Filipino students now have the opportunity to pursue higher education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the Saudi government announced on Wednesday the availability of 265 fully-funded scholarships for the academic year 2025, GMA News Online reported. The scholarships, covering both undergraduate and graduate studies, are part of a long-standing bilateral education initiative between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia that has been in place for more than three decades.
The scholarship package includes monthly stipends ranging from SAR800 to SAR2,000 — equivalent to around PHP11,841 to PHP29,602.50 — along with free accommodation, health insurance, annual round-trip airfare, and access to cultural and community programs that promote cross-cultural understanding.
“The relationship between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines is not confined to the realm of diplomacy — it is a relationship deeply rooted in cultural and scientific cooperation,” said Ambassador-Designate Faisal Ebraheem Alghamdi during a ceremony in Makati City.
He described the initiative as “a strong bridge between the youth of our two nations,” emphasizing the Kingdom’s continued support for education in partner countries. “These scholarships reaffirm the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting education in friendly countries,” he added.
Kamal Jameel Alwidyani, Economics and Cultural Affairs Officer at the Saudi Embassy in Manila, provided further details, noting that scholars will benefit from monthly financial assistance, with the amount depending on the academic level.
The scholarships are open to applicants between 17 and 25 years old for bachelor’s degrees and Arabic studies diplomas, and up to 35 years old for postgraduate programs. Eligible applicants must not have previously received a scholarship from any Saudi institution and must pass a medical examination as required by Saudi law and the Ministry of Education.
Applicants residing outside Saudi Arabia must submit their applications for undergraduate programs by June 14, 2025, and for postgraduate programs by October 31, 2025. Those already in the Kingdom can apply for bachelor’s programs from June 15 to July 31, 2025, and for postgraduate courses until October 31, 2025.
Successful candidates will be placed in one of 29 participating Saudi universities, including top institutions like King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University, and Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. Courses on politics, law, education, economics, computer science, engineering, natural sciences, agriculture, Shariah, Arabic, and media are among the available majors. Subjects based on theory will be taught in Arabic, while practical subjects will be offered in English.
Up to 5% of slots in each university will be reserved for international scholars, with the Islamic University of Madinah making an exception by allocating up to 85%.
“We look forward to seeing many enthusiastic and talented Filipino applicants,” said Ambassador Alghamdi. “We hope these scholarships mark a new chapter in strengthening the academic and cultural bonds between our two nations.”
He also assured that the Saudi Embassy in Manila will continue to assist aspiring scholars in their applications and preparation.
