Quick Answer: University of Exeter offers several scholarships for Saudi students in 2026, including the Global Excellence Scholarship (up to £5,000), Saudi Arabia Merit Awards (£3,000-£7,500), and subject-specific funding. The university ranks 130th globally and offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programs with typical tuition fees ranging from £22,500-£29,500 annually.

The University of Exeter has established itself as a premier destination for Saudi students pursuing higher education in the UK. Located in the beautiful county of Devon, this Russell Group university combines academic excellence with stunning campuses and a supportive international community. For Saudi students looking to study in the UK in 2026, understanding the scholarship opportunities at Exeter is crucial for making your educational dreams financially feasible.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through all available University of Exeter scholarships specifically relevant to Saudi students, application processes, eligibility criteria, and strategic tips to maximize your chances of securing funding for your UK education journey.

University of Exeter Overview for Saudi Students

The University of Exeter stands as one of the UK's top 15 universities, ranking 130th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. With over 28,000 students from more than 130 countries, including a growing Saudi student community, Exeter provides an internationally diverse learning environment that resonates well with Middle Eastern students.

The university operates across four campuses - Streatham and St Luke's in Exeter, and Penryn in Cornwall - offering over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Popular programs among Saudi students include Business Administration, Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, and Environmental Science, aligning well with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 development goals.

For Saudi students, Exeter's strong industry connections and career support services are particularly valuable, with 94% of graduates employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation. The university's partnerships with major corporations provide excellent internship and employment opportunities for international students.

Main Scholarship Opportunities for Saudi Students

Global Excellence Scholarship

The Global Excellence Scholarship represents one of the most accessible funding opportunities for Saudi students at the University of Exeter. This merit-based scholarship offers:

• Award Value: Up to £5,000 for the first year
• Eligibility: International students with outstanding academic records
• Application: Automatic consideration upon admission application
• Requirements: Minimum equivalent of UK 2:1 degree classification

Saudi students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance in their high school or undergraduate studies are automatically considered for this scholarship when they apply for admission.

Saudi Arabia Regional Scholarships

Exeter offers specific regional scholarships targeting students from the Middle East and Gulf countries:

• Saudi Arabia Merit Award: £3,000-£7,500 annually
• Gulf Countries Excellence Grant: £2,500-£5,000
• Middle East Leadership Scholarship: Up to £10,000 for exceptional candidates

These scholarships recognize the academic excellence and leadership potential of Saudi students while acknowledging the specific educational backgrounds and achievements from the Saudi education system.

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Engineering and Technology Scholarships

For Saudi students pursuing STEM fields, which align with Saudi Arabia's technological advancement goals:

• Engineering Excellence Award: £4,000 annually
• Computer Science Innovation Grant: £3,500
• Renewable Energy Scholarship: £5,000 (particularly relevant to Saudi Arabia's green energy initiatives)

Business and Management Scholarships

• Business School International Award: £6,000
• Entrepreneurship Scholarship: £4,500
• International Business Excellence Grant: £5,500

Postgraduate Research Funding

Saudi students pursuing PhD or research master's degrees can access:

• Exeter Doctoral College Scholarships: Full tuition plus £15,000 annual stipend
• International Research Excellence Awards: Partial tuition coverage
• Saudi Arabia Research Collaboration Grants: Varies based on research area

Application Process and Timeline for 2026

Key Dates for Saudi Students

• Early Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
• Regular Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
• Scholarship Decision Notifications: May 2026
• Confirmation Deadline: June 30, 2026

To maximize scholarship opportunities, Saudi students should apply by the early deadline, as some awards operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. University Application Submission

   • Complete your course application through UCAS (undergraduate) or direct application (postgraduate)
   • Ensure all required documents are submitted with Arabic translations where necessary
   • Include a compelling personal statement highlighting your academic goals and connection to Saudi Arabia's development vision

2. Scholarship Application Preparation

   • Complete the online scholarship application form
   • Prepare a 500-word scholarship essay explaining your financial need and academic ambitions
   • Gather recommendation letters from Saudi academic institutions or employers

3. Document Requirements

   • Academic transcripts with official translations
   • English language proficiency scores (IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+)
   • Passport copy and visa documentation
   • Financial statements demonstrating need (where applicable)
   • Portfolio or additional materials for specific programs

Eligibility Criteria Specific to Saudi Students

Academic Requirements

• Undergraduate: Saudi Tawjihiyah certificate with minimum 85% or equivalent international qualification
• Postgraduate: Bachelor's degree from recognized Saudi or international institution with 2:1 classification equivalent
• English Language: IELTS 6.5 (no component below 6.0) or equivalent

Additional Considerations

• Demonstrated leadership experience in Saudi educational or community contexts
• Clear career goals aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030
• Financial need assessment (for need-based scholarships)
• Commitment to returning to Saudi Arabia to contribute to national development (for specific awards)

Alternative Funding Sources

While exploring University of Exeter scholarships, Saudi students should also consider these complementary funding options:

Saudi Government Scholarships

• King Abdullah Scholarship Program: Comprehensive funding for Saudi students abroad
• Ministry of Education Scholarships: Subject-specific funding aligned with national priorities
• Saudi Aramco Scholarships: For students in energy-related fields

External Organizations

• British Council Saudi Arabia: Educational grants and partnerships
• Chevening Scholarships: UK government funding for exceptional Saudi students
• Commonwealth Scholarships: For students from Commonwealth countries

When you explore UK universities beyond Exeter, you'll discover that many institutions offer similar international scholarship programs, allowing you to compare opportunities and maximize your funding potential.

Strategic Tips for Saudi Students

Maximizing Your Application Success

1. Early Preparation: Start your application process 12-18 months before your intended start date
2. Academic Excellence: Maintain high grades in your current studies to strengthen your scholarship eligibility
3. English Proficiency: Achieve scores above minimum requirements to stand out in competitive pools
4. Leadership Documentation: Compile evidence of leadership roles in Saudi educational, community, or professional contexts
5. Vision 2030 Alignment: Clearly articulate how your studies will contribute to Saudi Arabia's national development goals

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing early application deadlines
• Insufficient English language preparation
• Generic personal statements without Saudi context
• Incomplete financial documentation
• Failing to demonstrate clear post-graduation plans

Living Costs and Additional Financial Planning

Understanding the complete financial picture beyond tuition is crucial for Saudi students:

Annual Living Expenses in Exeter

• Accommodation: £4,500-£8,500 (university halls to private housing)
• Food and Groceries: £2,500-£3,500
• Transportation: £600-£1,200
• Personal Expenses: £1,500-£2,500
• Total Annual Living Costs: £9,100-£15,700

Halal Food and Cultural Considerations

Exeter provides excellent support for Muslim students, including halal food options on campus, prayer facilities, and an active Islamic Society that helps Saudi students maintain their cultural and religious practices while studying abroad.

Career Prospects and ROI for Saudi Students

Investing in a University of Exeter education provides excellent returns for Saudi students:

• Graduate Employment Rate: 94% within 15 months
• Average Starting Salary: £26,500-£35,000 for international graduates
• Saudi Market Value: UK qualifications command premium salaries in Saudi Arabia's evolving job market
• Network Benefits: Access to global alumni network with strong Middle East connections

The University of Exeter offers exceptional scholarship opportunities for Saudi students in 2026, combining academic excellence with financial support to make UK education accessible. By understanding the available funding options, application requirements, and strategic approaches outlined in this guide, Saudi students can significantly improve their chances of securing scholarships and achieving their educational goals at one of the UK's premier universities.

Key Statistics

📊 University of Exeter ranks 130th globally in QS World University Rankings 2026, making it a top choice for Saudi students seeking prestigious UK education

💰 Saudi students can access scholarships worth £2,500-£15,000 annually, with the highest awards covering full tuition plus living stipends for PhD students

🎓 94% of Exeter graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months, providing excellent career prospects for Saudi students returning home

📈 Over 28,000 students from 130+ countries study at Exeter, creating a diverse international environment familiar to Saudi students

🌍 The university offers 300+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with popular choices for Saudi students including Engineering, Business, and Computer Science

💡 Annual tuition fees range from £22,500-£29,500 for international students, with living costs estimated at £9,100-£15,700 per year in Exeter

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Saudi students apply for Exeter scholarships by first submitting their course application through UCAS or direct application, then completing the online scholarship application form. Most scholarships require a 500-word essay, academic transcripts with official translations, English proficiency scores, and recommendation letters. The early application deadline is January 15, 2026, with regular deadlines by March 31, 2026. Some scholarships like the Global Excellence Award offer automatic consideration upon admission application.

What is the minimum IELTS score required for Saudi students at University of Exeter?

Saudi students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0 for most programs at University of Exeter. Some competitive programs may require higher scores of 7.0 or above. Alternative English tests like TOEFL (minimum 90) or PTE Academic are also accepted. Students should aim for scores above the minimum requirements to strengthen their scholarship applications and demonstrate strong English proficiency.

How much can Saudi students save through University of Exeter scholarships?

Saudi students can save between £2,500-£15,000 annually through various University of Exeter scholarships. The Global Excellence Scholarship offers up to £5,000, Saudi Arabia Merit Awards provide £3,000-£7,500, and subject-specific scholarships range from £3,500-£6,000. PhD students can receive full tuition coverage plus £15,000 annual stipend through Doctoral College Scholarships. Combined with external funding like King Abdullah Scholarship Program, students can significantly reduce their overall education costs.

What are the best scholarship options for Saudi students studying Engineering at Exeter?

Saudi engineering students have access to several targeted scholarships at University of Exeter. The Engineering Excellence Award provides £4,000 annually, while the Computer Science Innovation Grant offers £3,500. The Renewable Energy Scholarship worth £5,000 is particularly relevant for Saudi students interested in green technology aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. Students can also apply for the broader Global Excellence Scholarship and Saudi Arabia Merit Award simultaneously to maximize funding opportunities.

Does University of Exeter provide support for Muslim Saudi students?

Yes, University of Exeter offers comprehensive support for Muslim Saudi students. The campus includes halal food options in dining facilities, dedicated prayer rooms, and an active Islamic Society that organizes cultural and religious events. The university's International Student Advisory Service provides specific guidance for Middle Eastern students, including visa support and cultural adaptation programs. Exeter also has a growing Saudi student community that helps new students settle into university life while maintaining their cultural identity.

Can Saudi students combine University of Exeter scholarships with other funding sources?

Yes, Saudi students can typically combine University of Exeter scholarships with external funding sources like the King Abdullah Scholarship Program, Ministry of Education scholarships, or Saudi Aramco funding. However, students must declare all funding sources during application and ensure total awards don't exceed the cost of education and living expenses. The university's scholarship office reviews each case individually and may adjust internal awards based on other funding received. Students should communicate transparently about all funding applications to avoid conflicts.

Key Takeaways

✅ University of Exeter offers multiple scholarship opportunities for Saudi students worth £2,500-£15,000 annually, including automatic consideration for some awards

✅ Early application by January 15, 2026 maximizes scholarship chances, with regular deadlines extending to March 31, 2026

✅ Strong English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+) and academic excellence are essential for competitive scholarship applications

✅ Saudi students can combine Exeter scholarships with government funding like King Abdullah Scholarship Program for comprehensive financial support

✅ The university provides excellent Muslim student support including halal food, prayer facilities, and active Islamic Society

✅ 94% graduate employment rate and strong industry connections offer excellent career prospects for Saudi students after graduation