Checkout the Bachelor Degree in Psychology in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 07, 2025 12:19:37
One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the Kingdom.
Offers a BA in Psychology.
Instruction may primarily be in Arabic, but check for updated international tracks.
Highly ranked in the region and has international student programs.
Offers Psychology degrees with possible English support in general education courses.
Private university with a more international approach.
Programs are often taught in English.
May offer a Psychology-related program under humanities or social sciences.
Known for English-medium instruction.
While it may not offer a pure Psychology bachelor's, it provides related degrees in behavioral science or life sciences.
Offers programs in English.
Strong emphasis on liberal arts and behavioral sciences.
English-taught programs: TOEFL or IELTS is typically required.
Arabic-taught programs: You’ll need proficiency in Arabic; some universities may offer Arabic language prep courses.
High school diploma or equivalent.
English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) if applicable.
Recommendation letters.
Personal statement or letter of intent.
Passport and visa documentation.
Some universities may require an entrance exam or interview.
Public universities: Often offer free or low-cost tuition for international students, especially if under a government scholarship (like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Scholarship).
Private universities: Tuition varies; average ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 USD/year.
Scholarships: Saudi government offers generous scholarships, covering tuition, housing, monthly stipends, and even airfare.
You'll need a student visa, sponsored by your host university.
Some universities assist with the visa process.
Health insurance is often required and sometimes provided.
Saudi Arabia is a conservative country with Islamic traditions; universities are often gender-segregated, though this is changing.
English is widely spoken in academic settings, especially at private institutions.
Growing demand for mental health professionals in the region.
Unique cultural context for studying human behavior.
Increasing government support for education and internationalization.
Program: Bachelor of Psychology (within the College of Arts or College of Education)
Language: Mostly Arabic
Notes: One of the top universities in the country. Offers well-established psychology programs with opportunities for research.
Program: Bachelor of Psychology (College of Arts & Humanities or College of Education)
Language: Primarily Arabic, but has programs for international students
Notes: Offers scholarships for international students. Large and diverse student body.
Program: Bachelor of Psychology (College of Social Sciences)
Language: Arabic
Notes: Focus on psychology within Islamic and Arabic cultural contexts.
Program: Bachelor of Psychology
Language: Arabic
Notes: One of the largest women’s universities in the world. Offers modern facilities and support for international students.
Program: BA in Psychology (College of Education)
Language: Arabic
Notes: Public university in the western region. Offers affordable education.
Program: Bachelor in Psychology or Human and Social Sciences
Language: English
Notes: Private university with international partnerships. Ideal for international female students looking for English instruction.
Program: Bachelor in Psychology
Language: Arabic
Notes: Located in the south; offers strong programs in education and humanities.
Program: BA in Psychology
Language: Arabic
Notes: Offers programs tailored for local needs but open to international students as well.
Program: Psychology (BA)
Language: Arabic
Notes: Northern Saudi Arabia; growing focus on research and mental health fields.
Program: May offer psychology-related courses within humanities or social sciences.
Language: English
Notes: Private university with American-style curriculum. Worth checking for upcoming programs in psychology or behavioral science.
You must have completed high school or its equivalent (e.g., A-levels, IB, GED, or national diploma).
Minimum GPA or percentage varies by university (usually at least 75%-85% or equivalent).
International students are welcome, but some universities may prioritize certain countries (especially those with educational agreements with Saudi Arabia).
You’ll need a valid passport and potentially a sponsorship (often provided through scholarship programs).
Depending on the language of instruction:
Arabic-taught programs:
Proficiency in Arabic is required.
You may need to pass a language placement test or take an Arabic prep year.
English-taught programs:
Required scores:
TOEFL iBT: 60–80+
IELTS Academic: 5.5–6.5+
If English was your school’s medium of instruction, some universities may waive the test requirement.
Most universities ask for a short essay explaining why you want to study psychology and your future goals.
Some universities require 1–2 letters of recommendation, usually from teachers or school officials.
You’ll need to submit a medical report stating you're free from infectious diseases (often part of the visa process).
Once accepted, your university will help you obtain a student visa (Study Iqama).
Requirements:
Passport
Letter of admission
Medical certificate
Proof of funds or scholarship
If you’re not on a scholarship, some universities may require proof that you can cover tuition, living costs, etc.
If you're applying under a Saudi government scholarship, financial documents may not be required.
4 years (8 semesters)
First Year:
Often includes general education or preparatory courses (e.g., Arabic, English, Islamic studies, introduction to psychology).
Some universities offer a "Preparatory Year", especially if you are entering from a non-Arabic background or need English/Math foundation courses.
Second to Fourth Years:
Core psychology courses: developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, research methods, statistics, etc.
Elective courses based on interests (e.g., clinical psychology, organizational psychology).
Final year may include a research project or internship (especially in applied psychology programs).
Introduction to Psychology
Biological Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Abnormal Psychology
Social Psychology
Counseling Theories
Psychological Testing & Assessment
Research Methods in Psychology
Senior Thesis or Graduation Project
Online/Distance Learning Programs available through the Deanship of E-Learning and Distance Education.
Offers psychology as part of its arts and humanities programs.
Some psychology courses may be delivered fully online or in hybrid mode.
Known for supporting international students through remote learning options.
National leader in blended and online education in Saudi Arabia.
Currently offers degrees in health, business, and IT, but expanding its offerings.
While a full online Psychology degree is not officially launched, psychology-related courses and general education are available online.
Keep an eye on new program announcements.
Has a distance education department.
Offers online programs in Islamic studies, Arabic, and humanities.
Psychology may be available as part of distance humanities/social science tracks, especially for Arabic-speaking students.
Offers a Bachelor in Psychology through distance learning, mainly in Arabic.
Designed for students across the Kingdom who cannot attend in person.
Strong focus on educational and developmental psychology.
Has an e-learning platform and distance education options.
Some psychology programs or courses may be accessible online.
Mostly offered in Arabic.
Intake |
Start Month |
Application Period |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall (Main) |
August–September |
January – April/May (some up to June) |
|
Spring (Optional) |
January–February |
September – November (not all universities offer this) |
Application portals open (especially for major public universities like KSU, KAU, etc.)
International scholarship applications also open around this time
Application deadlines close for Fall intake (some may extend to June)
Documents, transcripts, and language test scores must be submitted
Admission results are announced
Visa processing and enrollment steps begin
Classes begin
Fall intake only
Scholarship applications usually open January–March
Deadline: around mid-April or May
Programs begin in September
Applications open: February or March
Deadline: typically May or early June
Some programs may have internal tests/interviews
Offers two intakes (Fall & Spring)
Fall application: usually June–July
Spring application: around November–December
University |
Type |
Language |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
Scholarships Available |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
Public |
Arabic |
Free (for scholarship students) |
Yes – Gov’t scholarships |
Top public university |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
Public |
Arabic |
Free (for scholarship students) |
Yes – Full scholarship for intl. students |
Offers full benefits for intl. students |
|
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud University |
Public |
Arabic |
Free (or very low) |
Yes |
Arabic-medium program |
|
Princess Nourah University (Women only) |
Public |
Arabic |
Free (for citizens) |
Limited for international students |
Arabic instruction; large female campus |
|
Saudi Electronic University (SEU) |
Public (Hybrid) |
Arabic / English |
SAR 8,500 – 13,500 (~$2,300–$3,600) |
Limited |
Blended/online programs available |
|
Effat University (Women only) |
Private |
English |
SAR 60,000–70,000/year(~$16,000–$18,600) |
Merit scholarships |
International, English-taught program |
|
Prince Sultan University (PSU) |
Private |
English |
SAR 55,000–65,000/year(~$14,600–$17,300) |
Limited |
American-style curriculum |
|
Alfaisal University |
Private |
English |
SAR 90,000+(~$24,000+) |
Competitive scholarships |
Mostly science/business-focused; check psych availability |
|
King Khalid University |
Public |
Arabic |
Free (for citizens/scholars) |
Yes – For Saudi scholarships |
Located in Abha |
Expense Category |
Estimated Cost (USD/year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition Fees |
$0 – $24,000 |
Public universities often free under scholarship; private universities charge up to $24,000/year |
|
Accommodation |
$2,000 – $5,000 |
On-campus housing is cheaper; off-campus may cost more in big cities |
|
Food & Meals |
$1,500 – $2,500 |
Depends on lifestyle; university cafeterias are affordable |
|
Books & Supplies |
$300 – $600 |
Psychology textbooks and stationery |
|
Transportation |
$500 – $1,000 |
Public transport or occasional taxi/Uber |
|
Health Insurance |
$200 – $800 |
May be included in tuition or required separately |
|
Phone & Internet |
$200 – $400 |
Mobile plans are relatively cheap |
|
Airfare (Annual) |
$500 – $1,000 |
Round-trip international flight |
Type of University |
Estimated Cost per Year (USD) |
|---|---|
|
Public University (With Scholarship) |
$1,000 – $3,000 (only living expenses) |
|
Public University (Without Scholarship) |
$4,000 – $6,000 |
|
Private University |
$15,000 – $28,000 |
If you study at King Abdulaziz University under a government scholarship, your:
Tuition = Free
Housing = Free (on campus)
Monthly stipend = Provided (~$260/month)
Health insurance & flight tickets = Covered
Decide whether you prefer a public or private university.
Check if the program is in Arabic or English.
Examples:
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Arabic, public, full scholarships
Effat University – English, private, women-only
High school certificate (equivalent to Saudi secondary education)
Minimum GPA (usually 75–85%)
Language proficiency:
Arabic programs: Must be proficient in Arabic
English programs: TOEFL/IELTS may be required
Age limit: Typically 17–25 years
Good health and good conduct
Document |
Details |
|---|---|
|
High School Certificate |
Must be attested by the Ministry of Education |
|
Transcript |
Translated into Arabic or English (if needed) |
|
Passport Copy |
Valid for at least 6 months |
|
Personal Photo |
Passport-sized |
|
Birth Certificate |
Optional but often requested |
|
Medical Report |
Free of infectious diseases |
|
Language Proficiency Test |
TOEFL/IELTS (for English-taught programs) |
|
Recommendation Letters (optional) |
Some universities ask for them |
|
Statement of Purpose |
Why you want to study Psychology |
Most Saudi universities use an online admission portal.
Create an account, fill in personal info, and upload documents.
Select the Bachelor of Psychology or similar program.
If applying for a scholarship, check the option during the application.
Application Period: Usually between January and May for fall intake.
You’ll receive a response by June or July.
If accepted, you’ll get:
Admission letter
Scholarship offer (if applicable)
Visa processing instructions
Once accepted, the university helps you obtain a student visa (Study Iqama).
You’ll need:
Admission letter
Passport
Medical certificate
Proof of funds or scholarship
Arrive before classes begin (usually August or September).
Complete university orientation, medical checkups, and finalize enrollment.
Scholarship Name |
Covers |
Eligible Universities |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Government Scholarship |
Tuition |
All major public universities |
Offered through each university for international students |
|
King Abdulaziz University Scholarship (KAU) |
Full tuition |
King Abdulaziz University – Jeddah |
One of the best scholarships for undergraduates; covers all expenses |
|
King Saud University Scholarship |
Full tuition |
King Saud University – Riyadh |
Competitive, based on academic merit and language ability |
|
Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship |
Full funding |
Islamic University of Madinah |
Male students only; strong focus on Islamic and Arabic studies, but includes humanities |
|
Princess Nourah University Scholarships |
Tuition |
Princess Nourah University – Riyadh |
Women-only; may have limited international slots |
|
Effat University Merit Scholarships |
Partial to full tuition (based on GPA) |
Effat University – Jeddah (Women only) |
Private university; offers merit-based aid to outstanding students |
|
Saudi Electronic University (SEU) Financial Aid |
Not full scholarship |
Saudi Electronic University |
Focus on blended/online education; financial aid may apply |
Age: Usually 17–25 years old
High school completion with good academic standing (75–85% minimum)
Good conduct certificate (no criminal record)
Medical fitness
Valid passport
Language proficiency (Arabic or English depending on program)
Most scholarship applications open January – March
Final deadlines usually by April – May
Results announced by June – July
Classes begin in August – September
High school certificate and transcripts
Passport copy
Personal photo
Statement of purpose
Medical certificate
Language test scores (TOEFL/IELTS if needed)
Recommendation letters (optional but helpful)
Work under licensed psychologists in hospitals, clinics, or rehabilitation centers.
Support in assessments, therapy sessions, and patient care.
Many schools hire psychology graduates for counseling roles.
Especially relevant if you specialize in educational or developmental psychology.
Psychology grads are in demand in Human Resources, especially in areas like:
Employee evaluation
Training & development
Workplace wellbeing
Work as a teaching assistant in psychology departments or train as a schoolteacher with a postgraduate diploma.
Special education centers also hire psychology graduates.
NGOs, social service organizations, and government ministries hire psychology grads to work in social welfare programs and community mental health initiatives.
Join university or private research centers conducting psychology and behavioral research.
Pathway |
Program |
Leads To |
|---|---|---|
|
Clinical Psychology |
Master’s in Clinical Psychology |
Licensed Clinical Psychologist |
|
Educational Psychology |
Master’s in Educational Psychology |
School Counselor, Child Psychologist |
|
Counseling / Therapy |
Master’s in Counseling Psychology |
Counselor in hospitals, clinics, or private practice |
|
Academic / Research |
Master’s + PhD |
Lecturer, researcher, university professor |
Ministry of Health (MOH)
Ministry of Education
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre
NGOs and rehabilitation centers
Private clinics and psychological wellness centers
International schools and universities
Job Role |
Monthly Salary (SAR) |
Monthly Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Assistant Psychologist |
6,000 – 9,000 |
$1,600 – $2,400 |
|
School Counselor |
5,000 – 8,000 |
$1,300 – $2,100 |
|
HR Officer |
5,500 – 10,000 |
$1,500 – $2,700 |
|
Clinical Psychologist (Post-Master’s) |
12,000 – 20,000 |
$3,200 – $5,300 |
