The Ministry of Higher Education began reviewing on Sunday students’ applications to study outside the Kingdom at their own expense.

Applications will first be reviewed through an electronic portal on the Ministry’s website, after which the applicant will be called for interview.

The supervisor of the Department of Self-Financed Study Abroad at the Ministry of Scholarship Affairs, Hathal Al-Otaibi, said the review will take place at the Hilton Hotel in Jeddah.

He pointed out the importance of providing the correct information, completing all the required documents, and providing clear and accurate receipts.

“Attention should be paid to ensuring that the name of the applicant in English on the passport matches those on the letter of admission to the university and the study visa paperwork,” he said.

Al-Otaibi also pointed out the importance of ensuring that the university selected by the student is on the list of universities recommended by the Ministry of Higher Education.

“Applications will be reviewed to ensure that the specializations requested are in the same field,” he said, adding that all approvals will be verified including those from guardians and legitimate agencies for individuals accompanying female applicants.

He stressed that no paperwork will be reviewed if the applicant has not submitted an electronic application via the ministry’s system. The next meeting will be held between the team working at the ministry and self-financed study abroad applicants in Riyadh, he said.