265 fully-funded scholarships opened for Pinoys to study in Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced Wednesday 265 fully-funded scholarships covering undergraduate and graduate studies for Filipino students to enroll in Saudi universities, as part of a program that the two countries have been implementing for over 30 years.
Under the program, scholars will be provided financial stipends, accommodation, medical insurance, and annual round-trip air tickets, among others. They will also be engaged in cultural and community activities that focus on intercultural dialogue.
'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, and a legacy of civilizational exchange spanning decades,' Ambassador-Designate Faisal Ebraheem Alghamdi said in a speech in Makati City.
'These scholarships, therefore, serve as a strong bridge between the youth of our two nations, strengthening cultural and intellectual ties and reaffirming the Kingdom's commitment to supporting education in friendly countries,' he added.
According to Economics and Cultural Affairs Officer Kamal Jameel Alwidyani, the scholarships are estimated to be worth SAR800 to SAR2,000 per month depending on the degree. This is equivalent to P11,841.00 to P29,602.50 monthly based on the prevailing rate of SAR1:P14.80.
The scholarships will be available to applicants between the ages of 17 and 25 for the bachelor's degree and the Diploma in Arabic Studies, and for those aged 35 and younger for the doctorate program. These are offered internally or to students already in Saudi, and externally or to students outside the Kingdom
'These opportunities will enable Filipino students to join prestigious Saudi universities, where they will study alongside peers from around the world in academic environments that seamlessly blend tradition and innovation — offering an enriching educational experience unlike any other,' Ambassador-Designate Alghamdi said.
Filipinos outside Saudi Arabia will have until June 14, 2025 to apply for the bachelor's degree, and until October 31, 2025 for the post-graduate studies. Those inside Saudi will have from June 15 to July 31, 2025 to apply for the bachelor's program and until October 31, 2025 for the post-graduate program.
Applicants should not have had previously attained a scholarship to study in any educational institute in the Kingdom, and must pass a medical exam stipulated by Saudi law and the Ministry of Education.
Among the possible majors are politics, law, education, business administration, economics, engineering and natural sciences, computer science, agriculture, Shariah and Arabic, and media. Theory-based majors will be taught in the Arabic language, while practical-based majors are taught in English.
The participating schools include Al-Baha University, Bisha University, Hafr Al Batin University, Ha'il University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Imam Mohammad University, Islamic University of Madinah, Jazan University, Jeddah University, Jouf University, King Abdulaziz University, King Faisal University, King Khalid University, King Saud University, Majmaah University, Najran University, Northern Border University, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Princess Nourah University, Qassim University, Saudi Electronic University, Shaqra University, Tabuk University, Taibah University, Taif University, and Umm Al-Qura University.
The acceptance of male and female students in all Saudi universities will depend on the number of spaces available, with 5% allocated for scholars in each university, except for the Islamic University of Madinah which has allocated 85%.
'We look forward to seeing many enthusiastic and talented Filipino applicants, and we hope these scholarships mark a new chapter in strengthening the academic and cultural bonds between out two nations,' the Ambassador-Designate said.
'The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Manila remains fully committed to providing all necessary support and facilitation to ensure the success of prospective students on their educational journey,' he added. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
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