Tamheer & Hadaf: A Fresh Graduate's Guide to HRDF Support

Graduating is a milestone, but the gap between a degree and a first paying job can feel wide. In Saudi Arabia, the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), known as Hadaf, was created to narrow exactly that gap. Through training subsidies, wage support, and structured programs like Tamheer, Hadaf helps Saudi graduates gain real workplace experience and helps employers hire them. This guide explains the most relevant options for fresh graduates and how to act on them.

What is Hadaf (HRDF)?

Hadaf is a government fund that supports the employment and training of Saudi nationals in the private sector. It is a central pillar of the national Saudization (Nitaqat) effort, and it works alongside platforms such as Qiwa and the national employment portal Jadarat. Rather than paying salaries directly to most workers, Hadaf reduces the cost and risk of hiring and training Saudis, while offering job seekers a set of programs that build skills and ease the path into work.

The Tamheer on-the-job training program

Tamheer (Graduate Development) is Hadaf's flagship program for recent graduates. It places you in a real role at a private company, government body, or international organization in the Kingdom for a fixed training period, so you finish with hands-on experience and a Hadaf certificate of experience instead of a blank CV.

• Duration: typically three to six months of on-the-job training.
• Monthly reward: a stipend paid by Hadaf during training. At the time of writing this is commonly around SAR 3,000 for bachelor's-degree holders and above and around SAR 2,000 for diploma holders, but amounts change, so always confirm the current figures on the official Hadaf site.
• Extras: trainees generally receive work-injury insurance coverage and access to supporting online courses, and a certificate of experience on completion.

Crucially, Tamheer is a training opportunity, not a permanent job offer by itself, but it frequently turns into employment when you perform well, and it is widely recognized by employers.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility rules are set by Hadaf and can change, so treat the following as general guidance and verify the latest criteria before you apply. Typical conditions include:

• Being a Saudi national.
• Holding a recognized diploma, bachelor's degree, or higher.
• Not being currently employed and not having significant prior work experience.
• An age limit (generally aimed at younger graduates, often under about 30) and a cap on how many times and for how long you can benefit from the program.
• Being registered with Hadaf and not appearing on its list of excluded persons.

Other Hadaf programs worth knowing

Tamheer is one option among several. Depending on your situation, these may also help:

• Job-search financial support: temporary assistance for active job seekers, paid in tapering installments over a limited period while you search.
• Training and skills support (Maharat): funding toward general-skills courses, with separate ceilings for online and in-person training.
• Employment (wage) support: aimed at employers, Hadaf pays a share of a Saudi employee's wage for a defined period, which makes hiring you more attractive.
• Enabling programs: support such as Wusool (transport help, often for working women) and Qurrah (childcare support) that remove practical barriers to staying employed.

How to apply, step by step

1. Create or update your profile on the official Hadaf portal and on Jadarat.
2. Confirm you meet the current eligibility rules for the specific program.
3. Browse posted Tamheer opportunities, or apply for the program and let matched employers find you.
4. Prepare a clean, accurate CV and a short, tailored cover letter for each opportunity.
5. Once accepted, complete onboarding and treat the training like a real job; attendance and performance affect both your stipend and your chances of a permanent offer.

Programs, amounts, and eligibility are updated periodically. For current figures and the exact application steps, always rely on the official Hadaf, HRSD, and Qiwa channels rather than third-party summaries.

Make your application stand out

Whether you are applying for Tamheer or a full role, presentation matters. Use the free CV creator on Job KSA to build a clear, ATS-friendly resume, then try the free AI cover-letter generator and AI interview preparation tools to get ready before you meet an employer. When you are set, browse live openings on the Job KSA app and apply with confidence.