Students looking for fully funded graduate scholarships in Saudi Arabia can consider the opportunities offered by King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM).
The university has opened its Fall 2027 admission cycle for international students interested in pursuing a research-based Master’s degree (MS) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
The scholarship covers tuition fees and provides several financial and academic benefits, including a monthly stipend, free accommodation, medical care and airfare for international students.
Applications for MS (Thesis-Based) and PhD programmes are scheduled from November 1 to December 15, 2026.
Students from Pakistan and other countries can apply if they meet the university’s academic and admission requirements.
KFUPM Scholarship 2027 – Overview
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals |
| Country | Saudi Arabia |
| Study Level | MS and PhD |
| Academic Session | Fall 2027 |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | Saudi and International Students |
| MS Admission | Thesis-Based |
| PhD Admission | Regular and Direct Entry |
| Application Start | November 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | December 15, 2026 |
| Teaching Language | English |
| Official Website | https://cgis.kfupm.edu.sa/ |
What Does the KFUPM Scholarship Cover?
KFUPM offers financial support to selected graduate students through its scholarship programme. Successful applicants can receive the following benefits:
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver: Students admitted with a scholarship do not pay tuition fees.
- Monthly Stipend: A monthly allowance is provided according to the scholarship category.
- Free Accommodation: Furnished and air-conditioned accommodation is available on campus, including utilities and maintenance.
- Airfare: International students receive air tickets to and from KFUPM.
- Medical and Dental Care: Students receive medical and dental services.
- Subsidized Meals: Affordable meals are available on campus.
- Free Textbooks: Students can access essential study materials without additional costs.
- Research Opportunities: Students may participate in research projects and receive additional financial benefits under applicable arrangements.
- Conference Support: Funding may be available for attending academic conferences, subject to university conditions.
These benefits make the KFUPM scholarship an attractive option for students interested in graduate education and research in Saudi Arabia.
Official scholarship details: https://cgis.kfupm.edu.sa/admission/kfupm-scholarship
Available Study Programmes
KFUPM offers graduate programmes in several academic and research fields.
Master’s Degree (MS – Thesis-Based)
The university offers research-based Master’s programmes in areas such as:
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Industrial and Systems Engineering
Not every Master’s programme is covered by the graduate scholarship. Funding is available for selected MS programmes, particularly those without a corresponding PhD track. Applicants should check the scholarship eligibility of their chosen programme before applying.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
KFUPM offers PhD opportunities in several disciplines, including:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Business Administration
- Industrial and Systems Engineering
The university also offers a Direct Entry PhD option for eligible applicants holding a four-year Bachelor’s degree.
Explore the available programmes here:
Eligibility Criteria for KFUPM Scholarship 2027
Applicants must meet the university’s academic and English language requirements.
1. MS Scholarship Requirements
To apply for an MS (Thesis-Based) programme, applicants generally need:
- A four-year Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science from a recognised university.
- A minimum GPA of 3.00 out of 4.00 for scholarship applicants.
- IELTS score of at least 6.0, TOEFL iBT 70 or Duolingo English Test 105.
- Two recommendation letters, preferably from university faculty members.
- A suitable academic background for the selected programme.
2. PhD Scholarship Requirements
Applicants seeking admission to a regular PhD programme must generally have:
- A Master’s degree in Engineering or Science from a recognised institution.
- A minimum GPA of 3.00 out of 4.00 in both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- IELTS score of at least 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80 or Duolingo English Test 120.
- Two recommendation letters, preferably from graduate-level faculty members.
- A relevant academic background for the proposed research field.
3. Direct Entry PhD Requirements
Students who have completed a four-year Bachelor’s degree may also apply for the Direct Entry PhD programme without first completing a Master’s degree.
The general requirements include:
- A four-year Bachelor’s degree.
- Minimum GPA of 3.00 out of 4.00.
- IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80 or Duolingo 120.
The Direct Entry PhD programme typically takes five years. According to the university, the full scholarship covers the first four years of this programme.
Important: Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission or a scholarship. The university evaluates applications based on academic performance, qualifications, programme requirements and available places.
Official admission requirements:
https://cgis.kfupm.edu.sa/admission/admissionrequirement
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare their academic and supporting documents before starting the online application.
Commonly required documents include:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate.
- Master’s degree certificate (for regular PhD applicants).
- Official academic transcripts.
- English language test results.
- Updated CV or résumé.
- Two recommendation letters.
- Passport or identification document.
- Any additional documents requested by the selected department.
Applicants should check the online application instructions because additional documents may be required for specific programmes.
How to Apply for KFUPM Scholarship 2027
The application process is completed online through the university’s official admission system.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official KFUPM graduate admission website.
Step 2: Review the available MS (Thesis-Based) and PhD programmes.
Step 3: Check the admission requirements and confirm that your chosen MS programme is eligible for scholarship funding.
Step 4: Prepare your academic documents, English language test results and recommendation letters.
Step 5: Create an account on the university’s application portal.
Step 6: Complete the online application and upload the required documents.
Step 7: Submit your application and keep checking your application status and email for further communication from the university.
Application portal:
Application Deadline
The announced application period for Fall 2027 MS (Thesis-Based) and PhD admissions is:
- Opening Date: November 1, 2026
- Closing Date: December 15, 2026
Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline. Do not wait until the final days to arrange recommendation letters or English language test results.
Always check the official application portal for the latest status before submitting your application.
Can Pakistani Students Apply?
Yes. Pakistani students are eligible to apply for KFUPM graduate programmes, along with other international applicants.
Students from Pakistan who have completed a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree can consider this opportunity if they meet the academic, English language and programme-specific requirements.
Before applying, Pakistani applicants should:
- Check whether their degree is relevant to the selected programme.
- Calculate their GPA according to the university’s requirements.
- Prepare official transcripts and degree certificates.
- Arrange recommendation letters from university faculty members.
- Prepare a valid English language test result if required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the KFUPM Scholarship 2027 fully funded?
Yes. Selected MS and PhD students admitted with a full scholarship receive tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, free campus accommodation and other benefits.
2. Can Pakistani students apply for this scholarship?
Yes. International students, including applicants from Pakistan, can apply if they meet the admission requirements.
3. Is IELTS compulsory for KFUPM admission?
The university accepts IELTS, TOEFL and Duolingo English Test scores. The minimum IELTS requirement is 6.0 for MS and 6.5 for PhD applicants. Certain applicants may qualify for an exemption under university rules.
4. Can I apply for a PhD directly after a Bachelor’s degree?
Yes. KFUPM offers a Direct Entry PhD option for eligible applicants with a four-year Bachelor’s degree and the required academic and English language qualifications.
5. Are all Master’s programmes fully funded?
No. The graduate scholarship covers selected MS programmes, particularly those without a corresponding PhD track. Applicants should confirm funding availability for their chosen programme.
6. What is the last date to apply?
The announced deadline for Fall 2027 MS (Thesis-Based) and PhD admissions is December 15, 2026.
Final Words
The KFUPM Graduate Scholarship 2027 is a valuable opportunity for students who want to pursue advanced studies in Saudi Arabia without paying tuition fees.
If you have a strong academic background and are interested in research, start preparing your documents, English language test results and recommendation letters now.
Visit the official KFUPM website to review the latest admission requirements and submit your application.
Official Links:
- University Website: https://www.kfupm.edu.sa/
- Graduate Admissions: https://cgis.kfupm.edu.sa/
- Scholarship Details: https://cgis.kfupm.edu.sa/admission/kfupm-scholarship
- Admission Requirements: https://cgis.kfupm.edu.sa/admission/admissionrequirement
- Online Application: https://cgis.kfupm.edu.sa/apply