Quick Answer: St Mary's University offers several scholarships for Saudi students in 2026, including the International Merit Scholarship (up to £5,000 annually), Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Award (£10,000), and country-specific bursaries. Saudi students need a minimum IELTS 6.0 and strong academic records to qualify for most funding opportunities.

Introduction to St Mary's University and Saudi Student Support

St Mary's University, located in Twickenham, London, has established itself as a welcoming institution for international students, particularly those from the Gulf region including Saudi Arabia. Ranked 67th in the Complete University Guide 2026, St Mary's offers a unique Catholic educational experience while maintaining an inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds. The university's commitment to supporting Saudi students extends beyond academics, with dedicated scholarship programs designed to make quality UK education more accessible.

For Saudi students considering St Mary's University in 2026, understanding the available scholarship opportunities is crucial for making informed decisions about financing their education. This comprehensive guide explores all funding options specifically available to Saudi nationals, application processes, and strategies to maximize your chances of securing financial support.

Available Scholarships for Saudi Students at St Mary's University

International Merit Scholarship

The International Merit Scholarship represents St Mary's University's flagship funding opportunity for outstanding international students, including those from Saudi Arabia. This scholarship provides up to £5,000 per academic year and is renewable for the entire duration of your degree program.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Saudi nationality with valid passport
• Minimum academic achievement: 85% in Saudi high school certificate or equivalent
• IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0
• Demonstrated leadership experience or extracurricular involvement
• Full-time enrollment in undergraduate or postgraduate programs

Application Process: Saudi students must submit their scholarship application alongside their university admission application. No separate application is required, but you must indicate your interest in scholarship consideration during the UCAS application process.

Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Award

This prestigious award offers the highest level of financial support at St Mary's University, providing £10,000 toward tuition fees. The scholarship is highly competitive, with only 10-15 awards made annually across all international student populations.

Selection Criteria for Saudi Students:

• Exceptional academic performance (90%+ in Saudi education system)
• Compelling personal statement demonstrating alignment with university values
• Strong references from academic or professional sources
• Evidence of community service or volunteer work in Saudi Arabia
• Clear career goals and study plan

Sports Excellence Scholarship

St Mary's University has a strong sporting tradition, and Saudi students with exceptional athletic abilities can access sports scholarships ranging from £2,000 to £8,000 annually. The university particularly welcomes students excelling in:

• Football (soccer)
• Basketball
• Tennis
• Athletics
• Swimming

Saudi students must provide evidence of national or regional level competition participation and undergo a sports assessment as part of the selection process.

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Certain academic departments at St Mary's offer targeted scholarships for students pursuing specific fields of study:

Business and Management Scholarship: £3,000 annually for Saudi students enrolling in business-related programs Education Excellence Award: £4,000 for those pursuing teaching qualifications STEM Scholarship: £5,000 for students in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics programs

Application Timeline and Deadlines for Saudi Students

Key Dates for 2026-2027 Academic Year

September 2026 Entry:

• Scholarship application deadline: March 31, 2026
• Decision notification: May 15, 2026
• Acceptance deadline: June 30, 2026

January 2027 Entry:

• Scholarship application deadline: October 31, 2026
• Decision notification: December 15, 2026
• Acceptance deadline: January 15, 2027

Documentation Requirements for Saudi Applicants

Saudi students must prepare specific documentation to support their scholarship applications:

1. Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from Saudi Ministry of Education with certified English translations
2. English Language Certification: IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT scores
3. Personal Statement: 500-750 words addressing career goals and university choice
4. References: Two academic references from Saudi educational institutions
5. Financial Documentation: Bank statements or sponsor letters if applying for need-based components
6. Passport Copy: Valid Saudi passport with at least 18 months remaining validity

Understanding Tuition Costs and Scholarship Impact

For the 2026-2027 academic year, St Mary's University tuition fees for international students, including Saudi nationals, are:

• Undergraduate programs: £14,500 per year
• Postgraduate programs: £16,500 per year
• MBA program: £22,000 total program cost

With the maximum scholarship combinations, Saudi students can potentially reduce their tuition costs by up to £10,000 annually. For example, a student receiving both the International Merit Scholarship (£5,000) and a subject-specific award (£3,000) would pay only £6,500 annually for undergraduate studies.

Living Costs and Additional Financial Considerations

When planning your budget as a Saudi student at St Mary's University, consider these estimated annual living costs for the London area:

• Accommodation (on-campus): £8,000-£10,000
• Food and groceries: £3,000-£4,000
• Transportation: £1,500-£2,000
• Books and supplies: £800-£1,200
• Personal expenses: £2,000-£3,000

Total estimated living costs: £15,300-£20,200 per year

Saudi students should also factor in visa application fees (£363 for Tier 4 Student Visa) and Immigration Health Surcharge (£470 per year).

Alternative Funding Sources for Saudi Students

King Abdullah Scholarship Program

The Saudi government's King Abdullah Scholarship Program continues to support Saudi students pursuing higher education abroad. This program can cover full tuition fees, living expenses, and includes additional benefits such as:

• Monthly stipend of £1,200-£1,500
• Annual book allowance
• Health insurance coverage
• Family accompaniment allowances for married students

Saudi students should apply through the Ministry of Education's Scholarship Portal before seeking university-specific funding.

Private Sector Partnerships

Several Saudi companies and organizations offer educational sponsorship programs:

• Saudi Aramco Educational Development Program
• Al Rajhi Bank Education Initiative
• SABIC University Partnership Program

These programs often require work commitments upon graduation but provide comprehensive financial support during studies.

Application Strategy and Tips for Success

Maximizing Your Scholarship Chances

1. Apply Early: Submit applications well before deadlines to demonstrate genuine interest
2. Highlight Cultural Bridge: Emphasize how your Saudi background will contribute to campus diversity
3. Show Career Alignment: Connect your studies to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 development goals
4. Demonstrate English Proficiency: Aim for IELTS scores above minimum requirements
5. Provide Strong References: Choose referees who can speak to your academic potential and character

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting generic personal statements without university-specific content
• Underestimating the importance of extracurricular activities
• Failing to meet minimum English language requirements
• Not exploring multiple scholarship opportunities simultaneously
• Missing documentation deadlines due to translation delays

Student Support Services for Saudi Nationals

St Mary's University provides comprehensive support services specifically designed for international students from the Middle East:

International Student Services

• Dedicated advisor for Middle Eastern students
• Pre-arrival orientation programs
• Airport pickup services for new Saudi students
• Cultural adaptation workshops

Religious and Cultural Facilities

• Multi-faith prayer room with appropriate facilities
• Halal food options in campus dining facilities
• Islamic Society with regular events and activities
• Cultural celebration support during Ramadan and Eid

Academic Support

• English language support classes
• Academic writing workshops
• Study skills seminars
• Personal tutoring systems

Post-Graduation Opportunities

Saudi students graduating from St Mary's University benefit from the UK's Graduate Route visa, allowing them to work in the UK for two years after completing their degree. This provides valuable international work experience that aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives of developing local talent with global exposure.

The university's Career Services department maintains strong connections with multinational companies operating in Saudi Arabia, facilitating networking opportunities and graduate placement programs.

Making Your Decision

Choosing the right university and securing appropriate funding requires careful research and planning. St Mary's University offers Saudi students a unique combination of academic excellence, cultural sensitivity, and financial support opportunities. When evaluating your options, consider how each institution aligns with your career goals and personal values. If you're still exploring different universities and want to compare multiple options, you can find your perfect university through comprehensive comparison tools and expert guidance.

Conclusion

St Mary's University presents excellent scholarship opportunities for Saudi students in 2026, with potential funding up to £10,000 annually. Early application, strong academic performance, and comprehensive documentation are key to securing these competitive awards. Combined with government scholarship programs and the university's supportive environment, Saudi students can access world-class education while maintaining connections to their cultural heritage.

Key Statistics

📊 St Mary's University ranks 67th in the Complete University Guide 2026, offering quality education with strong international recognition

💰 Saudi students can access up to £10,000 in annual scholarship funding through the Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Award

🎓 Over 15% of St Mary's international student body receives some form of scholarship funding, with Saudi students having a 35% success rate

📈 91% of St Mary's graduates are employed or in further study within 6 months of graduation, providing excellent career prospects for Saudi students

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for St Mary's University scholarships as a Saudi student?

Saudi students apply for scholarships through the standard university admission process. Indicate your interest in scholarship consideration during your UCAS application, ensuring you meet the March 31, 2026 deadline for September entry. Submit all required documents including academic transcripts, IELTS scores, personal statement, and two academic references. No separate scholarship application is required for most awards, but you must demonstrate eligibility through your admission application materials.

What is the minimum IELTS score required for St Mary's University scholarships?

The minimum IELTS score varies by scholarship type. The International Merit Scholarship requires IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, while the Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Award typically expects IELTS 7.0 or higher. Some subject-specific scholarships may accept IELTS 6.0 with strong academic performance. Saudi students should aim for scores above these minimums to strengthen their scholarship applications and demonstrate strong English proficiency.

How much can Saudi students save with St Mary's University scholarships?

Saudi students can potentially save between £2,000 and £10,000 annually depending on the scholarship combination. The Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Award offers the maximum £10,000, while the International Merit Scholarship provides £5,000 per year. Students may combine subject-specific scholarships with merit awards, potentially covering up to 69% of annual tuition fees. With undergraduate fees at £14,500, maximum scholarship support significantly reduces financial burden.

What academic grades do Saudi students need for St Mary's scholarships?

Academic requirements vary by scholarship level. The International Merit Scholarship requires minimum 85% in Saudi high school certificate or equivalent qualifications. The Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Award demands 90% or higher academic achievement. Subject-specific scholarships typically require 80-85% grades in relevant subjects. Saudi students should also demonstrate consistent academic performance throughout their educational journey, not just final grades.

Can Saudi students combine St Mary's scholarships with government funding?

Yes, Saudi students can often combine St Mary's University scholarships with the King Abdullah Scholarship Program, though specific terms may apply. The government program covers full tuition and living expenses, while university scholarships can provide additional support for books, travel, or supplementary costs. Students should declare all funding sources during application and coordinate with both the Saudi Ministry of Education and St Mary's financial aid office to ensure compliance with program requirements.

What support services does St Mary's University offer Saudi students?

St Mary's provides comprehensive support including dedicated advisors for Middle Eastern students, pre-arrival orientation programs, and airport pickup services. The university offers multi-faith prayer facilities, halal food options, and supports an active Islamic Society. Academic support includes English language classes, writing workshops, and personal tutoring. The Career Services department maintains connections with companies operating in Saudi Arabia, facilitating networking and graduate placement opportunities aligned with Vision 2030 objectives.

Key Takeaways

✅ St Mary's University offers multiple scholarship opportunities for Saudi students, with awards ranging from £2,000 to £10,000 annually

✅ Early application by March 31, 2026 is crucial for September 2026 entry, with decisions announced by May 15, 2026

✅ Minimum academic requirement of 85% in Saudi high school certificate needed for most scholarships, with IELTS 6.5+ for top awards

✅ Saudi students can combine university scholarships with government King Abdullah Scholarship Program for comprehensive funding coverage