Quick Answer: Robert Gordon University offers several scholarships for Saudi students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (up to £5,000), Regional Scholarships for Middle Eastern students (£3,000), and Alumni Family Scholarships (25% tuition reduction). Saudi students can also access government funding through the Saudi Cultural Mission and King Salman Scholarship Program.

Why Robert Gordon University is Popular Among Saudi Students

Robert Gordon University (RGU) has become an increasingly attractive destination for Saudi students seeking quality UK education. Located in Aberdeen, Scotland, RGU ranks among the top modern universities in the UK and holds a strong reputation for employability, with 97.3% of graduates finding employment or pursuing further study within six months of graduation. The university's focus on industry connections and practical learning aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives for developing skilled professionals.

For Saudi students, RGU offers not only academic excellence but also significant financial support through various scholarship programs specifically designed to attract international talent. Understanding these opportunities can make the difference between studying abroad and staying home due to financial constraints.

Types of Robert Gordon University Scholarships Available to Saudi Students

International Excellence Scholarship

The International Excellence Scholarship represents RGU's most prestigious award for international students, including those from Saudi Arabia. This merit-based scholarship provides up to £5,000 toward tuition fees and is awarded based on academic achievement and potential.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Minimum equivalent of UK upper second-class honors (typically 75%+ in Saudi grading system)
• Confirmed offer for undergraduate or postgraduate program
• International fee-paying status
• Demonstrate academic excellence in previous studies

Regional Scholarships for Middle Eastern Students

RGU offers specific regional scholarships targeting students from the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia. These scholarships provide £3,000 toward tuition fees and aim to promote cultural diversity on campus.

Key Features:

• Available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Automatic consideration upon application
• Renewable for subsequent years based on academic performance
• Covers students from all Saudi regions

Alumni Family Scholarship

Saudi students whose family members previously attended RGU can benefit from the Alumni Family Scholarship, which offers a 25% reduction in tuition fees. This scholarship recognizes the continuing relationship between RGU and international families.

Subject-Specific Scholarships

RGU offers targeted scholarships for specific academic areas that align with Saudi Arabia's economic diversification goals:

Engineering and Technology Scholarships:

• Up to £4,000 for students in petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, and renewable energy programs
• Particularly relevant for Saudi students given the kingdom's focus on NEOM and renewable energy projects

Business and Management Awards:

• £2,500 scholarships for MBA and business-related programs
• Supports Saudi professionals upgrading their qualifications

Health Sciences Funding:

• Scholarships ranging from £2,000-£3,500 for nursing, pharmacy, and health-related programs
• Addresses Saudi Arabia's growing healthcare sector needs

Saudi Government Scholarship Opportunities

King Salman Scholarship Program

Saudi students can access comprehensive funding through the King Salman Scholarship Program, which covers full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for studying at approved UK universities, including RGU.

Coverage Includes:

• Full tuition fees (up to £25,000 annually)
• Monthly living allowance (£1,200-£1,500)
• Annual travel allowance
• Health insurance coverage
• Family accompaniment allowance for married students

Saudi Cultural Mission Support

The Saudi Cultural Mission in the UK provides additional support services for Saudi students, including emergency funding, academic guidance, and visa assistance. Students at RGU can access these services regardless of their primary funding source.

Application Process for RGU Scholarships

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Secure University Admission: First, obtain a conditional or unconditional offer from RGU for your chosen program

2. Complete Scholarship Application: Submit the scholarship application form available on RGU's official website

3. Prepare Supporting Documents:

   • Academic transcripts with official translations
   • English proficiency test results (IELTS 6.0-7.0 depending on program)
   • Personal statement highlighting achievements and goals
   • Two academic references
   • Financial statements if required

4. Submit Before Deadlines:

   • Early applications (by March 31, 2026): Higher chance of scholarship award
   • Standard deadline: May 31, 2026
   • Late applications considered on case-by-case basis

Tips for Saudi Students to Strengthen Applications

Highlight Relevant Experience:

• Emphasize any work experience with Saudi Aramco, SABIC, or other major Saudi companies
• Include volunteer work and community involvement
• Mention leadership roles in student organizations

Connect Studies to Saudi Vision 2030:

• Explain how your chosen program supports Saudi Arabia's diversification goals
• Demonstrate understanding of NEOM, Red Sea Project, or other national initiatives
• Show commitment to returning and contributing to Saudi development

Academic Excellence Documentation:

• Provide detailed grade breakdowns from Saudi universities
• Include any academic awards or recognition
• Submit strong English proficiency scores (aim for IELTS 7.0+ for competitive advantage)

Cost Comparison and Financial Planning

Program Level	Annual Tuition (Without Scholarship)	With RGU Scholarship	With Government Funding	Total Savings
Undergraduate	£16,000-£19,000	£11,000-£16,000	£0	Up to £19,000
Postgraduate	£18,000-£22,000	£13,000-£19,000	£0	Up to £22,000
MBA	£24,000	£21,500	£0	£24,000

Living Costs in Aberdeen

Monthly Expenses for Saudi Students:

• Accommodation: £400-£700 (university halls to private rental)
• Food: £200-£300 (includes halal options widely available)
• Transportation: £50-£80 (student discount available)
• Miscellaneous: £150-£250
• Total Monthly: £800-£1,330

Success Stories: Saudi Students at RGU

Ahmed Al-Mansouri, a petroleum engineering graduate from Riyadh, received the International Excellence Scholarship in 2024 and now works with Saudi Aramco's renewable energy division. "The scholarship made my UK education financially viable, and RGU's industry connections helped me secure internships that directly led to my current role," he shares.

Similarly, Fatima Al-Zahra from Jeddah utilized both RGU scholarships and Saudi government funding to complete her MBA, later establishing a successful consulting firm focusing on women's entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia.

Alternative Funding Options

If university and government scholarships aren't sufficient, Saudi students can explore additional funding sources:

Private Scholarships:

• Abdul Latif Jameel Foundation scholarships
• Various Saudi family foundation awards
• Industry-specific scholarships from Saudi companies

Study Loans:

• Saudi banks offer education loans for international study
• Islamic banking options available for Sharia-compliant financing
• Some UK banks provide loans to international students with Saudi guarantors

When exploring all these opportunities, you can also browse all universities to compare scholarship options across different institutions and find the best financial fit for your academic goals.

Important Dates and Deadlines for 2026

Application Timeline:

• January 15, 2026: Applications open for September 2026 intake
• March 31, 2026: Early scholarship application deadline (recommended)
• May 31, 2026: Final scholarship application deadline
• June 30, 2026: Scholarship decisions announced
• August 15, 2026: Final acceptance deadline

Visa Processing:

• Allow 6-8 weeks for UK student visa processing
• Saudi students typically have high visa approval rates for genuine study purposes
• Ensure all scholarship documentation is included in visa application

Robert Gordon University's commitment to supporting Saudi students through comprehensive scholarship programs, combined with the Saudi government's educational investment initiatives, creates exceptional opportunities for academic advancement. Start your application process early, thoroughly research all available funding options, and prepare compelling applications that demonstrate both academic merit and future contribution potential to Saudi Arabia's development goals.

Key Statistics

📊 97.3% of RGU graduates find employment or pursue further study within 6 months of graduation

💰 International Excellence Scholarships worth up to £5,000 available for Saudi students in 2026

🎓 King Salman Scholarship Program covers full tuition fees up to £25,000 annually plus living expenses

📈 25% tuition fee reduction available through Alumni Family Scholarships for qualifying Saudi students

🏆 RGU ranks among the top modern universities in the UK for graduate employability

💡 Regional scholarships worth £3,000 specifically target Middle Eastern students including Saudi Arabia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Robert Gordon University scholarships as a Saudi student?

To apply for RGU scholarships, first secure admission to your chosen program, then complete the scholarship application form on RGU's website before the deadline (March 31, 2026 for early consideration). You'll need academic transcripts, English proficiency scores, personal statement, references, and financial documents. Early applications have better chances of success.

What is the International Excellence Scholarship and how much funding does it provide?

The International Excellence Scholarship is RGU's most prestigious award for international students, providing up to £5,000 toward tuition fees. It's merit-based, requiring minimum 75% grades (Saudi equivalent), and available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs for international fee-paying students.

How much does it cost to study at Robert Gordon University for Saudi students?

Annual tuition fees range from £16,000-£19,000 for undergraduate programs and £18,000-£22,000 for postgraduate studies, with MBA programs costing around £24,000. Monthly living costs in Aberdeen range from £800-£1,330, including accommodation, food, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. Scholarships can reduce these costs significantly.

Can Saudi students combine RGU scholarships with government funding?

Yes, Saudi students can often combine RGU scholarships with Saudi government funding programs like the King Salman Scholarship Program. However, you should check specific terms and conditions of each funding source, as some government scholarships may cover full costs and restrict additional funding. Contact both RGU and Saudi Cultural Mission for guidance.

What are the eligibility requirements for RGU scholarships for Saudi students?

Eligibility varies by scholarship type. Generally, you need a confirmed offer from RGU, international fee-paying status, and strong academic records (typically 75%+ for merit-based awards). Some scholarships require specific program enrollment, while others like Alumni Family Scholarships need family connection to RGU. English proficiency (IELTS 6.0-7.0) is also required.

When should Saudi students apply for RGU scholarships in 2026?

Scholarship applications open January 15, 2026, with early deadline March 31, 2026 (recommended for better chances) and final deadline May 31, 2026. Decisions are announced by June 30, 2026. Apply early as funding is limited and competitive. Also allow 6-8 weeks for UK visa processing after receiving scholarship confirmation.

Key Takeaways

✅ Multiple scholarship options available including International Excellence (£5,000), Regional Middle East (£3,000), and Alumni Family (25% reduction) scholarships

✅ Saudi government funding through King Salman Scholarship Program covers full tuition plus living expenses for approved students

✅ Early application by March 31, 2026 significantly improves scholarship award chances compared to standard deadline applications

✅ RGU's 97.3% graduate employability rate makes it an excellent investment for Saudi students' career development

✅ Aberdeen offers affordable living costs (£800-£1,330 monthly) compared to other UK cities, maximizing scholarship value

✅ Subject-specific scholarships align with Saudi Vision 2030 priorities in engineering, business, and healthcare sectors