Top 5 Saudi Arabian Scholarships for Ethiopians
Study Without IELTS or TOEFL
Introduction
Have you ever dreamed of studying abroad on a scholarship that covers your tuition fees and helps with your living expenses? Saudi Arabia could be a destination worth exploring.
Saudi Arabia offers international students opportunities to pursue undergraduate, master's, and PhD degrees through government scholarship programs and individual universities. Depending on the institution and program, scholarship benefits may include tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipends, medical insurance, and travel support.
One important advantage for applicants who cannot afford expensive English-language tests is that some programs may accept alternatives to IELTS or TOEFL, while others offer programs taught in Arabic or allow different ways of demonstrating language proficiency.
In this article, we highlight five scholarship opportunities, focusing on options that may be worth exploring for Ethiopian students who prefer application routes without a universal IELTS or TOEFL requirement.
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1. Saudi Government Scholarships
The Saudi government provides scholarship opportunities for international students through its official Study in Saudi platform. The platform allows applicants to explore participating universities, academic programs, admission requirements, and available funding options.
This is one of the most practical starting points for Ethiopian students because applicants can explore opportunities across multiple Saudi universities through a centralized platform rather than searching for every institution separately.
Scholarship Benefits
Depending on the university and funding category, benefits may include:
- Full or partial tuition coverage
- Monthly living allowance
- University accommodation
- Medical insurance
- Travel support
- Other educational benefits specified by the university
Not every program provides all these benefits. Check the funding category of your chosen program before applying.
Who Can Apply?
International applicants, including Ethiopians, may apply if they meet the requirements of their chosen university and program.
Common requirements may include a valid passport, academic certificates and transcripts, a medical fitness report, and other documents specified by the university.
Is IELTS or TOEFL Required?
There is no single language requirement for every program on the platform. Requirements depend on the university, degree level, and language of instruction. Some programs may require English proficiency, while Arabic-taught programs may have different language requirements or offer Arabic preparation.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Study in Saudi platform.
- Explore universities and programs available to international students.
- Check whether the program offers a full scholarship, partial scholarship, or another funding arrangement.
- Review the academic, language, and document requirements.
- Submit your application through the official system.
Official website: https://studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa/
2. Islamic University of Madinah Scholarships
The Islamic University of Madinah is a public university in Saudi Arabia that offers scholarship opportunities to international students. It is particularly known for Islamic studies, Arabic language education, and related academic fields.
For eligible applicants, its external undergraduate scholarship is an option worth considering, especially for students interested in studying Islamic disciplines or developing their Arabic language skills.
Scholarship Benefits
The university's scholarship package may include:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- University accommodation, subject to applicable conditions
- Medical care
- Airfare under the scholarship's terms
- Other benefits specified by the university
The exact package should be confirmed through the official university information.
Who Can Apply?
The external undergraduate scholarship described in the reference article is intended for eligible international Muslim male applicants.
Applicants generally need a recognized secondary school certificate, appropriate academic standing, good conduct, and the ability to meet the university's admission requirements. Age limits and the date of graduation may also matter.
This particular undergraduate route is not suitable for everyone: female applicants should investigate other universities on this list.
Is IELTS or TOEFL Required?
Do not assume that every program at the university requires IELTS or TOEFL. Language requirements depend on the selected program and the university's current admission rules. Some programs are Arabic-focused, and applicants may need to demonstrate Arabic proficiency or meet other language-related conditions.
How to Apply
- Visit the university's official website.
- Read the latest admission requirements for international scholarship applicants.
- Prepare your secondary school certificate, transcripts, identification documents, and any required recommendations.
- Apply through the official application route announced by the university.
Official website: https://iu.edu.sa/
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3. Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Scholarships
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, located in Riyadh, is a public university for women. Its external scholarship program offers a potential opportunity for eligible international female students who want to pursue undergraduate study in Saudi Arabia.
For Ethiopian women seeking an international education, this university is worth investigating because it is specifically designed for female students and accepts eligible international applicants through its designated external scholarship route.
Scholarship Benefits
Depending on the applicable scholarship terms, benefits may include:
- Tuition fee support
- University accommodation
- Monthly stipend
- Airfare support
- Visa and residency assistance
Applicants should confirm the current benefits directly with the university and the official scholarship platform.
Who Can Apply?
The external scholarship is intended for eligible non-Saudi female applicants living outside Saudi Arabia.
Applicants must meet the university's academic admission requirements and any applicable age, graduation-date, medical, and documentation conditions.
Is IELTS or TOEFL Required?
The requirements depend on the selected program and its language of instruction. Do not assume that IELTS or TOEFL is automatically waived for every applicant. Check whether the university accepts alternative evidence of language proficiency or provides a relevant language-preparation route.
How to Apply
- Visit the university's official website.
- Review the requirements for international female scholarship applicants.
- Explore available programs and their language requirements.
- Apply through the official Study in Saudi platform when the relevant application period is open.
Official website: https://pnu.edu.sa/
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4. Umm Al-Qura University Scholarships
Umm Al-Qura University, based in Makkah, offers academic programs across several fields and is known for its strengths in Islamic studies and Arabic-related disciplines.
International applicants may explore its programs through the official Study in Saudi platform. Depending on the program and available funding category, opportunities may be available for different levels of study.
This university may be particularly relevant for Ethiopian students interested in Arabic-taught programs or disciplines connected with Islamic studies.
Scholarship Benefits
Funding depends on the specific program. Available arrangements may include:
- Full or partial tuition support
- Other scholarship benefits specified by the university
- Academic or language preparation where applicable
Important: Not every program is fully funded. Some may provide partial funding or require students to pay their own expenses. Confirm the funding category before applying.
Who Can Apply?
International applicants who meet the admission requirements of their chosen program may be eligible.
Requirements can include academic certificates, transcripts, a valid passport, medical documentation, and other materials requested by the university. Some programs may require postgraduate applicants to provide recommendation letters.
Is IELTS or TOEFL Required?
Language requirements depend on the program. Because some programs are taught in Arabic, applicants may need Arabic proficiency or may have to complete an Arabic-language preparation course.
This may provide an alternative route for students who do not have IELTS or TOEFL, but it does not mean that every program waives language requirements.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Study in Saudi platform.
- Search for Umm Al-Qura University.
- Identify programs open to international applicants.
- Check the language of instruction and available funding.
- Submit the application and required documents through the designated system.
Official university website: https://uqu.edu.sa/
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5. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals Scholarships
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) is a leading Saudi institution known for engineering, science, technology, computing, and related fields.
Unlike the previous options, KFUPM is especially relevant to applicants seeking master's and PhD opportunities in technical and research-oriented disciplines.
It is included here because applicants whose previous degree was taught entirely in English may be able to meet the university's English-language requirement without submitting IELTS or TOEFL scores, depending on the current rules and the program.
Scholarship Benefits
For eligible graduate students, funding may include:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly living stipend
- University accommodation
- Medical insurance
- Textbooks and academic resources
- Airfare support under the applicable terms
Benefits and eligibility depend on the program and the scholarship offer.
Who Can Apply?
International applicants may be considered for relevant graduate programs.
Common requirements include:
- A recognized bachelor's degree for master's admission
- A relevant master's degree for PhD admission
- A strong academic record
- Supporting academic documents
- Any additional requirements specified by the department or degree program
Some programs, such as particular MBA tracks, may have extra requirements.
Is IELTS or TOEFL Required?
According to the Scholarships365 reference article, applicants may be exempt from submitting IELTS or TOEFL if their previous degree was taught entirely in English.
This is not an automatic exemption for every applicant. You should confirm the university's current language policy and whether your English-medium education documents are acceptable evidence.
How to Apply
- Visit KFUPM's official website.
- Explore available master's and PhD programs.
- Review the admission and English-language requirements for your selected program.
- Prepare your academic transcripts, certificates, CV, recommendation letters, and any other required documents.
- Submit your application through the official graduate admissions portal.
Official website: https://www.kfupm.edu.sa/
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How to Choose the Best Scholarship for You
Before applying, consider your academic background, preferred degree level, language skills, and eligibility.
- For a broad search across universities: Start with the Study in Saudi platform. Study in Saudi platform: https://studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa/
- For eligible Muslim male applicants seeking undergraduate study: Investigate the Islamic University of Madinah.
- For female undergraduate applicants: Explore Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.
- For students interested in Arabic or Islamic studies: Investigate Umm Al-Qura University and the Islamic University of Madinah.
- For engineering, science, and graduate research: Consider KFUPM and check whether your previous English-medium education qualifies for a language-test exemption.
Remember that the easiest application is not necessarily the best scholarship. Choose a program that fits your academic qualifications, career goals, and financial needs.
Documents to Prepare Before Applying
Although requirements differ across institutions, Ethiopian applicants may need some of the following documents:
- Valid passport
- Secondary school certificate or university degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- CV or résumé, particularly for postgraduate applications
- Recommendation letters, where required
- Medical fitness documentation
- Proof of language proficiency or evidence of eligibility for a waiver
- Certified translations or attestations, where required
- Any additional documents requested by the university
Prepare clear digital copies of your documents and check whether translations, certifications, or attestations are necessary before submission.
Important Advice for Ethiopian Applicants
Do Not Assume That Every Scholarship Is Fully Funded
Some programs cover tuition and living expenses, while others offer only partial tuition support. Read the actual funding conditions carefully.
Check the Language of Instruction
A program taught in Arabic may not require IELTS or TOEFL, but it may require Arabic proficiency or a preparatory language course. An English-taught program may have a separate English-language requirement.
Check Eligibility Before Preparing Your Application
Some scholarships have restrictions based on gender, age, degree level, nationality, or previous qualifications. Confirm these conditions before spending time gathering documents.
Apply Through Official Websites
Use the official university website or the Study in Saudi platform to verify application dates, eligibility, funding, and submission instructions. Avoid agents or websites that promise guaranteed admission in exchange for a fee.
Do Not Miss the Application Window
Saudi universities do not all follow the same application calendar. Some open applications during specific periods, while others announce their own admission cycles. Check the current dates rather than relying on deadlines from previous years.
Conclusion
Studying in Saudi Arabia may be a valuable opportunity for Ethiopian students seeking an international education with financial support. Several universities and government scholarship routes offer opportunities across different fields and academic levels.
If you do not have IELTS or TOEFL, do not immediately rule yourself out. First, identify programs that accept alternative language evidence, offer Arabic-language study, or permit an exemption based on your previous education.
Start with the official Study in Saudi platform, compare the available programs, and verify each university's requirements before applying.
Your scholarship journey does not begin with having every document ready. It begins with finding the right opportunity, understanding its requirements, and preparing a strong and honest application.
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