Checkout the Arabic Language Courses and Universities in Riyadh....
Apr 09, 2025 12:45:59
University Name |
Arabic Course Offered |
Intake |
Duration |
Eligibility |
Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
Arabic Language Institute Program |
Twice a year (Sep & Jan) |
1–2 years |
High school diploma, age 17–25, basic Arabic/English, good health |
Free (for scholarship students), Others: SAR 4,000–6,000/year |
|
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) |
Arabic for Non-Native Speakers |
Annual (Sept) |
1–2 years |
High school certificate, Muslim, basic English/Arabic |
Free for scholarship students |
|
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) (For Females Only) |
Arabic Language Institute Program |
Annual (Sept) |
1 year (can extend) |
High school certificate, female only, good health |
Free (for scholarship students), Others: SAR 5,000–7,000/year |
|
Al-Imam University Arabic Institute for Non-Native Speakers |
Arabic Diploma |
Sept |
2 years |
High school, age 18–25, good conduct, Muslim |
Free (with scholarship), Paid: SAR 3,000–5,000/year |
University Name |
Arabic Course Offered |
Intake |
Duration |
Eligibility |
Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Al Yamamah University |
Arabic Language for Non-Native Speakers |
September, January |
8 weeks to 1 year |
High school diploma, basic English |
SAR 6,000 – 12,000 per level |
|
Prince Sultan University (PSU) |
Arabic Language & Culture Course |
Fall & Spring |
10 weeks to 1 semester |
High school diploma, basic English |
SAR 5,000 – 10,000 per course |
|
Riyadh Elm University (Primarily medical, offers short Arabic programs) |
Arabic Language Program (Part-time) |
Flexible (modular) |
4–8 weeks (short courses) |
Open to all, minimum age 17, basic English |
SAR 3,000 – 5,000 per course |
|
Dar Al Uloom University |
Arabic Language Support Program |
Sept, Jan |
1–2 semesters |
High school diploma, basic language ability |
SAR 5,000 – 8,000 per semester |
|
Al-Faisal University (Mainly STEM, but supports Arabic courses through collaborations) |
Intensive Arabic (offered via Language Center) |
Varies (modular) |
8–12 weeks |
High school diploma, English required |
SAR 6,000 – 9,000 per level |
Riyadh is 100% Arabic-speaking, so you're surrounded by the language daily — in markets, cafés, media, and conversations.
Constant exposure means faster fluency and stronger retention.
Riyadh is home to prestigious universities like King Saud University and Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, known for high-quality Arabic language programs.
Many institutions offer free or low-cost programs with scholarship support for international students.
For Muslim students, Riyadh offers a chance to connect deeply with Islamic heritage in a native Arabic-speaking environment.
Arabic is the language of the Qur'an, Hadith, and Islamic scholarship — studying it in its heartland adds spiritual and scholarly depth.
Saudi Arabia’s growing economy means more demand for bilingual professionals in sectors like business, media, education, and diplomacy.
Knowing Arabic gives you an edge if you’re planning to work in the Middle East, Gulf countries, or with Islamic NGOs.
Courses in Riyadh are designed with Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and often include dialectical exposure(e.g., Najdi dialect).
Many programs align with international language frameworks (like CEFR or ACTFL), making your certificate more globally recognized.
You’ll meet students from all over the world, especially from Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Great for building a global network, making friendships, and participating in cultural exchange.
Once you’re in Riyadh, you’re just hours away from Makkah and Madinah, allowing for Umrah trips (and possibly Hajj, depending on visa type).
Explore the Arabian Peninsula while learning its language firsthand.
Program Type |
Duration |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Arabic Language Diploma |
1 – 2 years |
Full-time, intensive program for non-native speakers. Often includes cultural & religious studies. |
|
Short-Term Courses |
8 – 16 weeks |
Offered in summer or semester breaks. Limited seats. |
|
Pre-University Language Program |
1 year (2 semesters) |
Prepares students for degree programs conducted in Arabic. |
Program Type |
Duration |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Intensive Arabic Course |
8 – 12 weeks |
Focuses on Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) & conversation. |
|
Semester-Based Program |
4 – 6 months |
Includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking modules. |
|
Full Academic Year (2 Semesters) |
9 – 12 months |
In-depth training, often with certification. |
|
Evening/Part-Time Courses |
6 – 10 weeks |
Flexible schedule for working professionals or students. |
University |
Main Intakes |
Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
September & January |
Two intakes per year; Sept is main intake; Jan for mid-year admits (limited seats). |
|
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) |
September (Fall) |
Only once a year for Arabic diploma programs. |
|
Princess Nourah University (PNU)(Women only) |
September (Fall) |
Usually accepts students once a year. |
|
Al-Imam Arabic Language Institute |
September |
Annual intake; applications typically open in spring (Mar–May). |
University |
Main Intakes |
Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Al Yamamah University |
September & January |
Offers intensive & short-term courses with rolling admissions. |
|
Prince Sultan University |
Fall (Sep), Spring (Jan) |
Language center accepts students each semester. |
|
Dar Al Uloom University |
Sept, Jan, and Summer |
Flexible intake, especially for short-term Arabic programs. |
|
Riyadh Elm University |
Modular/Rolling Intake |
Short Arabic courses may start every 1–2 months. |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Age Limit |
Typically 17–25 years for scholarship applicants. |
|
Education |
Must have completed at least high school (Class 12 or equivalent). |
|
Health Status |
Should be medically fit (medical certificate often required). |
|
Language Proficiency |
Basic understanding of English or Arabic (varies by university). |
|
Character Certificate |
Good conduct certificate from school or local authorities. |
|
Passport Validity |
Must have a valid passport (at least 1–2 years before expiry). |
|
For Some Universities (e.g. IMSIU) |
Must be Muslim, especially for Islamic-based programs. |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Age Limit |
Usually no strict limit; 16+ or 18+ preferred. |
|
Education |
High school certificate (Class 12) or equivalent. |
|
Language Skills |
Basic English (used in administration and orientation). |
|
Visa Eligibility |
Must be eligible for a student visa or short-term educational visa. |
|
Health |
Medical fitness may be required, especially for long-term courses. |
Valid passport
High school certificate (with translation if needed)
Recent passport-size photos
Medical report
Character/reference letter
Personal statement (sometimes)
University |
Course Type |
Fees (Approx.) |
Scholarship Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
Arabic Language Diploma |
Free (with scholarship) |
Yes – includes stipend, housing, ticket, etc. |
|
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) |
Arabic for Non-Native Speakers |
Free (scholarship only) |
Yes – Fully funded (Muslim students prioritized) |
|
Princess Nourah University (PNU)(Female students only) |
Arabic Language Program |
Free (with scholarship) |
Yes – For female international students |
|
Al-Imam Arabic Language Institute |
Diploma in Arabic |
Free (scholarship) |
Yes |
Scholarships typically cover:
Tuition
Monthly stipend (~SAR 850–1000)
Free housing & meals
Health insurance
One round-trip air ticket annually
University |
Course Type |
Fees (Approx.) |
Scholarship/Discounts |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Al Yamamah University |
Intensive Arabic for Foreigners |
SAR 6,000–12,000 per level/course |
Limited scholarships |
|
Prince Sultan University |
Arabic & Culture (Short-Term & Semester) |
SAR 5,000–10,000 per course/semester |
Early registration discounts |
|
Dar Al Uloom University |
Arabic for Beginners & Intermediates |
SAR 5,000–8,000 per semester |
Usually self-funded |
|
Riyadh Elm University |
Part-Time Arabic Language Courses |
SAR 3,000–5,000 for 4–8 weeks |
No scholarships |
|
Al-Faisal University (through language center) |
Modular Arabic Courses |
SAR 6,000–9,000 per level |
Paid courses only |
Language |
Where It’s Offered |
Course Type |
Duration |
Approx. Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
English |
Most universities (KSU, PSU, Al Yamamah), British Council, Wall Street English |
General & Academic English, IELTS prep |
2–12 months (modular) |
SAR 3,000 – 12,000 |
|
French |
Alliance Française Riyadh, King Saud University |
Beginner to Advanced Levels |
3–6 months per level |
SAR 2,500 – 6,000 per level |
|
German |
Goethe-Institut partner centers, PNU (for women) |
A1 to B2 (TestDaF prep too) |
2–6 months per level |
SAR 3,000 – 7,000 |
|
Spanish |
Private institutes, Al Yamamah Language Center |
Beginner & Conversational |
8–12 weeks |
SAR 2,500 – 5,000 |
|
Chinese (Mandarin) |
King Saud University Confucius Institute |
HSK Prep & Conversational |
1–2 semesters |
Free (for some programs) |
|
Urdu |
Some community centers and cultural institutions |
Reading/Writing/Speaking |
Short courses available |
SAR 1,000 – 3,000 |
|
Turkish |
Yunus Emre Institute (through online/offline events) |
Basic to Intermediate |
6–12 weeks |
Often Free or Low-Cost |
|
Korean |
Korean Cultural Center in Riyadh |
Language + culture workshops |
Short-term (modular) |
Often Free or subsidized |
|
Japanese |
Saudi-Japan Cultural Exchange Programs |
Basic Japanese (JLPT prep) |
Seasonal |
SAR 2,000 – 4,000 |
Universities: King Saud University (KSU), Prince Sultan University (PSU), Princess Nourah (PNU – for women), Al Yamamah University.
Language Institutes: British Council, Alliance Française, Goethe-Institut Partners, Wall Street English, Berlitz.
Embassy Cultural Centers: Chinese Confucius Institute, Korean Cultural Center, Japanese Culture Center, etc.
Duration: 1 academic year (2 semesters)
Course Type: Full-time diploma in Arabic for non-native speakers
Curriculum Includes:
Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)
Reading, writing, grammar, conversation
Introduction to Islamic culture and Saudi society
Eligibility:
Age 17–25
High school certificate
Basic understanding of English or Arabic
Good health (medical certificate required)
Fees:
Free for students under scholarship
SAR 4,000–6,000/year for self-funded students
Benefits:
University housing, monthly stipend (if on scholarship), access to campus facilities
Immersive Arabic-speaking environment
Recognized certificate after completion
Duration: 1–2 years (Arabic diploma program)
Targeted For: Non-Arabic speaking Muslim students
Location: Arabic Language Institute, IMSIU Campus, Riyadh
Course Focus:
Classical Arabic
Qur’anic Arabic and Islamic terminology
Grammar, conversation, comprehension
Fees:
100% Free for selected students (including airfare, housing, stipend)
No paid/self-financed option typically available
Eligibility:
Must be Muslim
High school graduate
Good conduct and health
Aged around 18–25
Duration: 1 year (can be extended)
Type: Arabic for non-native speakers (basic to intermediate)
Features:
Arabic language + cultural immersion
Option to live in secure, on-campus housing
Female-only environment with multicultural cohort
Fees:
Free if accepted with scholarship
Approx. SAR 5,000–7,000/year for others
Eligibility:
Female, aged 17–25
High school graduate
Basic English helpful for orientation
Several private institutions offer 1-year modular programs or two semesters of Arabic instruction designed for expats and foreign students.
Structure:
Two 16–18 week semesters
Focused on conversation, vocabulary building, and cultural context
Fees:
SAR 10,000–15,000 per year
Scholarships are rare, but payment plans may be available
Eligibility:
High school completion
Basic English
Open to all nationalities and religions
