Are you one of those students who recently checked the Study in Saudi Portal and saw that an MBBS program was fully funded… but now suddenly it’s showing as self-funded?

And now you’re confused — what’s going on? Has the scholarship ended?

Don’t worry. This guide is for you.

In this article, we’ll explain:

• Why Saudi scholarship policies change every year
• The real reason behind MBBS rejections
• Top medical fields that are still fully funded
• Better career options than MBBS (yes, really!)

Why MBBS in Saudi Arabia Changed from Free to Paid?

First, let’s answer the biggest question.

Yes, the Study in Saudi portal was recently updated, and many students noticed that MBBS programs that were previously free are now showing as paid.

The main reason? Saudi Arabia’s scholarship policy is NOT fixed.

It changes every year and every intake.

• A program that was fully funded last year may not be free this year
• A paid program this year could become fully funded next year

These decisions depend on the priorities of the Ministry of Education and Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision.

👉 Learn more about Saudi Vision 2030 here: Saudi Vision 2030 Official Website

Why MBBS Seats Are Limited for International Students

Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is shifting its focus.

Instead of MBBS, the country is prioritizing:

• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Health Technology

That’s why:

• MBBS seats are limited
• Many are now self-funded
• Only 3%–5% quota is available for international students

Even in universities where MBBS is still free, requirements are extremely high:

• 98%+ academic marks
• Hafiz-e-Quran (preferred)
• SAT scores
• Arabic language test

So if you didn’t get selected, it’s not your fault.

You’re competing in a race where only 2 out of 1000 students get selected.

Best Fully Funded Alternatives to MBBS in Saudi Arabia

Here’s the smart move: explore other medical fields with better opportunities.

1. Nursing (Highly Recommended)

Saudi Arabia needs over 100,000 nurses under Vision 2030.

Top universities offering fully funded nursing programs:

• King Abdulaziz University
• Taibah University
• Umm Al-Qura University

Benefits:

• Free tuition
• Monthly stipend (~850 SAR)
• Free accommodation
• Annual air tickets

Salary: 12,000 – 18,000 SAR/month

2. PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy)

This is a 6-year program and one of the most respected fields after MBBS.

You can work as a clinical pharmacist, helping doctors decide medications.

👉 Example university: Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University

3. DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy)

Perfect for those interested in rehabilitation and sports medicine.

You can even work with international teams like FIFA athletes!

4. Other High-Demand Fields

• Medical Lab Sciences
• Radiology
• Clinical Nutrition
• Public Health

All these fields offer:

• Fully funded scholarships
• Strong job demand
• Career growth internationally

Reality Check: MBBS Job Market in Pakistan

Let’s talk honestly.

In Pakistan:

• Over 20,000 MBBS doctors graduate every year
• Many remain unemployed
• House jobs often require references
• Salaries can be as low as PKR 4,000–10,000

Meanwhile:

• Nurses get Grade 17 government jobs
• Starting salary: PKR 120,000+
• Pharmacists and radiologists are in high demand globally

Global Perspective: MBBS Isn’t Everything

In countries like:

• USA
• Canada
• Germany

Other medical professionals earn just as much (or more):

• Nurse Practitioners can run their own clinics
• Pharmacists are drug experts
• Specialized Nurses earn up to $100,000+ annually

👉 Check global salary data here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career Growth Opportunities

• After BS Nursing → Apply for MS Nursing in Germany or Canada (fully funded)
• After PharmD → Do PhD in USA and become a drug researcher
• After DPT → Work in international sports therapy

You can still become a “Doctor” (PhD) without MBBS.

The paths are not closed — they are wide open.

3-Step Strategy for Students

Step 1: Keep Multiple Options

On the Study in Saudi portal:

• 1st Choice: MBBS
• 2nd Choice: Nursing
• 3rd Choice: Pharmacy
• 4th Choice: DPT

Don’t rely only on MBBS.

Step 2: Apply to Multiple Countries

• Turkey Burslari Scholarship
• China CSC Scholarship

Step 3: Don’t Waste a Year

If you don’t get MBBS this year:

• Start Nursing or Pharmacy
• Apply again next year

This way, your time is saved and your career keeps moving.

Final Thoughts

MBBS is NOT the end of the world.

Saudi scholarship policies change every year.

What’s paid today might be free tomorrow — but don’t waste your time waiting.

Choose smartly. Explore options. Build your future.

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Which field are you planning to choose besides MBBS?