KFUPM Scholarship 2027 | Application Process

The KFUPM Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students who wish to study in Saudi Arabia. This fully funded scholarship is available for master’s and PhD programmes at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. The KFUPM Scholarship 2027 covers full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, on-campus housing, medical coverage and relocation support. In this article, we provide a complete guide to the KFUPM Scholarship, including scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, required documents, application deadlines, and a detailed step-by-step application process.

Since its establishment in 1963, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, has stood as a beacon of academic excellence. Globally recognised and ranked 67th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, KFUPM boasts all its engineering disciplines among the world’s top 60, with petroleum engineering achieving an impressive 4th position.

The Deanship of Graduate Studies at KFUPM is pleased to announce that the university offers fully funded MS and PhD scholarships for outstanding graduate applicants who demonstrate exceptional potential for conducting original research in the fields of engineering, science, and business.

KFUPM Scholarship Highlights

Degree ProgrammesMaster’s / PhD
Scholarship ProviderKing Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)
Study DestinationSaudi Arabia
Fields of StudyClick here to find all the available degree programmes.
Programme DurationMaster’s: 2 years; PhD: 3 years
FundingFully Funded

KFUPM Scholarship Benefits

The KFUPM Scholarship will provide the recipients with the following benefits:

  • Full tuition fee cover.
  • Monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
  • Furnished air-conditioned apartment.
  • Medical cover.
  • Free textbooks.
  • Subsidised meals in the university cafeteria.
  • Projects funded by the university.
  • An airfare ticket to Saudi Arabia and then a return ticket after the completion of studies.

Eligibility Requirements for the KFUPM Scholarship 2027

The following are the minimum eligibility requirements for the KFUPM Scholarship:

  • English is the required language, with the minimum score for TOEFL IBT being 70/120 and for IELTS being 6.0/9.0.
  • Students from all countries are eligible to apply.
  • A four-year bachelor’s degree is required, and a two-year master’s degree (for PhD applicants) from a recognised institution.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.00 (for scholarship students) and 2.5 (non-scholarship students) out of 4.00.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.00 for MBA students.
  • At least one year of full-time work experience for MBA students.

Step-by-Step Application Process for the KFUPM Scholarship 2027

The following simple and easy application process will help you to apply for this scholarship:

Step 1: Complete the online graduate admission application for the coming semester, which will be available according to the online application deadlines through the online application link.

Step 2: After submission of a complete online application, mandatory documents need to be uploaded before the deadlines through the upload system using the same login ID and PIN created for the online application. 

Mandatory documents for an application (without which the application will not be processed)

  • Copy of identification (passport for international applicants/National ID for Saudi nationals/Iqama for residents of Saudi Arabia).
  • Complete official transcripts for the BS degree (and the MS degree if applying to a PhD).
  • Statement of Purpose (a one-page essay focusing on career and research goals at KFUPM).
  • Recommendation letters from academic referees can be obtained through the online recommendation system after submitting the online application.
  • Certificates for a BS degree (and an MS degree if applying for a PhD) will be awarded upon completion of the degree requirements.
  • GMAT score (for international MBA applicants).

Other supporting documents (needed for a final decision)

  • TOEFL score (min. is 68 iBT for MS and 79 iBT for PhD) or IELTS score (min. is 6 for MS and 6.5 for PhD).
  • Acceptable GRE General score (min. Quant. is 156, min. Analytical Writing is 4.0).
  • Upon approval, original/certified copies of the degree certificate(s) and transcript(s) are to be sent through postal mail.

KFUPM Scholarship Application Deadline

The application deadline for the KFUPM Scholarship 2027 is in January and February 2026. Click here to check the application deadline.

For further information about the KFUPM Scholarship and the application process, please visit the official website:

Official website

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to get admission at KFUPM without a scholarship?
For most international postgraduate applicants, admission and scholarship funding are offered together. Self-funded admission opportunities for international students are limited.
Do I need to contact a professor before applying to KFUPM for a PhD?
Contacting a potential supervisor is not always mandatory, but it can significantly strengthen a PhD application, especially for research-focused programmes.
How competitive are KFUPM fully funded Master’s and PhD scholarships?
The scholarships are highly competitive. Successful applicants usually have strong academic records, relevant research backgrounds, and well-prepared supporting documents.
Is prior research experience required for a KFUPM PhD?
Formal research experience is not strictly required, but applicants with publications, thesis work, or research projects are generally more competitive for PhD admission.
Can international students from any country apply for KFUPM scholarships?
Yes. KFUPM accepts applications from international students worldwide, provided they meet the academic and programme-specific requirements.
Are English language test scores mandatory for KFUPM postgraduate admission?
In most cases, English language proficiency is required through tests such as IELTS or TOEFL, unless an exemption applies based on prior education in English.
Can I apply to more than one programme at KFUPM?
Applicants usually apply to one programme per application cycle. If interested in multiple research areas, separate applications may be required.
What are common reasons applications are rejected at KFUPM?
Applications are commonly rejected due to weak academic background, missing documents, insufficient English proficiency, or poorly aligned research interests.
Does KFUPM offer funding for dependants or family members?
The scholarship primarily supports the student. Family or dependent expenses are generally not covered and must be arranged independently.
When do KFUPM scholarship results usually come out?
Decision timelines vary by intake and department. Applicants are typically notified through the official admissions portal and email once the evaluation process is complete.