Saudi Olympic Committee Launches Athlete Scholarships

Oct 24, 2026•2 min read

The Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee has approved a new scholarship initiative aimed at developing the Kingdom's most promising athletes. The program, launched in cooperation with the Ministry of Sport and the Ministry of Education, is designed to support elite talent through advanced education and training abroad.

Under the initiative, 50 elite Saudi athletes will be sent each year to leading sports universities around the world. Among the institutions reported to be part of the program are Loughborough University, the University of Southampton, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Minnesota, and Ghent University.

Why it matters

The scheme reflects a wider push to raise the standard of Saudi sport by combining academic learning with high-performance athletic development. By placing athletes at recognized global centers of sports excellence, the program seeks to build a stronger national talent pipeline across multiple disciplines.

For the community, the initiative signals growing opportunities for young Saudi athletes who aspire to compete at the highest levels while continuing their education. It also aligns with the Kingdom's broader goals of expanding sports participation and performance nationwide.

At this stage, several key details remain unspecified. There is no publicly confirmed information on scholarship values, eligibility requirements, application steps, deadlines, the program's validity period, or the official application channel. No confirmed changes for the year ahead have been announced either. Interested athletes and families are advised to wait for official announcements before taking any action.

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates: