Checkout the Bachelor in Civil Engineering in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 08, 2025 04:40:57
Highly ranked in engineering disciplines.
Known for strong research output and collaboration with the oil & gas industry.
Offers undergraduate engineering programs in English.
Has dedicated housing and support for international students.
One of the largest and most diverse universities.
Frequently offers scholarships to international students.
A private university with modern facilities.
Programs taught in English with international faculty.
English-medium instruction.
Focuses on practical experience and innovation.
Language of Instruction: Many top universities teach in English, especially technical programs like engineering.
Duration: Typically 4 years plus an optional final year for co-op training or specialization.
Curriculum:
Structural Analysis
Concrete & Steel Design
Fluid Mechanics
Geotechnical Engineering
Environmental & Transportation Engineering
CAD and Project Management
Admission Requirements:
High school diploma (science or math track preferred)
English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS)
Entrance exams or interviews (depending on the university)
Passport and visa documentation
Cost of Study:
Public universities often have low tuition fees, and many offer full scholarships.
Private universities may charge higher fees, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 USD/year.
Scholarships:
Many Saudi universities provide full scholarships to international students that include:
Tuition waiver
Monthly stipend
Free accommodation
Health insurance
Travel allowance (sometimes)
Cost of living varies by city (Riyadh and Jeddah are more expensive).
Student housing is often provided.
Cultural adaptation is important, as the country follows Islamic laws and customs.
One of the top engineering universities in the region.
Civil Engineering program includes structural, environmental, and transportation engineering.
High admission standards but offers scholarships for international students.
Offers Civil Engineering with strong research and lab facilities.
English is used in many engineering courses.
Accepts international students and has dormitories.
Comprehensive Civil Engineering curriculum.
Has an international student program with full scholarships.
Well-equipped labs and engineering research centers.
Offers a growing Civil Engineering program.
Focuses on modern infrastructure and environmental engineering.
Civil Engineering bachelor’s degree with co-op training.
Good reputation in Eastern Province.
Offers Civil Engineering with a focus on sustainability and urban development.
Offers Civil and Environmental Engineering.
English-medium instruction.
Industry-oriented programs with internship options.
Offers Engineering Science programs with focus on innovation and research.
Known for international collaborations and high-quality faculty.
Offers Civil Engineering for women.
Modern curriculum with global standards.
Good choice for female international students.
High School Certificate (Science/Math stream preferred)
Must be equivalent to the Saudi secondary school certificate.
Subjects should include Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
Minimum GPA or percentage varies:
Top universities (like KFUPM or KSU) may require 85–90% or above.
Other universities may accept 75–80% and above.
TOEFL or IELTS required:
TOEFL iBT: Usually 60–80 minimum
IELTS: Usually 5.5 to 6.0
Some universities may offer English placement tests or foundation programs if you don’t meet the requirement initially.
Some universities may ask for aptitude or entrance exams (especially KFUPM).
You may also be asked to submit:
SAT/ACT scores (optional in most cases)
Or local alternatives like the Qudrat or Tahsili, but these are usually waived for international students.
Most universities require applicants to be under 25 years old for undergraduate programs (especially if applying for scholarships).
Medical report may be required during the visa or admission process.
Some universities require you to be physically fit for engineering study (especially for fieldwork-heavy programs like civil engineering).
You need a valid passport.
After acceptance, the university will assist in issuing a student visa (usually a study residence permit (Iqama)).
High school transcripts and certificates (certified and translated if needed)
Passport copy
Personal statement or motivation letter (some universities require this)
Recommendation letters (optional but helpful)
Recent passport-sized photos
Most Civil Engineering programs are structured as 8 semesters (2 semesters per year).
You’ll study a mix of:
Core engineering subjects (e.g., Structural Analysis, Fluid Mechanics)
Math and physics
General education (Islamic studies, communication, etc.)
Lab work and projects
Some universities (like KFUPM, KAU, or IAU) require a Co-op Training Program (around 6–12 months).
This extends the program to 5 years total.
It gives you practical field experience with construction companies, consulting firms, or government projects.
Usually completed in the last two semesters.
Involves real-world design and engineering problem-solving.
Often done in teams and supervised by a faculty member.
Starts: September
Applications Open: Usually January to April
Deadlines: Often around April or May
Some scholarship applications may close earlier (e.g., March)
Starts: January or February
Applications Open: Around September to October (previous year)
Deadlines: Typically October to November
Not all universities offer spring intake, especially for engineering programs.
Stage |
Approximate Date |
|---|---|
|
Application opens |
January 2025 |
|
Application deadline |
April–May 2025 |
|
Admission decisions |
June–July 2025 |
|
Visa processing |
July–August 2025 |
|
Classes begin |
September 2025 |
One main intake per year (September)
Online applications typically open in January
Competitive scholarships close early
Offer Fall and sometimes Spring intakes
Scholarship deadlines are usually early in the year (Feb–Mar)
May have more flexible intakes
Applications may be accepted up to 2 months before the semester
University |
Program Name |
Tuition Fees (SAR/year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
BSc in Civil Engineering |
Free (for Saudi citizens) |
Scholarships available for international students |
|
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) |
BSc in Civil Engineering |
Free |
Highly selective, often offers full scholarships |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
BSc in Civil Engineering |
Free (Saudi) / ~SAR 15,000+ |
Tuition for self-funded international students |
|
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) |
BSc in Civil Engineering |
SAR 55,000 – 65,000 |
Private university |
|
Alfaisal University |
BSc in Architectural Engineering |
SAR 90,000 – 100,000 |
Private, tuition may vary by year |
|
Dar Al Uloom University |
BSc in Civil Engineering |
SAR 50,000 – 60,000 |
Private university |
|
University of Business and Technology (UBT) |
BSc in Civil Engineering |
SAR 45,000 – 55,000 |
Private university |
University Type |
Estimated Tuition (Per Year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Public (for Saudi citizens) |
Free |
Tuition is fully covered by the government |
|
Public (international students) |
SAR 10,000 – 20,000 |
Some universities offer scholarships or free tuition |
|
Private universities |
SAR 45,000 – 100,000 |
Varies based on university and program |
Category |
Estimated Cost (SAR/year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Housing (shared/private) |
SAR 10,000 – 30,000 |
University dorms are cheaper; private apartments cost more |
|
Food & Groceries |
SAR 6,000 – 12,000 |
Around SAR 500 – 1,000/month |
|
Transportation |
SAR 3,000 – 6,000 |
Depends on city and whether you own a car |
|
Books & Supplies |
SAR 1,500 – 3,000 |
Civil engineering textbooks, software, etc. |
|
Personal Expenses |
SAR 2,000 – 5,000 |
Clothes, entertainment, phone, etc. |
Student Type |
Public University |
Private University |
|---|---|---|
|
Saudi Citizen |
SAR 20,000 – 40,000 |
SAR 65,000 – 130,000 |
|
International Student |
SAR 30,000 – 50,000 |
SAR 70,000 – 135,000 |
King Saud University (KSU)
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM)
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU)
Alfaisal University
High school certificate (science stream)
Strong academic performance (especially in math and physics)
English proficiency test (usually IELTS or TOEFL)
Valid passport
Personal statement or motivation letter (sometimes)
Recommendation letters (optional in some cases)
Some public universities may also require:
Entrance exam or assessment
Interview (online for international students)
Create an account
Fill out the application form
Upload required documents
Pay application fees (if any)
Submit before the deadline
Indicate that in your application
Upload additional documents like financial need statements or academic achievements
Wait for the scholarship committee’s decision
Admission letter
Visa support documents
Instructions for enrollment
Once admitted:
Apply for a Saudi student visa at your nearest Saudi embassy
Prepare travel and housing arrangements
Attend orientation (some offer virtual sessions for international students)
Register for courses
Finalize residence
Get your student ID
Open to international students from various countries
Covers full tuition, monthly stipend, free accommodation, healthcare, and airfare
Very competitive and typically requires high academic achievement
Available for international students with strong academic records
Includes free tuition, housing, monthly allowance, and sometimes a settling-in allowance
Focus on STEM programs, including civil engineering
Mostly for graduate studies, but selected undergrad programs offer merit-based aid
Highly competitive and usually awarded to top-performing students in science and math
Offers partial and full merit-based scholarships
Consideration is based on high school grades, English test scores, and entrance exam performance
Provides merit scholarships to high-performing students and need-based aid
Civil Engineering falls under the College of Engineering, which is often prioritized for aid
Full tuition
Living expenses
Health insurance
Annual airfare
Open to students from IsDB member countries
Offers full undergraduate scholarships including:
Tuition
Monthly stipend
Books and equipment
Travel costs
Students are usually placed in top Saudi universities through this program
Many Saudi universities (even public ones) offer academic excellence awards
Usually given after the first or second year if you maintain a high GPA (often 3.5+ on a 4.0 scale)
Can reduce or completely waive tuition for the remaining years
Work on large-scale projects like highways, bridges, and high-rise buildings
Monitor construction sites, ensure compliance with safety and design standards
Design and analyze structural components of buildings and infrastructure
Work with consulting firms or government agencies
Oversee civil projects from start to finish (budgeting, planning, execution)
Requires strong leadership and coordination skills
Work on roads, highways, metro systems, and airports
Employed by ministries like the Ministry of Transport or companies like Arriyadh Development Authority
Specialize in soil, foundation, and earthworks analysis
Work with oil, gas, and construction firms (common in areas like Eastern Province)
Handle projects related to water supply, wastewater treatment, desalination, and drainage
Demand is high due to Saudi Arabia’s water scarcity challenges
Contribute to city planning, smart cities, and mega projects like NEOM and The Line
Work with urban design firms or public agencies
Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services
Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing
Saudi Binladin Group
Saudi Aramco
Bechtel
Nesma & Partners
El Seif Engineering
AECOM
Dar Al-Handasah
Parsons
Zuhair Fayez Partnership
NEOM
The Red Sea Project
Qiddiya
King Salman Park
Experience Level |
Average Monthly Salary (SAR) |
|---|---|
|
Entry-level (0–2 years) |
SAR 5,000 – 8,000 |
|
Mid-level (3–5 years) |
SAR 8,000 – 12,000 |
|
Senior Engineer (5+ years) |
SAR 12,000 – 20,000+ |
