MANILA: Saudi Arabia has opened 265 fully funded scholarships for Filipino students for the upcoming academic year, its ambassador to the Philippines announced on Wednesday, as a part of efforts to strengthen educational ties under Vision 2030.
The “Study in Saudi” scholarship is open to all Filipinos, including those residing in the Kingdom, the Philippines, or elsewhere.
The program offers opportunities to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, arts and math fields. In addition courses are offered in social sciences, business administration, economics, agriculture, Arabic, political science, Islamic law, and media.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places great emphasis on international education as a foundation of its Vision 2030,” Faisal Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi, the Kingdom’s ambassador-designate to the Philippines, said during a press conference in Manila.
“The scholarships we are announcing today align with this strategic direction, which reflect the Kingdom’s continued commitment to supporting higher education for Filipino students.
“A total of 265 fully funded scholarships are being offered, covering both undergraduate and graduate degrees.”
The courses are offered at 25 Saudi universities, including the nation’s top academic institutions.
These include King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, King Saud University in Riyadh, Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah, King Faisal University in Al-Ahsa, as well Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University — the world’s largest women’s university, which is prominent in the fields of education and health.
“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,” Al-Ghamdi said.
“These scholarships go beyond tuition fees. They include financial stipends, accommodation, medical insurance, annual round-trip air tickets, and many other benefits that ensure students can focus entirely on their academic goals.”
Nearly 1 million Filipinos are living and working in Saudi Arabia, making up the sixth-largest expatriate community in the Kingdom.
Currently, more than 800 of them are enrolled in Saudi universities.
This ongoing partnership is exemplified by the presence of more than 806 Filipino students currently enrolled in Saudi universities across diverse programs.
“These students are benefiting from advanced learning opportunities and comprehensive care — a testament to the Kingdom’s unwavering dedication to international students,” Al-Ghamdi said.
He added that the scholarship, which aims to connect young people from both countries, helps in “strengthening cultural and intellectual ties and reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting education in friendly countries.”
