Checkout the Bachelor in Data Science in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 08, 2025 12:04:07
Focus: Research-heavy, offers advanced programs in Data Science, Computer Science, and AI.
Language: English
Type: Postgraduate focused, but has collaboration programs for undergrads with other institutions.
Offers Bachelor's programs in Computer Science with Data Science tracks.
One of the oldest and most reputable universities in Saudi Arabia.
Known for strong STEM and engineering programs.
Offers programs in Data Science or related fields like AI, Machine Learning, or Computer Science.
Offers a Bachelor's in Artificial Intelligence or Data Science.
Private university, more internationally oriented.
Programs taught in English.
Offers a Bachelor’s in Computer Science with Data Analytics specialization.
Private, women-focused institution with international collaboration.
Known for its international student body.
May offer computer science or data-centric programs taught in English.
Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)
Language: English (in most international programs)
Curriculum:
Programming (Python, R)
Statistics & Probability
Machine Learning & AI
Data Visualization
Big Data & Cloud Computing
Ethics & Data Privacy
Capstone Project
Language Requirement: IELTS/TOEFL (for non-native English speakers)
Tuition Fees: Varies; public universities may offer scholarships or free education, while private universities range from SAR 30,000–80,000 per year.
Scholarships: Some universities offer full or partial scholarships to international students.
Accommodation: On-campus or off-campus housing options are usually available.
High school diploma (with strong math/science background)
English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL)
Passport and ID documents
Statement of purpose or personal essay
Some may ask for SAT/ACT or a university entrance exam
Program: Bachelor in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Language: English
Type: Private
Good for: International students, modern campus, tech focus
Program: Bachelor in Computer Science with Data Science track
Language: Primarily Arabic, but some courses in English
Type: Public
Note: One of the oldest and most prestigious universities
Program: Bachelor in Computer Science or AI with Data Science components
Language: English
Type: Public, research-oriented
Known for: Engineering and STEM excellence
Program: Bachelor in Computer Science with Data Analytics concentration
Language: English
Type: Private
Note: Partnered with international institutions, focused on innovation
Program: Bachelor in Software Engineering or Computer Science (with electives in Data Science, AI, ML)
Language: English
Type: Private
International friendly: Yes
Program: Bachelor in Data Science (recently added)
Language: English or bilingual
Type: Public
Note: Growing focus on tech fields
Program: Bachelor in Data Science
Language: English (mostly)
Type: Public
Note: One of the first universities in the Kingdom to introduce a full Bachelor’s in Data Science
Program: Bachelor in Data Science
Language: Arabic (some courses may be in English)
Type: Public
Note: Focused on regional development and innovation
Program: Computer Science with specialization/electives in Data Science
Language: Bilingual (Arabic & English)
Type: Public
Strong in: Research, especially in science and tech
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Must be recognized by the Saudi Ministry of Education.
Strong background in Mathematics, Statistics, and Science is usually preferred.
Minimum GPA requirement varies by university (often 80% or above or equivalent).
Most universities offering Data Science in English will ask for one of the following:
IELTS: Usually 5.5 – 6.5 minimum
TOEFL iBT: Around 60–80 minimum
Some universities may offer their own English placement test if you don't have IELTS/TOEFL.
High school transcripts and certificate (official and translated if needed)
Valid passport and ID
English test scores (if required)
Personal statement or statement of purpose (some schools ask for this)
Passport-sized photos
Recommendation letters (optional but helpful at some private universities)
High GPA
Strong Math and English background
IELTS/TOEFL
Personal interview may be required
National exam scores may be needed (for Saudis)
For international students: strong academic record, language proficiency
Admission via scholarship programs (for some international applicants)
High school diploma with a science focus
IELTS 6.0 or equivalent
May have an internal placement test
Requires science stream in high school
Minimum GPA and math skills are emphasized
English medium, so proficiency is important
Structure: 8 semesters (2 semesters per academic year)
Credit Hours: Usually ranges from 120 to 140 credit hours depending on the university and curriculum.
Mathematics, Programming (Python/C++), Statistics
Basic computer science and academic writing
Data Structures, Algorithms
Databases, Probability, Linear Algebra
Machine Learning, Data Mining, Big Data, AI
Electives in domains like NLP, Computer Vision, Cloud Computing
Capstone project (real-world or research-based)
Internship (sometimes required)
More electives (e.g., Cybersecurity, Business Analytics)
Program: Bachelor in Data Science (under development or planned)
Current Offering: Bachelor in IT & Computer Science (online/hybrid)
Mode: Blended (online lectures + periodic in-person sessions)
Language: English & Arabic
Focus: Digital education, flexible learning
Program: Bachelor in IT with a Data Science track (limited availability)
Mode: Distance learning model
Language: Mostly Arabic, some English
Target: Students across the Arab region, including international learners
Fall Semester (September/October start)
Most common intake
Ideal for international applicants
Spring Semester (January/February start)
Offered by some universities only
More limited in program availability
Fall Intake Application:
Opens: March – May
Closes: Late May to early July
Spring Intake (if available):
Opens: September – October
Closes: November – December
Fall Intake Application:
Opens: January – April
Closes: May – July
(Some may accept late applications into August if seats are available)
Spring Intake (if offered):
Opens: August – September
Closes: November – December
University |
Type |
Estimated Annual Tuition (SAR) |
Estimated USD |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Prince Sultan University (PSU) |
Private |
SAR 65,000 – 80,000 |
$17,300 – $21,300 |
|
Alfaisal University |
Private |
SAR 85,000 |
$22,600 |
|
Effat University (Women Only) |
Private |
SAR 55,000 – 70,000 |
$14,700 – $18,600 |
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
Public |
Free or very low (for scholarship students) |
N/A |
|
King Fahd University (KFUPM) |
Public |
Free (for selected students) |
N/A |
|
University of Jeddah |
Public |
SAR 20,000 – 30,000 (if self-funded) |
$5,300 – $8,000 |
|
Saudi Electronic University (SEU) |
Public / Hybrid |
SAR 20,000 – 25,000 |
$5,300 – $6,700 |
|
Arab Open University (AOU) |
Semi-private |
SAR 10,000 – 15,000 |
$2,600 – $4,000 |
Tuition usually covers only academic fees.
Not included: Housing, textbooks, transport, visa, or insurance.
Lab/Tech fees may be extra for data-intensive programs.
Public universities (like KSU, KFUPM, KAU) may offer full scholarships that include:
Tuition
Monthly stipend
Free accommodation
Health insurance
Travel tickets (in some cases)
Private universities may offer partial scholarships or merit discounts based on:
Academic performance
Language proficiency
Financial need
Public Universities:
Often free or very low-cost if on scholarship
If self-funded: SAR 15,000 – 30,000 (~$4,000 – $8,000)
Private Universities:
SAR 55,000 – 85,000/year (~$14,500 – $22,600)
Expense |
Monthly (SAR) |
Annual (SAR) |
USD (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation (shared) |
1,200 – 2,500 |
14,000 – 30,000 |
$3,700 – $8,000 |
|
Food |
800 – 1,200 |
9,600 – 14,400 |
$2,500 – $3,800 |
|
Transportation |
200 – 500 |
2,400 – 6,000 |
$640 – $1,600 |
|
Internet & Phone |
150 – 250 |
1,800 – 3,000 |
$480 – $800 |
|
Books & Supplies |
~200 |
~2,000 – 3,000 |
$530 – $800 |
|
Personal Expenses |
300 – 600 |
3,600 – 7,200 |
$950 – $1,900 |
Visa and Iqama (residency permit): SAR 2,000 – 3,000 ($530 – $800)
Medical insurance: SAR 1,000 – 2,000/year ($270 – $530)
Flight tickets: Depending on home country, $500 – $1,200 annually
University Type |
Tuition + Living (SAR) |
Approx. in USD |
|---|---|---|
|
Public (with scholarship) |
30,000 – 50,000 |
~$8,000 – $13,000 |
|
Public (no scholarship) |
45,000 – 80,000 |
~$12,000 – $21,000 |
|
Private University |
85,000 – 140,000 |
~$22,500 – $37,000 |
Apply early for government scholarships (e.g., at King Saud, KFUPM, KAU)
Consider hybrid programs at SEU or Arab Open University
Use student housing for cheaper rent
Some universities offer free transport or discounted meal plans
Prince Sultan University (PSU)
King Saud University (KSU)
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM)
Effat University (Women only)
Alfaisal University
University of Jeddah
High school diploma (science or math stream preferred)
Minimum GPA (often 80% or equivalent)
English proficiency: IELTS (5.5–6.5) or TOEFL (60–80)
Valid passport
Some universities may require a math or logic entrance test
Most universities will ask for:
High school transcripts and certificate (attested & translated)
Passport copy (valid)
English language test results
Statement of purpose or personal essay (some schools)
Passport-sized photos
Recommendation letters (optional, but helpful)
Application fee payment receipt (for private universities)
Go to the university’s official admissions portal
Create an account and submit your application
Upload all required documents
Pay the application fee (if required)
Some private universities or scholarship programs may invite you for:
Online interview
Placement test (math, English, logic)
If accepted, you'll receive:
Offer letter
Details on tuition, housing, orientation, etc.
After receiving admission:
Apply for a student visa (Study/Iqama Visa) at the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in your country.
University will often provide a visa sponsorship letter
Pay tuition fees (full or first installment)
Arrange accommodation (on- or off-campus)
Attend orientation and register for courses
Ideally, start 6–9 months before intake
Fall intake (Sep/Oct): Apply between March – June
Spring intake (Jan/Feb): Apply between Sep – Nov
Offered by: Ministry of Education (MOE)
Covers:
Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Free accommodation or housing allowance
Health insurance
Return flight tickets (annual or one-time)
Eligible Universities: Public universities (e.g., KSU, KAU, KFUPM, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University)
Fields Covered: All STEM fields including Data Science, AI, Computer Science
How to Apply:
Apply directly through the university portal, then they submit your file to the MOE.
Degree Level: Undergraduate & Postgraduate
Eligibility: Outstanding international students (non-Saudi)
Covers:
Tuition
Monthly allowance (~SAR 850)
Housing and healthcare
Two-way air tickets
Mainly for postgraduate, but some collaborative undergrad opportunities exist through programs or partnerships.
If they offer undergrad to international students, it usually comes with full funding.
Type: Partial scholarships based on:
Academic merit
Financial need
Leadership or extracurricular achievements
Covers: Up to 25%–50% of tuition
Open to: International female students applying to programs like Computer Science with Data Analytics
Private university with several merit-based or financial aid scholarships
Open to: All nationalities
Covers: Partial tuition (usually 20%–50%)
Requirement: High GPA, strong English skills
Available to: Students from OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) member countries
Fields Covered: Data Science, AI, IT, Engineering, etc.
Benefits:
Full tuition
Monthly living allowance
Health coverage
Travel allowance
High school certificate with excellent grades (80–90%+)
English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL)
Valid passport
Medical certificate
Personal statement or motivation letter
Sometimes: Recommendation letters
Collect, clean, and interpret large datasets to support decision-making.
Industries: Banking, retail, healthcare, logistics, and government.
Average Salary: SAR 8,000 – 14,000/month (~$2,100 – $3,700)
Build predictive models, apply machine learning algorithms.
Tools: Python, R, SQL, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn.
Salary Range: SAR 10,000 – 18,000/month (~$2,700 – $4,800)
Design dashboards, reports, and data visualizations.
Popular Tools: Power BI, Tableau, SQL, Excel.
In-demand in: Telecom, fintech, retail.
Salary: SAR 9,000 – 16,000/month (~$2,400 – $4,200)
Implement algorithms for real-time applications like fraud detection or recommendation systems.
Often requires solid programming skills and math background.
Salary: SAR 12,000 – 20,000/month (~$3,200 – $5,300)
Manage data pipelines and infrastructure for AI models.
Skills: Hadoop, Spark, cloud (AWS/GCP/Azure).
Salary: SAR 11,000 – 18,000/month
Analyze data to detect fraud, cyber threats, or breaches.
In-demand in: Banks, defense, telecom.
Salary: SAR 9,000 – 15,000/month
Work with Saudi smart city projects (e.g., NEOM, The Line).
Use data to improve public services, mobility, and urban planning.
Salary: SAR 10,000+ depending on role and agency
Banking & FinTech: SAMA, STC Pay, Al Rajhi Bank
Healthcare & Bioinformatics: Ministry of Health, private hospitals
Smart Cities & Construction Tech: NEOM, Red Sea Global
E-commerce & Retail: Noon, Amazon.sa, Jarir
Defense & Cybersecurity: STC, Aramco, government agencies
Telecom & Tech: STC, Mobily, Zain, Huawei Saudi Arabia
Oil & Energy: Saudi Aramco, SABIC (for data & analytics roles)
