Quick Answer: Queen's University Belfast offers several scholarships for Saudi students in 2026, including the International Academic Excellence Scholarship (up to £5,000), country-specific awards for Saudi Arabia, and partnerships with the Saudi Cultural Bureau. Total funding can reach £10,000+ when combined, with applications typically due by March 31st for September intake.

Why Queen's University Belfast is Perfect for Saudi Students

Queen's University Belfast, ranked among the top 200 universities globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, has become increasingly popular among Saudi Arabian students seeking quality education in the UK. With over 1,200 international students from 80+ countries, including a growing community of 150+ Saudi students, Queen's offers an inclusive environment that welcomes Middle Eastern cultures and Islamic practices.

This comprehensive guide explores all available Queen's University Belfast scholarships for Saudi students, helping you secure funding for your UK education journey and potentially save thousands of pounds on your degree.

Queen's University Belfast Scholarship Opportunities for Saudi Students

International Academic Excellence Scholarship

The flagship scholarship program at Queen's University Belfast provides substantial financial support for high-achieving international students, including those from Saudi Arabia. This merit-based award recognizes academic excellence and potential.

Key Details:

• Award Value: £3,000-£5,000 per year
• Duration: Full degree duration (3-4 years undergraduate, 1-2 years postgraduate)
• Total Potential Value: Up to £20,000 for undergraduate programs
• Eligibility: Minimum 85% in Saudi high school certificate or equivalent GPA
• Application Deadline: March 31st, 2026 for September 2026 intake

Saudi Arabia Regional Scholarship

Queen's University Belfast has established specific funding streams for students from key recruitment markets, including Saudi Arabia. This scholarship aims to promote cultural diversity and strengthen educational ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia.

Benefits Include:

• Tuition fee reduction: £2,000-£4,000 annually
• Priority consideration for accommodation
• Mentorship program with Saudi alumni
• Cultural integration support services

Postgraduate Research Scholarships

For Saudi students pursuing Master's by Research or PhD programs, Queen's offers competitive research scholarships that can significantly reduce the financial burden of advanced studies.

Research Scholarship Options:

• Vice-Chancellor's Research Scholarship: Full tuition + £15,000 living stipend
• Department-specific research awards: £3,000-£8,000
• Joint funding with Saudi government programs

Saudi Government Scholarship Programs Compatible with Queen's

King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP)

Saudi students can combine Queen's University Belfast scholarships with the King Abdullah Scholarship Program, creating comprehensive funding packages. KASP provides:

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Monthly living allowance (£1,200-£1,500)
• Annual book allowance (£500)
• Health insurance coverage
• Return flight tickets

Application Process:

1. Apply to Queen's University Belfast first
2. Secure conditional or unconditional offer
3. Submit KASP application through the Saudi Cultural Bureau
4. Attend interview at Saudi Cultural Mission

Saudi Aramco Scholarship Program

For students in engineering, business, and technology fields, Saudi Aramco offers prestigious scholarships that can be used at Queen's University Belfast.

Coverage Includes:

• Full academic fees
• Monthly stipend for living expenses
• Summer internship opportunities
• Post-graduation employment prospects

Application Strategy for Maximum Funding

Timeline for 2026 Admission

October 2025 - December 2025:

• Research programs and scholarship options
• Prepare application documents
• Take IELTS/TOEFL if required

January 2026 - March 2026:

• Submit university applications
• Apply for Queen's scholarships simultaneously
• Prepare Saudi government scholarship applications

April 2026 - June 2026:

• Receive offers and scholarship decisions
• Accept offers and confirm scholarships
• Apply for student visa

Required Documents for Saudi Students

Academic Documents:

• Saudi high school certificate with official English translation
• University transcripts (for postgraduate applications)
• Degree certificates with apostille certification
• Academic reference letters (2-3)

Language Proficiency:

• IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.0 overall (5.5 in each band)
• TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80 overall
• PTE Academic: Minimum 62 overall

Supporting Documents:

• Personal statement (500-1000 words)
• CV/Resume
• Portfolio (for creative subjects)
• Research proposal (for research degrees)

Maximizing Your Scholarship Success

Academic Excellence Tips

Queen's University Belfast scholarships heavily emphasize academic merit. Saudi students should:

• Maintain high GPA throughout secondary/undergraduate studies
• Pursue additional qualifications or certifications
• Engage in research projects or academic competitions
• Seek strong recommendation letters from teachers/professors

Personal Statement Strategies

Your personal statement should demonstrate:

• Clear academic and career goals
• Understanding of chosen program and its relevance
• Cultural awareness and adaptability
• Commitment to contributing to the Queen's community
• Plans for applying knowledge back in Saudi Arabia

Interview Preparation

For competitive scholarships, prepare for potential interviews by:

• Researching Queen's University Belfast thoroughly
• Understanding your chosen program's curriculum and faculty
• Preparing examples of leadership and community involvement
• Practicing English communication skills

Living Costs and Additional Financial Support

Belfast Living Expenses for Saudi Students (2026)

• Accommodation: £400-£600 per month
• Food and dining: £200-£300 per month
• Transportation: £50-£80 per month
• Books and supplies: £50-£100 per month
• Personal expenses: £150-£250 per month

Total Monthly Budget: £850-£1,330

Additional Support Services

Queen's University Belfast provides comprehensive support for Saudi students:

• Islamic Society and prayer facilities
• Halal dining options on campus
• Saudi student association activities
• Academic skills workshops
• Career guidance and internship support

Popular Programs Among Saudi Students

Business and Management

• MSc Management: £19,400 tuition
• MBA: £25,200 tuition
• BSc Business Management: £18,400 per year

Engineering and Technology

• MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering: £22,600 per year
• MSc Data Analytics: £20,800 tuition
• BEng Civil Engineering: £22,600 per year

Medicine and Health Sciences

• MBBS Medicine: £47,300 per year (limited scholarships)
• MSc Public Health: £19,400 tuition
• BSc Pharmacy: £22,600 per year

When exploring your options, you can explore UK universities to compare Queen's with other institutions offering scholarships for Saudi students.

Alternative Funding Sources

External Scholarships

• Chevening Scholarships (UK government funded)
• Commonwealth Scholarships for developing countries
• British Council scholarships for Saudi Arabia
• Private foundation grants

Part-time Work Opportunities

Saudi students on Tier 4 student visas can work:

• Up to 20 hours per week during studies
• Full-time during university holidays
• Average hourly rate: £8.91-£12.00
• Popular jobs: Teaching assistant, research assistant, retail

Visa Requirements and Scholarship Impact

Receiving scholarships from Queen's University Belfast can strengthen your UK student visa application by:

• Demonstrating financial support
• Showing academic merit recognition
• Reducing required financial evidence
• Indicating strong ties to educational institution

Financial Evidence Requirements

With partial scholarships, Saudi students typically need to show:

• Remaining tuition fees for first year
• £1,334 per month living costs for Belfast
• Bank statements covering 28 consecutive days
• Official scholarship award letters

Success Stories from Saudi Students

Many Saudi students have successfully combined Queen's scholarships with government funding to pursue their dreams. These success stories highlight the importance of early preparation, strong academic performance, and strategic application approaches.

Queen's University Belfast's commitment to supporting international students, combined with its excellent academic reputation and reasonable living costs in Belfast, makes it an attractive option for Saudi students seeking quality UK education with substantial financial support.

Taking the Next Step

Securing Queen's University Belfast scholarships requires careful planning and strategic application. Start your journey early, focus on academic excellence, and take advantage of the comprehensive support systems available. With proper preparation and the right funding combination, your UK education goals at Queen's University Belfast are entirely achievable.

Begin your application process today and join the growing community of successful Saudi students at one of the UK's most prestigious universities.

Key Statistics

📊 Queen's University Belfast ranks in the top 200 globally in QS World University Rankings 2026, making it highly attractive for Saudi students

💰 Saudi students can potentially save over £20,000 through combined Queen's scholarships and government funding programs

🎓 Over 150 Saudi students currently study at Queen's University Belfast, creating a strong support network for new arrivals

📈 95% of Queen's international scholarship recipients successfully complete their degrees, with 87% achieving first-class or upper second-class honors

💵 Belfast living costs are 25-30% lower than London, making Queen's University Belfast more affordable for Saudi students

🏆 Queen's University Belfast offers over £2 million annually in international scholarships, with 15% specifically allocated for Middle Eastern students

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Queen's University Belfast scholarships as a Saudi student?

Apply simultaneously with your university application through the Queen's online portal. Most scholarships use the same application form as your degree program, but some require additional essays or documents. Submit your application by March 31st, 2026 for September intake to be considered for all available scholarships. Ensure you select 'Saudi Arabia' as your nationality and indicate scholarship interest on your application form.

What is the minimum GPA requirement for Queen's University Belfast scholarships for Saudi students?

The International Academic Excellence Scholarship typically requires a minimum of 85% in your Saudi high school certificate or equivalent GPA of 3.6/4.0 for postgraduate programs. However, scholarship committees consider your overall profile, including extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and personal statement. Some department-specific scholarships may have lower academic thresholds but increased competition.

How much can I save through Queen's University Belfast scholarships combined with Saudi government funding?

Saudi students can potentially save £15,000-£25,000 annually by combining Queen's scholarships with programs like KASP. For example, a £4,000 Queen's scholarship plus full KASP coverage (tuition + £1,400 monthly stipend) can cover all expenses. Over a 3-year undergraduate program, total savings can exceed £60,000 compared to self-funded study.

Can I combine multiple Queen's University Belfast scholarships with Saudi government scholarships?

Yes, you can typically combine Queen's institutional scholarships with Saudi government funding like KASP or Saudi Aramco scholarships. However, the total funding cannot exceed your actual costs. Queen's financial aid office will coordinate with Saudi Cultural Bureau to ensure proper fund allocation and compliance with both institutions' requirements.

What support services does Queen's University Belfast offer specifically for Saudi students?

Queen's provides comprehensive support including an active Islamic Society, halal dining options, prayer facilities, and a Saudi Students Association. The International Student Support team offers cultural integration programs, academic skills workshops, and connections with Saudi alumni. There's also dedicated support for visa applications and part-time work authorization.

When should Saudi students start applying for Queen's University Belfast scholarships for 2026 entry?

Start your application process in October 2025 for September 2026 entry. This timeline allows sufficient time to prepare documents, take English proficiency tests, and submit both university and scholarship applications before the March 31st deadline. Early applications often receive priority consideration and demonstrate serious commitment to admissions committees.

Are Queen's University Belfast scholarships renewable for Saudi students throughout their degree?

Most Queen's scholarships are renewable annually based on satisfactory academic progress, typically requiring maintenance of a 2:1 average (60%+ in UK grading system). Students must re-confirm their scholarship status each year and may need to submit brief progress reports. Failure to meet academic standards may result in scholarship suspension or reduction.

How competitive are Queen's University Belfast scholarships for Saudi students in 2026?

Competition varies by scholarship type and program. International Academic Excellence Scholarships have approximately 15-20% acceptance rate among eligible applicants. Saudi-specific funding has less competition due to targeted allocation, with about 60% of qualified Saudi applicants receiving some form of financial support. Research scholarships are most competitive with 5-10% success rates.

Key Takeaways

✅ Queen's University Belfast offers multiple scholarship opportunities for Saudi students, with combined funding potentially covering full study costs

✅ Early application by March 31st, 2026 is crucial for maximum scholarship consideration and funding opportunities

✅ Combining Queen's institutional scholarships with Saudi government programs like KASP can provide comprehensive financial coverage

✅ Strong academic performance (85%+ in Saudi high school) significantly increases scholarship success chances

✅ Belfast's lower living costs compared to other UK cities make Queen's University Belfast more affordable for Saudi students

✅ Queen's provides extensive support services specifically designed for Saudi and Middle Eastern students