In a landmark move strengthening international education ties, Saudi Arabia has announced 265 fully-funded scholarships exclusively for Filipino students. This initiative for the 2025–2026 academic year underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to nurturing global academic partnerships and supporting Filipino learners.
The scholarship program—part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030—opens doors for qualified undergraduate and graduate students to study at top Saudi universities. It includes full tuition coverage, financial stipends, accommodation, round-trip flights, and medical insurance, making it one of the most comprehensive educational grants available to Filipino citizens today.
A Strategic Educational Collaboration
Saudi Arabia’s educational offering aligns with its broader strategic plan to become a global knowledge hub. By fostering academic relationships with countries like the Philippines, the Kingdom aims to develop stronger cultural and intellectual bridges.
These scholarships reflect years of steady academic cooperation between Manila and Riyadh. With more than 800 Filipino students already studying in Saudi Arabia, this new wave of opportunities builds on a growing foundation.
Scholarship Coverage and Benefits
What sets this program apart is its all-encompassing package designed to remove financial barriers for students:
Full tuition coverage for all eligible programs (except medicine)
Monthly stipends to support living expenses
Free accommodation in university facilities
Comprehensive health insurance
Annual round-trip airfare between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia
These benefits are not only generous but tailored to empower students to focus entirely on their academic goals.
Diverse Academic Fields Available
The “Study in Saudi” program offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in a wide variety of fields including:
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM)
Social Sciences
Business Administration and Economics
Agriculture
Arabic Language and Islamic Law
Political Science
Media and Communications
This diversity ensures that Filipino students can find programs aligned with their interests and long-term career goals.
Application Portal and Process
Interested applicants can apply through the Saudi Ministry of Education’s official portal, “Study in Saudi,” at [studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa]. This central platform provides detailed information on program eligibility, partner universities, and application timelines.
Applicants must submit academic records, proof of citizenship, and other requirements specific to each institution. The portal streamlines the application journey for both undergraduate and graduate studies.
Top Universities Included in the Program
Scholarships are available across 25 top Saudi institutions, including:
King Abdulaziz University (Jeddah)
King Saud University (Riyadh)
Umm Al-Qura University (Makkah)
King Faisal University (Al-Ahsa)
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (Riyadh) — the world’s largest women’s university, with strengths in health and education
These institutions blend tradition with innovation, offering a rich academic environment where students study alongside peers from around the world.
Why Filipino Students Are Prioritized
Filipinos are known for academic excellence, cultural adaptability, and a strong presence in the Middle East workforce. Nearly 1 million Filipinos live and work in Saudi Arabia, making them the sixth-largest expatriate group in the Kingdom.
This scholarship program recognizes the deep-rooted cultural and labor ties between both nations, while also reinforcing educational diplomacy and mutual respect.
The Role of Vision 2030 in Educational Expansion
Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s long-term transformation strategy focused on diversifying its economy and strengthening human capital. One of its pillars is advancing education through internationalization.
By welcoming foreign students—especially from countries with strong bilateral ties like the Philippines—the Kingdom invests in mutual understanding, future diplomacy, and talent development.
Impact on Filipino Families and Communities
The scholarship offers an unprecedented chance for Filipino families to access world-class education without the burden of financial debt. Graduates will return with globally competitive skills that can elevate not just their careers, but entire communities.
Key benefits for the Philippines include:
Brain gain instead of brain drain
Increased cultural diplomacy between the two nations
Enhanced opportunities for research and innovation partnerships
Student Experience and Cultural Exchange
Beyond academics, scholars will immerse themselves in Saudi culture and language, gaining a broader worldview. Cross-cultural exposure also enhances personal development, resilience, and adaptability in international settings.
This program isn’t just about degrees—it’s about shaping global citizens with strong ties to both Saudi Arabia and the Philippines.
Encouraging Female Participation
With growing emphasis on gender inclusion, the program is expected to encourage equal participation from female students. Saudi Arabia has expanded its coeducational policies, allowing more women to pursue international careers via higher education.
This inclusion plays a crucial role in building a gender-balanced leadership pool in both countries.
Alumni Success and Professional Pathways
Filipino alumni of Saudi universities have gone on to successful careers in fields such as engineering, information technology, education, and public policy. With this new cohort, the future looks even brighter.
Saudi-trained professionals bring a unique global perspective that is increasingly valuable in today’s interconnected world.
A Call to Action: Apply Now
With limited slots and high demand, prospective scholars are urged to begin their applications early. Filipino students are advised to prepare necessary documents such as:
Academic transcripts
Proof of graduation
Medical clearances
Letters of recommendation
Applicants should also craft compelling personal statements that reflect both academic ambition and cultural curiosity.
Diplomatic and Educational Ties Strengthened
The scholarship program serves as a diplomatic bridge between Riyadh and Manila, reinforcing both nations’ commitment to mutual growth.
Through educational exchange, both countries benefit from:
Shared innovation
Deepened cultural understanding
Youth empowerment
This initiative is proof that education remains one of the most powerful tools for international cooperation.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s announcement of 265 fully-funded scholarships for Filipinos marks a transformative chapter in global education and Philippine-Middle East relations. It provides unparalleled access to higher education, while fostering mutual respect, collaboration, and future leadership.
For Filipino students with big dreams and limited means, this is a golden opportunity. It’s not just a scholarship—it’s a launchpad for life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the Saudi Arabia scholarships? All Filipino citizens, including those residing in the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, or other countries, are eligible to apply for the 2025–2026 fully-funded scholarship program.
2. What expenses are covered by the scholarship? The scholarship includes full tuition fees, monthly living stipends, accommodation, health insurance, and annual round-trip airfare.
3. Which academic programs are available? Students can pursue undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in STEAM fields, social sciences, economics, agriculture, political science, Arabic language, Islamic law, media, and more.
4. How can students apply? Applications must be submitted via the official “Study in Saudi” portal at [studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa]. Students should prepare all required documents including transcripts, IDs, medical clearances, and recommendation letters.
5. Are female students encouraged to apply? Yes. The program actively supports female participation, and institutions like Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University specialize in programs for women.
6. What is the deadline for applications? Exact deadlines may vary by university, so applicants are encouraged to begin the process as soon as possible and monitor the portal for specific announcements.
7. Can I choose which university to attend? Yes. The scholarship is available across 25 universities, including top-tier institutions like King Saud University and King Abdulaziz University.
8. What makes this scholarship unique? Beyond tuition, this program provides comprehensive support and a cross-cultural experience that connects Filipino students with a global academic network.
9. How many Filipinos are currently studying in Saudi Arabia? As of 2025, over 800 Filipino students are enrolled in Saudi universities, supported by strong educational ties between the two nations.
10. What is Vision 2030 and how does it relate to this? Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s strategic national plan to diversify its economy and enhance human capital through initiatives like international education.
