King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) is accepting applications for its 2027 graduate scholarships in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, with a deadline of 15 December 2026. Eligible international and Saudi students can apply for thesis-based Master’s (MS) and PhD programs, with selected scholarship recipients receiving full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, furnished accommodation, healthcare, and other benefits.
KFUPM offers scholarship opportunities across its PhD programs, including direct-entry PhD routes for eligible four-year bachelor’s degree holders. Master’s scholarships are more restricted, so applicants should confirm whether their chosen degree qualifies for funding. Applicants generally need a minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 or equivalent for scholarship consideration, alongside the applicable English-language requirements. The application window opened on 1 November 2026. This guide explains the funding conditions, eligibility requirements, available programs, and official application process.
KFUPM Scholarships 2027: Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) |
| Country | Saudi Arabia |
| Academic year | 2027 admissions |
| Degree levels | Thesis-based MS, PhD, Direct-entry PhD |
| Scholarship | Full funding for selected applicants |
| Eligible applicants | Saudi and international students |
| Application opens | 1 November 2026 |
| Application deadline | 15 December 2026 |
| English tests | IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo |
| Application method | Online |
What Does the KFUPM Scholarship Cover?
KFUPM provides full scholarships to selected graduate students who demonstrate strong academic qualifications.
According to the university’s scholarship information, benefits include:
- Full tuition coverage: Scholarship recipients do not pay tuition fees.
- Monthly stipend: Financial support is provided according to the student’s category.
- Free accommodation: Furnished, air-conditioned on-campus housing, including utilities and maintenance.
- International airfare: Air tickets are provided to international scholarship recipients.
- Healthcare: Medical and dental care.
- Meals: Access to subsidized meals.
- Academic resources: Free textbooks and access to university libraries and departmental resource centres.
Scholarship recipients may also have opportunities to participate in funded research projects, receive financial benefits from research activities, and obtain conference participation funding under specified conditions.
KFUPM does not state a universal monthly stipend amount on its main scholarship page. Applicants should therefore avoid relying on unofficial figures that may apply to different scholarship categories.
If you are comparing several funding opportunities, our guide on how to find fully funded scholarships abroad explains how to assess tuition coverage, living stipends, travel benefits, and possible funding gaps before applying.
Are all KFUPM Master’s programs fully funded?
Not necessarily. KFUPM’s international scholarship information states that scholarships are available across its PhD programs and selected Master’s programs that do not have corresponding doctoral tracks. The university’s broader scholarship page also refers to distinguished MS applicants, but this does not establish funding availability for every Master’s degree.
If you are applying for a thesis-based MS, check whether your chosen program offers scholarship consideration before assuming that tuition and living expenses will be covered. Admission to a degree and selection for a full scholarship are separate decisions.
Important funding limitation for direct-entry PhD students
KFUPM’s direct-entry PhD program is designed to take five years. However, the university explicitly states that full scholarship funding is provided for the first four years.
Applicants should clarify how they would finance the fifth year before accepting an offer. A five-year degree duration should not be interpreted as a guarantee of five years of scholarship support.
How much is the KFUPM monthly stipend?
A previously published official KFUPM graduate studies brochure lists stipends of SAR 2,500 for Master’s students and SAR 5,000 for PhD students. However, the university’s current scholarship page states that stipends depend on the scholarship category and does not confirm fixed amounts for the 2027 admissions cycle.
Applicants should treat the brochure figures as indicative rather than guaranteed and confirm their actual stipend in the scholarship offer.
Available MS and PhD Programs at KFUPM
KFUPM offers graduate programs across engineering, computer science, natural sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary research.
Examples include:
| Research field | Available degree options |
|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering | MS and PhD |
| Mechanical Engineering | MS and PhD |
| Electrical Engineering | MS and PhD |
| Computer Science | MS and PhD |
| Computer Engineering | MS and PhD |
| Petroleum Engineering | MS and PhD |
| Aerospace Engineering | MS and PhD |
| Materials Science and Engineering | MS and PhD |
| Chemistry | MS and PhD |
| Physics | MS and PhD |
| Mathematics | MS and PhD |
| Bioengineering | PhD |
| Environmental Sciences | MS |
| Industrial and Systems Engineering | MS |
| Systems and Control Engineering | MS and PhD |
Other graduate options include geology, geophysics, civil engineering, architecture, applied statistics, and business-related programs.
Applicants should check the specific degree listing rather than assume that every department offers both Master’s and PhD programs.
The university’s official graduate program catalogue provides the available degree titles and academic information.
Applicants exploring research-based graduate study in Saudi Arabia may also consider the KAUST Fellowship 2027, which offers funded Master’s, MS/PhD, and PhD opportunities in science and engineering. The published Fall 2027 application deadline is 3 January 2027, although its admission requirements and funding arrangements differ from those at KFUPM.
Who Is Eligible for KFUPM Scholarships 2027?
Eligibility depends on whether you are applying for a thesis-based Master’s, conventional PhD, or direct-entry PhD.
1. Thesis-based Master’s eligibility
Applicants generally need:
- A four-year bachelor’s degree in engineering or science from a recognised institution, with a suitable academic background.
- A minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 or equivalent for scholarship consideration.
- IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 70, or Duolingo 105, or another accepted equivalent.
- Two academic recommendation letters.
- Any additional requirements specified by the department.
Applicants seeking admission without a scholarship may qualify with a GPA of 2.50/4.00 or equivalent.
This distinction matters: the lower GPA threshold applies to non-scholarship admission and should not be presented as the minimum for scholarship consideration.
2. Conventional PhD eligibility
Applicants normally need:
- A relevant Master’s degree in engineering or science, or an acceptable background in the proposed field.
- A minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 or equivalent in both bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80, or Duolingo 120, or another accepted equivalent.
- Two recommendation letters, preferably from graduate-level instructors.
- Compliance with any additional departmental requirements.
Admission depends on the evaluation of the complete application and available program capacity.
3. Direct-entry PhD eligibility
KFUPM also offers a PhD pathway for students entering directly after a four-year bachelor’s degree.
Applicants need a minimum bachelor’s GPA of 3.00/4.00 or equivalent and must meet the PhD-level English proficiency requirement.
The university explicitly encourages eligible bachelor’s graduates to consider this pathway. It is available to both Saudi and international applicants.
However, applicants should consider the five-year study duration and four-year full-scholarship limit before choosing this route.
Applicants considering the direct-entry PhD route should also think carefully about the research area they want to pursue. Our guide to writing a PhD research proposal explains how to develop a research question and realistic methodology if a department or prospective supervisor requests a proposal.
Can you apply without IELTS?
Yes, in certain circumstances.
KFUPM accepts TOEFL and Duolingo as alternatives to IELTS. KFUPM lists English-test waivers for KFUPM graduates and graduates from specified English-speaking countries::
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- New Zealand
An exemption should not be assumed solely because your previous degree was taught in English in another country. Applicants should follow the university’s stated exemption rules or seek written confirmation.
If you do not have an IELTS certificate, our guide to scholarships without IELTS and accepted alternatives explains how universities assess TOEFL, Duolingo, previous education, and English-language exemptions. Always follow KFUPM’s own requirements when applying.
Required Documents for KFUPM Graduate Admission
Applicants should prepare their academic records and supporting documents before starting the online application.
The university’s published requirements identify the following important documents:
- Official academic transcripts and degree certificates for the relevant previous qualifications.
- Two academic recommendation letters for thesis-based MS and conventional PhD applications.
- English proficiency test results, unless an exemption applies.
- Any additional documents required by the chosen department or application portal.
KFUPM’s official graduate studies brochure also identifies a one-page Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining the applicant’s career and research goals at the university. Applicants should prepare this document in advance and follow any updated instructions provided by the application portal.
For research-based programs, the statement should explain your relevant academic preparation, research interests, and reasons for choosing the proposed field. Avoid presenting a generic scholarship essay that could apply to any university.
A CV and research-related information may also be requested by particular programs or during the online application process. Applicants should follow the document checklist displayed for their selected degree rather than assume that every program uses identical requirements.
For TOEFL applicants, KFUPM publishes institutional code 0868 for direct score submission.
If you are preparing your one-page statement, our guide on how to write a Statement of Purpose for Master’s and PhD applications includes practical examples of how to explain academic preparation, research interests, and program fit.
How Are KFUPM Scholarship Applicants Selected?
KFUPM evaluates applicants based on their complete application and the capacity of individual graduate programs.
The university identifies exceptional qualifications, academic performance, and a high GPA as important considerations for full scholarship admission.
Meeting the minimum GPA and English proficiency requirements makes an applicant eligible for consideration, but it does not guarantee admission or funding.
Departmental requirements can also be more demanding than the university-wide minimums. For example, the Systems and Control Engineering department publishes a 3.5/4.0 normalized GPA requirement for its 2026–2027 admissions cycle and uses a faculty-referral process as an important part of admission.
Applicants should therefore review the requirements of their chosen department before submitting an application.
Do you need a supervisor before applying?
KFUPM’s general graduate admission requirements do not establish a universal requirement to secure a supervisor’s acceptance before submitting every MS or PhD application. However, individual departments may use faculty referrals or additional research-fit procedures.
Check your chosen department’s current admission instructions before contacting potential supervisors. If prior faculty approval is required, follow that procedure rather than relying only on the general university requirements.
Where a department encourages faculty contact, our guide on how to email a professor for PhD opportunities explains how to introduce your research background and ask about potential supervision without sending a generic message.
Careers Help Desk Counter Angle: Check Funding Eligibility Before Choosing Your Degree
One of the most important decisions for KFUPM applicants is whether to pursue a thesis-based Master’s degree or enter a PhD program directly.
KFUPM’s graduate scholarship page refers broadly to full funding for distinguished MS and PhD students. However, the university’s international scholarship information places particular emphasis on scholarships for all PhD programs and selected Master’s programs without corresponding doctoral tracks.
This means applicants should not assume that every thesis-based Master’s program automatically offers the same funding opportunity.
For bachelor’s graduates with strong academic records, direct-entry PhD admission may be worth considering. It provides a route into doctoral research without first completing a separate Master’s degree.
There is an important trade-off: direct-entry PhD students must plan for a five-year program even though the published full scholarship covers only the first four years.
Before applying, confirm three points with the relevant department: whether your chosen program offers scholarship consideration, whether your qualifications meet any department-specific thresholds, and what funding arrangements apply throughout the expected study period.
This is particularly important for international students who depend on university funding to cover both tuition and living expenses.
How to Apply for KFUPM Scholarships 2027
Applications for thesis-based MS and PhD programs are submitted through KFUPM’s official graduate admissions system.
Step 1: Visit the KFUPM application page. Select MS (Thesis-Based) and PhD from the available admission categories. Review the relevant program and admission requirements.
KFUPM MS (Thesis-Based) and PhD Programs
Step 2: Open the application portal and complete the required applicant registration and application information.
Application Portal for KFUPM MS (Thesis-Based) and PhD Admissions
Step 3: Provide academic qualifications, English test information, and the supporting documents requested.
Step 4: Arrange for academic referees to submit recommendations through the designated process where applicable.
Step 5: Review your application and submit it before 15 December 2026.
Applicants should not confuse this application window with the separate project-based Master’s admissions cycle, which is listed with different dates.
Ready to Apply for KFUPM Scholarships to Study in Saudi Arabia
KFUPM’s 2027 graduate admissions offer international students the opportunity to pursue research-focused Master’s and PhD degrees in Saudi Arabia with potential full scholarship support. Applicants should pay particular attention to their chosen program’s funding eligibility, departmental admission requirements, and the four-year scholarship limit for direct-entry PhD students. The application window closes on 15 December 2026.
Official resources:
- KFUPM Graduate Application
- KFUPM Scholarship Benefits
- Graduate Admission Requirements
- Graduate Programs Catalogue
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the KFUPM Scholarship 2027 open for international students?
Yes. KFUPM accepts eligible international applicants for its graduate programs, including the direct-entry PhD pathway. Scholarship awards depend on qualifications and the availability of funding for the relevant program.
2. What is the deadline for KFUPM MS and PhD applications?
The official application deadline is 15 December 2026. Applications opened on 1 November 2026.
3. Can I apply for a KFUPM PhD without a Master’s degree?
Yes. KFUPM offers a direct-entry PhD route for applicants holding a four-year bachelor’s degree who meet its academic and English proficiency requirements.
4. Is IELTS compulsory for KFUPM admission?
No. KFUPM also accepts TOEFL and Duolingo, and certain graduates qualify for an English proficiency exemption under its published rules.
5. Does every KFUPM Master’s student receive a full scholarship?
No. Scholarship consideration is competitive, and the university’s international scholarship information identifies selected Master’s programs for funding. Applicants should confirm the availability of scholarships in their intended degree.
6. Does the KFUPM direct-entry PhD scholarship cover all five years?
The university states that full scholarship support is provided for the first four years of the five-year direct-entry PhD program. Applicants should ask about possible funding arrangements for the remaining year.
Stay connected with Careers Help Desk for the latest international fellowships, scholarships, research opportunities and jobs abroad to empower your future!
0 Comments