Applications are now open for the Master of Science (Project-Based) programs at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), one of the leading universities in Saudi Arabia. This opportunity covers a wide range of fields including artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, business analytics, energy, engineering, and many more disciplines that match today’s job market and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
This is not a fully funded scholarship in the traditional sense, but it comes with generous tuition discounts that can go up to 60% depending on your background and eligibility. Saudi citizens, international students, KFUPM alumni, and recent KFUPM graduates can all benefit from one or more of these discounts, and in some cases, students may qualify for more than one discount at the same time.
The program is open to both male and female students from Saudi Arabia and from other countries around the world. The application window for the Fall 2026 cycle started on 10 June 2026 and will close on 11 July 2026, so candidates need to move quickly if they want to be considered.
There is a small non-refundable processing fee of SAR 100 plus VAT required at the time of application. Apart from this, the main cost is tuition, which is reduced through the discount programs mentioned above. Students from English-speaking countries and KFUPM graduates may not need to submit English proficiency scores, which makes the process a bit simpler for many applicants.
If you are someone who has been searching for a graduate program in Saudi Arabia that combines academic quality with financial support, this could be a good fit. Below, we have broken down everything you need to know in simple sections so you can decide if this program matches your goals.
Key Details:
- Degree Level: Master of Science (Project-Based), available in multiple disciplines
- Host University: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia
- Host Country: Saudi Arabia
- Funding Type: Partially funded through tuition discounts (up to 60% depending on eligibility)
- Application Deadline: 11 July 2026
- Application Opening Date: 10 June 2026
- Open For: Saudi citizens and international students of both genders
- Application Fee: SAR 100 + VAT (non-refundable)
- Mode of Study: On-campus, with a HIVE (hybrid) option available for select programs
- Program Duration: Mostly 1 to 2 years depending on the chosen field
- Result Announcement: By August 2026
What This Scholarship Offers:
When people think about scholarships, they usually focus on what they have to do, but it is more useful to think about what you actually walk away with. Here is what students gain by joining this program:
- A recognized Master’s degree from a university that is well known across the Middle East and respected internationally in engineering, technology, and business fields.
- Significant savings on tuition fees, with discounts ranging from 25% to as high as 60%, depending on your category. For many students, this turns an expensive degree into something far more affordable.
- Access to modern, in-demand fields of study such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity, robotics, and sustainability, all of which are designed around what employers are actually looking for right now.
- The HIVE learning option for select programs, which means students can attend classes either in person or online while still being part of the same live session. This gives flexibility to people who may not be able to relocate immediately.
- A pathway to build a strong professional network in Saudi Arabia, a country that is investing heavily in education, research, and innovation as part of its Vision 2030 plan.
- An accelerated track for certain two-year programs, allowing motivated students to finish in just one year and enter the job market sooner.
- A chance to study and live in Saudi Arabia, experiencing a different culture while building an international academic background that stands out on a resume.
In short, this is not just about attending classes. It is about gaining a degree that holds weight, saving a good amount of money along the way, and opening doors to opportunities in a region that is actively growing its tech, energy, and business sectors.
Eligibility Criteria:
Before applying, make sure you meet the basic requirements listed below. Some programs may have additional specific requirements, so it is worth checking the details of your chosen field as well.
- A recognized Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0, or its equivalent on other grading scales
- An IELTS score of 6.0 or higher, OR a TOEFL score of 70 or above, OR a Duolingo English Test score of 105 or higher
- English test requirement is waived for KFUPM graduates and for graduates from English-speaking countries (USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand)
- Applicants must meet any additional program-specific requirements listed under their chosen field
- Both Saudi nationals and international applicants are eligible to apply
Required Documents:
Getting your documents ready in advance can save a lot of stress during the application period. Here is what you will need to upload:
- Official undergraduate transcript for your Bachelor of Science degree
- Copy of your BS degree certificate
- Two letters of recommendation (you will enter your recommenders’ names and emails, and they will receive a link to submit directly)
- Updated Curriculum Vitae or Résumé
- Copy of your national ID or passport
- Copy of your official English language test score (if applicable)
- Statement of Purpose, which is a one-page essay describing your career goals and research interests
- A short introductory video, no longer than 2 minutes, where you talk about who you are and why you want to join this particular program
Programs Available:
KFUPM offers a long list of Master of Science programs, and many of them are open for this application cycle. Here are the fields you can choose from:
- Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Engineering in Sustainable and Renewable Energy
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
- Master of Science in Bioengineering
- Master of Science in Business Analytics
- Master of Science in Computer Networks
- Master of Science in Construction Engineering and Management
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics
- Master of Science in Energy Sustainability and Carbon Management
- Master of Science in Engineering Management
- Master of Science in Environmental Science and Engineering
- Master of Science in Facilities Management
- Master of Science in Flow Assurance
- Master of Science in High Performance and Cloud Computing
- Master of Science in High-Performance Building Engineering
- Master of Science in Human Resource Management
- Master of Science in Industrial Catalysis
- Master of Science in Intelligent Geosystems
- Master of Science in Intelligent Hydrocarbon Field
- Master of Science in Intelligent Process Control
- Master of Science in Intelligent Transportation Engineering
- Master of Science in Internet of Things and Embedded Systems
- Master of Science in Maintenance and Reliability
- Master of Science in Material Science and Engineering
- Master of Science in Modeling and Simulation
- Master of Science in Non-Profit Management
- Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering
- Master of Science in Petrochemical Engineering
- Master of Science in Polymer Science and Engineering
- Master of Science in Process Safety Engineering
- Master of Science in Project Management
- Master of Science in Quantitative Finance
- Master of Science in Quantum Computing
- Master of Science in Robotics and Autonomous Intelligent Systems
- Master of Science in Smart and Sustainable Cities
- Master of Science in Supply Chain Management
- Master of Science in Sustainability and Environmental Management
- Master of Science in Sustainable and Renewable Energy
- Master of Science in Sustainable Concrete Structures
- Master of Science in Unconventional Hydrocarbon Resources
- Master of Science in Unmanned Aircraft Systems
- Master of Science in Visual and Spatial Computing
- Master of Science in Water Treatment and Desalination
- Master of Science in Wireless Communication Networks
Keep in mind that some of these programs are marked as closed for this cycle, while others remain open. It is a good idea to check the official KFUPM application portal to confirm the current status of your chosen program before you start preparing your documents, since this can change.
Tuition Discounts You Should Know About:
One of the biggest draws of this program is the discount system, and applicants may qualify for more than one discount at the same time depending on their background.
- KFUPM Continuing Scholar Discount: A 60% tuition discount for students who recently graduated from a KFUPM Bachelor’s program (terms 251, 252, and 253) and want to continue their studies at KFUPM.
- KFUPM Lifelong Learner Discount: A 30% tuition discount for KFUPM alumni who are returning to pursue a graduate degree.
- Vision 2030 Citizen Discount: A 25% tuition discount for Saudi citizens enrolling in any graduate program at KFUPM.
- Vision 2030 Destination KSA Discount: A 25% tuition discount for international students applying from outside Saudi Arabia.
- Early Bird Discount: A 25% tuition discount for students who registered during the early registration window, which ran from January 4 to February 8, 2026.
If you fall into more than one of these categories, it is worth checking with the admissions office to see how the discounts can be combined in your case.
How to Apply:
Applying for this program is fairly straightforward as long as you follow the steps carefully and pay attention to deadlines.
- Visit the official KFUPM Master of Science application portal
- Look for the “Apply Now” button under the program tab of your chosen field. If this button is missing, it means the program is not currently open for the upcoming semester
- Create your application account and fill in your personal and academic details
- Upload all required documents, including your transcript, degree certificate, CV, identification, and English test score (if required)
- Write and upload your Statement of Purpose, keeping it focused on your career and research goals
- Record and upload your short introductory video, keeping it within the 2-minute limit
- Enter the names and professional email addresses of your two recommenders so they can submit their letters directly through the system
- Pay the non-refundable processing fee of SAR 100 plus VAT
- Submit your application before the deadline of 11 July 2026
Results for this application cycle will be announced by August 2026, so applicants should keep an eye on their email and the KFUPM portal for updates.
Final Thoughts:
This is a solid opportunity for students who want to study in Saudi Arabia while saving money on tuition through one of several available discounts. The wide range of programs means there is likely something here for almost anyone, whether your interest lies in engineering, technology, business, or sustainability. Since the deadline is approaching quickly, it makes sense to start gathering your documents now, especially the recommendation letters and the introductory video, as these tend to take the most time to prepare.
For any questions related to academics or the application process, you can reach out directly to KFUPM at ms@kfupm.edu.sa, or visit their official application page for the most current information on open programs.
