Tamheer Programme 2026: On-the-Job Training for Saudi Graduates

Tamheer is one of the Hadaf fund's most important programmes for recent Saudi graduates. Launched in 2016, it combines three rarely-together benefits: a good monthly stipend + practical experience inside an establishment + certified completion. Official URL: tamheer.hrdf.org.sa.

Why Tamheer differs from Hafiz

Many graduates struggle to choose: Hafiz or Tamheer? The difference is large:

Practical rule: If you're a fresh graduate, Tamheer is significantly better — you get an equivalent or better stipend, build a CV, and raise post-programme employment odds.

Eligibility conditions

To register in Tamheer:

1. Saudi nationality.
2. Recent graduate: bachelor's or diploma from an accredited institution. Graduation within the last 6 years.
3. Currently unemployed: neither public nor private sector.
4. Less than one year of prior experience in the same specialty.
5. Has not benefited from Tamheer before.
6. Age below 40.
7. Serious job seeker: registered on Taqat.

Tamheer tracks

There are two main tracks:

Private-sector Tamheer

• The establishment posts trainee vacancies in specific specialties.
• The trainee applies directly or is nominated by Hadaf.
• The stipend is fully paid by Hadaf (the establishment doesn't pay the trainee).
• The establishment provides the work environment, supervisor, and training plan.

Public-sector Tamheer

• Government entities open seasonal openings.
• Higher competition (Sharia, law, accounting, IT graduates).
• Jobs available in ministries like: Justice, Islamic Affairs, Municipalities, Education.
• After Tamheer, possibility of official employment via a job competition.

Steps to register in Tamheer

Programme flow

Day one:

• Welcome from the establishment.
• Presentation of the 6-month training plan.
• Assignment of the direct supervisor.
• Signing the evaluation plan.

Over 6 months:

• Full-time (40-45 hours/week).
• Direct supervisor evaluates you weekly.
• Gradually increasing tasks: start simple, grow in complexity.
• Monthly reports to the establishment and Hadaf.
• Complementary courses sometimes (technical or behavioural).

Sixth month:

• Final evaluation.
• Certificate: issued by Hadaf with official seal.
• Employment offer: often extended by the same establishment.
• If no offer: you have a strong CV to apply elsewhere.

Monthly stipend

• Paid by Hadaf directly to your bank account — not by the establishment.
• Paid at the end of each training month.
• Attendance is a condition: excessive unexcused absence is deducted from the stipend.
• No tax on it — full amount is yours.

Trainee obligations

• Daily attendance: like a regular employee.
• Commit to establishment rules: dress, hours, conduct.
• Periodic reports to Hadaf: on the portal.
• Do not resign without cause: may bar you from other Hadaf programmes.
• Disclose any income: cannot combine with another job.

When is the certificate better than the job offer?

If offered employment at excellent terms: accept. Job security beats market gamble.

If offered at weak terms (very low salary, short contract, arbitrary conditions): take the certificate and apply elsewhere — your CV is now much stronger than before.

Rule: don't sign an employment contract before Tamheer ends. The establishment knows you have limited options on the last day — negotiate earlier.

Trainee mistakes to avoid

• Accepting the first Tamheer offer without thought: wrong specialty = 6 wasted months.
• Treating the programme as a break: some think Tamheer is easy — they lose the recommendation.
• Not engaging with the team: professional relationships after Tamheer are valuable.
• Refusing "small" tasks: every task is a learning opportunity.
• Resigning before programme end: forfeits stipend for remaining months + negative flag at Hadaf.

Tips to maximise value

• Choose a large establishment if possible: the brand on CV beats a small one.
• Request real tasks: don't spend 6 months copying files.
• Build a network: LinkedIn, engage with colleagues.
• Keep examples of your work: reports, projects, presentations — all CV material.
• Read your contract carefully: some establishments require post-Tamheer no-hire — reject this term.

Related articles

• Hafiz — job seeker support
• SANED — unemployment insurance
• Hadaf fund — full programme guide
• Doroob — free e-courses

Sources:

• Tamheer programme — tamheer.hrdf.org.sa
• Human Resources Development Fund — hrdf.org.sa
• Taqat platform — taqat.sa