Scholarships to Study in Arab Countries 2026 (Fully Funded)
Many students assume studying abroad means Europe, the USA, or Australia. What most miss is that Arab countries offer some of the most generous fully funded scholarships in the world.
The Scholarships to Study in Arab Countries 2026 open doors to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs across 22 Arab nations. These scholarships are backed by governments and public universities and often cover everything from tuition to monthly living costs.
I’ve seen students with average profiles secure funding here while getting rejected elsewhere. The competition is real, but the opportunities are wider than people think.
Why Study in Arab Countries?
Arab countries combine strong funding with growing academic systems.
Key reasons students choose this region:
- Fully funded scholarships with clear benefits
- English-taught programs in many universities
- Option to study without IELTS in several cases
- Low or zero tuition fees
- Exposure to fast-growing economies
Many Gulf countries also offer strong career opportunities after graduation, especially in engineering, business, IT, and research.
If you’re also exploring Europe and dont have IELTS, you may want to compare with the Scholarships in Germany Without IELTS
Scholarships to Study in Arab Countries 2026 Overview
- Universities: Arab Universities
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- Scholarship Type: Fully funded
- Study Region: Arab countries
- Eligible Nationalities: All countries
- Deadlines: Vary by scholarship
These programs target international students who want quality education with full financial support.
What Do These Scholarships Cover?
Most fully funded Arab scholarships include:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly living allowance
- Accommodation or housing support
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance or airfare
- Visa support
From experience, Gulf-based scholarships are among the most generous globally, especially for Master’s and PhD students.
Fields of Study Available
Arab universities offer programs across nearly all disciplines.
Common fields include:
- Engineering and Technology
- Computer Science and IT
- Business and Economics
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Humanities and Arts
- Islamic Studies
Students interested in short research exposure in Europe may also look into the Erasmus Mundus Internships 2026 in Europe as a complementary option.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Arab Countries
Below is a curated list of the best scholarships to study in Arab countries in 2026.
King Abdulaziz University Scholarship – Saudi Arabia
King Abdulaziz University offers fully funded scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs.
Key highlights:
- Covers all academic fields
- Monthly stipend and housing
- Medical care and airfare
For more details, Visit here
This scholarship suits students looking for diverse programs under one university.
King Fahd University Scholarship – Saudi Arabia
The KFUPM Scholarship supports Master’s, PhD, and MBA programs.
It is known for:
- Strong engineering and science programs
- Research-focused environment
- High academic standards
For more details, Visit here
Many successful applicants come from technical backgrounds.
King Abdullah University Scholarship – Saudi Arabia
Often known as the KAUST Scholarship, this program offers fully funded Master’s, MS/PhD, and PhD degrees.
Important facts:
- Open to all nationalities
- Research-intensive
- Around 150 students selected globally
For more details, Visit here
This is one of the most competitive scholarships in the region.
Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship – Saudi Arabia
The Islamic University of Madinah provides fully funded opportunities for international students.
It focuses on:
- Islamic studies
- Arabic language programs
- Selected academic disciplines
For more details, Visit here
The Saudi government funds this scholarship fully.
Ministry of Education Scholarships – Bahrain
Bahrain offers government-funded scholarships to support higher education.
These scholarships aim to:
- Develop skilled graduates
- Support innovation and research
- Promote international education exchange
For more details, Visit here
They are suitable for students interested in emerging education hubs.
Kuwait Government Scholarships
The Kuwait Government Scholarships 2026 support Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs.
Funded by:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ministry of Education
For more details, Visit here
These scholarships attract students interested in public universities in Kuwait.
Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarship – Qatar
The HBKU Scholarship supports Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD studies.
Why students choose HBKU:
- Public university with global reputation
- Strong research focus
- Located in Education City, Doha
For more details, Visit here
Qatar University Scholarship – Qatar
Qatar University offers fully funded Master’s, PhD, and non-degree programs.
Key features:
- Public research university
- Wide range of disciplines
- Support for international students
For more details, visit here
Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarship – Qatar
This scholarship supports Master’s programs for students worldwide.
It emphasizes:
- Social sciences
- Public policy
- Humanities
For more details, Visit here
The funding structure suits research-oriented students.
Qatar Government Scholarships
The Qatar government provides around 500 scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs.
These scholarships support:
- Full-time study
- Public universities
- Local and international students
For more details, Visit here
United Arab Emirates University Scholarship
UAEU offers fully funded Master’s and PhD scholarships.
Why UAEU stands out:
- One of the top public universities in the UAE
- Research-driven programs
- Strong academic facilities
For more details, Visit here
Khalifa University Scholarships – UAE
Khalifa University offers scholarships for:
- Undergraduate
- Master’s
- PhD
- Medicine and pre-med programs
For more details, Visit here
It is considered one of the best universities in the UAE for science and engineering.
How to Apply Scholarships to Study in Arab Countries 2026
While each scholarship has its own process, most follow similar steps:
- Choose a country and university
- Select a suitable degree program
- Prepare academic and personal documents
- Apply for admission first, if required
- Submit the scholarship application
- Wait for selection results
Always apply through the official university or government portal. Avoid third-party sites that ask for fees.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Avoid these issues:
- Applying late without checking deadlines
- Submitting generic motivation letters
- Ignoring eligibility rules
- Applying without proper documents
One student I advised missed a KAUST round simply because they underestimated document preparation time.
Final Thoughts
The Scholarships to Study in Arab Countries 2026 offer serious opportunities for students who want full financial support and global exposure. These programs are ideal if you want to study abroad without taking loans.
