The initiative aims to attract talented and distinguished graduate students from Saudi Arabia and around the world to study at King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh.

The general objective of the initiative is to attract top students from inside KSA, and from around the world, to join KSU community strengthening the quality of PhD students, in a culturally diverse environment, with the following specific objectives:

To facilitate local and international students’ contributions to research productivity in alignment with KSU’s priorities

To advance academic development and innovation at the university level.

To cultivate a dynamic research environment that fosters excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration within the university and with international universities

ELIGIBILITY:

Master’s degree from an accredited institution

English proficiency: Only official TOEFL, IELTS, and STEP scores will be accepted. KSU requires a minimum TOEFL score of 61 on the IBT (Internet-Based Test) or 6 on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or 85 on STEP. The KSU admissions code for IELTS (147080) and for TOEFL (7498). A waiver from this requirement is possible if the applicant received a Master’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.

Two letters of recommendation

Curriculum Vitae (CV), with an evidence of a recent publication or a patent if available.

A statement of purpose.

The GRE general test is preferable but not required unless specified by the selected program.

A personal interview may be required (virtual or in-person).

BENEFIT:

All eligible full-time students will be granted the following benefits under the initiative, which provides support throughout their PhD studies (for 3 years). These benefits include:

Full tuition support

Monthly living allowance [a total of  54,000 ($ 14,400) annually]

On-campus Housing

Comprehensive health coverage at the university hospitals

Relocation support for students from outside Riyadh

Part-time work opportunities might be available

Eligibility to work in KSA for up to one year after graduation