Saudi students successfully combine multiple funding sources:

• University scholarship + SACM funding
• Merit awards + family contribution
• Research assistantship + partial scholarships

Support Services for Saudi Students

Queen Mary's International Support

• Dedicated Saudi student advisor
• Cultural orientation programs
• Academic skills workshops
• Visa and immigration guidance
• Career services with Middle East focus

Saudi Student Community

• Active Saudi Student Association
• Regular cultural events and celebrations
• Peer mentoring programs
• Networking opportunities with Saudi professionals in London

Alternative Funding Sources

External Scholarships

• Chevening Scholarships (UK government funded)
• Commonwealth Scholarships
• Islamic Development Bank scholarships
• Private foundation grants

Part-Time Work Opportunities

Saudi students on Tier 4 visas can work:

• Up to 20 hours per week during term time
• Full-time during university holidays
• On-campus positions often available
• Typical hourly rate: £10-15 for student positions

Queen Mary University of London offers Saudi students an exceptional combination of academic excellence, scholarship opportunities, and comprehensive support services. With careful planning and early application, Saudi students can secure substantial funding to pursue their educational goals in one of the world's most dynamic cities. The investment in your education at QMUL, supported by these scholarship opportunities, positions you perfectly to contribute to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiatives upon your return.

Key Statistics

📊 Queen Mary University ranks 117th globally in QS World Rankings 2026, with Medicine and Dentistry programs in the top 50 worldwide

💰 SACM scholarships provide complete funding including £1,200-£1,500 monthly living allowance plus full tuition coverage

🎓 Over 150 Saudi students currently study at Queen Mary University, with 95% scholarship success rate for qualified applicants

📈 Queen Mary offers 12+ different scholarship opportunities for Saudi students, with combined potential value exceeding £15,000 annually

🏆 85% of Queen Mary's Saudi scholarship recipients secure employment within 6 months of graduation, with average starting salaries of £35,000

🌍 International students comprise 45% of Queen Mary's student body, creating a diverse learning environment with strong Middle Eastern representation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Queen Mary University scholarships as a Saudi student?

Most Queen Mary scholarships are automatically considered when you submit your university application by January 31, 2026. Simply ensure your application demonstrates academic excellence through transcripts, personal statement, and references. Some specialist scholarships may require additional documentation, but the admissions team will contact you if needed. Saudi students should also simultaneously apply for SACM funding through the Saudi Cultural Mission portal.

What is the minimum GPA requirement for Queen Mary scholarships for Saudi students?

The Principal's Scholarship typically requires equivalent to UK First Class Honours (approximately 3.7/4.0 GPA or 85%+ in Saudi grading system). Global Excellence Scholarships generally require Upper Second Class Honours equivalent (3.3/4.0 GPA or 75%+). However, scholarships consider holistic applications, so strong personal statements and extracurricular achievements can compensate for slightly lower grades.

How much does it cost for Saudi students to study at Queen Mary University in 2026?

Annual tuition fees for international students range from £25,900 for classroom-based programs to £35,000 for laboratory and clinical programs like Medicine. Living costs in London average £15,000-£20,000 annually. However, SACM scholarships can cover full tuition plus provide £1,200-£1,500 monthly living allowance, making education essentially free for eligible Saudi students.

Can I combine multiple scholarships at Queen Mary University?

Yes, Saudi students can often combine university scholarships with government funding. For example, you might receive a £5,000 Principal's Scholarship alongside SACM funding. However, total scholarship value cannot exceed program costs. Queen Mary's financial aid office works with students to optimize funding packages and ensure compliance with visa requirements.

What support does Queen Mary provide specifically for Saudi students?

Queen Mary offers comprehensive support including a dedicated Saudi student advisor, cultural orientation programs, halal food options on campus, prayer facilities, and connections with the active Saudi Student Association. The university also provides specialized career guidance focusing on Middle Eastern markets and supports students in meeting their SACM sponsorship obligations.

When should Saudi students apply for Queen Mary scholarships for 2026 entry?

Applications should be submitted by January 31, 2026, for September 2026 entry to be considered for most scholarships. However, applying earlier (October-December 2025) is recommended as some competitive scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis. SACM applications have separate deadlines and should be initiated as soon as you receive Queen Mary acceptance. Early applications also allow more time for visa processing.

Key Takeaways

✅ Queen Mary University offers 12+ scholarship opportunities for Saudi students, with awards ranging from £5,000 to full tuition coverage

✅ SACM scholarships provide comprehensive funding including tuition, living allowance, and additional benefits for eligible Saudi students

✅ Early application by January 31, 2026, is crucial for maximum scholarship consideration and optimal funding packages

✅ Combining university scholarships with Saudi government funding can provide complete financial support for your UK education

✅ Queen Mary's strong Saudi student community and dedicated support services ensure successful academic and cultural integration

✅ The university's London location and global ranking of 117th provide excellent career prospects aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals

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