By persmind team Best Arab Countries to Study on Fully Funded Scholarships
Last updated: 25 October 2025
Choosing an Arab country to pursue your studies with a fully funded or partially funded scholarship has become a smart option for many students, especially with the quality of universities in the Gulf and the Maghreb and the variety of programs in English and Arabic. This guide provides clear selection criteria and presents the best Arab countries that offer real scholarships supported by governments and universities, with examples and reliable official links to get started.
How to Choose the Right Country?
Language of study and tests: Is the program in Arabic or English? Is IELTS/TOEFL required?
Value of funding: Tuition waiver only? Or (tuition + monthly stipend + housing + insurance + tickets)?
Research reputation and majors: Availability of advanced labs, links with industry, global ranking.
Cost of living and visa: Is the scholarship stipend enough? Are visa procedures clear?
Personal fit: Climate, culture, geographic proximity, and post-graduation opportunities.
Best Arab Countries That Offer Free Scholarships
1: Saudi Arabia – A Unified National Platform and Strong Funding Opportunities
Why is Saudi Arabia among the best?
Renowned research universities (such as KAUST, KSU, KFUPM…) and generous government funding for graduate and research programs.
The “Study in Saudi Arabia” platform to apply to dozens of public universities through a single portal.
What distinguishes the funding?
Governmental/university scholarships often include tuition waiver, monthly stipend, health insurance, housing, and sometimes an annual ticket—this varies by university and degree. You can start from the official “Study in Saudi Arabia” portal, which explains how to create an account, select a program, and receive the admission letter and educational visa.
Reliable official links
“Study in Saudi Arabia” portal (Ministry of Education): explains the steps to create an account and apply. Study in Saudi Arabia
Ministry of Education: There are also official ministry pages about public university scholarships for non-Saudi students (an electronic service portal for applications), but eligibility details change according to the type of scholarship and the university. Whatever the intermediary source, make your final reference the ministry or university platform. Ministry of Education
Who is it suitable for?
For students seeking strong funding for master’s/PhD degrees, or STEM, engineering, computing, and basic science majors.
2: Qatar – Qatar University Scholarships and National Programs That Encourage Excellence
Why is Qatar among the best?
Qatar University offers a wide range of competitive and non-competitive scholarships for international students and residents, with clear tracks, published timelines, and detailed FAQs.
The Qatar Scholarships platform targets international students from developing countries through partnership programs.
Common funding format
It may include tuition exemption and sometimes additional benefits depending on the scholarship type and college. Review the “Types of Scholarships,” “Frequently Asked Questions,” and “Timeline” pages before applying.
You may also be interested in the Qatar University Scholarship for Undergraduate Students.
Who is it suitable for?
For those looking for a modern Arab environment with strong programs in engineering, management, education, and social sciences, with a comprehensive learning infrastructure.
International students discussing free scholarship opportunities – global academic collaboration and fully funded educational opportunities.
3: United Arab Emirates – Generous Research Scholarships and Leading AI Programs
Why is the UAE among the best?
Future-focused universities and generous funding, especially in artificial intelligence and computer science.
A notable example: MBZUAI in Abu Dhabi offers admitted students full scholarships that include 100% tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, visa, and health insurance (for full-time graduate students). Check the admissions, scholarships, and FAQs pages for updated details.
Who is it suitable for?
For those interested in artificial intelligence, data science, computer vision, and natural language processing—with applied research tracks and industry opportunities.
3: Egypt – Wide Opportunities and Reasonable Living Costs
Why is Egypt among the best?
Great diversity of public and private universities recognized in the Arab world and Africa.
Partial/full tuition scholarships available in some universities and centers, in addition to programs supported by international partnerships (which may vary by year).
Strong point: living costs are lower compared to many capitals, which makes even partial scholarships practical for students.
Who is it suitable for?
For those looking for a large Arab student community and diverse majors in engineering, medicine, media, and more, with the ability to cover remaining costs if needed.
4: Morocco – The Maghreb Gateway to the Francophone World and Research
Why is Morocco among the best?
Strong research universities, with the possibility of studying in Arabic or French (and sometimes English in specific tracks).
Governmental/university programs and scholarships mainly targeting graduate studies and exchanges, and changing annually according to agreements.
Who is it suitable for?
For students from North Africa and other Arab countries who want a Francophone network and a multilingual environment.
5: Tunisia – Technical and Health Majors in a Country with Reasonable Living Costs
Well-known engineering and health programs, international cooperation opportunities, and moderate living costs.
Scholarships may be partial waivers or reduced tuition, depending on the college, degree, and agreements.
Who is it suitable for?
For students seeking a blend of acceptable quality and balanced budget, especially in engineering and sciences.
6: Jordan – Strong Colleges in Medicine, Engineering, and Business
Universities known regionally (University of Jordan, Yarmouk University, Jordan University of Science and Technology…).
A limited number of competitive scholarships for international students, but tuition cost and program quality make it a strong option, especially in medical fields.
Who is it suitable for?
For students in highly competitive medical and engineering majors.
7: Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait – Specialized Programs and Modern University Environments
Specific/sectoral scholarships are available depending on the year, university, and agreements (some are aimed at residents/citizens, and some are open internationally through partnerships).
They may rely more on institutional sponsorship (companies, ministries) than on broad public scholarships.
Who is it suitable for?
For those seeking high-quality infrastructure and a modern university experience, and who are ready to search for specific sponsorship tracks.
Quick Comparison
Highest overall funding generosity: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar (depending on program and degree).
Most advanced research networks (STEM/AI): Saudi Arabia, UAE.
Broad linguistic and cultural diversity: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan.
Generally lower living costs: Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco (varies by city).
Most clear central portals: Saudi Arabia (unified platform), Qatar University (well-organized, clear pages), and specialized universities in the UAE.
Important reminder: Always check updated official pages before applying, as conditions, dates, and funding may change from one semester to another.
Practical Steps for Applying
Research the program/university: Review the college page, major, and course plans.
Check eligibility: Required GPA, language, and documents (academic transcript, passport, recommendations).
Prepare a strong file:
Focused CV (one to two pages maximum).
Motivation letter that connects your experience with the program and research goals.
Two–three recommendation letters from professors who know your work.
Language/credential tests (when needed): IELTS/TOEFL or accepted alternatives/exemptions.
Online application: Create an account, upload well-organized PDF files with clear names.
Follow your email: To respond to any inquiry or interview request.
Admission letter and visa: Respect deadlines and upload required documents immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all scholarships “fully funded”?
No. Some cover tuition only, while others include tuition + stipend + housing + insurance + tickets. Check each university/country’s scholarship page.
Do I always need IELTS?
Not always. Some programs offer exemptions or accept alternatives (internal tests / language certificates from the previous university); the decision depends on the college.
Can I work part-time while studying?
It depends on visa and university regulations. Check the rules before relying on side income.
What is the acceptance rate?
There is no general percentage. The stronger your file (GPA, recommendations, research, achievements), the higher your chances.
Conclusion
Arab countries offer real competitive opportunities—Saudi Arabia with its unified platform and strong funding, Qatar with Qatar University scholarships and well-defined national programs, and the UAE with specialized universities that are generously funded, especially in artificial intelligence. And if your budget is tight and you prefer a vibrant Arab environment, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia are excellent options. Start with the official links above, prepare your file professionally, and apply early.
Disclaimer: Scholarships depend on competitiveness and updates by the funding bodies. Always refer to the official links to verify conditions, dates, and funding before applying.