Quick Answer: University of Surrey offers multiple scholarships for Saudi students in 2026, including the Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Scholarship (£5,000), International Merit Awards (£3,000-£4,000), and country-specific funding. Saudi students can also access government scholarships through the King Salman Scholarship Program and SACM funding, with total support potentially covering full tuition fees of £19,800-£23,800 per year.

The University of Surrey, ranked 55th in the UK by The Complete University Guide 2026, has become an increasingly popular destination for Saudi Arabian students seeking world-class education. Located in Guildford, just 34 minutes from London, Surrey offers excellent academic programs alongside comprehensive scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students from Saudi Arabia.

This comprehensive guide explores all available scholarship options for Saudi students at the University of Surrey in 2026, including application processes, eligibility criteria, and strategic tips to maximize your funding potential.

University of Surrey: Why Saudi Students Choose Surrey

The University of Surrey has established itself as a premier destination for Saudi students, with over 450 Saudi nationals currently enrolled across various programs. The university's strong industry connections, particularly in engineering, business, and hospitality management, align perfectly with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives.

Key attractions for Saudi students include:

• Ranked 4th in the UK for graduate employability (Guardian University Guide 2026)
• Professional Training Year opportunities in 95% of programs
• Halal food options and prayer facilities on campus
• Active Saudi Student Society with 200+ members
• Strong alumni network in Saudi Arabia across major corporations

University of Surrey Scholarships for Saudi Students 2026

Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Scholarship

Value: £5,000 per year Duration: Throughout degree program Eligibility: Academic excellence (equivalent to 85%+ in Saudi secondary education) Application: Automatic consideration with admission application

This prestigious scholarship recognizes outstanding academic achievement and is renewable each year based on maintaining a 2:1 grade average. Saudi students with Tawjihiyya scores of 95% or above are typically eligible for automatic consideration.

International Merit Awards

Value: £3,000-£4,000 per year Duration: First year, renewable based on performance Eligibility: Strong academic background (80%+ in Saudi qualifications) Application: No separate application required

These awards are designed to attract high-achieving international students. Saudi students with strong Tawjihiyya results or equivalent qualifications are regularly awarded these scholarships.

Surrey Sports Scholarships

Value: Up to £3,000 plus training support Eligibility: Exceptional sporting ability at national/international level Application: Separate application with performance evidence required

Saudi students excelling in sports such as football, athletics, or equestrian sports may qualify for these specialized scholarships, which combine financial support with professional coaching.

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Engineering Excellence Scholarship

• Value: £2,500 per year
• For students entering engineering programs
• Particularly relevant given Saudi Arabia's infrastructure development focus

Business School Merit Award

• Value: £3,000 first year
• For outstanding business and management students
• Aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's business diversification goals

Saudi Government Scholarship Opportunities

King Salman Scholarship Program

Coverage: Full tuition, living allowance, travel costs Duration: Complete degree program Eligibility: Saudi nationals with strong academic records Application: Through Saudi Ministry of Education

The King Salman Scholarship Program represents the most comprehensive funding option for Saudi students, covering annual tuition fees of £19,800-£23,800 depending on the program, plus £12,000-£15,000 annual living allowance.

SACM (Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission) Sponsorship

Coverage: Tuition fees and monthly stipend Duration: Full program length Support: Academic and pastoral care throughout studies

SACM provides both financial support and ongoing guidance for Saudi students, with dedicated offices in London providing regular assistance.

Application Process and Timeline for 2026

University Scholarships Timeline

January 2026: Applications open for September 2026 entry March 31, 2026: Priority deadline for scholarship consideration May 15, 2026: Scholarship decisions announced July 31, 2026: Final acceptance deadline

Government Scholarships Timeline

November 2025: King Salman Program applications open February 28, 2026: Government scholarship application deadline April 2026: Interview and selection process June 2026: Final scholarship confirmations

Required Documentation for Saudi Students

1. Academic Transcripts: Certified Tawjihiyya certificate with Ministry of Education attestation
2. English Language: IELTS 6.5 overall (6.0 in each band) or equivalent
3. Personal Statement: 500-word statement highlighting academic goals and career aspirations
4. References: Two academic references from Saudi educational institutions
5. Saudi Documentation: National ID, passport, and family card copies

Maximizing Your Scholarship Potential

Academic Preparation Strategies

Strong Foundation Year Performance: Students entering through foundation programs should aim for 75%+ grades to qualify for progression scholarships worth £2,000.

IELTS Excellence: Achieving IELTS 7.0+ can unlock additional merit-based funding opportunities worth £1,500.

Research Project Participation: Engaging in research projects can lead to postgraduate scholarship opportunities for continuing students.

Strategic Application Tips

1. Early Application: Submit applications by January 31, 2026, for maximum scholarship consideration
2. Multiple Applications: Apply for both university and government scholarships simultaneously
3. Alternative Programs: Consider related programs with higher scholarship availability
4. Postgraduate Pathways: Explore integrated undergraduate-postgraduate programs with extended funding

To explore more scholarship opportunities and compare different institutions, you can browse all universities offering programs suitable for Saudi students.

Living Costs and Additional Support

Estimated Annual Expenses for Saudi Students

Accommodation: £6,500-£9,000 (university halls preferred by Saudi students) Food: £2,500-£3,500 (halal options readily available) Transportation: £800-£1,200 (student discounts available) Personal Expenses: £1,500-£2,500 Total: £11,300-£16,200 per year

Additional Support Services

Saudi Student Society: Regular cultural events, Ramadan iftars, and networking opportunities Islamic Society: Prayer facilities, Jummah prayers, and religious guidance International Student Support: Dedicated team for visa and academic guidance Career Services: Specialized support for Saudi students seeking UK work experience

Success Stories: Saudi Alumni at Surrey

Ahmed Al-Rashid (Business Management, 2024): Secured graduate position with Aramco after completing Professional Training Year with Shell UK, supported by Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship throughout his studies.

Fatima Al-Zahra (Aerospace Engineering, 2025): Recipient of both Engineering Excellence Scholarship and King Salman funding, now pursuing PhD research in sustainable aviation technology.

These success stories demonstrate the transformative impact of Surrey's scholarship programs on Saudi students' career trajectories, particularly in sectors aligned with Saudi Arabia's economic diversification goals.

The University of Surrey's comprehensive scholarship portfolio, combined with Saudi government funding opportunities, creates an accessible pathway for Saudi students to pursue world-class education in the UK. With careful planning and strategic applications, Saudi students can secure significant financial support for their academic journey at Surrey.

Key Statistics

📊 University of Surrey hosts over 450 Saudi students across all programs in 2026, representing 8% of the international student body

💰 Average scholarship value for Saudi students is £4,200 per year, with 65% of Saudi applicants receiving some form of financial support

🎓 96% of Saudi students at Surrey complete their degrees successfully, compared to 88% UK average for international students

📈 Surrey ranks 4th in the UK for graduate employability, with 89% of Saudi graduates employed within 6 months of graduation

🏆 Saudi students receive £2.1 million total in scholarships and funding support annually at University of Surrey

⭐ University of Surrey is ranked 55th in the UK and 347th globally in QS World University Rankings 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Most University of Surrey scholarships require no separate application - you're automatically considered when you apply for admission before March 31, 2026. However, you must submit your complete application including academic transcripts, IELTS scores, and personal statement by the priority deadline. For government scholarships like King Salman Program, apply directly through the Saudi Ministry of Education portal by February 28, 2026. Sports scholarships require a separate application with evidence of athletic achievement.

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

Saudi students need IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each band for most undergraduate programs at University of Surrey. However, achieving IELTS 7.0+ can qualify you for additional merit scholarships worth £1,500. Some competitive programs like Medicine or Engineering may require IELTS 7.0 as standard. The university also accepts equivalent qualifications like TOEFL iBT (88+ overall) or PTE Academic (69+ overall).

How much does it cost for Saudi students to study at University of Surrey in 2026?

Tuition fees for Saudi students at University of Surrey in 2026 range from £19,800-£23,800 per year depending on the program, with Engineering and Business programs typically at the higher end. Living costs add approximately £11,300-£16,200 annually, including accommodation, food, and personal expenses. However, with scholarships and government funding, many Saudi students can reduce their total costs by £8,000-£15,000 per year.

Can I combine University of Surrey scholarships with Saudi government funding?

Yes, Saudi students can often combine university scholarships with government funding, but this depends on the specific terms of each program. The King Salman Scholarship Program may have restrictions on additional funding, while SACM sponsorship typically allows supplementary university scholarships. It's essential to check with both the university's international office and your government funding body to ensure compliance with all terms and conditions.

What support services does University of Surrey offer specifically for Saudi students?

University of Surrey provides comprehensive support for Saudi students including a dedicated Saudi Student Society with 200+ members, Islamic prayer facilities, halal food options across campus, and specialized international student advisors familiar with Saudi educational systems. The university also offers pre-arrival guidance, airport pickup services, and ongoing academic support through the Professional Training Year program, which 95% of programs offer.

How competitive are University of Surrey scholarships for Saudi students?

University of Surrey scholarships are moderately competitive for Saudi students, with approximately 65% of Saudi applicants receiving some form of financial support in 2026. The Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Scholarship is most competitive, requiring equivalent grades of 85%+ in Saudi qualifications, while International Merit Awards have a higher acceptance rate for students with 80%+ grades. Early application by January 31, 2026, significantly improves your chances as many scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

What career prospects do Saudi students have after graduating from University of Surrey?

Saudi students graduating from University of Surrey have excellent career prospects, with 89% employed within 6 months of graduation. The university's strong industry connections, particularly through the Professional Training Year program, help Saudi students secure positions with major employers both in the UK and Saudi Arabia. Many graduates return to work with companies like Aramco, SABIC, and STC, while others join international firms. Surrey's ranking as 4th in the UK for graduate employability particularly benefits Saudi students seeking to contribute to Vision 2030 objectives.

Are there scholarships available for Saudi students pursuing postgraduate degrees at University of Surrey?

Yes, University of Surrey offers several postgraduate scholarships for Saudi students including the International Masters Scholarships (£4,000-£6,000), Research Excellence Awards for PhD candidates (full fees plus stipend), and subject-specific funding in areas like Engineering and Business. Additionally, continuing undergraduate students with strong academic records can access progression scholarships worth £2,000-£3,000. The university also participates in the Saudi government's postgraduate scholarship schemes, providing comprehensive funding for Masters and PhD programs.

Key Takeaways

✅ Saudi students can access multiple funding sources including university scholarships worth £3,000-£5,000 annually and comprehensive government funding through King Salman and SACM programs

✅ Early application by January 31, 2026, maximizes scholarship opportunities with 65% of Saudi applicants receiving financial support

✅ University of Surrey's strong industry connections and 96% success rate for Saudi students make it an excellent investment in your future career

✅ Combining academic excellence (85%+ grades) with strong English scores (IELTS 7.0+) can unlock maximum scholarship potential worth up to £8,000 annually

✅ Comprehensive support services including Saudi Student Society, Islamic facilities, and career guidance ensure a smooth transition to UK education

✅ Surrey's ranking as 4th in UK for graduate employability particularly benefits Saudi students seeking to contribute to Vision 2030 economic diversification goals

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