Checkout the Bachelor Degree in Cyber Security in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 07, 2025 12:55:40
Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (offered under the College of Computer and Information Sciences)
Language: Arabic (some courses may be offered in English)
International Students: Accepted, but competitive
Notes: One of the top universities in the kingdom; government-funded and highly respected
Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Language: English
International Students: Yes, and more friendly toward expats
Tuition: Private university; tuition applies
Highlights: Offers up-to-date labs and has collaborations with international institutions
Program: B.S. in Computer Science or Computer Engineering with Cybersecurity electives
Language: English
International Students: Selectively accepted
Notes: Strong technical reputation; competitive admission
Program: Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering with Cybersecurity electives
Language: English
International Students: Welcomed
Tuition: Private university
Highlights: International environment, great for English speakers
Program: Computer Science with a focus/electives in Cybersecurity
Language: Arabic/English (mixed)
International Students: Accepted; they offer scholarships to some international students
High school diploma or equivalent (with strong scores in math and science)
English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL, especially if the program is in English)
Passport and residency eligibility (if not already in Saudi Arabia)
Visa: Student visa required (universities assist with this)
Tuition
Monthly stipend
Free housing
Medical care
Growing tech and cybersecurity sectors (Vision 2030)
Cultural exposure + learning Arabic (if interested)
Tax-free country, low living expenses
Many programs align with international standards
Program: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Language of Instruction: English
Type: Private University
International Students: Accepted
Program: Bachelor of Cybersecurity (through College of Computer and Information Sciences)
Language: Mostly Arabic (some courses may be in English)
Type: Public University
International Students: Limited acceptance, mostly on scholarships
Program: Bachelor in Software Engineering with Cybersecurity electives
Language: English
Type: Private University
International Students: Yes
Program: Bachelor in Computer Science or Engineering with Cybersecurity specialization
Language: English
Type: Public University
International Students: Selective admissions
Program: Bachelor of Computer Science with Cybersecurity electives
Language: Arabic & English mix
Type: Public University
International Students: Yes (offers full scholarships to some international students)
Program: Bachelor in Cybersecurity
Language: Arabic
Type: Public University
International Students: Limited spots
Program: Bachelor of Cybersecurity
Language: Arabic
Type: Public University
International Students: Possible, but limited
Program: B.S. in Cybersecurity
Language: English
Type: Private University
International Students: Yes
Must have completed high school (secondary education) or equivalent.
Typically requires a science track background (with strong grades in math, physics, computer science, or IT).
A minimum GPA or percentage may be required (often 80% or higher depending on the university).
For programs taught in English, you'll need:
IELTS: Usually a score of 5.5 to 6.0 or higher
TOEFL: Paper-based: 500+, iBT: 60–80
Some universities may conduct their own English placement tests.
If the program is in Arabic, some universities may require:
Proof of Arabic language proficiency
Or may offer foundation/preparatory year to help you catch up
Generally, applicants must be between 17 and 25 years old for undergraduate programs.
A valid passport
Sometimes a translated and attested national ID is needed
You may be asked to submit a medical report proving you are free from infectious diseases
You’ll need to meet the requirements for a Saudi student visa, including:
University acceptance letter
Proof of financial support or scholarship
Passport-sized photos, etc.
High school transcripts (translated into Arabic or English, and attested)
Letter of recommendation (optional in some cases)
Statement of purpose (SOP) or motivation letter
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume (optional but recommended)
8 semesters (2 semesters per academic year)
Around 120–140 credit hours, depending on the university
Sometimes a 1-year foundation program or preparatory year is added, especially for:
English or Arabic language support
Math and computing basics
General Education Courses (e.g. Islamic studies, communication skills)
Core Computer Science & IT Courses
Cybersecurity Major Courses (e.g. Network Security, Ethical Hacking, Cryptography)
Electives (Advanced topics or specialized areas)
Capstone Project / Graduation Project
Internship / Cooperative Training (COOP) – usually in the final year
Program: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (Cybersecurity Track available)
Mode: Blended learning (70% online + 30% on-campus exams/tutorials)
Language: English
International Students: Priority for residents in Saudi Arabia
Highlights: Focus on e-learning, flexible schedule for working students
Program: Bachelor in Information Technology and Computing (with optional security-related courses)
Mode: Distance learning model
Language: English
International Students: Accepted in local branches
Notes: Courses in general IT and computing with optional modules related to cybersecurity
Some private universities in Saudi Arabia like Prince Sultan University and Alfaisal University may offer online courses or hybrid formats, especially during early semesters or for general education courses. However, the core cybersecurity courses are mostly on-campus.
This is the primary intake for most Saudi universities.
Applications usually open between February and May.
Admission decisions are typically released by June or July.
Not all universities offer this intake.
When available, applications are usually open from September to November.
Limited seats and programs; check with the specific university.
Month |
Activity |
|---|---|
|
Jan – Feb |
Prepare documents, check program availability |
|
Feb – May |
Main application period for Fall intake |
|
June – July |
Acceptance letters issued |
|
Aug – Sep |
Visa processing, orientation, semester starts |
|
Sep – Nov |
Applications open for Spring (if available) |
|
Jan – Feb |
Spring semester begins (for eligible programs) |
High school diploma + transcripts
Passport copy
Language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL for English-medium programs)
Personal statement or motivation letter
Recommendation letter (optional)
Medical certificate
Valid visa or residency permit (for students already in Saudi)
Tuition: FREE
Plus: Monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, flight tickets (sometimes)
Examples:
King Saud University
King Abdulaziz University
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)
Tuition may be low or symbolic, around SAR 2,000–5,000 per year
Admission is highly competitive
University |
Estimated Tuition (Per Year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Prince Sultan University |
SAR 65,000 – 80,000 |
English-taught, modern campus |
|
Alfaisal University |
SAR 90,000 – 100,000 |
High-ranking, research-focused |
|
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Univ |
SAR 50,000 – 60,000 |
Strong tech programs |
|
Arab Open University (AOU) |
SAR 10,000 – 15,000 |
Affordable, blended learning |
|
Saudi Electronic University (SEU) |
SAR 10,000 – 15,000 |
Blended learning, government-backed |
Housing: SAR 10,000 – 25,000/year (varies by city)
Books & Materials: SAR 1,000 – 3,000/year
Visa & Health Insurance: SAR 1,000 – 2,000/year
Living Expenses: SAR 1,500 – 2,500/month (meals, transport, etc.)
Government-funded scholarships at public universities can cover:
100% tuition
Monthly stipend (SAR 850–1,200)
Housing + airfare
Some private universities also offer merit-based discounts (10–50%)
University Type |
Estimated Annual Tuition |
4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
|
Public University (with scholarship) |
FREE |
0 SAR |
|
Public University (self-funded) |
2,000 – 5,000 SAR |
8,000 – 20,000 SAR |
|
Private University |
50,000 – 100,000 SAR |
200,000 – 400,000 SAR |
|
Saudi Electronic University (SEU) |
10,000 – 15,000 SAR |
40,000 – 60,000 SAR |
Item |
Monthly Cost (SAR) |
Yearly Cost (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
800 – 2,000 |
9,600 – 24,000 |
|
Food & Groceries |
600 – 1,200 |
7,200 – 14,400 |
|
Transport |
200 – 400 |
2,400 – 4,800 |
|
Internet & Utilities |
200 – 400 |
2,400 – 4,800 |
|
Personal Expenses |
200 – 400 |
2,400 – 4,800 |
Item |
Cost (SAR) |
|---|---|
|
Books & Supplies |
1,000 – 3,000/year |
|
Student Visa Fees |
500 – 1,000/year |
|
Health Insurance |
1,000 – 2,000/year |
|
Flight Tickets (round trip) |
2,000 – 3,000/year |
Student Type |
Total Cost for 4 Years |
|---|---|
|
Public University (with scholarship) |
10,000 – 20,000 SAR (mostly living costs) |
|
Self-funded at Public University |
100,000 – 150,000 SAR |
|
Private University (full pay) |
300,000 – 600,000 SAR |
King Saud University (KSU)
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)
Prince Sultan University
Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)
Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (for female students)
Most universities require:
High School Certificate (Thanawiya Amma) – usually in the Science stream.
General Aptitude Test (Qudrat) – conducted by Qiyas.
Achievement Test (Tahsili) – also from Qiyas.
English Proficiency – IELTS/TOEFL or passing the university’s English placement test.
Some universities may have an interview or placement test specifically for computer science or IT-related programs.
Apply online through the university's admissions portal.
Submit all required documents:
High school transcripts
National ID or Iqama (for residents)
Qiyas test scores (Qudrat & Tahsili)
English test scores (if needed)
Passport-sized photos
Some private universities may also charge an application fee.
Admission is usually competitive, especially for cyber security programs.
Priority is given based on GPA, Qiyas scores, and available seats.
You’ll receive an offer of admission if selected. You might need to confirm your spot and pay a deposit (especially for private universities).
Submit any additional documents.
Attend orientation or placement exams (if applicable).
Pay tuition fees or finalize scholarship arrangements.
Ministry of Education offers scholarships for top students.
Some universities offer internal merit-based scholarships.
If you’re an international student, check for Kingdom’s Scholarship Programs.
Offered to Saudi citizens and legal residents (expats with valid Iqama).
Usually awarded based on:
High academic performance (GPA)
Qiyas scores (Qudrat and Tahsili)
Field of study demand (Cyber Security is a high-priority field)
Covered expenses:
Full or partial tuition
Monthly stipend
Books and materials
Funded by the Ministry of Education.
Some top universities, like KAU, KSU, and KFUPM, offer full scholarships for non-Saudi students.
Covers:
Tuition
Accommodation
Medical insurance
Monthly living allowance
Often includes Arabic language training for non-Arabic speakers.
Offers Merit Scholarships for both local and international students.
Cyber Security is a high-priority field, increasing chances of receiving support.
Offers fully funded undergraduate scholarships for international students.
Covers tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, and health insurance.
Offers merit-based and need-based scholarships.
Includes partial or full tuition coverage for high-performing students in IT and Cyber Security.
Offers competitive scholarships based on academic merit and financial need.
Cyber Security students are often eligible due to the growing demand in the field.
Offers scholarships and internship opportunities for top students in tech fields, including Cyber Security.
Often fund high-achieving students, especially in strategic areas like Cyber Security.
Some offer scholarships with employment contracts upon graduation.
Apply directly through the university’s international scholarship portal.
You’ll typically need:
High academic scores
Good English proficiency
Strong personal statement or letter of motivation
Aim for a high GPA in high school.
Score well on Qudrat and Tahsili exams.
Write a compelling personal statement.
Apply early – most scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis or during the first round.
Monitor systems for threats, investigate security breaches, and protect networks.
Common employers: Banks, telecom companies, government agencies, and large enterprises.
Design and implement secure network solutions to defend against hackers and cyber-attacks.
In demand in companies like STC, Mobily, and ministries.
Simulate cyberattacks to find vulnerabilities before the bad guys do.
Requires knowledge of tools like Kali Linux, Metasploit, and more.
Work in Security Operations Centers (SOC) to respond to real-time threats.
Often employed by banks, oil companies, or national cyber defense units.
Develop and implement security policies and best practices within an organization.
Works closely with IT teams and upper management.
Analyze and reverse-engineer malware, investigate cybercrimes, and collect digital evidence.
Usually found in law enforcement or large IT security firms.
Saudi National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA)
Ministry of Interior / Ministry of Defense
Saudi Aramco (Cyber Security division)
GOSI, ZATCA, or Ministry of Finance
Banks (Riyad Bank, Al Rajhi, etc.)
Telecom companies (STC, Mobily, Zain)
Tech companies and startups
Consulting firms (PwC, Deloitte, EY – especially their cyber security divisions)
Energy (Aramco, SABIC, ACWA Power)
Transportation (Airlines, Saudi Railway, etc.)
Health sector (MOH, large hospital networks)
Role |
Avg. Monthly Salary (SAR) |
|---|---|
|
Entry-Level Analyst |
7,000 – 10,000 |
|
SOC Analyst |
8,000 – 12,000 |
|
Pen Tester / Ethical Hacker |
12,000 – 18,000 |
|
Cyber Security Engineer |
15,000 – 22,000 |
|
Senior / Managerial Roles |
25,000+ |
