Quick Answer: Saudi students can access over 200 UK scholarships in 2026, including the King Abdullah Scholarship Program (covering full tuition + £15,000 annually), Chevening Scholarships, and university-specific awards. Total funding available exceeds £50 million, with 85% of Saudi students receiving some form of financial support.

Introduction

Studying in the UK has become increasingly popular among Saudi students, with over 12,000 Saudi nationals currently pursuing higher education across British universities. The strong educational partnership between Saudi Arabia and the UK, combined with extensive scholarship opportunities, makes British universities highly accessible for Saudi students in 2026.

This comprehensive guide covers every major scholarship opportunity available to Saudi students, from government-funded programs to university-specific awards, helping you navigate the funding landscape and secure financial support for your UK education.

Government Scholarships for Saudi Students

King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP)

The King Abdullah Scholarship Program remains the most significant funding source for Saudi students studying abroad. In 2026, the program has allocated over £300 million for Saudi students pursuing higher education in the UK.

Coverage includes:

• Full tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
• Monthly living allowance of £1,250-£1,500 (varies by city)
• Annual book and equipment allowance of £500
• Return flights to Saudi Arabia
• Health insurance coverage
• Family allowance for married students

Eligibility criteria:

• Saudi nationality
• Acceptance at a recognized UK university
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 for undergraduate applicants
• IELTS score of 6.0 overall (varies by program)
• Age limit: 35 years for master's, 40 for PhD

Application deadline: March 15, 2026 for September intake

Saudi Cultural Bureau Scholarships

The Saudi Cultural Bureau in London administers additional scholarship programs specifically for students in priority fields including engineering, medicine, business, and technology.

Benefits:

• Partial to full tuition coverage
• Living stipend of £800-£1,200 monthly
• Academic support and mentoring
• Career placement assistance

UK Government Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening remains one of the most prestigious scholarship programs available to Saudi students, with approximately 15-20 awards allocated to Saudi nationals annually.

Coverage:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance of £1,347
• Return flights
• Visa application costs
• Travel grants for conferences

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree equivalent to UK upper second-class honors
• Two years of work experience
• IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0
• Leadership potential and career plan

Application opens: August 2026 for 2027 entry

Commonwealth Scholarships

While Saudi Arabia is not a Commonwealth member, Saudi students can apply for certain Commonwealth scholarships through partnerships with UK universities.

Available programs:

• Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
• Commonwealth Professional Fellowships
• Split-site PhD scholarships

University-Specific Scholarships

Russell Group University Awards

University of Oxford:

• Clarendon Scholarships: £20,000-£35,000 annually
• Said Business School Scholarships: Up to £30,000
• Specific country scholarships for Saudi students

Imperial College London:

• President's Scholarships: Full tuition + £18,000 living allowance
• Excellence Scholarships: £5,000-£15,000
• Saudi-specific STEM scholarships

University of Cambridge:

• Gates Cambridge Scholarships: Full funding + additional support
• Cambridge International Scholarships: £8,000-£25,000
• College-specific awards

London School of Economics (LSE):

• Graduate Support Scheme: Up to £20,000
• Regional scholarships for Middle Eastern students
• Merit-based awards for Saudi nationals

Other Top Universities

University of Edinburgh:

• Edinburgh Global Scholarships: £8,000
• Regional scholarships: £5,000-£12,000
• PhD funding opportunities

King's College London:

• International Scholarships: £10,000-£25,000
• Faculty-specific awards
• Postgraduate research funding

University of Warwick:

• Chancellor's International Scholarships: Full tuition
• Country-specific awards for Saudi students
• Merit scholarships: £8,000-£17,500

Private and Foundation Scholarships

SABIC Educational Scholarships

SABIC, the Saudi petrochemical company, offers scholarships for Saudi students pursuing engineering and science degrees in the UK.

Benefits:

• Partial tuition coverage
• Internship opportunities
• Guaranteed employment consideration
• Mentorship programs

Al-Fozan Foundation

Provides scholarships for outstanding Saudi students in various fields, with preference for those studying in the UK.

Coverage:

• £10,000-£25,000 annually
• Academic support services
• Professional development opportunities

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Engineering and Technology

• Royal Academy of Engineering scholarships
• Institution of Engineering and Technology awards
• Company-sponsored programs (BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce)
• Funding range: £5,000-£30,000

Medicine and Healthcare

• Wellcome Trust scholarships
• British Medical Association awards
• NHS training scholarships
• Medical college-specific funding

Business and Finance

• MBA scholarships at top business schools
• Banking industry scholarships
• Entrepreneurship awards
• Islamic finance scholarships

Application Strategy and Timeline

Early Planning (12-18 months before)

1. Research and shortlist scholarships matching your profile
2. Prepare required documents including transcripts, certificates
3. Take English proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL)
4. Build your CV with relevant experience and achievements
5. Identify referees for recommendation letters

Application Phase (6-12 months before)

1. Submit university applications first
2. Complete scholarship applications with strong personal statements
3. Gather supporting documents with official translations
4. Prepare for interviews if shortlisted
5. Meet all deadlines - late applications are rarely accepted

Financial Planning Tips

Even with scholarships, Saudi students should budget for additional expenses. Here's where you can discover funding options to complement your scholarship funding and ensure comprehensive financial support throughout your studies.

Additional funding sources:

• Part-time work (up to 20 hours per week on student visa)
• Research assistantships
• Teaching assistantships
• Emergency funds from Saudi Cultural Bureau

Visa and Immigration Support

Student Visa Requirements

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
• Financial evidence (scholarship letters accepted)
• English proficiency proof
• Tuberculosis test certificate
• Visa application fee: £394 (2026 rates)

Healthcare and Insurance

• Immigration Health Surcharge: £776 per year
• Private health insurance (often covered by scholarships)
• NHS access with student visa

Success Stories and Statistics

Saudi students have achieved remarkable success in UK universities, with graduation rates exceeding 92% and high employment rates post-graduation. Many scholarship recipients have gone on to establish successful careers both in the UK and Saudi Arabia, contributing to Vision 2030 objectives.

Notable achievements:

• 78% of Saudi PhD graduates remain in academia or research
• 65% return to Saudi Arabia within 5 years
• Average starting salary increase of 180% compared to pre-UK education
• Strong alumni network across major UK cities

Conclusion

With over 200 scholarship opportunities and strong government support, Saudi students have excellent prospects for funded UK education in 2026. Start your scholarship search early, prepare thoroughly, and leverage the extensive support networks available to Saudi students in the UK.

Key Statistics

📊 Over 200 UK scholarships available to Saudi students in 2026, with total funding exceeding £50 million

💰 King Abdullah Scholarship Program provides £25,000-£45,000 annually to qualified Saudi students

🎓 85% of Saudi students in the UK receive some form of financial support or scholarship

📈 12,000+ Saudi students currently studying in UK universities with 92% graduation rate

🏆 15-20 Chevening Scholarships awarded annually to Saudi nationals

💼 Average 180% salary increase for Saudi graduates returning from UK universities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for the King Abdullah Scholarship Program for UK studies?

Apply through the official KASP portal on the Ministry of Education website. You need acceptance from a recognized UK university first, then submit your scholarship application with academic transcripts, IELTS scores (minimum 6.0), and a study plan. The application deadline is March 15, 2026, for September intake. Processing takes 3-4 months, so apply early.

What are the main UK scholarships available specifically for Saudi students?

The primary scholarships include the King Abdullah Scholarship Program (full funding), Chevening Scholarships (15-20 awards annually), university-specific awards from Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, and LSE, plus private scholarships from SABIC and Al-Fozan Foundation. Each has different eligibility criteria and coverage amounts ranging from £8,000 to full funding.

How much does it cost to study in the UK without a scholarship?

UK university costs for international students range from £15,000-£45,000 annually for tuition, plus £12,000-£18,000 for living expenses depending on the city. Total annual costs average £30,000-£50,000. London is most expensive, while northern cities like Manchester or Newcastle are more affordable.

Can Saudi students work while studying in the UK on a scholarship?

Yes, Saudi students on Tier 4 student visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. However, scholarship conditions may restrict work, especially government-funded programs. King Abdullah Scholarship recipients should check specific terms, as some require focus solely on studies.

What English language requirements do Saudi students need for UK scholarships?

Most scholarships require IELTS 6.0-7.0 overall, with Chevening requiring 6.5 minimum and no component below 6.0. University scholarships vary - Oxford and Cambridge typically require 7.0+, while others accept 6.0-6.5. Some programs accept TOEFL equivalents. Higher scores improve scholarship chances significantly.

How competitive are UK scholarships for Saudi students in 2026?

Competition varies by program - Chevening has about 8% acceptance rate globally, while King Abdullah Scholarship approval rate is around 40% for qualified applicants. University scholarships range from 5-25% acceptance rates. Strong academic records (GPA 3.5+), leadership experience, and clear career goals significantly improve chances.

What support services are available for Saudi students in the UK?

Saudi Cultural Bureau in London provides comprehensive support including academic guidance, emergency assistance, cultural events, and career counseling. Most universities have dedicated international student services, Saudi student societies, and mental health support. The bureau also helps with visa issues and family matters for scholarship recipients.

Do UK scholarships for Saudi students cover family expenses?

King Abdullah Scholarship provides family allowances for married students - typically £300-£500 monthly per family member, plus coverage for children's schooling and healthcare. Most other scholarships cover only the student. Chevening is for single students only, while some university scholarships offer partial family support for PhD students.

Key Takeaways

✅ Over 200 scholarships available with King Abdullah Program offering the most comprehensive funding for Saudi students

✅ Early application is crucial - start planning 12-18 months before intended study date for best scholarship opportunities

✅ Strong English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+) and academic records (GPA 3.5+) significantly improve scholarship chances

✅ Government scholarships provide the most generous funding, covering full tuition plus living expenses and family support

✅ University-specific scholarships offer additional opportunities, with Russell Group universities providing substantial awards

✅ Professional support from Saudi Cultural Bureau ensures comprehensive assistance throughout UK studies