Scholarships Available in Saudi Arabia for Muslim Students Offered by KAAU and KAUST

 

 1. King Abdulaziz University (KAAU)

 

King Abdulaziz University (KAAU) offers a range of scholarships for international students, particularly targeting Muslim students. These scholarships are designed to attract talented students from around the world to pursue higher education in Saudi Arabia.

 

 Types of Scholarships:

 

- Undergraduate Scholarships:

  - Available for Bachelor's degree programs.

  - Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other benefits.

 

- Postgraduate Scholarships:

  - Available for Master's and Ph.D. programs.

  - Includes tuition fees, monthly stipend, accommodation, and health insurance.

 

 Benefits of KAAU Scholarships:

 

- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees.

- Monthly Stipend: A monthly allowance to cover living expenses.

- Accommodation: Free accommodation in university dormitories.

- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health care coverage.

- Travel Expenses: One-time return ticket for the student (at the beginning and end of the study period).

- Additional Support: Some programs may also offer funding for conferences and research projects.

 

 How to Apply:

 

- Visit the [KAAU Scholarships webpage](https://english.kau.edu.sa/Content-212-EN-117716).

- Check the eligibility criteria and application deadlines.

- Prepare the required documents (academic transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.).

- Submit the application online through the university's portal.

 

 2. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

 

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) offers generous scholarships to attract top-tier students from around the world to pursue advanced studies and research in science and technology fields.

 

 Types of Scholarships:

 

- KAUST Fellowship:

  - Available for Master's and Ph.D. students.

  - Offers a comprehensive package of financial support.

 

 Benefits of KAUST Scholarships:

 

- Full Tuition Support: Complete coverage of tuition fees for the duration of the program.

- Monthly Stipend: A competitive stipend for living expenses (ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 annually, depending on qualifications and progression through degree programs).

- Accommodation: Free housing within the university campus.

- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage for students and their dependents.

- Relocation Support: Financial assistance for relocation expenses.

- Research Funding: Support for research projects and participation in conferences.

 

 How to Apply:

 

- Visit the [KAUST Admissions page](https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/study/admissions).

- Review the eligibility requirements and available programs.

- Prepare the necessary documents (academic records, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, etc.).

- Submit the online application through the KAUST application portal.

 

 Financial Assistance Provided for Students

 

Both KAAU and KAUST provide extensive financial assistance to their scholarship recipients, ensuring that students can focus on their studies without worrying about financial constraints. This includes:

 

- Tuition Waivers: Complete coverage of all tuition fees.

- Living Expenses: Monthly stipends to cover day-to-day expenses.

- Accommodation: Free or subsidized housing options.

- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage.

- Travel Grants: Assistance with travel expenses related to the program, including airfare.

- Research and Conference Funding: Financial support for research activities and attending international conferences.

 

 Relevant Links

 

- King Abdulaziz University (KAAU) Scholarships: [KAAU Scholarships](https://english.kau.edu.sa/Content-212-EN-117716)

- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Admissions: [KAUST Admissions](https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/study/admissions)

 

These scholarships offer a valuable opportunity for Muslim students to pursue higher education in Saudi Arabia, supported by comprehensive financial assistance packages designed to cover all aspects of their academic and personal needs.

 

Jeddah Fountain . Credits

How to visit Saudi Arabia from the US?

 

Brief History.

Saudi Arabia is located in the Middle East and is the biggest producer of Oil.  You might be wondering:” Why Should I visit Saudi Arabia”?

Good question.

The first one is religious. Saudi Arabia is home to Makkah or Mecca.  That is simply put: Makkah (Mecca) is to Muslims as Vatican City is to Christians. The place will Islam started was in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia as a state was founded in 1727 by Imam Muhammad al Saud. How Al Saud formed the first Saudi State can be in a past article by Arab News.

We fast forward by passing:

·         Second Saudi State

·         Third     Saudi State

The Third Saudi State was founded by King Abdul Aziz in 1902 and continues under the name of Saudi Arabia.

Facts about Saudi Arabia

Climate of Saudi Arabia

The temperature in Riyadh is approximately 50 degrees Centigrade. That is what a person experiences when you are walking on the road. Just stepping outside the airport will show a heat wave for a brief time since once the visitor gets in a taxi it is Air-conditioned.

The climate of Jeddah is much cooler, the highest being around 40.  If you are used to the weather in Phoenix, Arizona, that would not be a problem at all.

Laws

Saudi Arabia has strict laws in accordance with Islam.  So you should know the before going for a visit. Capital punishments are implemented for murders, manslaughter, and accidents.

Culture

The culture is conservative and based on Muslim values. Have a look at this site which would give more information.

 

 

Official Religion: Islam.

Currency:

Saudi Riyal.

 1 US$=3.75 Saudi Riyals. This has been the since more than 50 years because of a special agreement between the countries: United States and Saudi Arabia.

 

Why People Visit Saudi Arabia?

·         Religious- For Muslims.  Major Pilgrimage (Hajj’) and Minor (Umrah’).

Where do Muslims visit for religious reasons?

·         Makkah- the House of Allah (God) is located here in Islamic belief. It is called Kaaba.

·         Madinah- The Prophet Muhammad migrated here from Makkah. Read Biography or ‘Seeratul Nabi’.

·         Various places in Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.

Official airlines:

Saudia: Saudi Arabian Airlines.

 

News Paper:

·         Arab News

·         Saudi Gazette.

 

 

An American or Westerner might ask “Why Should I visit Saudi Arabia as a non-Muslim?”

Well, to experience something different. It is like saying they are other Operating systems like Linux and UNIX. It is worth to try and see.

Tourist and religious Places to visit in Saudi Arabia:

·         Balad (Jeddah).

·         Wife of Prophet Adam’s grave (Hawa in Islam and Eve in Christian scriptures).

·         AL TAYEBAT INTERNATIONAL CITY MUSEUM –Jeddah.

·         Floating Mosque, called Al Rahmah Mosque.-Jeddah.

·         Masjid al-Haram (Makkah. It is for Muslims only).

·         Nasef House-Balad District. Ottoman Era House.

·         Sea Beach in Jeddah.

·         Al Majid al Nabawi. (The Prophet’s mosque).-Madinah. Non-Muslim visitors can Madinah but entry to the Prophet’s Mosque is restricted. One can experience spiritual peace, calmness, and spiritual coolness though temperatures in summer are around 50 Degrees Celcius.

·         Al Ula-If you like archaeology and history, a place to visit. It was founded in the 6^th century, BC. It was known as Dedan and was founded by Nabataea. It is recommended to read some books like

·         Madain Saleh-People of Thamud.

1.      The Road to Ubar by Nicholas Clapp. The billionaire who thought he founded city of Iram is described in the Quran. The Quran talks about the people of Aad’.

These people about 4000+ years ago built houses out of the mountains. They were giants (about 60 feet tall approx.). To them, Prophet Hud(Eber in the Bible) was sent. Source.

 

2.      The Sand Kings of Oman by Oshea and Raymond. source

 

 

 

 

 

A must-read if you are interested in the history and story of Giants’ who refused monotheism and were destroyed.

 

The two main perished tribes of Arabia mentioned in the Quran are:

·         Ad’ Tribe. To Them, Prophet Hud (Eber in Bible. According to some scholars.) was sent. They were descended from Sham’(Shem, son of Prophet Nuh).

·         The Thamud Tribe- They came after several generations after Ad’ and were their descendants.

 

The Quran says about Iram:

 

Iram was a magnificent city and was supposed to be a remake of “Paradise” built by Shaddad bin Ad’. The bin’ means son of and is equivalent of the Jewish version of ‘Ben’.

Iram has not been found yet. Nicholas Clapp found something close but it was not Iram.

 

 

 

 

                                   (Quran 22:9)

 

The Thamud wanted their prophet Hud(AS) to show them a miracle like creating a living she camel from rock. This was done yet these people chose not to believe in the Almighty alone. They killed the camel too. The people of Ad’ refused to shun idolatry and paganism. Ultimately they were destroyed.

The buildings of Thamud exist but for more Muslims, it is not advised to visit though looks interesting.

 

Souvenirs from Saudi Arabia:Takeaway

·         Dates –Very good quality and unparalleled Buy ajwah dates from Madinah.

·         Traditional Arab jewelry. The gold is Swiss gold, pure and has 999 tag.

·         Oud Perfume.

·         Sandal wood.

·         Dallah-Arabian Coffee pot.

Hand-crafted homeware from Athana.

 

Souvenir Shop.

Balad Souvenir.

Website.

Location: Jeddah.

Address: 3163 Qabil Ln, Al Balad District, Jeddah 22236, Saudi Arabia.

Phone: +966 53 165 7556

 

Don’ts before going to Saudi Arabia.

Read here.

 

 

Eating in Saudi

 

1.      Al Baik. This Saudi and Middle East’s answer to KFC chicken. Delicious and much less price compared to KFC. Don’t miss it. You can think of giving a franchise in the US or Europe if you want to.

2.      Shwarma and Musakil’. Shawarma is food from the Middle East. It can be chicken, mutton or beef. Arab Sandwich which is found in Europe too but here you get the original flavor. mmm, is delicious.  Restaurant name: Sands Restaurant or anywhere in Jeddah or Saudi Arabia. We will update you on restaurants in Saudi Arabia in our next post so follow our blog. Musakil’ is the mixed fruit juice. Price: 10.40 US dollars. In the 1980s-90s price was 0.53 US$. Well Coke was 0.50 Dollars too in US then.

3.      Shabaik –Lebanese Restaurant.(JD). Address: 3163 Qabil Ln, Al Balad District, Jeddah 22236, Saudi Arabia.

4.      Leila Min Lebnen- Lebanese

5.      Chicken Republic (JD).  website

6.      Ruya- Turkish restaurant (RYD).

7.      Soby Kaber-Egyptian.(RYD).

8.      Em Sherif Café. (RYD) .A well-known café in the Middle East, so don’t miss it.

9.      Harat

10.  Lusin.

Cost for two 500 Saudi Riyals. (approx) . 133.28 US$.(per meal).

Lodging.

Best is to stay in hotel (3 star plus).

Five star hotels.

150 US$.

OYO

Lavina House.

Cost: 30 US$+.

 

Applying for a Saudi Visa

 

 

The application for a Saudi visa can be made online or physically.

https://visa.visitsaudi.com/

 

 

That is all for now. Keep reading and following our blog.