---
url: 'https://kdinternational.com.au/self-funded-study-australia-join-saudi-scholarship-later/'
title: 'Self-Funded Study in Australia: How to Join the Saudi Scholarship'
author:
  name: هند العمري
  url: 'https://kdinternational.com.au/author/hind-alamri/'
date: '2026-09-23T06:00:00+00:00'
modified: '2026-09-23T06:02:28+00:00'
type: post
summary: 'Self-funded study in Australia for Saudi students: Ministry approval, GPA and university rules to join the Saudi scholarship later, and scholarships.'
categories:
  - Saudi scholarships
tags:
  - join Saudi scholarship
  - King Salman Scholarship Program
  - Qabul platform
  - self-funded study Australia
image: 'https://kdinternational.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/kd-14-en-art.png'
published: true
---

# Self-Funded Study in Australia: How to Join the Saudi Scholarship

*[اقرأ هذا المقال بالعربية](https://kdinternational.com.au/ar/?p=2476)*

### Key takeaways

- Self-funded study needs Ministry of Education approval on Safeer 2 before you travel; without it SACM Australia opens no file and accepts no joining request.
- Joining the scholarship requires 30 credit units (one year) at GPA 3.0/4 for a bachelor degree, or a passed first semester with 3.3/4 for master and PhD.
- The university must be in the top 50 in the field or top 100 worldwide (top 200 for medicine and engineering), and the major must be recommended.
- Joining requests go through the Qabul platform in two windows: 1 May to 30 June and 1 October to 30 November.
- A self-funded student may also apply directly to a King Salman Scholarship Program track if the track conditions are met.
- Most university scholarships (20% to 30%, sometimes full tuition) are awarded automatically with the offer; some are restricted to country lists that exclude Saudi Arabia.

### In this article

- [What does self-funded study mean, and do you need approval?](#s-1)
- [What are the conditions to join the scholarship from self-funded study?](#s-2)
- [When and how do you apply to join?](#s-3)
- [Can you apply directly to a scholarship track while self-funded?](#s-4)
- [What do Australian universities offer self-funded students?](#s-5)
- [How KD helps on the self-funded route](#s-6)

Yes. A Saudi student who starts in Australia self-funded can join the Saudi scholarship later, on two conditions: prior Ministry of Education approval for self-funded study before travelling, then meeting the joining rules (GPA, a ranked university, a recommended major) inside a fixed window. A second route is applying directly to a King Salman Scholarship Program track. This guide covers both, plus what universities offer self-funded students.

## What does self-funded study mean, and do you need approval?

Self-funded study (الدراسة على الحساب الخاص) means you pay tuition and living costs yourself, without a scholarship. The Ministry runs a free e-service, "Request to study abroad at own expense", on the Safeer 2 platform; it is processed within five working days and requires that you have no open request or open file in Safeer as a student or dependant, according to the [Saudi Ministry of Education](https://www.moe.gov.sa/ar/knowledgecenter/eservices/pages/scholarshiponown.aspx) (as at September 2026).

This approval matters. The Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission in Australia (SACM) will not open a file for a self-funded student, and will not accept a request to join the scholarship, unless the student obtained the Ministry’s approval before travelling, as stated by [SACM Australia](https://ar.sacm.org.au/privet-request-to-accept-study-on-privet-fund/). Getting your degree attested after graduation also requires prior approval and a recommended university, according to [SACM’s FAQ](https://sites.moe.gov.sa/cm/au/pages/alasaelh-almtkrrh/).

### How to request approval for self-funded study

- Log in to [Safeer 2](https://safeer2.moe.gov.sa/Portal/) and choose "Study at own expense".
- Accept the terms, then select the degree level and study type.
- Enter your personal details and previous qualifications.
- Enter the institution and country (Australia).
- Attach the supporting documents and submit; a decision is due within five working days according to the [service description](https://www.moe.gov.sa/ar/knowledgecenter/eservices/pages/scholarshiponown.aspx).

Secure a conditional or full offer first, because the form asks for your university and major. If you are starting from scratch, our [step-by-step process](https://kdinternational.com.au/ar/%d8%ae%d8%b7%d9%88%d8%a7%d8%aa-%d8%b9%d9%85%d9%84%d9%8a%d8%a9/) explains the order: offer, approval, then visa.

## What are the conditions to join the scholarship from self-funded study?

The joining rules (ضوابط الإلحاق بالبعثة) come from amendments approved by the Saudi Council of Ministers in Decision 134 dated 22/4/1437 AH, published by [Al Riyadh newspaper on 2 February 2016](https://www.alriyadh.com/1124778).

| Level | What you complete first at your own expense | Minimum GPA | University |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Bachelor | 30 credit units (one academic year) | 3.0 out of 4 | Top 50 in the field or top 100 worldwide |
| Master | First semester passed | 3.3 out of 4 in the bachelor degree | Same lists |
| PhD | First semester (4 months) | 3.3 out of 4 in the master degree | Same lists |
| Medicine and designated engineering and science majors | 30 credit units | 2.75 out of 4 for bachelor; 3.0 out of 4 to join at master level | Universities designated by the Ministry |

Figures are from the [joining rules published on the Ministry of Education site (UK mission)](https://sites.moe.gov.sa/cm/uk/departments/department-30/) and the [decision text in Al Riyadh](https://www.alriyadh.com/1124778); they are Ministry-wide rules, not country-specific. The Ministry’s "Request to join a scholarship" service page adds that the university must be in the top 50 to 100 in the field (top 200 for medicine and engineering), that the GPA must be 3.0 or above depending on level, and that the major must be recommended and not suspended, according to the [Saudi Ministry of Education](https://www.moe.gov.sa/ar/knowledgecenter/eservices/Pages/joinscholarship.aspx) (as at September 2026). Check the Ministry’s current university and major lists before you enrol; choosing a university outside the lists closes the door from day one.

### General conditions beyond GPA

- Prior Ministry approval for self-funded study.
- Good conduct and medical fitness; no previous dismissal from a scholarship or a Saudi university; and no previous scholarship or degree at the same level.
- Lawful residence in the country of study that allows full-time study.
- Applicants sit any tests and ranking procedures the Ministry sets, and doctors are enrolled in the clinical track (fellowship and specialisation) rather than academic degrees, according to the [Ministry’s joining rules](https://departments.moe.gov.sa/Scholarship/RelatedDepartments/EnrollStudentInScholarship/Pages/Instructions.aspx).

The Ministry is not obliged to accept every request; the then Minister of Education said joining is subject to defined rules, as reported by. Plan as if you may finish the degree self-funded, and treat joining as an opportunity.

## When and how do you apply to join?

The application is online through the Qabul platform using Nafath (National Single Sign-On), free of charge, decided within three working days, and open in two windows a year: the autumn window from 1 May to 30 June, and the spring window from 1 October to 30 November, according to the [Saudi Ministry of Education](https://www.moe.gov.sa/ar/knowledgecenter/eservices/Pages/joinscholarship.aspx) (as at September 2026).

- Log in to Qabul with Nafath and confirm your personal details.
- Enter your scholarship, language and international test details.
- Click "Start application" and choose the request to enrol a self-funded student.
- Upload the documents: national ID, passport, visa, academic certificates with equivalency, enrolment confirmation and offer, transcripts, English proficiency certificate and the required undertakings, per the [document list on the Ministry site](https://sites.moe.gov.sa/cm/uk/departments/department-30/).
- Track the request on the platform and use the Safeer app for queries.

## Can you apply directly to a scholarship track while self-funded?

Yes. The King Salman Scholarship Program (برنامج خادم الحرمين الشريفين للابتعاث الخارجي) FAQ states that a self-funded student may apply when the general conditions and the track-specific conditions are met, according to the [Saudi Ministry of Education](https://sites.moe.gov.sa/scholarship-program/faqs/). The tracks shown on the program site are Ar-Ruwaad (top 30 institutions), Emdad (top 200), Research and Development (PhD from the top 200) and Waaid; general conditions include a maximum age of 30 for bachelor applicants (except Ar-Ruwaad) and no previous scholarship at the same degree level (except Ar-Ruwaad), according to the [program conditions](https://sites.moe.gov.sa/scholarship-program/conditions/) (as at September 2026).

This route suits students holding an offer from an approved Australian university; the program’s Australia page lists 21 approved universities across the cities (updated 14 January 2024) according to the [Saudi Ministry of Education](https://sites.moe.gov.sa/scholarship-program/countries/australia/). Read the details in our [Ar-Ruwaad track guide](https://kdinternational.com.au/ar/arruaad-track-scholarship-australia/) and the [guide to all Saudi scholarship tracks](https://kdinternational.com.au/ar/?p=2318).

## What do Australian universities offer self-funded students?

Fee-paying students are exactly who university merit scholarships target, and most are awarded automatically with the offer, with no separate application:

| University | Offer | How it is awarded |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Australian National University (ANU) | 20% off first-year tuition, and a separate award of up to 50% for up to four years | Automatically considered with your application, per [ANU](https://study.anu.edu.au/scholarships) |
| University of Technology Sydney (UTS) | 30% (Academic Excellence), 15% (Academic Merit, 2026 commencers) and a full-tuition Vice-Chancellor’s scholarship | Automatic, per [UTS](https://www.uts.edu.au/for-students/admissions-entry/scholarships/international) |
| University of Newcastle | 20% of the annual tuition fee, up to 25 scholarships in 2027 | Per the [University of Newcastle](https://www.newcastle.edu.au/scholarships/UNI_053) |
| Griffith University | 20% off tuition for the whole program | Per [Griffith University](https://www.griffith.edu.au/international/scholarships-finance) |
| University of Wollongong | Up to 30% off tuition | Per the [University of Wollongong](https://www.uow.edu.au/study/international/scholarships-australia/) |
| Macquarie University | Up to AUD 10,000 towards tuition, with an ATAR equivalent of 85 or a WAM equivalent of 65 | Per [Macquarie University](https://www.mq.edu.au/study/admissions-and-entry/scholarships/international/vice-chancellor-s-international-scholarship) |

Percentages are as published up to September 2026 and change every year, so check the university page before relying on them. Note that some well-known awards are restricted to country lists that do not include Saudi Arabia, such as the UNSW International Student Award (20%) under the [eligible-country list published in April 2026](https://www.scholarships.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/2026-04/International%20Student%20Award_List%20of%20Eligible%20Countries.pdf), and the Sydney International Student Award (20%) for 2027 commencers, per the [University of Sydney](https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/fees-and-loans/scholarships/sydney-international-student-award.html).

### Instalments, language schools and pathways

- If paying tuition upfront is a strain, KD has an announced partnership with Gel Pay for fee instalments; ask your counsellor about the current terms.
- KD students have an announced discount at LSI language school, and KD partners with Navitas (academic pathway programs) and Study Group, which suit students who do not yet meet direct-entry requirements.
- Budget for living costs before tuition: SACM estimates that a person needs about SAR 10,000 (AUD 2,500) a month for accommodation and living expenses, excluding tuition, per [SACM guidelines](https://ar.sacm.org.au/guidelines-and-tips/), and the student visa application charge has been AUD 2,500 since 1 July 2026, per [Study Australia](https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-move/your-guide-to-visas/student-visa-subclass-500).

## How KD helps on the self-funded route

KD International works with self-funded students alongside the Saudi scholarship programs, and states that its admission service is free for students applying to scholarship-program majors at universities approved by the Ministry of Education. Your counsellor helps you choose a university inside the Ministry’s lists from day one, so that joining the scholarship stays possible, and supports you with visa guidance, accommodation and NAATI-certified translation.

Take one step now: [register your details](https://kdinternational.com.au/applynow/) so a counsellor can compare available offers for you, or [contact us](https://kdinternational.com.au/ar/%d8%aa%d9%88%d8%a7%d8%b5%d9%84-%d9%85%d8%b9%d9%86%d8%a7/) if you are already studying and want to know where you stand against the joining rules.

## Frequently asked questions

Can a self-funded Saudi student in Australia join the Saudi scholarship later? 
Yes, under Council of Ministers Decision 134 of 1437 AH: prior Ministry approval for self-funded study, one completed academic year (bachelor) or one semester (postgraduate) at the required GPA, and a university on the Ministry’s lists. Apply on the Qabul platform in the May-June or October-November window.
  What GPA do you need to join the Saudi scholarship from self-funded study? 
At least 3.0 out of 4 after 30 credit units for a bachelor degree, and 3.3 out of 4 in the previous degree for master and PhD applicants. For medicine and designated engineering and science majors, 2.75 applies at bachelor level and 3.0 to join at master level.
  Do I need Ministry of Education approval to study in Australia at my own expense? 
Studying is your decision, but without Safeer 2 approval before travelling, SACM Australia will not open a file for you or accept a request to join the scholarship, and attesting your degree later becomes difficult. The service is free and processed within five working days.
  Can I apply to the Ar-Ruwaad or Emdad track while studying self-funded? 
Yes. The King Salman Scholarship Program FAQ states that self-funded students may apply when the general and track conditions are met. Ar-Ruwaad covers the top 30 institutions and Emdad the top 200, with an age limit of 30 for bachelor applicants outside Ar-Ruwaad.
  What discounts do Australian universities give self-funded international students? 
Merit scholarships, usually awarded automatically with the offer: 20% off first-year tuition at ANU, 30%, 15% or full tuition at UTS, 20% at Newcastle and Griffith, up to 30% at Wollongong and up to AUD 10,000 at Macquarie, according to university pages as at September 2026.
  Can I pay Australian university fees in instalments? 
Some universities accept payment by semester, and KD has an announced partnership with Gel Pay for fee instalments. Ask your counsellor about the current terms for your university.
  How much do I need per month to live in Australia as a self-funded student? 
SACM estimates about SAR 10,000 (AUD 2,500) a month for accommodation and living costs, excluding tuition. Add the student visa charge (AUD 2,500 since 1 July 2026) and health cover.
  

## Official sources

- [طلب دراسة في الخارج على الحساب الخاص](https://www.moe.gov.sa/ar/knowledgecenter/eservices/pages/scholarshiponown.aspx) — وزارة التعليم
- [طلب إلحاق في بعثة](https://www.moe.gov.sa/ar/knowledgecenter/eservices/Pages/joinscholarship.aspx) — وزارة التعليم
- [ضوابط إلحاق الطلاب الدارسين على حسابهم الخاص بالبعثة](https://sites.moe.gov.sa/cm/uk/departments/department-30/) — وزارة التعليم (الملحقية الثقافية في بريطانيا)
- [ضوابط إلحاق الطلاب الدارسين على حسابهم في الخارج](https://departments.moe.gov.sa/Scholarship/RelatedDepartments/EnrollStudentInScholarship/Pages/Instructions.aspx) — وزارة التعليم
- [تعديلات على ضوابط إلحاق الدارسين على حسابهم بالبعثة (2 فبراير 2016)](https://www.alriyadh.com/1124778) — صحيفة الرياض
- [طلب الموافقة على الدراسة على الحساب الخاص](https://ar.sacm.org.au/privet-request-to-accept-study-on-privet-fund/) — الملحقية الثقافية السعودية في أستراليا
- [إرشادات ونصائح](https://ar.sacm.org.au/guidelines-and-tips/) — الملحقية الثقافية السعودية في أستراليا
- [الأسئلة الأكثر شيوعاً وشروط برنامج خادم الحرمين الشريفين للابتعاث](https://sites.moe.gov.sa/scholarship-program/conditions/) — وزارة التعليم
- [أستراليا: قائمة الجامعات المعتمدة](https://sites.moe.gov.sa/scholarship-program/countries/australia/) — وزارة التعليم
- [Scholarships](https://study.anu.edu.au/scholarships) — Australian National University
- [International scholarships](https://www.uts.edu.au/for-students/admissions-entry/scholarships/international) — University of Technology Sydney

### Ready to start?

KD International helps you choose a university, prepare your admission and visa file, and answers your questions about Saudi scholarships and studying in Australia. [Apply now](https://kdinternational.com.au/applynow/) or [message us on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/966582357717).

*Last updated: 14 September 2026. Fees and requirements change; always confirm with the official source before deciding.*