Study in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has one of the fastest-growing and most impressive higher education systems in the Middle East. Thus, it is hardly surprising that thousands of international students choose to enrol at Saudi Arabian universities and colleges every year.
With a colourful blend of modern architecture, ancient sites, and the beautiful Red Sea coast, it’s easy to understand why many want to study and live in this kingdom, at least for a while.
Why study in Saudi Arabia?
1. Saudi Arabia invests a lot in education
In Saudi Arabia, education is taken very seriously. Over 20% of the annual budget is invested in developing, improving, and maintaining a high standard of teaching at all education levels.
This is also reflected in the large number of higher education institutions: there are over 25 public universities and more than 65 private colleges where students can enrol.
2. International students have access to funding
Saudi Arabian universities offer scholarships to all international students, regardless of their country of origin. Usually, the scholarship application is included in the university application process.
The most substantial scholarships cover full tuition fees and a large part of the monthly living costs.
3. Modern infrastructure and facilities
Students enjoy state-of-the-art resources and facilities, both in terms of studying and living. Universities have the latest technologies necessary for lab work and advanced research.
As for on-campus accommodation, at some universities, students even benefit from air conditioning, gyms, swimming pools, and restaurants.
4. Saudi Arabia is an economic powerhouse
It’s no secret that oil is the key asset that has transformed Saudi Arabia into one of the top 20 economies in the entire world. This has allowed the beautiful Arab country to build an impressive infrastructure, a stable financial system, and to position itself as an attraction for tourists with money to spend.
As an international student, it’s a bit harder to find a job after graduating from a Saudi Arabian university. But this doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Students with specialist skills can find work in fields like IT, banking, telecommunications, or the oil industry.
In 2018, for example, the average salary was around 7,250 EUR per month, making Saudi Arabia the highest paying country among the five Gulf Cooperation Council states.
What is it like to study in Saudi Arabia?
One aspect noticed by all internationals is the different culture and system of values. Gender segregation is widespread, so girls and boys will study at different universities and live in campuses that are far apart. In terms of infrastructure, you can expect modern facilities and resources.
Most extra-curricular activities take place in schools or on school grounds. You’ll also observe various limitations; for example, all forms of public performances, like theatre plays or concerts, are prohibited.
What to study in Saudi Arabia?
International students can enrol in various English-taught degrees. The following are only some of the most popular study options:
- Business degrees in Saudi Arabia
- Computer Science degrees in Saudi Arabia
- Engineering degrees in Saudi Arabia
- Natural Science degrees in Saudi Arabia
- Medicine degrees in Saudi Arabia
Which universities to attend in Saudi Arabia?
These are some of the top-ranked universities in Saudi Arabia:
- King Abdulaziz University
- Alfaisal University
- King Saud University
- King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
How to apply
Each university in Saudi Arabia has its own admission system on their website that allows future students to apply for and enrol in their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programmes. So, once you select the university of your choice, you can go through their application and submit your materials there.
Here are some documents you might need to submit during your university application:
- A scan of your diploma (high school or Bachelor’s degree)
- A transcript/record of your previous courses
- A scan of your passport and/or birth certificate
- Your CV
- Testing scores
- Evidence of scholarship or funding
- Letters of recommendation (2 or 3)
- Portfolio and/or writing samples
Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for a Saudi Arabian university
Take preparation courses
This kind of courses enables degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.
Try a pre-MBA, pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.
Improve your English through an English-language prep course.
If you’re attending a degree programme in Saudi Arabia, you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.
English-language tests
To study in Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to provide proof of your English language proficiency. The certificates generally accepted by Saudi Arabian universities are:
- TOEFL iBT
- IELTS Academic
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
Still, you should always check your university’s website to be sure what the exact requirements are.
Living in Saudi Arabia
Let’s take a closer look at the tuition and living expenses in Saudi Arabia:
Tuition fees at universities in Saudi Arabia
Tuition ranges wildly at public universities in Saudi Arabia. Study programmes can cost anywhere from 0 (yes, completely free!) to over 22,000 EUR per academic year. At some institutions, tuition is calculated using the total number of credit hours — very similar to the American education system.
Like in most other countries, private universities are more expensive.
Living costs
Depending on the type of accommodation and your lifestyle, you will need anywhere between 650 and 1,000 EUR to cover your monthly expenses. Here are some of the average costs of living in Saudi Arabia:
- Accommodation (rent a private flat): 325–565 EUR/month (on-campus rooms are usually cheaper)
- Utilities: 120–140 EUR/month
- Monthly public transport pass: 34 EUR (without discounts)
- Three-course meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant: 22.50 EUR
- Milk: 1.15 EUR
- Loaf of bread: 0.65 EUR
- Cappuccino: 2.65 EUR
Check out other living expenses in Saudi Arabia.
Universities, colleges and schools in Saudi Arabia
Thuwal
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) (18 Short courses)
How to Apply to a Master's in Saudi Arabia
If you've decided to study a Master's degree at a university in Saudi Arabia, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.
What documents do I need to provide to apply in Saudi Arabia?
To apply to a university in Saudi Arabia you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:
- birth certificate;
- recent photos;
- your passport or national identity card;
- one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
- copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor's degree;
- academic transcripts;
- letter of intent;
- Curriculum Vitae;
- Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.
Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master's, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. Check if your programme requires any of these, or others.
The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in Saudi Arabia so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents, or translations in the local language.
Prove your English skills
Because you’ll study an international degree in English, you'll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.
Application deadlines for Saudi Arabia
The deadlines for applying to a Master's in Saudi Arabia are usually during summer (June-July), or in winter (January-February). Keep in mind that some universities don’t have application deadlines, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.
To avoid delays or missed deadlines send your required documents with plenty of time in advance.