SACM Scholarship 2026: All 4 Paths Explained

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For Saudi students aspiring to study abroad, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program (برنامج خادم الحرمين الشريفين للابتعاث) represents one of the world’s most comprehensive government-funded education initiatives. With full financial coverage, monthly stipends, and support for accompanying family members, the program opens doors to prestigious universities across dozens of countries worldwide.

What many students searching for “SACM scholarship” in 2026 do not yet know is that the program has undergone a complete structural transformation. The old King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP) framing is now obsolete. Today, the scholarship operates through four distinct paths, each with its own university tier, eligible specialisations, and degree levels.

Whether you want to study at an MIT or Oxford-level institution (Arouad Path), pursue a strategic career specialisation at one of 200+ approved universities (Emdaad Path), earn a fully funded PhD (Research and Development Path), or explore emerging destinations around the world (Waed Path), there is a structured pathway designed for your profile.

This guide breaks down every aspect of the 2026 program, including the two paths most Saudi students are searching for but few consultancy websites explain correctly: Emdaad (مسار إمداد) and Arouad (مسار الرواد).

Disclaimer: Scholarship conditions, approved university lists, intake windows, and age eligibility rules change every academic year. Always verify current requirements directly at safeer2.moe.gov.sa before applying.

What Is the SACM Scholarship in 2026? A New Era Begins

The Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) is a network of Saudi government cultural offices operating in 31 countries. It supervises Saudi students studying abroad on government scholarships, handling academic oversight, financial disbursement, student welfare, and cultural affairs. Think of SACM offices as the on-the-ground arm of the Saudi Ministry of Education in each host country.

The scholarship program itself is administered centrally by the Ministry of Education’s Mission Agency (وكالة البعثات). Applications are submitted through the Safeer digital platform, and approval decisions are made in Riyadh, not at the local SACM office.

From KASP to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program

For many years, the program was known internationally as the King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP). This is now a historical name. Following a strategic relaunch led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman under the Human Capability Development Program, the scholarship was renamed the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program and restructured around four specialised paths.

This was not a cosmetic rebrand. The restructuring introduced a tiered university system, path-specific field eligibility, competitive merit ranking (المفاضلة), and an allowance for multi-path applications. A student applying under old assumptions risks missing critical eligibility nuances that determine whether their application succeeds.

The Vision 2030 connection

The program is a flagship initiative of Saudi Vision 2030. Its stated goals are to prepare a globally competitive Saudi workforce, build a national research and innovation base, address critical skill shortages in strategic sectors, and elevate the Kingdom’s standing in global innovation indices. Every path, every approved field, and every approved university list is calibrated against these priorities.

The Four Scholarship Paths: Overview and Comparison

The program now comprises four official paths. Understanding which path you belong to before approaching the Safeer platform is the single most important preparatory step, because each path has a distinct university tier, field list, and degree level.

Can you apply to more than one path?

Yes. The Safeer platform allows you to submit multiple applications across different paths, universities, and specialisations simultaneously. However, only one application will ultimately be approved, based on your competitive ranking through the mufadala (المفاضلة) process. Think of it as a merit-ranked clearinghouse: you compete for a scholarship slot across your submitted applications, and the single strongest match is confirmed. Submitting multiple strong applications across relevant paths is therefore a sound strategy.

Arouad Path (مسار الرواد) Explained

The Arouad Path is the most prestigious tier within the program. Its defining characteristic is simple but demanding: admission must come from one of the top 30 universities in the world as defined by the program’s own approved list, which is closely aligned with the QS World University Rankings.

Purpose and vision

The Arouad Path is designed to produce an elite cohort of Saudi graduates equipped to lead research, government, and private enterprise at the global frontier. By requiring top-30 admission, the path ensures scholarship recipients study in the world’s most competitive academic environments, with the strongest research infrastructure and the highest academic standards.

Eligible degree levels and specialisations

The Arouad Path supports Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. All specialisations are eligible under this path, making it the only path with unrestricted field coverage. Whether you want to study computer science, law, economics, medicine, or architecture, the Arouad Path accommodates it — provided your admission comes from an institution on the program’s top-30 list.

Arouad eligibility requirements

In addition to the general conditions applicable to all paths (see Section 7), the Arouad Path requires:

• Admission from one of the top 30 institutions on the program’s official Arouad university list
• Unconditional and final admission issued by the university’s official admissions office
• If the host country is not English-speaking, conditional admission for language study is permitted, with the scholarship covering language preparation
• In-person, full-time study with physical residence in the host country

Is Arouad the hardest path?

In terms of admission bar: yes. Getting an unconditional offer from a top-30 global university is genuinely competitive. Many applicants find that Emdaad or the Research and Development path offer a more realistic first attempt, especially for bachelor’s-level study. The multi-application rule means you can pursue Arouad and Emdaad simultaneously, which is the recommended strategy for ambitious applicants.

Emdaad Path (مسار إمداد) Explained

The Emdaad Path is the most practically oriented path in the program. It is designed to supply the Saudi labour market with qualified professionals in specific sectors that currently face critical shortages or that are strategic to Vision 2030 megaprojects.

Purpose and vision

Where the Arouad Path prioritises prestige and breadth, Emdaad prioritises targeted workforce development. It focuses on fields such as energy, transportation, logistics, and healthcare — sectors identified as having urgent national demand. The approved specialisation list is updated annually, so a field eligible in one academic year may not be on the list the next.

Eligible degree levels and universities

Emdaad covers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Admission must come from one of approximately 200 to 234 institutions on the program’s Emdaad-specific approved university list. This list is considerably broader than the Arouad list, making Emdaad more accessible to a wider range of students while still ensuring quality.

Emdaad eligibility requirements

• Admission from one of the top 200 to 234 institutions on the Emdaad program list
• Unconditional and final admission (conditional admission for language study in non-English-speaking countries is permitted)
• The specialisation must appear on the current year’s Emdaad-approved field list published by the Ministry
• In-person, full-time study with physical residence in the host country

How Emdaad differs from Arouad

The Arouad applicant has secured or is targeting admission at an elite global institution in any field of their choice. The Emdaad applicant is planning to study a specific strategically important field at a strong (though not necessarily top-30) university. If your chosen specialisation appears on the Emdaad approved field list and your target university is in the Emdaad tier, Emdaad is likely your primary path. Nothing stops you from simultaneously applying to Arouad if you also have a top-30 university in mind.

Research and Development Path (مسار البحث والتطوير): Fully Funded PhD Scholarships

The Research and Development (R&D) Path is the program’s doctoral track, exclusively for PhD candidates. It is designed to build a national base of Saudi researchers capable of producing knowledge, leading innovation, and developing advanced technologies in priority fields.

Purpose and vision

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 includes explicit targets for research output, patent generation, and participation in global innovation indices. The R&D Path directly serves these ambitions by funding Saudi nationals to pursue rigorous, research-oriented doctoral programmes at 212 world-class universities across 14 countries.

Unlike the other paths, the R&D Path places particular weight on the research proposal submitted by the applicant. The proposal should ideally be connected to national priority areas such as energy, water, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. Applicants who can articulate how their proposed doctoral research contributes to Saudi development goals are significantly stronger candidates.

Eligible degree level, universities, and specialisations

The R&D Path covers PhD programmes only. The path covers 159 or more priority specialisations spanning engineering, technology, medicine, basic sciences, and agriculture. In addition to standard scholarship benefits, R&D scholars receive supplementary allowances covering conference attendance, scientific publication costs, and research equipment.

R&D eligibility requirements

• Admission must be for a PhD programme with a research orientation, not a professional doctorate
• Admission must come from one of the 212 institutions on the R&D path university list
• The proposed research field must fall within the path’s priority specialisation list
• Unconditional and final admission required

Waed Path (مسار واعد): Emerging Study Destinations

The Waed Path was created to diversify the geographic spread of Saudi scholarship recipients. While the other three paths concentrate placements in traditional destinations, the Waed Path directs students toward high-quality but less conventional educational destinations that are emerging as centres of excellence.

The path targets countries and institutions with strong and rapidly improving educational systems that may not yet feature prominently in the top global rankings but offer excellent academic and career outcomes. The Waed Path’s eligible countries, universities, and specialisations are determined annually by the Ministry. Details are available on the official program pages at sites.moe.gov.sa.

General Eligibility Requirements for All Paths (2025-26)

Regardless of which path you apply through, the following general conditions apply to all applicants:

Saudi citizenship

The program is exclusively for Saudi Arabian nationals. This requirement is absolute and non-negotiable across every path.

Unconditional admission

Your university acceptance must be unconditional and final, issued by the official admissions office of an institution on the path’s approved university list. The only exception is conditional admission for language study in non-English-speaking countries — this is permitted, and the scholarship can cover the language preparation period.

Approved university and specialisation

Both your institution and your specific programme must appear on the approved lists for your chosen path. A university’s general reputation does not substitute for appearing on the relevant path list. A strong global-ranking institution can still be outside the approved lists for a given path.

In-person, full-time study

All paths require full-time enrolment and physical residence in the host country for the duration of the scholarship. Remote, hybrid, or part-time programmes are not supported.

Anti-stacking rule

Students who currently hold an active scholarship from the same program are not eligible to apply for a new scholarship while their existing one is ongoing. Applicants may, however, submit applications in advance while an existing scholarship is active.

Age limits and other specific conditions

The program publishes general conditions (الشروط العامة) annually on its official pages. Age eligibility thresholds may vary by path and by academic year. Always review the current official general conditions at sites.moe.gov.sa rather than relying on figures quoted in any secondary source.

Financial Package: What the Scholarship Covers

The program provides one of the most comprehensive funding packages available to international students anywhere in the world. The package is largely consistent across all four paths, with the R&D Path receiving additional research-specific allowances.

• Tuition and academic fees: Full payment of tuition fees directly to the university, including differential international student fees and laboratory fees.
• Monthly living stipend (مكافأة شهرية): A monthly allowance for the student and accompanying family members, calibrated to the cost of living in the host country.
• Housing allowance (بدل السكن): An annual housing allowance, plus a one-time furniture and setup payment upon arrival.
• Annual return airfare: Round-trip air tickets for the student and accompanying family members, provided annually.
• Health insurance: Comprehensive health coverage for the student and accompanying dependants.
• Book and materials allowance (بدل الكتب): An annual allocation for purchasing required academic materials.
• Research allowances (R&D path only): Additional funding for conference attendance, scientific paper publication, and research equipment.

Programme duration funding covers the standard length of the enrolled programme plus any approved language preparation period. Extensions beyond the standard duration require formal justification and Ministry approval.

How to Apply: Safeer Portal Step-by-Step Guide

All applications are submitted electronically through the Safeer platform at safeer2.moe.gov.sa/Portal. There is no paper application and no submission through individual SACM offices.

Intake windows

The Ministry opens application windows multiple times per year. Based on published academic year schedules, intake windows have historically opened in May, July, October, and February. Check the official Safeer platform for the current academic year’s specific dates.

Step 1: Determine your path

Before logging into Safeer, confirm which path or paths you are eligible for. Check that your target university appears on the relevant approved list and that your intended specialisation is approved for the current academic year.

Step 2: Secure unconditional admission

You must hold an unconditional admission offer from an approved university before submitting your scholarship application. Apply to universities early — typically 12 to 18 months before your intended start date.

Step 3: Prepare your documents

• Valid Saudi National ID
• Academic certificates and official transcripts (certified)
• Language proficiency test results (IELTS or TOEFL)
• Unconditional admission letter from the university’s official admissions office
• Passport with adequate validity
• Path-specific additional documents (e.g., research proposal for the R&D Path)

Step 4: Submit on Safeer (multiple applications permitted)

Log in to safeer2.moe.gov.sa and complete your application(s). You may submit multiple applications across different paths, universities, and specialisations. Ensure each application is complete and accurate.

Step 5: Mufadala (merit ranking)

Once you submit, your application enters the Ministry’s competitive ranking process. Applicants are ranked based on academic performance, the quality of the institution, and the alignment of the specialisation with national priorities. One offer is confirmed per applicant.

Step 6: Post-approval, visa, and arrival

After your scholarship is confirmed, you will receive your Financial Guarantee (خطاب الضمان المالي). Use this document in your visa application. Upon arrival in your host country, register with your local SACM or SACB office within the first week of arrival.

How to Check If Your University Is Approved in 2026

Never apply to a university based on its general global ranking or on information from a friend. University approval is path-specific, degree-level-specific, and updated annually.

The three approval layers

• Path eligibility: Is the institution on your chosen path’s approved university list (top 30 for Arouad, top 200-234 for Emdaad, etc.)?
• Programme eligibility: Is your specific programme (e.g., Master’s in Electrical Engineering) approved within that institution for that path?
• Degree-level eligibility: Even if the university is on the list, approval may apply to some degree levels but not others.

Official verification tools

• MOE university inquiry portal: Visit ru.moe.gov.sa/Search and filter by country, university name, specialisation, and academic degree level.
• Path-specific university lists: Check individual path pages at sites.moe.gov.sa for Arouad, Emdaad, and R&D path approved institution lists.
• SACB Canada (saudibureau.org): Confirm whether a specific Canadian institution and programme are approved.
• SACM UK office: Maintains lists of approved UK institutions.
• MOE User Care Centre: Available at 19996 (24/7) for database queries.
• Safeer platform: When building your application, the system displays approved universities for your selected path and field combination.

UK and Canada as SACM Scholarship Destinations: Visa Strategy

For Saudi students who have experienced difficulties with US F-1 visa applications, or who simply prefer the UK or Canadian study experience, both destinations represent strategically strong options with clear advantages under SACM sponsorship.

Why SACM sponsorship strengthens visa applications

Government scholarship sponsorship addresses the two most common grounds for international student visa concern: financial capacity and post-study return intention. A Financial Guarantee from the Saudi government removes any question about your ability to fund your studies, and the scholarship’s conditions directly demonstrate non-immigration intent.

UK Student Visa requirements for SACM students

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your approved UK university
• Valid passport with appropriate validity
• SACM Financial Guarantee letter
• ATAS certificate for certain STEM-adjacent fields

Canadian Study Permit requirements for SACM students

• Letter of acceptance from an MOE-approved Canadian institution
• SACB sponsorship documentation (from saudibureau.org)
• Valid passport, biometrics, and medical examination from an approved panel physician

After a US F-1 refusal

A previous US visa refusal does not automatically affect a UK or Canadian application, as each country’s visa system makes independent assessments. However, previous refusals must be disclosed truthfully. In many cases, progressing to a Master’s programme and securing SACM sponsorship creates a materially stronger profile than the original application.

ESL pathway

SACM funds up to 12 months of English language preparation at pre-approved ESL institutions. Securing a successful student visa for a language programme, building an academic record in the destination country, and then transitioning to a degree programme with an improved IELTS result is a proven pathway, particularly for applicants rebuilding after visa setbacks.

Common Mistakes Saudi Students Make in 2026

Mistake 1: Not knowing which path to apply on

This is a new and critical error that did not exist under the old KASP model. Applying on the wrong path — for example, applying on Emdaad for a specialisation that is not on the current Emdaad approved field list — results in rejection regardless of academic profile strength.

Mistake 2: Submitting before the mufadala window opens

The Safeer platform’s intake windows have specific opening and closing dates. Submitting late or missing the window entirely means waiting for the next intake, which can delay your start by six to twelve months.

Mistake 3: Choosing the wrong degree level

Students who already hold a Bachelor’s degree and apply for second undergraduate programmes raise significant red flags in both the scholarship process and subsequent visa applications. A Master’s programme represents the logical and strategically stronger next step.

Mistake 4: Applying to an unapproved university

Students frequently invest months preparing applications to institutions based on global rankings, without verifying that the specific institution appears on the relevant path’s approved list. The cost includes wasted application fees, missed intake windows, and potentially lost admission deposits.

Mistake 5: Submitting conditional offers for scholarship processing

SACM requires unconditional admission across all paths (except the language-study exception). Submitting a conditional offer and hoping it converts before the Ministry processes your application is a reliable way to delay or lose your scholarship slot.

Mistake 6: Changing programme without SACM approval

Once your scholarship is active, any change to your major, programme, or institution requires formal pre-approval from SACM. Unsanctioned changes can end your scholarship immediately.

Real case study: four refusals, one preventable mistake

Ali (name changed) completed his Bachelor’s degree in Saudi Arabia, then independently applied for a second Bachelor’s degree at a US institution and applied for an F-1 visa. He was refused. He applied again. And again. After four F-1 visa refusals, he sought professional consultation.

The diagnosis was clear: pursuing a second Bachelor’s degree after already holding one raised an immediate flag for US visa officers. Had Ali applied for a Master’s programme from the outset, positioned his SACM eligibility correctly, and approached the UK or Canada given his profile, the outcome would almost certainly have been different. His case illustrates a fundamental truth: the decisions made before submitting a single application determine the final outcome.

Key Takeaways for Saudi Students Pursuing SACM Scholarships in 2026

Conclusion: Your Path to Study Abroad Success

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program is genuinely one of the most generous and well-structured government scholarship programs in the world. Whether you aspire to study at a top-30 global university through the Arouad Path, to build a career in a Vision 2030 priority sector through Emdaad, to pursue doctoral research through the R&D Path, or to explore emerging educational destinations through Waed, there is a defined pathway and a full funding package waiting for you.

The challenge is not the scholarship’s generosity. The challenge is navigating a more complex and more competitive program than the one that existed under KASP. Students who understand the four-path architecture, verify their university and specialisation eligibility before applying, secure unconditional admission early, and submit strategically across multiple paths will have a significantly stronger chance of success.

Start with the right path. Verify your university. Apply early. Plan your visa strategy from day one.

Need help navigating SACM scholarship paths, university selection, and visa strategy? At Bluehawks Edu, we specialise in helping Saudi students successfully navigate the intersection of SACM requirements, path-specific MOE approval, and visa success factors. Whether you are beginning your study abroad journey or recovering from previous setbacks, our team is here to help.

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