Study in Saudi Arabia for Pakistani Students

Top Universities in Saudi Arabia for Pakistani Students

Saudi Arabia is home to some of the most prestigious and well-funded universities in the Arab world. These top institutions combine academic excellence, modern infrastructure, and full scholarship opportunities; they are ideal for Pakistani students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies in science, engineering, IT, Islamic studies, and more.

King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh 

King Saud University is Saudi Arabia’s oldest public university and a top-ranked institution in the Middle East. It offers diverse programs in medicine, engineering, IT, and humanities. KSU is known for academic innovation, a massive research budget, and strategic collaborations. 

King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah 

Located on the Red Sea coast, KAU is internationally recognized and offers one of the most comprehensive scholarship packages for international students. With global partnerships and cutting-edge facilities, KAU is a top destination for Pakistani students. 

King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) – Dhahran 

KFUPM is renowned for engineering, IT, and petroleum sciences. It’s one of the most competitive universities in the Arab world and offers high-quality education with significant research funding. 

 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) – Thuwal 

KAUST is a graduate-level university with world-class research labs, global faculty, and fully funded scholarships for all admitted students. It’s best suited for students interested in research and innovation. 

 Islamic University of Madinah – Madinah 

Ideal for students of Islamic studies and Arabic language, this university offers specialized religious education with full financial support and a serene learning environment in Islam’s second holiest city. 

Scholarships in Saudi Arabia for Pakistani Students

Saudi Arabia offers a wide range of fully funded scholarships for Pakistani students, covering tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and more. These scholarships are ideal for students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, PhD, or even training programs across various disciplines.

1. King Abdullah University Scholarship

A highly competitive, fully funded scholarship ideal for Pakistani students pursuing Master’s or PhD programs in science and technology.

• Institute: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
• Level: Master’s, PhD
• Benefits: Full tuition waiver, accommodation, annual stipend (up to $30,000), health insurance, and relocation support
• Eligibility: Open to international students with strong academic backgrounds

2. Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarships

This globally recognized scholarship supports students from Muslim countries, including Pakistan, for studies across various academic levels.

• Institute: Islamic Development Bank
• Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral, Training
• Benefits: Tuition fees, monthly living allowance, travel allowance, health insurance, and academic support
• Eligibility: Open to Pakistani nationals applying for development-focused fields

3. Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship

Designed for students pursuing Islamic Studies, this scholarship provides full financial support for undergraduate and Master’s studies.

• Institute: Islamic University of Madinah
• Level: Undergraduate, Master’s
• Benefits: Monthly stipend, free furnished lodging, medical insurance, tuition waiver
• Eligibility: Only for foreign Muslim students with strong religious background and academic merit

4. King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Scholarship

A prestigious scholarship for Pakistani students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate education in a wide range of fields.

• Institute: King Abdulaziz University
• Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
• Benefits: Tuition fees, SAR 1,900–2,500 monthly stipend, health insurance, visa, and airfare
• Fields: Sciences, engineering, business, humanities, and more

5. King Fahd University Scholarship (KFUPM)

An excellent opportunity for graduate-level students in engineering, IT, and science to pursue fully funded research-focused degrees.

• Institute: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
• Level: Master’s, PhD
• Benefits: Full tuition waiver, monthly allowance, health insurance, and relocation support
• Eligibility: International students with technical or science background

6. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

Though not specific to Saudi Arabia, this scholarship is available to Pakistani students applying to global institutions, including those in the Middle East.

• Institute: Any internationally recognized university
• Level: Master’s, PhD
• Benefits: Partial grant and loan program, covering tuition and living expenses

Note: Available for Pakistani students with financial need and academic excellence

Admission Requirements for Pakistani Students

To study in Saudi Arabia, Pakistani students must meet certain academic and procedural requirements. For undergraduate programs, students should have completed FSc (Pre-Medical/Pre-Engineering) or A-Levels, while postgraduate applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

A minimum 3.00 CGPA is generally required, although this may vary depending on the university and program. Some institutions may also require an IELTS or TOEFL score, typically ranging from 6.0 to 6.5, especially for programs taught in English.

Additionally, applicants must be medically fit and possess a valid police character certificate as part of the visa and university screening process.

Required Documents

When applying to a university and for a student visa, make sure to prepare the following documents:

• A valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
• CNIC and birth certificate (for minors)
• Attested academic transcripts and certificates
• Degree verification from IBCC (for school-level) or HEC (for higher education)
• IELTS/TOEFL certificate (if required)
• A medical fitness report and police clearance certificate
• University admission or scholarship letter
• Proof of funds or scholarship coverage

Visa Process for Pakistani Students

The visa process for studying in Saudi Arabia is simple, but proper visa filing is essential for success. An expert education consultant helps streamline documentation and ensures smooth embassy submission.

• Secure Admission – First, apply to your chosen university and obtain an admission or scholarship letter.
• Apply for Visa – Submit your application through the Saudi Embassy or via the Enjazit online portal.
• Prepare and Submit Documents – Include your passport, medical and police certificates, admission letter, and proof of financial support.
• Attend an Interview – Some applicants may be required to appear for an interview at the Saudi consulate or embassy.
• Visa Approval – The visa processing typically takes around 4 to 6 weeks.

Once approved, you’ll be ready to begin your academic journey in Saudi Arabia.