The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is offering 265 fully-funded scholarships to Filipino students for the academic year 2025–2026 in a bid to further deepen Saudi–Philippine educational and cultural ties.
In a press briefing held in Manila, Ambassador-Designate Faisal Ebraheem Alghamdi said the initiative reflects the Kingdom’s long-term commitment to fostering global academic partnerships in line with its Vision 2030.
Filipino students, not just Muslims, can now apply for a full scholarship in 25 Saudi universities and 10 courses, a four-year undergraduate course or a two-year graduate program, Alghamdi said.
“These scholarships go beyond covering tuition. They also include monthly stipends, housing, medical insurance, annual round-trip airfare and a host of other benefits to allow students to focus fully on their academic journey,” he added.
Beyond the classroom, recipients will participate in cultural and community engagement activities aimed at fostering mutual understanding among students from diverse backgrounds.
He described the scholarship program as a “bridge between the youth of our two nations,” underscoring the enduring academic ties between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines.
Currently, more than 800 Filipino students are enrolled in various Saudi universities, enjoying advanced learning environments that blend tradition and innovation.
Addressing prospective scholars, Alghamdi delivered a message of encouragement: “You are the hope, you are the future, and you are the architects of tomorrow.” He also assured parents that their children would receive comprehensive care and support while studying in the Kingdom.
The scholarships, he said, are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader goal of building a knowledge-based economy and promoting people-to-people diplomacy through education.
“Education is a pillar of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, aimed at cultivating a generation of creative and globally competitive youth,” said Alghamdi. “This is not only a strategic investment in future leaders but also a reaffirmation of the Kingdom’s support for education in friendly nations.”
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Manila has pledged its full support to assist successful applicants and ensure the smooth processing of all scholarship-related matters.
