Are you looking for a Saudi Arabia scholarship for Pakistani students without IELTS? You may have an opportunity to study in Saudi Arabia even if you have not taken the IELTS exam. However, the answer depends on your chosen university, degree programme and language of instruction.
Some Saudi Arabian scholarship programmes may not require IELTS, particularly when the programme is taught in Arabic or the university offers an approved alternative or exemption. However, there is no universal rule that all Saudi scholarships are available without IELTS. Pakistani students should verify the English-language requirements of each university and programme before applying.
Saudi Arabia offers scholarship opportunities for international students at bachelor's, master's and PhD levels. The official Study in Saudi platform provides a route to explore participating institutions, while some universities operate their own admissions systems.
This guide explains how to identify suitable opportunities, what to check before applying and how to avoid common mistakes.
Can Pakistani Students Get a Saudi Scholarship Without IELTS?
Yes, it may be possible. However, not every university or degree programme has the same language requirements.
Some programmes may accept applicants without IELTS, while others require an English proficiency test or evidence that the applicant meets a specific language standard.
The first step is to identify the language in which your intended programme is taught:
1 Arabic-Taught Programmes
If you want to study Arabic language, Islamic studies, Sharia or another Arabic-taught subject, IELTS may not be necessary because IELTS measures English-language proficiency.
The official Saudi study-visa guidance distinguishes applicants studying Arabic from those who need to demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction. This does not mean every Arabic-taught programme automatically waives all language requirements. A university may still require Arabic proficiency, an Arabic-language assessment or a preparatory language course.
- Whether the programme is taught entirely in Arabic.
- Whether Arabic proficiency is required at the time of admission.
- Whether a preparatory Arabic course is available.
- Whether the scholarship covers the preparatory programme.
- Whether the university requires any separate language assessment.
2 Programmes Offering an English-Test Exemption
Some universities may exempt particular applicants from an English proficiency test if they meet the institution's published exemption criteria.
For example, an institution may consider where a previous degree was completed or whether the applicant meets another recognised English-language requirement.
3 Universities Accepting Alternative English Tests
Some programmes may accept an approved alternative to IELTS, such as TOEFL or another test listed in their admissions requirements.
An alternative test is not the same as having no language requirement. You may still need to provide an accepted score.
Before paying for any test, check the official admissions page to confirm which tests are accepted, the minimum scores and whether exemptions are available.
Which Saudi Universities Should You Check for Scholarships Without IELTS?
Pakistani students can begin their research with the following institutions. These are starting points for checking scholarship and language policies, not a guarantee that every programme accepts applicants without IELTS:
| University | What to Investigate |
|---|---|
| Islamic University of Madinah | Arabic-taught programmes, Arabic preparation and programme-specific language requirements |
| Umm Al-Qura University | Arabic and Islamic studies programmes and their admission conditions |
| King Abdulaziz University | Language requirements for the exact degree and scholarship route |
| King Saud University | English proficiency rules for the selected bachelor's, master's or PhD programme |
| Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University | Language requirements for eligible female applicants and the chosen programme |
For example, the Islamic University of Madinah and Umm Al-Qura University are useful starting points for applicants interested in Arabic or Islamic studies. Nevertheless, you must confirm current requirements on the official admissions page.
For technical and research-focused programmes, English proficiency requirements may be more demanding. Do not choose a university based solely on an online claim that it does not require IELTS.
Unsure if your degree requires IELTS?
Speak directly with our specialized Saudi scholarship advisors for a quick evaluation.
IELTS Requirements for Bachelor's, Master's and PhD Scholarships
Language requirements often depend on the degree level and subject.
Bachelor's Scholarships
Pakistani students applying after FSc, FA, ICS or A-levels should check whether their intended bachelor's programme is taught in Arabic or English.
For Arabic-taught programmes, IELTS may not be relevant, although Arabic proficiency can be required. English-taught programmes may require an approved English test or a recognised exemption.
Master's Scholarships
Master's programmes in engineering, computer science, business and other specialised fields may have specific English-language requirements.
Applicants should check the programme page for the minimum test score, accepted alternatives and exemption rules. A university's general scholarship announcement may not contain every programme-specific condition.
PhD Scholarships
PhD applicants should pay particular attention to the language requirements of their research programme. Universities may require English test results, research documentation, supervisor approval or other academic evidence.
Research publications and academic alignment with research labs carry immense weight alongside test requirements.
Important Specific Case: KAUST Admissions & English Policy
For example, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has its own admissions system and English proficiency rules. Its official guidance states that Medium of Instruction certificates are not accepted as evidence of English proficiency. An English-medium degree from a Pakistani institution should therefore not be assumed to qualify for an exemption.
Check the official KAUST entry requirements if you are considering a research degree there.
Can a Medium of Instruction Certificate Replace IELTS?
A Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate is issued by an educational institution to confirm the language used during a student's previous studies.
Some universities may accept an MOI certificate under their published exemption policies. Others do not accept it as a substitute for an English proficiency test.
Before relying on your MOI certificate, ask the admissions office these 4 critical questions:
- Does the university accept MOI certificates from Pakistani institutions?
- Does the exemption apply to my selected degree programme?
- Must the certificate follow a particular format?
- Is an English test still required before enrolment?
Obtain official written confirmation from the university rather than relying on social media posts or an agent's general promise.
How to Find a Saudi Scholarship Without IELTS
Follow these 7 steps to identify programmes that match your academic background:
Step 1: Choose your degree level
Decide whether you want to apply for a bachelor's, master's or PhD programme.
Step 2: Select your field of study
Identify your preferred subject, such as computer science, engineering, business administration, Arabic or Islamic studies.
Step 3: Explore official scholarship routes
Visit the Study in Saudi platform to explore available institutions and programmes. Some universities, including KAUST, use separate admissions systems.
Step 4: Read the programme's language requirements
Look for IELTS, TOEFL, accepted alternatives, MOI exemptions and any Arabic-language requirements.
Step 5: Verify the scholarship conditions
Confirm whether the programme is fully funded, partially funded or self-funded. Check the scholarship's eligibility conditions separately from its language requirements.
Step 6: Prepare your documents
Depending on the programme, you may need your passport, academic certificates, transcripts, recommendation letters, a CV, a statement of purpose and language evidence where required.
Step 7: Confirm current application dates
Application windows differ by university and programme. Check the official admissions website before submitting an application.
Common Mistakes Pakistani Students Should Avoid
Language requirements vary significantly by university and programme.
You must still satisfy academic CGPA, age thresholds, and documentation criteria.
Leading institutions such as KAUST explicitly reject MOI certificates.
An Arabic-taught programme may require proof of Arabic proficiency or an entrance exam.
Never pay unverified agents; always verify opportunities via official university or government portals.
Collecting, translating, and attesting BISE/HEC/MOFA documents takes considerable time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Saudi Arabia scholarship without IELTS from Pakistan?
Yes, some programmes may allow it, depending on their language of instruction and admissions policy. You must verify the rules for your selected university and degree.
Which Saudi universities offer scholarships without IELTS?
There is no reliable universal list covering every degree and intake. Start by checking Arabic-taught programmes at relevant universities, then confirm the current admission and scholarship requirements directly with the institution.
Can I get a fully funded Saudi scholarship without IELTS?
Potentially. Funding and English-language requirements are separate conditions. A programme may offer a scholarship but still require IELTS or another accepted form of language evidence.
Can I use an MOI certificate instead of IELTS?
Only if the university and programme explicitly accept it. Do not assume an MOI certificate from a Pakistani university will be accepted everywhere.
Is IELTS compulsory for Saudi PhD scholarships?
Not in every case, but many research programmes have specific English-language requirements. Check the relevant university's doctoral admissions policy before applying.
Where can Pakistani students apply for Saudi scholarships?
Begin with the official Study in Saudi platform and the admissions website of your preferred university. Some research universities use separate application systems.
Find The Perfect Saudi Scholarship For Your Profile
Finding a scholarship that matches your academic qualifications and language status requires more than searching for the words “without IELTS.” You need to identify programmes that fit your degree level, grades, subject and documentation.
At vStudyAbroad.com, we help Pakistani students understand Saudi scholarship routes, assess eligibility, identify suitable universities and prepare their application documents. If you have not taken IELTS, you can still start by reviewing your academic profile and identifying programmes whose official requirements match your situation.
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Disclaimer: vStudyAbroad.com is an independent education advisory service and is not affiliated with the Saudi government or any university unless explicitly stated. Admission, scholarship awards and language-test exemptions are determined by the relevant institutions. Requirements and application dates can change, so verify them through official sources before applying.