In a bold move aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, King Saud University (KSU) has launched a high-impact PhD Initiative designed to attract exceptional graduate students from Saudi Arabia and around the world. This fully funded doctoral opportunity is not just another scholarship program. It is a strategic investment in global research talent, innovation, and interdisciplinary excellence.
Approved by the KSU Board of Directors, the initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to strengthening higher education, expanding scientific research, and positioning Riyadh as a global academic hub. With structured doctoral training, competitive funding, and strong post-graduation work prospects, this initiative stands out as one of the most ambitious PhD scholarship programs currently offered in the Gulf region.
The program specifically targets highly accomplished students seeking to pursue PhD degrees in priority disciplines including Computer Sciences, Engineering, Basic and Applied Sciences, and Health and Medical Sciences.
While the number of awards has not been officially specified, the initiative is positioned as a competitive, merit-based program designed to attract top-tier academic and research talent globally.
Why This Initiative Matters for Global PhD Aspirants?
This is not simply financial aid. It is a structured research ecosystem offering:
- Rigorous coursework combined with independent dissertation research
- Written and oral qualifying examinations
- Research proposal development under expert supervision
- Full dissertation defense pathway
- Integration into a culturally diverse and internationally collaborative research environment
Students may begin as early as the Winter semester (January 2026), subject to completion of documentation and visa processing requirements.
Fully Funded Financial Plan: What You Actually Receive
The King Saud University Initiative provides comprehensive financial support for three years of full-time doctoral study. Here is what selected scholars can expect:
- Full tuition coverage for the entire PhD duration
- Annual living allowance of SAR 54,000 (approximately USD 14,400)
- On-campus housing
- Comprehensive health coverage at university hospitals
- Relocation support for students coming from outside Riyadh
- Potential part-time work opportunities
- Eligibility to work in Saudi Arabia for up to one year after graduation
This financial structure ensures that scholars can focus fully on research productivity, innovation, and academic excellence without financial strain.
Who Can Apply? Core Eligibility Requirements Explained
KSU maintains high academic standards to ensure only top research candidates are admitted. If you are considering applying, you must meet the following general requirements:
- A Master’s degree from an accredited institution
- English proficiency through official TOEFL, IELTS, or STEP scores
- Minimum TOEFL iBT: 61
- Minimum IELTS: 6.0
- Minimum STEP: 85
- Waiver possible if Master’s degree was completed in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand
- Two letters of recommendation
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV), preferably including a recent publication or patent
- Statement of Purpose
- GRE General Test (preferred but not mandatory unless required by specific program)
- Personal interview (virtual or in-person, if requested)
Additional program-specific requirements may apply depending on the chosen PhD discipline.
Step-by-Step Application Journey Made Simple
If you are planning to apply, here is how the process works:
First, submit a complete application through the official KSU application portal https://dgsinitiative.ksu.edu.sa/ during the announced intake window. Once your application passes initial review, shortlisted candidates are nominated by the Initiative Steering Committee.
Selected nominees (both KSA residents and international applicants) will then be required to upload official documents through the Study in Saudi portal. Failure to upload documents within the specified timeframe results in automatic disqualification from further consideration.
International students must apply for an Educational Visa through the Study in Saudi system once formally admitted. Detailed visa instructions are shared directly with accepted candidates.
The process is competitive, structured, and phased — so applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare documentation well in advance of the next intake announcement.
Academic Fields Available Under the Initiative
The scholarship supports PhD study in the following broad areas:
- Computer Sciences
- Engineering
- Basic and Applied Sciences
- Health and Medical Sciences
Each PhD program includes coursework, dissertation research (minimum 24 credit hours equivalent), qualifying exams, research proposal development, and final dissertation defense.