Checkout the Private Universities in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 03, 2025 12:20:15
# |
University Name |
QS World Ranking 2024 |
Approx. Tuition Fees (USD/year) |
Intake Months |
Popular Courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Alfaisal University, Riyadh |
701–750 |
$18,000 – $28,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Medicine, Engineering, Business, Law |
|
2 |
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU), Al Khobar |
Not Ranked |
$13,000 – $22,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Engineering, IT, Business, Law |
|
3 |
Effat University, Jeddah (Women only) |
801–1000 |
$11,000 – $20,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Architecture, Engineering, Business |
|
4 |
Dar Al-Hekma University, Jeddah (Women only) |
Not Ranked |
$10,000 – $18,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Law, Business, CS, Health Sciences |
|
5 |
Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh |
Not Ranked |
$13,000 – $20,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing |
|
6 |
Al Yamamah University, Riyadh |
Not Ranked |
$10,000 – $15,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Business, Law, CS |
|
7 |
University of Business and Technology (UBT), Jeddah |
Not Ranked |
$9,000 – $14,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Business, Engineering, IT |
|
8 |
Prince Sultan University, Riyadh |
1001–1200 (QS Arab) |
$11,000 – $19,000 |
Sept, Jan |
CS, AI, Business, Engineering |
|
9 |
Arab Open University, Riyadh (multi-campus) |
Not Ranked |
$4,000 – $7,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Business, IT, Education |
|
10 |
Umm Al-Qura Private Colleges, Mecca |
Not Ranked |
$8,000 – $12,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Medical Sciences, Engineering |
|
11 |
Al Maarefa University, Riyadh |
Not Ranked |
$12,000 – $18,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Health Sciences, Nursing, Engineering |
|
12 |
Kingdom University, Riyadh |
Not Ranked |
$9,000 – $15,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Business, Law, Media |
|
13 |
Fahad Bin Sultan University, Tabuk |
Not Ranked |
$7,000 – $10,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Engineering, IT, Business |
|
14 |
Jeddah International College, Jeddah |
Not Ranked |
$6,000 – $10,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Design, Business, IT |
|
15 |
Gulf University for Science and Technology, Dammam |
Not Ranked |
$7,000 – $11,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Engineering, IT, Business |
|
16 |
Al Ghad International Colleges, Multi-city |
Not Ranked |
$8,000 – $12,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Nursing, Radiology, Lab Sciences |
|
17 |
Rafha Private College, Rafha |
Not Ranked |
$6,000 – $9,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Medical Sciences |
|
18 |
Qassim Private Colleges, Qassim |
Not Ranked |
$7,000 – $10,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Dentistry, Health Sciences |
|
19 |
Al Baha Private Colleges, Al Baha |
Not Ranked |
$6,000 – $10,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Engineering, CS |
|
20 |
Vision Colleges, Riyadh, Jeddah |
Not Ranked |
$7,000 – $10,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy |
|
21 |
Future University, Riyadh |
Not Ranked |
$6,000 – $9,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Business, Media, IT |
|
22 |
Al-Farabi Colleges, Riyadh & Jeddah |
Not Ranked |
$8,000 – $12,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Dentistry, Health Sciences |
|
23 |
Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences, Jeddah |
Not Ranked |
$10,000 – $14,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Nursing, Medicine, Pharmacy |
|
24 |
College of Business Administration (CBA), Jeddah |
Not Ranked |
$9,000 – $13,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Business, Marketing, Finance |
|
25 |
International Technical Female College, Riyadh |
Not Ranked |
$5,000 – $7,000 |
Sept, Jan |
IT, Business (Women only) |
|
26 |
International Technical College for Men, Jeddah |
Not Ranked |
$5,000 – $7,000 |
Sept, Jan |
IT, Business |
|
27 |
Najran Private College, Najran |
Not Ranked |
$6,000 – $9,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Nursing, Medical Technology |
|
28 |
AlQassim Medical Colleges, Qassim |
Not Ranked |
$10,000 – $15,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Medicine, Pharmacy |
|
29 |
Jouf Private Colleges, Sakaka |
Not Ranked |
$6,000 – $9,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Engineering, IT |
|
30 |
Shaqra Private College, Shaqra |
Not Ranked |
$5,000 – $8,000 |
Sept, Jan |
Education, Health Sciences |
# |
University Name |
Location |
Programs in English |
Key Fields |
Approx. Tuition (USD/Year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Alfaisal University |
Riyadh |
Medicine, Engineering, Business, AI |
$18,000 – $28,000 |
Top-tier private uni with international diversity |
|
|
2 |
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) |
Al Khobar |
Engineering, Business, IT, Law |
$13,000 – $22,000 |
US-style education model |
|
|
3 |
Effat University (Women only) |
Jeddah |
Architecture, CS, Engineering, Business |
$11,000 – $20,000 |
Partnered with international institutions |
|
|
4 |
Prince Sultan University |
Riyadh |
CS, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Law |
$11,000 – $19,000 |
Accredited by ABET, AACSB |
|
|
5 |
University of Business & Technology (UBT) |
Jeddah |
Business, Engineering, Marketing, Finance |
$9,000 – $14,000 |
Good for business-focused programs |
|
|
6 |
Dar Al-Hekma University(Women only) |
Jeddah |
Law, Business, Health Sciences |
$10,000 – $18,000 |
Focus on women’s leadership |
|
|
7 |
Al Yamamah University |
Riyadh |
Business, Law, Marketing, CS |
$10,000 – $15,000 |
Corporate partnerships for internships |
|
|
8 |
Fahad Bin Sultan University |
Tabuk |
IT, Engineering, Business |
$7,000 – $10,000 |
Small, growing private university |
|
|
9 |
Arab Open University (AOU) |
Riyadh & branches |
Business, IT, English Language |
$4,000 – $7,000 |
Budget-friendly option |
|
|
10 |
Riyadh Elm University |
Riyadh |
Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing |
$13,000 – $20,000 |
Health-sciences focused |
|
|
11 |
Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences |
Jeddah |
Nursing, Medical Lab, Radiology |
$10,000 – $14,000 |
Owned by a major hospital group |
|
|
12 |
Al Ghad International Colleges |
Multiple Cities |
Health Sciences (Nursing, Radiology) |
$8,000 – $12,000 |
Ideal for healthcare diploma/Bachelor’s |
|
|
13 |
Al Maarefa University |
Riyadh |
Nursing, Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering |
$12,000 – $18,000 |
Medical programs for international students |
|
|
14 |
Al Farabi Colleges |
Riyadh & Jeddah |
Dentistry, Nursing, CS |
$8,000 – $12,000 |
Accepts Indian & Pakistani students |
|
|
15 |
Vision Colleges |
Riyadh, Jeddah |
Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Dentistry |
$7,000 – $10,000 |
Dual language options |
|
|
16 |
College of Business Administration (CBA) |
Jeddah |
Business, Finance, HR, Marketing |
$9,000 – $13,000 |
Practical business education |
|
|
17 |
Jeddah International College |
Jeddah |
Graphic Design, IT, Business |
$6,000 – $10,000 |
Creative-focused private college |
|
|
18 |
International Technical Colleges (TVTC) |
Multiple Cities |
IT, Business, Logistics |
$5,000 – $7,000 |
Partnered with international tech firms |
|
|
19 |
Qassim Private Colleges |
Qassim |
Medical & Applied Sciences |
$7,000 – $10,000 |
Health-focused |
|
|
20 |
Future University |
Riyadh |
IT, Digital Media, Business |
$6,000 – $9,000 |
Modern curriculum, creative majors |
Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Language of Instruction |
English for STEM, Business & Health programs |
|
Intake |
Usually September (Fall) and January (Spring) |
|
Visa Sponsorship |
Yes, universities help secure Student Visa |
|
Scholarships |
Some universities (e.g. Alfaisal, Effat) offer merit-based or partial aid |
|
Accommodation |
On-campus or nearby private housing available |
|
Living Costs |
~$400–$700/month (housing, transport, food) |
|
Admission Requirements |
High school certificate, passport, IELTS/TOEFL (for English), some medical/engineering programs require entrance tests |
# |
University Name |
Location |
Approx. Tuition (USD/year) |
Programs Offered |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Arab Open University (AOU) |
Riyadh + branches |
$4,000 – $7,000 |
Business, IT, Education |
Distance + on-campus hybrid model |
|
2 |
Fahad Bin Sultan University |
Tabuk |
$6,000 – $9,000 |
Engineering, IT, Business |
US-style teaching, affordable |
|
3 |
Jeddah International College (JIC) |
Jeddah |
$6,000 – $10,000 |
Graphic Design, Business, IT |
Creative-focused and budget-friendly |
|
4 |
International Technical College (TVTC – Men) |
Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam |
$5,000 – $7,000 |
IT, Business, Logistics |
Tech skills + diploma-level degrees |
|
5 |
International Technical College (Women) |
Riyadh |
$5,000 – $7,000 |
Business, IT |
Female-only campus |
|
6 |
Al Baha Private Colleges |
Al Baha |
$6,000 – $9,000 |
Engineering, IT |
Quiet and low-cost region |
|
7 |
Najran Private College |
Najran |
$5,500 – $8,000 |
Nursing, Medical Tech |
Health-focused |
|
8 |
Qassim Private Colleges |
Qassim |
$6,000 – $9,000 |
Dentistry, Pharmacy, Business |
Growing demand in health programs |
|
9 |
Shaqra Private College |
Shaqra |
$5,000 – $8,000 |
Education, Health Sciences |
Smaller institution, regional campus |
|
10 |
Gulf University for Science and Technology |
Dammam |
$6,000 – $9,000 |
Engineering, IT, Business |
Not to be confused with GUST Kuwait |
Regional cities (lower cost of living)
Subsidized or hybrid models (e.g., Arab Open University)
Focus on practical diploma-to-degree programs
Lower overhead compared to major cities like Riyadh or Jeddah
High School Certificate (Science stream for STEM/Health)
English Proficiency (IELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL/University Test)
Valid Passport
Medical fitness certificate
Application/processing fee (approx. $50–$150)
Students seeking budget degrees in business, tech, or nursing
Applicants wanting small class sizes and hands-on learning
Students aiming to transfer later to a larger or public university
Program Level |
Requirements |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor’s Degree |
High School Certificate / 12th Grade (Science/Commerce/Arts) depending on program |
|
Diploma Programs |
High School Certificate (usually no stream restrictions) |
|
Postgraduate (Master’s) |
Relevant Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university |
Most universities require a minimum GPA of 2.5/4 or 60%–70% aggregate.
For Medicine, Pharmacy, and Dentistry: Higher scores (75%–85%) are needed.
Some universities may conduct internal assessments or entrance tests for competitive programs (especially Medicine or Engineering).
Test |
Required Score |
|---|---|
|
IELTS |
5.0 – 6.0 (varies by program) |
|
TOEFL |
60+ iBT or equivalent |
|
University Placement Test |
Offered as an alternative by many private universities |
Minimum age: 17 years (Bachelor’s/Diploma)
Some programs may cap age for medical-related degrees (e.g. under 25)
Must have a valid passport.
University will assist with issuing the Student Visa (Study Residence Permit – Iqama).
Required for all applicants.
Includes basic tests (e.g., TB, Hepatitis, HIV) from a recognized clinic or hospital.
High school transcripts & graduation certificate
Passport copy
Recent passport-size photographs
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Police clearance (for visa in some cases)
Application form + fee (usually $50–$150)
Program |
Extra Requirements |
|---|---|
|
Medicine/Dentistry/Pharmacy |
High grades in Biology, Chemistry, Physics. Entrance exam/interview may be required |
|
Engineering |
Math and Physics background |
|
Business/IT |
General stream accepted. English proficiency is key |
|
Nursing & Allied Health |
Science background + medical clearance |
CBSE/ICSE/State Board results are accepted
Equivalency certificate may be required (can be arranged via university)
English-medium schooling helps bypass IELTS in some universities
Program Type |
Annual Tuition Fees (USD) |
Duration |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor’s in Medicine (MBBS) |
$18,000 – $28,000 |
5–6 years |
Offered by top universities like Alfaisal, Riyadh Elm |
|
Bachelor’s in Dentistry/Pharmacy |
$12,000 – $20,000 |
5 years |
Includes labs & clinical training |
|
Bachelor’s in Nursing |
$8,000 – $12,000 |
4 years |
Affordable options at Al Ghad, Vision Colleges |
|
Bachelor’s in Engineering (All Fields) |
$9,000 – $16,000 |
4 years |
Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, etc. |
|
Bachelor’s in Business Administration |
$6,000 – $12,000 |
4 years |
Marketing, HR, Finance |
|
Bachelor’s in IT / Computer Science |
$6,000 – $13,000 |
4 years |
Includes Cybersecurity, AI, Software Engg. |
|
Diploma Programs (Tech/Health) |
$3,500 – $7,000 |
2–3 years |
Available at technical colleges |
|
Master’s Programs (MBA, MSc) |
$10,000 – $20,000 |
1.5–2 years |
Few private unis offer PG programs |
|
Foundation / Preparatory Year |
$3,000 – $6,000 |
1 year |
Required for some international students |
Fee Type |
Range (USD) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Application/Registration Fee |
$50 – $150 |
Non-refundable |
|
Lab / Clinical Fees |
$500 – $2,000/year |
For Health & Engineering programs |
|
Books & Materials |
$300 – $800/year |
Optional in some cases |
|
Health Insurance (mandatory) |
$200 – $400/year |
Required for visa |
|
Student Visa Processing |
$200 – $400 |
May be bundled by the university |
|
Hostel / Accommodation (optional) |
$2,000 – $4,500/year |
Shared or single; depends on city |
University |
Tuition Range (USD/year) |
Notable Programs |
|---|---|---|
|
Alfaisal University (Riyadh) |
$18,000 – $28,000 |
MBBS, Engineering, Business |
|
Effat University (Jeddah) |
$11,000 – $20,000 |
Engineering, Design (Women only) |
|
PMU (Al Khobar) |
$13,000 – $22,000 |
Engineering, Law, IT |
|
Prince Sultan University |
$11,000 – $19,000 |
CS, Business, AI |
|
Al Yamamah University |
$10,000 – $15,000 |
Business, Law, CS |
|
UBT (Jeddah) |
$9,000 – $14,000 |
Business, Marketing |
|
Al Ghad Colleges |
$8,000 – $12,000 |
Health Sciences |
|
Arab Open University |
$4,000 – $7,000 |
Business, IT (low-cost option) |
Most universities offer semester-based or installment payments
Scholarships & discounts available for high GPA or specific nationalities
Some colleges (e.g., Alfaisal, Effat, PSU) offer partial scholarships to international students
Affordable Accommodation Facilities in Saudi Arabia for Indian Students
Decide your field of study (e.g. Medicine, Engineering, Business, IT, Nursing).
Shortlist 2–3 universities based on:
Tuition fees
Location (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, etc.)
Program language (most are in English)
Required Documents:
High school certificate (Grade 12 or equivalent)
Transcripts/mark sheets
Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
Passport-size photographs
English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL or university test)
Recommendation letter (optional)
Medical fitness certificate
Application form (downloaded or filled online)
Application/registration fee payment receipt
Apply online through the university’s application portal, or
Submit via email (some smaller colleges allow this)
Pay the application fee (usually $50–$150)
Application review time: 2–4 weeks
You’ll receive an Admission Letter (Conditional or Final)
If accepted, you’ll be asked to:
Confirm your seat
Pay part of the tuition (or full semester)
Submit passport and visa documents
The university will usually sponsor your Student Visa
You may need to submit:
Medical test report (from certified clinic)
Police clearance certificate
Passport-sized photos
Visa application form
Visa processing time: 2–6 weeks
Book your ticket after visa approval
Arrive in Saudi Arabia before the intake date
Complete on-campus registration, get your student ID
Attend orientation week
Intake |
Months |
|---|---|
|
Fall Intake |
August–September |
|
Spring Intake |
January–February |
|
Summer (limited programs) |
May–June |
No IELTS? Many universities offer an in-house English Placement Test.
Accommodation: Most universities assist with student housing.
Equivalency: Indian students may need equivalency from the Saudi Ministry of Education (handled by university if needed).
University |
Type of Scholarships |
Coverage |
|---|---|---|
|
Alfaisal University (Riyadh) |
Merit-based, Need-based |
Up to 100% |
|
Effat University (Jeddah) – Women Only |
Academic, International |
20%–50% tuition |
|
Prince Sultan University (Riyadh) |
Academic & Financial Aid |
Up to 50% tuition |
|
PMU – Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (Al Khobar) |
Performance Scholarships |
30%–50% |
|
UBT – University of Business & Technology (Jeddah) |
Dean’s Honor Scholarships |
Up to 30% |
|
Dar Al-Hekma University (Jeddah) – Women Only |
Need-based, Leadership |
25%–100% |
|
Al Yamamah University (Riyadh) |
Early Admission & GPA-based |
10%–30% |
|
Fahad Bin Sultan University (Tabuk) |
Merit Scholarships |
25%–50% |
|
Arab Open University |
Low tuition + aid programs |
~30% waiver in some cases |
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Academic Record |
85%+ or GPA 3.5/4.0 for full scholarships |
|
English Proficiency |
IELTS/TOEFL or in-house placement test |
|
Motivation Letter / Essay |
Required by most top-tier unis |
|
Recommendation Letter |
From school/college teacher or principal |
|
Interview (optional) |
Some scholarships require one-on-one interviews |
Period |
Action |
|---|---|
|
Feb – May |
Scholarship application opens (for Fall) |
|
June – July |
Shortlisting & interviews |
|
August – Sept |
Results announced & classes start |
Apply early – First-come-first-considered basis is common.
Maintain high GPA – Many scholarships are renewable annually.
Apply to multiple universities – Widen your chances.
Show leadership/volunteer work – Especially for women’s universities.
Follow up politely with the admissions or scholarship office.
Type: Merit & Need-Based
Eligibility: 90%+ high school score + good English proficiency
Coverage: Up to 100% + housing discount
Type: Women Leadership, Merit
Coverage: 20%–50% tuition + aid
Type: Academic Excellence
Renewal: Maintain GPA 3.75/4.00
Coverage: Up to 50%
Intake Name |
Months |
Common Programs Open |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fall Intake (Main) |
August – September |
All major programs (Bachelor’s, Medicine, Engineering, Business) |
Most popular intake with scholarship opportunities |
|
Spring Intake |
January – February |
Limited programs (Business, IT, Nursing, Engineering) |
Ideal if you miss Fall intake |
|
Summer Intake |
May – June(few only) |
Diploma, bridging or English foundation |
Offered by select colleges like TVTC & Arab Open University |
|
Rolling Intake |
Throughout the year |
Diploma, language programs |
Applies to open/distance colleges like AOU |
University |
Fall Intake |
Spring Intake |
Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Alfaisal University |
Aug–Sept |
Jan |
|
|
Effat University (Women) |
Sept |
Jan |
|
|
PMU – Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd |
Aug–Sept |
Jan |
|
|
Prince Sultan University |
Sept |
Jan |
|
|
UBT – Jeddah |
Sept |
Feb |
(some) |
|
Dar Al-Hekma (Women) |
Sept |
Jan |
|
|
Arab Open University |
Sept |
Feb |
(limited) |
|
Fahad Bin Sultan University |
Sept |
Jan |
|
|
TVTC International Colleges |
Sept |
Jan |
(some diplomas) |
Intake |
Apply Between |
Visa Process |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall (Sep) |
Feb – July |
July – Aug |
|
Spring (Jan) |
Sept – Dec |
Nov – Jan |
|
Summer (May) |
Feb – Apr |
Mar – May |
Fall Intake (August–September):
Best time to apply for scholarships
More program availability
Recommended for Medicine, Engineering, Business
Spring Intake (January–February):
Fewer programs open but great for IT, Business, Nursing
Good for students who missed Fall intake
Summer Intake (May–June):
Mostly language, diploma or bridging programs
Not common for full-degree admissions
At least 4–6 months before intake start for visa processing
Ensure documents & tests (IELTS, transcripts) are ready
Some universities offer early bird discounts for early applicants
# |
University |
City |
QS World Rank 2024 |
QS Arab Region Rank |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Alfaisal University |
Riyadh |
701–750(World) |
#20 in Arab Region |
Top private university in KSA |
|
2 |
Effat University (Women only) |
Jeddah |
801–1000(World) |
#60 in Arab Region |
Leading women’s private university |
|
3 |
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) |
Al Khobar |
Not ranked globally |
#80–90 (Arab Region) |
Strong in engineering & AI |
|
4 |
Prince Sultan University (PSU) |
Riyadh |
Not globally ranked |
#60–80 (Arab Region) |
Accredited in CS & Business |
|
5 |
Dar Al-Hekma University(Women only) |
Jeddah |
Not globally ranked |
Ranked in Arab region (Top 100–120) |
Recognized for Law & Health programs |
|
6 |
University of Business and Technology (UBT) |
Jeddah |
Not ranked |
Appears in regional listings |
Business-focused private university |
Al Yamamah University – Riyadh
Fahad Bin Sultan University – Tabuk
Riyadh Elm University – Riyadh
Arab Open University – Multi-campus (low-cost & hybrid)
Al Ghad Colleges – Health-focused colleges in many cities
