King Abdulaziz University (KAU) accepted applications from non-Saudi students for undergraduate and graduate study through Saudi Arabia’s official Study in Saudi platform from 16 September to 6 October 2026. That application window is now closed. KAU also maintains external scholarship routes whose future availability should be checked on the official portal.
King Abdulaziz University International Admission 2026
KAU’s current announcement covers non-Saudi students residing both inside and outside Saudi Arabia and directs applicants to Saudi Arabia’s national Study in Saudi platform.
| University | King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|
| Current cycle | 2026 international admission |
| Application period | 16 September–6 October 2026 |
| Applicant group | Non-Saudi applicants from inside and outside Saudi Arabia |
| Study levels | Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes |
| Application platform | Study in Saudi |
| Current status | Applications closed |
Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD Routes
KAU offers international study opportunities at undergraduate and graduate levels. The exact programme list, language requirements and admission conditions depend on the applicant category and the specific academic programme.
| Bachelor’s | Available to eligible international applicants through the current non-Saudi admission route, subject to programme and Study in Saudi requirements. |
|---|---|
| Master’s | Available through postgraduate admission and external-scholarship routes where programme-specific requirements are met. |
| PhD | Available through postgraduate admission and external-scholarship routes where programme-specific requirements are met. |
External Scholarship Benefits
KAU’s official international-scholarship information describes external scholarships for eligible students residing outside Saudi Arabia as fully funded educational scholarships.
| Monthly stipend | Provided to eligible external scholarship students. |
|---|---|
| Arrival allowance | Provided to help eligible scholarship students settle after arrival. |
| Healthcare | Access to university healthcare services. |
| Accommodation | Provided subject to availability, together with academic, social, cultural and training support. |
| Meals | Subsidised meals through university facilities. |
| Annual airfare | Annual round-trip ticket to the student’s home country under scholarship rules. |
| Graduate thesis support | Thesis-printing allowance for Master’s and doctoral students. |
| Graduation support | Allowance for shipping books after graduation. |
General Scholarship Eligibility
KAU’s current external-scholarship information includes general requirements for international graduate applicants, while undergraduate criteria are governed by the current admission route and scholarship regulations.
- Applicants must meet the academic requirements for the selected programme.
- Qualifications must be recognised and appropriately authenticated where required.
- Applicants must be medically fit and of good conduct.
- Applicants must not have been dismissed from a Saudi educational institution.
- Programme-specific language, GPA and academic requirements can apply.
- Scholarship/admission rules can differ for applicants residing inside Saudi Arabia and those applying from abroad.
Graduate Scholarship Requirements
For the external graduate-scholarship route, KAU’s published requirements currently include the following:
| Maximum age — Master’s | 30 years under the current external-scholarship requirements. |
|---|---|
| Maximum age — PhD | 35 years under the current external-scholarship requirements. |
| Minimum academic standing | Normally at least “Very Good” where the qualification is graded under the stated framework. |
| Recommendations | Two academic recommendations from previous instructors. |
| English — IELTS | Current published minimum: 5.0. |
| English — TOEFL iBT | Current published minimum: 61. |
| Other TOEFL equivalents | CBT 173 or PBT 500 under the current external-scholarship information. |
These are general scholarship rules, not a substitute for the admission criteria of the specific Master’s or PhD programme.
2026 Application Process (Closed)
- Open the official Study in Saudi platform.
- Create or sign in to the applicant account.
- Select King Abdulaziz University.
- Review the available undergraduate or postgraduate programmes.
- Check the exact admission and scholarship conditions for the chosen programme.
- Upload all required academic, identity and supporting documents.
- The 2026 application deadline was 6 October 2026; new applications for that window are no longer accepted.
Documents to Prepare
The exact list is shown in the Study in Saudi application and programme instructions. Common documents can include:
- passport or legal identification;
- academic certificates and transcripts;
- certified/authenticated documents where required;
- English-language test scores for applicable graduate programmes;
- academic recommendations for graduate applicants;
- medical or other supporting documentation requested by the programme; and
- any additional programme-specific forms or evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is King Abdulaziz University accepting international applications now?
Yes. KAU’s current announcement states that non-Saudi applications are open from 16 September to 6 October 2026 through Study in Saudi.
Does KAU offer fully funded scholarships?
Yes. KAU’s external-scholarship information describes fully funded educational scholarships for eligible international students residing outside Saudi Arabia.
What does the external scholarship cover?
Published benefits include a monthly stipend, healthcare, annual airfare, accommodation subject to availability, subsidised meals and additional support for eligible graduate scholarship students.
Can I apply for Master’s or PhD study?
Yes, subject to programme availability and the applicable graduate admission and scholarship requirements.
What is the current deadline?
The current KAU announcement gives 6 October 2026 as the closing date for the non-Saudi undergraduate and postgraduate admission window.
Official KAU Sources
| Current 2026 announcement | Non-Saudi undergraduate and postgraduate applications: 16 September–6 October 2026 through Study in Saudi. |
|---|---|
| External scholarship page | Fully funded external scholarships, general requirements and scholarship benefits. |
| Scholarship overview | KAU confirms international scholarship availability at undergraduate and graduate levels. |
| Last verified | 4 October 2026 |
