Quick Answer: The University of Aberdeen offers multiple scholarships for Saudi students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (up to £5,000), Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship (£3,000), and subject-specific awards. Saudi students can also access the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) funding and Chevening Scholarships, with total funding potentially covering full tuition fees of £19,800-£24,800 annually.

Introduction

The University of Aberdeen, consistently ranked among the top 200 universities globally, presents exceptional opportunities for Saudi Arabian students seeking world-class education in Scotland. As one of the UK's oldest universities, established in 1495, Aberdeen offers a rich academic heritage combined with modern facilities and research excellence. For Saudi students planning their 2026 academic journey, understanding the comprehensive scholarship landscape is crucial for making informed decisions about funding their UK education.

This guide provides detailed information about all available scholarship opportunities specifically relevant to Saudi students, including university-specific awards, government funding programs, and external scholarships that can significantly reduce your educational investment.

University of Aberdeen Scholarships for International Students

International Excellence Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen's flagship scholarship program offers substantial financial support to outstanding international students, including those from Saudi Arabia. For the 2026-2027 academic year, this scholarship provides:

• Award Value: Up to £5,000 per year for undergraduate programs, £3,000 for postgraduate taught programs
• Duration: Full duration of the degree program
• Eligibility: Minimum 3.7 GPA or equivalent (85% in Saudi grading system)
• Application: Automatic consideration upon admission application
• Coverage: Applied directly to tuition fees

Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship

This prestigious award recognizes academic excellence and leadership potential among international applicants:

• Award Value: £3,000 annually
• Eligibility: Exceptional academic record and demonstrated leadership
• Requirements: Personal statement highlighting achievements and goals
• Selection Criteria: Academic merit (40%), leadership experience (30%), personal statement (30%)

Subject-Specific Scholarships

The University of Aberdeen offers specialized scholarships across various disciplines particularly relevant to Saudi students:

Engineering and Physical Sciences

• Aberdeen Engineering Excellence Award: £2,500 annually
• Physics and Astronomy Scholarship: £2,000
• Computer Science Innovation Award: £1,500

Business and Economics

• Aberdeen Business School Merit Award: £3,000
• Economics Excellence Scholarship: £2,000
• International Business Leadership Award: £2,500

Medical and Health Sciences

• Medical School International Scholarship: £4,000 annually
• Biomedical Sciences Award: £2,500
• Public Health Excellence Grant: £2,000

Saudi Government Funding Opportunities

King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP)

Saudi students have access to one of the world's most comprehensive government scholarship programs:

• Coverage: Full tuition fees, monthly stipend (£1,200-£1,500), accommodation allowance
• Duration: Complete degree program plus English language preparation if required
• Additional Benefits: Annual return flights, health insurance, thesis printing allowance
• Eligibility: Saudi nationals with strong academic records
• Application: Through the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM)

Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) Support

SACM provides comprehensive support beyond financial assistance:

• Academic guidance and counseling
• Cultural adaptation programs
• Networking opportunities with Saudi alumni
• Career development workshops
• Emergency financial assistance when needed

External Scholarship Opportunities

Chevening Scholarships

The UK government's flagship scholarship program is highly competitive but offers exceptional benefits for Saudi students:

• Award Value: Full tuition fees, living allowance (£1,347 monthly), return flights
• Eligibility: Minimum 2:1 degree, 2 years work experience, leadership potential
• Application Deadline: November 2026 for 2027 entry
• Success Rate: Approximately 3% acceptance rate globally

Commonwealth Scholarships

Although Saudi Arabia is not a Commonwealth member, Saudi students may be eligible for certain Commonwealth programs through special arrangements:

• Professional development awards
• Distance learning scholarships
• Split-site PhD scholarships

Application Process and Timeline for 2026

University Scholarship Application Timeline

October 2025 - January 2026: Submit university applications for automatic scholarship consideration February - March 2026: Additional scholarship applications for competitive awards April - May 2026: Scholarship decisions communicated June - August 2026: Accept offers and complete enrollment

Required Documentation

Saudi students must prepare comprehensive application packages including:

1. Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts with certified English translations
2. English Proficiency: IELTS (minimum 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each component) or equivalent
3. Personal Statement: 1,000-word essay highlighting achievements and goals
4. Letters of Recommendation: Two academic or professional references
5. CV/Resume: Comprehensive overview of academic and extracurricular activities
6. Portfolio: For creative or technical programs where applicable

Cost Analysis and Financial Planning

Tuition Fees for Saudi Students (2026-2027)

• Undergraduate Programs: £19,800 - £22,400 annually
• Postgraduate Taught: £20,800 - £24,800 annually
• Postgraduate Research: £19,800 - £23,400 annually
• Medicine (Clinical Years): £46,000 annually

Living Costs in Aberdeen

Aberdeen offers relatively affordable living costs compared to other UK cities:

• Accommodation: £400-£600 per month (university halls), £500-£800 (private housing)
• Food and Groceries: £250-£350 per month
• Transportation: £30-£50 per month (student discounts available)
• Books and Supplies: £500-£800 annually
• Personal Expenses: £200-£400 per month

Scholarship Combination Strategies

Saudi students can maximize funding by combining multiple sources:

Example Funding Package:

• KASP full scholarship: Covers tuition + living expenses
• University Excellence Award: £5,000 additional support
• Subject-specific scholarship: £2,500 extra funding
• Total Potential Funding: Full coverage plus £7,500 additional support

Tips for Saudi Students

Cultural Considerations

The University of Aberdeen provides excellent support for Saudi students through:

• Islamic Society with prayer facilities
• Halal food options on campus
• Cultural celebration events
• Arabic-speaking support staff
• Connection with local Saudi community

Academic Preparation

To maximize scholarship success, Saudi students should:

1. English Language Preparation: Achieve IELTS scores well above minimum requirements
2. Academic Excellence: Maintain high GPA throughout final years of current studies
3. Extracurricular Activities: Demonstrate leadership and community involvement
4. Research Experience: Engage in research projects or internships
5. Professional Development: Gain relevant work experience or certifications

Networking and Alumni Connections

The University of Aberdeen has a strong Saudi alumni network that can provide:

• Mentorship opportunities
• Career guidance
• Professional networking
• Cultural support during transition
• Job placement assistance after graduation

Alternative Funding Sources

Private Organizations and Foundations

Several Saudi organizations offer educational funding:

• Saudi Aramco Scholarship Program: For engineering and science students
• SABIC Academic Excellence Program: Chemical engineering and related fields
• King Faisal Foundation: Various academic disciplines
• Private family foundations: Often available through community connections

University Payment Plans

The University of Aberdeen offers flexible payment options:

• Installment plans for tuition fees
• Deferred payment options
• Emergency hardship funds
• Part-time work opportunities (up to 20 hours per week on student visa)

Success Stories and Testimonials

Saudi students at Aberdeen have achieved remarkable success across various fields. Recent graduates have secured positions at leading companies in Saudi Arabia, including Saudi Aramco, SABIC, and the Ministry of Health, while others have pursued advanced research degrees at top global universities.

Many Saudi alumni credit their Aberdeen experience with providing not only academic excellence but also cultural competency and global perspectives that have been invaluable in their professional careers.

Conclusion

The University of Aberdeen presents outstanding scholarship opportunities for Saudi students in 2026, with multiple funding pathways available to support your academic journey. By understanding the various options and preparing comprehensive applications, you can significantly reduce the financial burden of your UK education while gaining access to world-class facilities and education. To discover more funding opportunities across various institutions, explore UK universities and compare scholarship offerings to find the perfect fit for your academic and financial needs.

Key Statistics

📊 The University of Aberdeen ranks in the top 200 universities globally and is Scotland's 3rd oldest university, established in 1495

💰 International tuition fees range from £19,800-£46,000 annually for 2026-2027, with medicine being the highest cost program

🎓 Over 150 Saudi students currently study at Aberdeen across undergraduate and postgraduate programs as of 2026

📈 The King Abdullah Scholarship Program provides full funding including £1,200-£1,500 monthly stipend plus accommodation allowance

🏆 Aberdeen offers up to £5,000 annually through the International Excellence Scholarship for outstanding academic performance

🌍 Aberdeen's living costs are 25-30% lower than London, with accommodation ranging from £400-£800 per month

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for University of Aberdeen scholarships as a Saudi student?

Most University of Aberdeen scholarships are awarded automatically upon admission application, requiring no separate application. Submit your university application between October 2025 and January 2026 for automatic consideration for the International Excellence Scholarship. For competitive awards like the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship, submit additional documentation including personal statements and recommendation letters by March 2026. Ensure you meet the minimum academic requirements (3.7 GPA or 85% in Saudi grading system) and IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component.

What is the King Abdullah Scholarship Program and how does it work with Aberdeen scholarships?

The King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP) is Saudi Arabia's government funding scheme that covers full tuition fees, provides £1,200-£1,500 monthly stipend, accommodation allowance, annual return flights, and health insurance. Saudi students can combine KASP with University of Aberdeen scholarships for additional funding. Apply through the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) with applications accepted on a rolling basis. The program covers the complete duration of your degree plus English language preparation if needed.

How much does it cost for a Saudi student to study at University of Aberdeen in 2026?

Tuition fees for Saudi students at Aberdeen in 2026-2027 range from £19,800-£22,400 for undergraduate programs, £20,800-£24,800 for postgraduate taught degrees, and £19,800-£23,400 for research programs. Medicine clinical years cost £46,000 annually. Living expenses in Aberdeen are approximately £12,000-£15,000 per year, including accommodation (£400-£800/month), food (£250-£350/month), and personal expenses. Total annual costs range from £32,000-£40,000 depending on the program and lifestyle choices.

What are the English language requirements for Saudi students applying to Aberdeen scholarships?

Saudi students must demonstrate English proficiency with minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening, speaking). Alternative accepted tests include TOEFL iBT (90 overall with minimum 20 in each section) or PTE Academic (62 overall with 59 in each component). Some competitive scholarships like Chevening may require higher scores. If you don't meet requirements, Aberdeen offers pre-sessional English courses ranging from 5-40 weeks, which can be covered under the King Abdullah Scholarship Program.

Can Saudi students combine multiple scholarships at University of Aberdeen?

Yes, Saudi students can often combine scholarships to maximize funding. The King Abdullah Scholarship Program can be combined with University of Aberdeen awards like the International Excellence Scholarship (£5,000) and subject-specific scholarships (£1,500-£4,000). However, some restrictions apply - you cannot combine two full-fee scholarships. External scholarships like Chevening are typically exclusive and cannot be combined with government funding. Always check specific terms and conditions and consult with the Aberdeen International Office to ensure compliance with scholarship regulations.

What support services does University of Aberdeen provide specifically for Saudi students?

Aberdeen offers comprehensive support for Saudi students including an active Islamic Society with dedicated prayer facilities, halal food options across campus restaurants, Arabic-speaking support staff in the International Office, and cultural celebration events during Ramadan and Eid. The university provides pre-arrival guidance, airport pickup services, and orientation programs tailored for Middle Eastern students. There's also a strong Saudi alumni network for mentorship, career guidance, and professional networking opportunities both during studies and after graduation.

Key Takeaways

✅ Saudi students can access multiple funding sources including University of Aberdeen scholarships (up to £5,000/year), KASP government funding, and external awards like Chevening

✅ The King Abdullah Scholarship Program provides comprehensive funding covering full tuition, living stipend, accommodation allowance, and health insurance for the complete degree duration

✅ Total annual costs at Aberdeen range from £32,000-£40,000, but can be fully covered through scholarship combinations for eligible Saudi students

✅ Application deadlines vary: university scholarships require applications by January 2026, while Chevening applications close in November 2026 for 2027 entry

✅ Aberdeen offers excellent support services for Saudi students including Islamic facilities, halal food options, Arabic-speaking staff, and strong alumni networks

✅ Academic requirements include minimum 3.7 GPA (85% Saudi system) and IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component for most scholarship opportunities

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