PhD Scholarship- Excellence Path – Doctoral Track (PhD)

The PhD Scholarship under the Excellence Path supports exceptional Saudi candidates in pursuing advanced doctoral studies at globally renowned universities. This track focuses on preparing high-level researchers, innovators, and specialized professionals to contribute to national scientific progress and strengthen the Kingdom’s knowledge-based economy.

Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the program targets mission-critical disciplines that address current and future development priorities and position the Kingdom as a leader in innovation, research, and global competitiveness.

• Hold Saudi nationality
• Obtain final and unconditional admission to a PhD/Doctoral program at an internationally recognized university
• Possess a Master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.3/4.0 (or equivalent grading scale)
• Select a major/specialization that is included in the approved list of Vision 2030 priority fields
• Study full-time and reside in the same country as the institution’s main campus
• Ensure the university meets the academic ranking and accreditation criteria approved for the Excellence Path
• Provide equivalency for qualifications earned outside Saudi Arabia (if applicable)

• Admission must be issued directly by the institution’s Admissions & Registration Office
• The PhD program must demonstrate a research-driven curriculum, contributing to national expertise and innovation
• In non-English speaking countries, conditional admission may be accepted only for language-preparation requirements if authorized by the scholarship body
• Applicants must fulfill any additional requirements mandated by the Ministry of Education (MoE) for this doctoral track