In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, education is a cornerstone of the ambitious Vision 2030, and a critical component of this vision is fostering a highly-skilled and globally competitive workforce. To achieve this, Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program (برنامج خادم الحرمين الشريفين للابتعاث الخارجي), offering Saudi students the opportunity to pursue higher education at leading institutions worldwide. This article delves into the details of the program, outlining the eligibility criteria, required documents, and available pathways, providing a comprehensive guide for aspiring scholars.
ما هو برنامج خادم الحرمين الشريفين للابتعاث الخارجي؟ (What is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program?)
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program is a transformative initiative designed to invest in the future of Saudi Arabia by providing financial assistance and support to citizens seeking advanced educational opportunities abroad. Unlike traditional scholarship schemes, this program isn’t just about funding studies; it’s about strategically developing expertise in fields crucial to the Kingdom’s diversification and growth as outlined in Vision 2030. It strives to send students to the world’s best universities and institutes, pre-selected based on their academic reputation and alignment with national priorities. Achieving a high level of education abroad is therefore considered not just a personal benefit, but a national imperative.
شروط القبول في برنامج الابتعاث (Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship Program)
Several conditions must be met to be considered eligible for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program. These requirements are in place to ensure that the program selects candidates who are not only academically capable but also committed to contributing to the Kingdom’s development.
Here’s a breakdown of the main criteria:
- الجنسية السعودية (Saudi Nationality): Applicants must be Saudi citizens.
- السيرة الحسنة والسلوك الجيد (Good Conduct and Reputation): Candidates must demonstrate a good academic and personal record.
- قبول جامعي (University Acceptance): A formal acceptance letter from an accredited institution recognized by the program is mandatory. The chosen university must fall within the approved list for the specific track.
- التخصص المطلوب (Approved Specialization): The intended field of study must be one of the priorities identified by the scholarship program, aligned with the Kingdom’s needs for specialists in diverse sectors. This ensures a direct impact on national development.
- نمط الدراسة (Study Pattern): Adherence to the specified study pattern related to the chosen track is crucial..
- معايير المفاضلة (Merit Criteria): Applicants will be evaluated through a clear set of merit-based criteria, ensuring fair selection processes and minimizing any potential for bottlenecks.
الأوراق المطلوبة للتقديم (Required Documents for Application)
The application process requires submitting a comprehensive set of documents to verify eligibility and academic credentials. Ensure all documents are official and accurately reflect your educational background.
Here’s a list of documents usually required:
- A valid copy of the National ID card (بطاقة الهوية الوطنية).
- A valid copy of your passport (جواز السفر).
- Official certificates and transcripts from previous educational qualifications (شهادة المؤهل السابق والسجل الأكاديمي).
- Equivalence decision for qualifications obtained outside the Kingdom (قرار معادلة الشهادة – in case of foreign qualifications).
- Official university acceptance letter, clearly stating the specialization, university name, and study start date (خطاب القبول الرسمي).
- Official Registration Letter (خطاب التسجيل الرسمي من الجامعة).
- Student Visa Copy (صورة عن التأشيرة الدراسية)
- National Address (العنوان الوطني).
مسارات برنامج الابتعاث الخارجي (Scholarship Program Tracks)
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program is structured around four distinct tracks, each designed to cater to different academic levels and career aspirations. Understanding these tracks is vital for selecting the one that best aligns with your individual goals. These tracks include aspects that contirbute to تطوير القوى العاملة (workforce development).
- مسار الرواد (Al-Ruwwad Track – Pioneers Track): This track targets high-achieving Bachelor’s and Master’s degree holders, enabling them to study at the world’s top 30 universities and institutes. The focus is on attracting exceptional talent to contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation. Further details available here
- مسار إمداد (Imdad Track – Supply Track): Catering to Bachelor’s and Master’s degree holders, this track supports studies at the top 200 universities globally, prioritizing fields that address critical needs within the Saudi labor market. This is strongly associated with تأهيل الكفاءات الوطنية (qualifying national competencies). Further details available here
- مسار البحث والتطوير (Research & Development Track): Specifically designed for PhD students, this track facilitates studies at the world’s top 200 universities to enhance research capabilities and drive innovation within Saudi Arabia.
- مسار واعد (Wa’ed Track – Promising Track): This versatile track accommodates Bachelor’s and Master’s degree holders across diverse fields, offering opportunities for studies at internationally recognized institutions.
التقديم لبرنامج الابتعاث (Applying for the Scholarship)
The application process is primarily conducted online through the scholarship program’s official portal. Carefully review the specific requirements for your chosen track and ensure all submitted documents are authentic and complete. Be prepared for a competitive selection process that incorporates academic performance, interviews, and aptitude tests. Regularly check the official website for updated announcements and guidance throughout the application journey.
خاتمة (Conclusion)
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program represents a significant investment in Saudi Arabia’s future. By providing access to world-class education, the program aims to cultivate a generation of skilled leaders and innovators capable of driving sustainable growth and achieving the goals of Vision 2030. For Saudi students with ambition and dedication, this scholarship offers a life-changing opportunity to pursue their academic dreams and contribute to the prosperity of their nation. We encourage potential applicants to thoroughly research the program details, prepare their applications diligently, and strive for excellence in their academic pursuits. For future updates, and details please visit the Ministry of Education website.