Article 13 of the Regulations for Sponsorship and Training of University Staff outlines the financial benefits granted to sponsored students in general. It states:
"Sponsored students going abroad are entitled to the financial benefits provided to state employees sent abroad. The male guardian accompanying a female sponsored student (who is not sponsored) is treated like the spouse of a sponsored student under sponsorship regulations."
For students sponsored for training, the financial benefits provided are the same as those for other civilian state employees, as stated in Article 37 of the Regulations for Sponsorship and Training of University Staff:
"University administrative and technical staff sponsored for training are granted the same financial benefits as other civilian state employees."
To receive training allowances, the training period must be six months or longer; if shorter, only half is provided, according to Article 14 of the Training Regulations:
"An employee sponsored for training abroad receives the same allowances as an undergraduate sponsored student if the training period is six months or longer, and half if the period is shorter."
These benefits are suspended under the conditions in Article 27 of the Regulations:
"Sponsorship allowances stop when the sponsored student obtains their degree, changes their study location, major, or university without the University Council’s approval."
Allowances also stop three months after travel tickets to Saudi Arabia are issued for annual leave if the student does not return to the host country. Payment resumes once the student returns, verified through passports and approval from the relevant authority.
Travel Tickets
Article 16 of the Regulations states:
"Sponsored students going abroad are entitled to economy-class airline tickets as follows:"
For single students or married students whose family does not accompany them:
a. One-way ticket from Saudi Arabia to the host university to begin the sponsorship.
b. Round-trip ticket from the host university to Saudi Arabia after one academic year for annual leave.
c. Round-trip ticket from the host university for academic trips.
d. Round-trip ticket within the host country once for research or exams if the distance exceeds 100 km.
e. Round-trip ticket to Saudi Arabia in case of death of a parent, spouse, or child.
f. One-way ticket to Saudi Arabia after graduation or completion of the sponsorship.
For married students with accompanying family:
The sponsored student, spouse, minor children, unmarried daughters, and dependent mother (if applicable) are entitled to the tickets listed above (a–f).
Article 17 states:
"Sponsored students are entitled to a round-trip ticket once per academic stage to attend conferences, seminars, or short courses."
Article 29 provides travel tickets for training abroad regardless of duration. Civil Service Council Resolution No. 283 (20/3/1400H) grants tickets to the sponsored student’s family if the training lasts six months or more.
Salary and Allowances Provided by the University
Financial benefits differ depending on the type and destination of sponsorship.
A – Sponsored for a Degree:
The employee receives half their salary, minus retirement contributions, as stated in Article 15:
"The sponsored employee receives half of their salary from their home institution and is treated like a student sponsored by the Ministry of Higher Education."
B – Sponsored for Training:
The employee receives full salary, minus retirement contributions, plus one month as a deputation allowance. Article 15 states:
"Employees sponsored for training abroad receive an amount equivalent to a 30-day deputation allowance, and for the remaining period, the monthly stipend granted to an undergraduate student in the same country, in addition to their monthly salary."
Financial Benefits from the Cultural Mission
Financial benefits vary by country category:
Category A: North and South America, Canada, Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand.
Category B: All other countries, including Arab and Islamic countries.
Benefits are paid in the local currency based on the exchange rate. Royal Approval No. 3761 (5/5/1429H) fixes exchange rates for salaries, allowances, housing, tuition for children and spouses, and other compensations.
Monthly Allowance: Paid according to country category, with additional allowances for books, clothing, medical treatment, and printing research reports, distributed in equal monthly installments.
Annual Allowances: Paid as above for books, clothing, medical treatment, and research printing, added to the monthly allowance.
Scientific Travel Allowance: For postgraduate students (Master’s, PhD) needing to travel outside their host country for research, library visits, exams, or conferences:
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One month allowance for Master’s.
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Two months allowance for PhD.
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Travel ticket if necessary (half the value reimbursed if self-funded).
Conditions:
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Cultural attaché verifies academic progress.
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Letter from university supervisor confirming research travel.
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Distance between study location and research site ≥ 100 km (63 miles).
Reference Allowance for Theoretical Postgraduate Studies: Provided upon supervisor verification.
Scientific Equipment Allowance for Postgraduate Studies: Provided upon supervisor verification.
Travel to Saudi Arabia: Monthly allowance for each month spent in Saudi Arabia, up to three months (excludes half salary if employed).
Graduation Allowances:
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Thesis printing: 1.5 months for PhD, 1 month for Master’s.
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Moving books and belongings: 1.5 months for married PhD, 1 month for married Master’s; 1.5 months for single PhD, 1 month for single Master’s.
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One-way ticket to Saudi Arabia.
Spouse Allowance: Monthly allowance equal to the student’s stipend, for both accompanying spouse of male or female student (including non-Saudi spouses).
Guardian Allowance: Male guardian for a female student receives the same as spouse allowance, with official authorization from a court or notary.
Child Allowances: Up to four children, plus medical allowance.
Accompanying Family: Applied according to Article 31 of the Regulations.
[References: Royal Decree No. 152, 14/5/1434H; Administrative and Financial Affairs Circulars]
