Vice Rectory for Postgraduate Studies & Scientific Research
General Administration of Scholarship & Training
Pre-Scholarship Guidelines & Regulations
This comprehensive guide delineates the regulatory bylaws, academic criteria, and financial guarantee procedures governing Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University personnel (academic faculty, teaching assistants, lecturers, administrative, and technical staff) pursuing graduate studies locally and abroad.
Scholarship Criteria for Teaching Assistants & Lecturers
Article 5 of Scholarship Bylaws
In accordance with Article 5 of the Unified Regulations for Scholarship & Training for University Personnel and University Council decisions, applicants must fulfill the following mandatory conditions:
Saudi Citizenship
The applicant must be a Saudi national.
Academic Degree Standard
Attainment of the required academic level according to Vice Rectory circulars.
Accredited University Admission
Securing unconditional admission from a Ministry-recommended academic institution.
Male Guardian (Mahram) Accompaniment
Mandatory accompaniment of an eligible Mahram for international scholars throughout the tenure.
Age Limits
Maximum 30 years for TAs and 35 years for Lecturers (exceptions subject to Council approval).
Service Commitment
Pledging to serve the university post-graduation for a period at least equal to the scholarship duration.
Criteria for Administrative & Technical Staff Degree Programs
Human Capital Upskilling
Designed to elevate operational efficiency and professional excellence, scholarship sponsorship for administrative and technical cadres is subject to the following regulatory benchmarks:
General Eligibility
- Saudi national, aged 40 years or below.
- Minimum 4 years of continuous service at PNU.
- Job performance evaluation not less than "Excellent" for the past 4 consecutive years.
- No external secondments, exceptional leaves, or maternity leaves exceeding 6 months in the last 4 years.
- Clean disciplinary record free of deductions or warnings during the past 4 years.
Academic & Institutional Standards
- Bachelor's GPA not less than "Very Good".
- Direct alignment between major and job role, certified in HR's annual staff development plan.
- Unconditional admission from a tuition-free program in a Saudi public university ranked Top 500 globally (QS, THE, Shanghai, US News) or Top 200 by subject.
- Limited strictly to one degree (Higher Diploma or Master's only) within standard minimum duration.
- No current enrollment in postgraduate programs, and no prior delays or failures in scholarships.
Governance & Pledges
- Official approval from department head without requesting a replacement employee.
- Annual university quota capped at 10 candidates (maximum 1 candidate per department).
- Binding commitment to serve PNU post-graduation for an equivalent scholarship duration.
- Explicit written pledge not to claim transfer to an academic faculty cadre.
- Scholarship termination permitted in case of insufficient academic diligence.
Crucial Pre-Application Notice
1. Verify Recommended Institutions
Applicants must rigorously check the Ministry of Education's official recommended universities portal before corresponding with institutions to avoid rejection after bearing substantial effort and fees.
2. Minimum 6-Month Lead Time
Maintain a window of at least 6 months between application and study commencement to complete university council reviews, cultural mission registrations, visa processing, and relocation logistics.
Financial Guarantee Procedures
Financial Guarantee Classifications:
Stage 1
Initial Financial Guarantee
Issued to facilitate correspondence with international and local universities to secure academic acceptance.
Stage 2
Final Financial Guarantee
Issued following formal ratification of the Scholarship Committee minutes by the University President, submitted to embassies for visa issuance.
Application Workflow & Guarantee Request:
Guarantee Request Channel:
Submitted via official email to the Scholarship Administration through the College Vice Dean for Postgraduate Studies, enclosing:
- Completed Financial Guarantee Request Form.
- Clear copy of a valid passport.
Governance Pathway:
Submission to direct supervisor → Department & College Council resolutions → Standing Scholarship & Training Committee → University President endorsement → Final Guarantee release.
Required Application Documents
Complete Application Dossier
Copy of Department Council Minutes
Copy of College Council Minutes
Copy of Official Employment Decree
Recent Copy of Family Card
Copy of National Identity Card
Copy of Mahram's ID (if other than spouse or father)
Performance Evaluation Forms for Last 2 Years
Copies of Certified Academic Credentials & Transcripts
Copy of Official University Admission Letter