Saudi Scholarship Without IELTS 2026: Universities, MOI & English Requirements

Can you get a Saudi scholarship without IELTS in 2026?

Yes, it can be possible for some Saudi university programs — but IELTS is not universally waived across Saudi Arabia.

That distinction is extremely important.

Some Saudi programs allow applicants to prove their English proficiency through alternatives such as:

• TOEFL
• STEP
• Another approved English-language test
• Proof that a previous degree was taught in English (Medium of Instruction / MOI)
• A program-specific English assessment

Other programs specifically require an approved standardized English test and do not accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate as a replacement.

And if your chosen program is taught in Arabic, IELTS may not be relevant at all.

Therefore, students should not rely on generic claims that Saudi scholarships never require IELTS. There is no single IELTS rule covering every Saudi university, scholarship, Bachelor's program, Master's degree and PhD.

The better question is:

Does my exact Saudi university and program require IELTS, accept another test, recognize previous English-medium study, or have a different language requirement?

This guide explains how the rules work, provides current examples from official Saudi university sources, and shows Pakistani applicants how to check whether they may be able to apply without IELTS. For direct evaluation of your profile, explore our Saudi Arabia Scholarship Consultancy & Profile Review Service.

2026/27 Application Window

Application submission: 16 September 2026 – 6 October 2026

Refer to our verified Saudi Arabia Scholarship Dates & Deadlines 2026 Guide for schedule tracking. If you do not have IELTS, use the period before applications open to shortlist programs and confirm their language requirements.

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Is IELTS Required for Saudi Scholarships in 2026?

IELTS is not a universal requirement for every Saudi scholarship.

The official Study in Saudi platform's long-term educational visa conditions require applicants to demonstrate proficiency in the language of study, except applicants coming specifically to study Arabic.

The actual English-language requirement can then be determined by the individual:

University → College → Department → Program

Depending on the program, accepted evidence might include IELTS, TOEFL, STEP, previous English-medium education or another approved route. Once you determine your language eligibility, browse our complete list of Saudi Arabia Fully Funded Scholarship Programs 2026/27.

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What Does “Saudi Scholarship Without IELTS” Actually Mean?

The phrase without IELTS can refer to several completely different situations:

1. IELTS Is Optional Because Another Test Is Accepted: TOEFL or STEP is used.
2. Your Previous English-Medium Degree Can Be Used: MOI certificate from a Pakistani university is accepted.
3. The Program Is in Arabic: IELTS is irrelevant; Arabic proficiency is evaluated.
4. Standardized Test Required, but Not Exclusively IELTS: Applicants can choose accepted alternatives.

Check our general Saudi Scholarship Eligibility for Pakistani Students 2026 Guide to see how age, marks, and language rules interact.

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Saudi Universities Without IELTS: What We Could Verify

University / Program	English Requirement	Previous English-Medium Study Accepted?	MOI Status
University of Tabuk – MSc Artificial Intelligence	English-medium Bachelor's OR approved test	Yes	Officially supported at program level
University of Tabuk – MSc Data Science	English-medium Bachelor's OR approved test	Yes	Officially supported at program level
University of Tabuk – MSc Information Security	English-medium Bachelor's OR approved test	Yes	Officially supported at program level
Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University – Master of Data Science	IELTS 4.0 or equivalent approved test	Not stated as MOI exemption	Do not assume
King Abdulaziz University – Academic Postgraduate Programs	Required program score through approved tests	No general exemption stated	Do not assume
King Saud University – PhD Business Administration	IELTS/TOEFL; English-medium Master's exemption under stated condition	Yes	Program-specific
King Saud University – PhD Architecture	TOEFL/equivalent OR English-medium Master's	Yes	Program-specific
KAUST MS/PhD	Approved English test unless specific exemption applies	MOI certificates explicitly not accepted	No

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University of Tabuk: Programs Where English-Medium Study Is Accepted

The University of Tabuk provides clear examples where previous English-medium study is accepted:

• MSc Artificial Intelligence
• MSc Data Science
• MSc Information Security

Suppose you completed a BS Computer Science in Pakistan taught in English. For these specific Tabuk programs, an official MOI letter from your university may satisfy the English condition without IELTS.

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No IELTS? Check Your Profile Before Paying for a Test

If your previous degree was taught in English, send us your academic profile first:

Usama Aimen — KSA Education Consultant
Call / WhatsApp: 0304 4296295

Find Programs Matching My Profile

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What Is an MOI Certificate & What Should It Include?

MOI means Medium of Instruction. An MOI certificate is an official document from your university confirming that your previous qualification was taught in English.

It should include:

• Full name & degree title
• University letterhead & official stamp
• Authorized signature & date
• Explicit statement: "The medium of instruction for this degree was English."

⚠️ Important: MOI is not a universal replacement for IELTS. Some universities (like KAUST) explicitly state that MOI certificates are NOT accepted. Always check program policies.

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Academic Documents, Translation & Attestation for No-IELTS Applicants

Whether applying with IELTS or MOI, your degree certificates and transcripts must meet official portal standards.

Review our complete Required Documents Checklist for Saudi Scholarships, read our Saudi Scholarship Certified Arabic Document Translation Guide, or order certified services directly on our Certified Arabic Translation Page.

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How to Apply & Important Dates

Follow our step-by-step portal submission guide: How to Apply for Saudi Scholarship: Portal & Document Guide.

Tracked Application Window:

• Opening Date: 16 September 2026
• Closing Date: 6 October 2026

Prepare your MOI letter, passport, certified translations, and attestations before September 16.

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Get Your No-IELTS Options Checked

Usama Aimen — KSA Education Consultant
Call / WhatsApp: 0304 4296295

• Find Programs Without IELTS
• Check If My MOI Is Accepted
• Check My Scholarship Profile

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Reviewed and prepared by the LISAN.PK Editorial Team.

Disclaimer: LISAN.PK provides independent scholarship information and document-support services. LISAN.PK is not affiliated with Study in Saudi, the Saudi Ministry of Education, KAUST or any Saudi university.