Studying medicine in Saudi Arabia has attracted increasing attention from international students due to the country’s high-quality education, advanced research facilities, and full government support for education. Many Saudi universities now open their doors to international students in medicine and health sciences — offering fully funded scholarships that often do not require language proficiency proof, especially when English-taught programs or preparatory courses are provided.
Below is a comprehensive overview of the top 10 scholarships available for undergraduate medical studies in Saudi Arabia, particularly for applicants seeking opportunities without language test requirements such as IELTS or TOEFL.
King Saud University, one of the top-ranking universities in the Middle East, offers full scholarships for international students pursuing medical and health science degrees.
Key Features:
Eligibility: Open to all international students with strong academic backgrounds.
King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah provides various scholarships for students in medical fields such as medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy.
Key Features:
Eligibility: High school graduates with strong scientific backgrounds.
Although traditionally focused on engineering, KFUPM collaborates with medical faculties for interdisciplinary programs in biomedical sciences and health technology.
Key Features:
Eligibility: International students interested in biomedical and medical technology fields.
This university is famous for offering medical education exclusively for women.
Key Features:
Eligibility: Female applicants with high-grade school marks in sciences.
Though KAUST mainly focuses on science and technology, its scholarships in biomedical and health sciences prepare students for medical and clinical research fields.
Key Features:
Eligibility: International students demonstrating interest in medical research.
This university offers undergraduate scholarships in medicine, nursing, and public health.
Key Features:
Eligibility: Students with a strong background in science and community involvement.
Known for its high standards in health sciences, UQU in Makkah offers scholarships to both Saudi and international students.
Key Features:
Eligibility: Students with high GPAs, especially in biology, chemistry, and physics.
Located in Medina, Taibah University provides excellent opportunities in general medicine and allied health sciences.
Key Features:
Eligibility: Students demonstrating academic excellence and motivation in health-related studies.
Qassim University offers scholarships to international students for undergraduate medical and dental degrees.
Key Features:
Eligibility: Applicants with good academic standing in science subjects.
Al-Maarefa University, a private institution in Riyadh, also provides competitive scholarships for international undergraduate students in medicine, nursing, and pharmacy.
Key Features:
Eligibility: Students with a passion for healthcare and a record of academic excellence.
Saudi Arabia offers one of the best environments for medical studies in the Arab world. The country invests heavily in education and medical research, ensuring international students can access advanced knowledge and international-standard facilities.
Major benefits include:
Most Saudi universities use online application portals. The process typically requires uploading academic transcripts, a passport copy, recommendation letters, and a short personal statement.
Common steps for application:
If you do not possess IELTS or TOEFL certificates, many Saudi universities still allow applicants to:
This flexibility makes Saudi universities especially welcoming to international medical students seeking a balanced academic start.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to education and healthcare development makes it an exceptional destination for studying undergraduate medicine. The absence of strict language requirements at several universities further widens access for international learners seeking world-class medical education with full financial support.
From King Saud University in Riyadh to Umm Al-Qura in Makkah and Taibah in Medina, students gain access to globally recognized facilities, supportive academic environments, and promising career prospects in the medical field.
Whether you pursue general medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or public health, these scholarships offer life-changing opportunities to learn and develop in one of the world’s most forward-looking educational systems.
