Research and Development Scholarship Track: PhD and Admission

The Research and Development track is one of the tracks of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program. It is for doctoral study only, in priority fields that support research and development in the Kingdom, at universities on the track's approved list. Its core requirement is that university admission is final and unconditional.

If you are in Riyadh or any other Saudi city and plan to do a PhD abroad, this article explains what the official source says about the track, how to start your admission plan and why it pays to start early. We do not list university names or detailed specializations because the Ministry updates those lists, so the scholarship portal is the reference.

What the Research and Development Track Is

The official FAQ says the track targets scholarships in several priority fields to advance research and development in the Kingdom, according to a defined university list. The track page adds that the aim is to send scholars to the top 200 institutions in the world in priority fields, that the target degree is the doctorate, and that study is in person.

Degree Level and Approved Universities

The track is for doctorates only, so it does not suit someone seeking a bachelor's or master's degree. Accepted universities are those on the track list, published on the Safeer portal together with the list of specializations. Before you contact any academic department, confirm that the university and specialization are on the list for the current year.

The Final Unconditional Admission Requirement

According to the track-specific conditions, admission to the doctorate must be final and unconditional, issued by the admissions office of an accredited university on the track list. The page notes an exception for non-English-speaking countries, where admission conditional on language study is accepted and the scholarship supports the language stage. The general program conditions also apply, and you can read them on the conditions page.

We go deeper on this point in our article on conditional and unconditional admission for scholarships.

How to Start Your PhD Plan Early

Doctoral admission usually depends on how well your research project fits the interests of departments and supervisors, so filling in a form is not enough. Start with these steps:

1. Define your field and exact specialization, and check that it is on the track list.
2. Pick universities from the track list, then read each department's requirements and faculty profiles.
3. Prepare your research proposal, academic CV, recommendation letters and transcripts.
4. Identify the language test each university requires and prepare a score that satisfies both the university and the program.
5. Apply to the universities, wait for final unconditional admission, then apply through the scholarship portal.

According to the official page, you may apply to more than one university, but only one admission is accepted per applicant.

What to Review Before Applying on the Scholarship Portal

• The university and program are on the track list for the same application year.
• The admission letter is final and unconditional and comes from the university admissions office.
• The general conditions, including nationality, conduct and full-time study.
• The announced application dates on the Safeer portal.

For comparison, you can read about the Pioneers track universities if you are considering another track, and review the steps to get university admission for a scholarship.

Common Mistakes in Scholarship PhD Files

• Choosing a university that is not on the track list.
• Settling for a conditional offer in an English-speaking country, then learning that final admission is required.
• A generic research proposal that does not connect the topic to the field's priorities.
• Contacting supervisors and requesting recommendation letters too late.

Choosing a Supervisor and Research Proposal

In a PhD, the supervisor is a core part of admission. Read the publications of faculty members in the department and choose those whose interests overlap with your topic. Then write a short proposal that states the problem, the method and the expected value, and links it to the priority field under which you apply.

Write to a potential supervisor with a short, polite message and your CV, and do not always expect a fast reply. Some departments ask you to apply formally first, and practices differ between universities, so follow the department's instructions. If you have earlier research experience, a publication or a strong graduation project, mention it briefly because it supports your fit with the department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Research and Development track for master's degrees?

No. The official page states that the target degree is the doctorate only.

Do I need admission before applying for the scholarship?

Yes. The track requires final unconditional admission from a university on its list, with an exception for language-study conditional admission in non-English-speaking countries.

How many universities can I apply to?

The official page says you may apply to more than one university, with one admission accepted per applicant.

Where do I find the university and specialization lists?

On the Safeer portal and the guideline document linked from the track page. The Ministry updates the lists, so check them before choosing a university.

Do you guarantee admission or a scholarship?

No. We prepare the file and follow the application. The university decides on admission and the Ministry decides on the scholarship.

Prepare Your File With Almorad

If you are looking for a scholarship office in Riyadh to organise your admission file and follow up with you, browse universities and programs, contact us or message us on WhatsApp. We prepare the file and follow the application, while the final decision stays with the university and the sponsoring body.