Checkout the Bachelor in Fashion Design in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 08, 2025 02:00:06
Program: Bachelor in Fashion & Textile Design
Notes: PNU is one of the largest women's universities in the world.
Language: Mainly Arabic, but some programs are transitioning to English
International Students: Accepts international applications (mostly female)
Good fit for female students only.
Program: Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design
Language: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: Around SAR 70,000 - 90,000 per year
International Friendly: Yes, accepts international students
One of the top private universities for creative disciplines in Saudi Arabia.
Program: Bachelor of Science in Design – Fashion Design track
Language: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: Around SAR 80,000/year
Accreditation: U.S. and Saudi accredited
International Friendly: Yes
Progressive and internationally oriented women’s university.
Program: Bachelor in Fashion and Textile Design
Language: Arabic (Check for English options or future bilingual programs)
Public University: Affordable tuition
High school diploma (equivalent to Tawjihi or Thanawiya)
English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Portfolio (most fashion programs require it)
Valid passport and visa
Medical clearance
Public universities: SAR 5,000 – SAR 20,000/year
Private universities: SAR 60,000 – SAR 100,000/year
Living costs: SAR 2,500 – SAR 4,500/month (housing, food, transportation)
Apply and get accepted to a university
Receive admission letter
Apply for a student visa through the Saudi embassy or consulate
Submit medical exam, background check, financial proof
Growing fashion industry (Vision 2030 is heavily investing in arts & design)
Opportunities to connect with local designers & brands
Exposure to Middle Eastern and Islamic fashion aesthetics
Participation in events like Saudi Fashion Week
Program: Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design
Language: English
Duration: 4 years
Gender: Women only
International Students: Yes
Notes: One of the most prominent universities for design and creative programs in Saudi Arabia.
Known for international collaborations and strong industry ties.
Program: Bachelor of Science in Design (Fashion Design Track)
Language: English
Gender: Women only
International Students: Yes
Tuition: Approx. SAR 80,000 per year
Notes: Accredited by both Saudi and U.S. bodies.
Strong focus on creativity and innovation in design.
Program: Bachelor of Fashion & Textile Design
Language: Arabic (some courses may be in English)
Gender: Women only
International Students: Yes
Public University: Lower tuition fees
The largest women’s university in the world; offers great facilities.
Program: Bachelor in Fashion & Textile Design
Language: Arabic
Gender: Separate programs for men and women
International Students: Check with admissions office
Notes: Public university; more affordable
Offers various design programs with growing fashion faculty.
Program: Bachelor in Fashion Design (offered under College of Home Economics or Design)
Language: Arabic
Gender: Women only
International Students: Yes (KAU has scholarships for internationals)
Notes: One of the top public universities in the country
Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (e.g. IGCSEs, American diploma, A-Levels, IB, etc.)
Required GPA or percentage depends on the university, but typically:
Minimum GPA: 75%–85% or above
For U.S. systems: at least 2.5+ GPA on a 4.0 scale
If the program is taught in English (like at Dar Al-Hekma or Effat University), you’ll need:
IELTS: 5.5–6.0 or higher
TOEFL iBT: 60–80+
Some universities also accept a placement test or may offer an English preparatory year
If the program is taught in Arabic (like at PNU or KAU), you may be asked to demonstrate proficiency in Arabic.
Most programs require a portfolio showing your:
Drawing or sketching skills
Fashion design concepts
Mood boards or fabric studies
Any handmade garments or illustrations
Tip: The more creative and original, the better!
Must usually be under 25 years old for undergraduate admission (especially for scholarship applicants)
Some universities might require:
An interview
A creative assessment test
A short design project (to evaluate creativity and skill)
Valid passport
Student visa (granted after official acceptance)
Medical clearance
Police clearance certificate (in some cases)
Proof of financial support (bank statement or scholarship confirmation)
Personal statement or motivation letter
Letters of recommendation
CV or resume (optional but helpful)
Photos or scanned copies of artwork
Year 1: Foundation in design, art, textiles, and drawing
Year 2: Intermediate courses in fashion theory, sewing, illustration, and digital tools (like Adobe Suite)
Year 3: Advanced design projects, fashion history, trend forecasting, and entrepreneurship
Year 4: Final collection/project, internship, and portfolio development
Most programs include a mandatory internship during the final year or summer, giving students real-world experience in the fashion industry.
Some universities (especially if you don't meet the language requirement) may require a foundation/preparatory year:
English language courses
Basic design skills
Math/science if needed
This could extend the program to 5 years, depending on your placement.
University |
Program Length |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Dar Al-Hekma University |
4 years |
Includes internship & senior fashion show |
|
Effat University |
4 years |
English-taught with practical studio work |
|
Princess Nourah University |
4 years |
Arabic-taught, with optional prep year |
|
University of Jeddah |
4 years |
Public university with fashion major track |
Effat University and Dar Al-Hekma University
While not fully online, they may offer online lectures for theoretical subjects like:
Fashion history
Design theory
Fashion marketing
Practical components (like sewing, sketching, draping) are usually in person in studios
Some institutions offer online certificates or diplomas related to fashion:
Saudi Electronic University (SEU) – doesn’t offer fashion degrees yet, but growing in creative fields
Future Academy (Riyadh) – offers short fashion and design courses online
Global platforms like Coursera, FutureLearn, or Domestika – sometimes partnered with Saudi-based institutes
These are not bachelor degrees, but can strengthen your portfolio or skills.
If you're open to studying online but from international universities, you can consider:
Academy of Art University (USA) – Fully online BFA in Fashion
London College of Fashion (UAL) – Offers online short courses; limited degree availability
Open University UK – Not focused on fashion design but has arts/fashion business options
Consider hybrid programs from Effat or Dar Al-Hekma
Combine online short courses + local diploma programs or workshops
Look into international online degrees if you're open to remote learning abroad
Starts: September
Application Period: February to June/July
This is the main and most common intake for fashion design programs across Saudi universities.
Starts: January or February
Application Period: September to November
Only a few universities may offer spring intake, usually for general design or transfer students. Not all fashion programs accept spring entry.
University Type |
Application Opens |
Deadline (Approx.) |
Intake |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Private Universities (e.g., Dar Al-Hekma, Effat) |
Feb – Mar |
June – July |
Fall |
|
Public Universities (e.g., PNU, KAU, Univ. of Jeddah) |
May – June |
University |
Tuition per Year (SAR) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Dar Al-Hekma University – Jeddah |
SAR 70,000 – 90,000 |
English-taught, women only |
|
Effat University – Jeddah |
SAR 75,000 – 85,000 |
English-taught, women only |
|
Prince Sultan University – Riyadh |
No current fashion design degree, but creative programs fall in this range |
For reference |
|
Alfaisal University – Riyadh |
N/A for Fashion, but creative arts programs cost SAR 80,000+ |
For comparison |
University |
Tuition (for International Students) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) |
SAR 5,000 – 20,000/year |
Women only; Arabic-taught |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
Low or Free (with scholarship) |
Arabic-taught |
|
University of Jeddah |
SAR 10,000 – 25,000/year |
Arabic-taught; men & women (separate campuses) |
Public universities (like KAU & PNU) often offer fully funded scholarships covering:
Tuition
Accommodation
Monthly stipend
Private universities may offer:
Merit-based discounts
Partial scholarships
Early application incentives
Category |
Private Univ. |
Public Univ. |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition |
SAR 75,000 – 90,000 |
SAR 5,000 – 25,000 |
|
Living Expenses |
SAR 25,000 – 40,000 |
SAR 25,000 – 40,000 |
|
Total per Year (est.) |
SAR 100,000 – 130,000 |
SAR 30,000 – 65,000 |
University |
Tuition per Year (SAR) |
Equivalent (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Dar Al-Hekma University |
SAR 75,000 – 90,000 |
~$20,000 – $24,000 |
|
Effat University |
SAR 75,000 – 85,000 |
~$20,000 – $22,600 |
University |
Tuition per Year (SAR) |
Equivalent (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Princess Nourah University (PNU) |
SAR 5,000 – 20,000 |
~$1,300 – $5,300 |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
Often Free with scholarship |
N/A |
|
University of Jeddah |
SAR 10,000 – 25,000 |
~$2,600 – $6,600 |
Expense |
Average Monthly (SAR) |
Yearly (SAR) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
SAR 1,500 – 3,000 |
SAR 18,000 – 36,000 |
Dorms or shared apartments |
|
Food & Groceries |
SAR 800 – 1,200 |
SAR 9,600 – 14,400 |
Eating out & home meals |
|
Transportation |
SAR 300 – 500 |
SAR 3,600 – 6,000 |
Ride shares, taxis |
|
Personal Expenses |
SAR 400 – 800 |
SAR 4,800 – 9,600 |
Clothes, entertainment, etc. |
Item |
Cost (SAR) |
|---|---|
|
Student visa (1st year) |
SAR 2,000 – 3,000 |
|
Health insurance |
SAR 1,500 – 2,500/year |
|
Books & art supplies |
SAR 2,000 – 5,000/year |
|
Fashion materials (fabrics, tools) |
SAR 3,000 – 7,000/year |
University Type |
Tuition (SAR) |
Living (SAR) |
Total Cost (SAR) |
Total Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Private |
75,000 – 90,000 |
35,000 – 60,000 |
110,000 – 150,000 |
$29,000 – $40,000 |
|
Public |
5,000 – 25,000 |
35,000 – 60,000 |
40,000 – 85,000 |
$10,600 – $22,500 |
|
Public (with scholarship) |
~0 – 5,000 |
35,000 – 60,000 |
35,000 – 65,000 |
$9,300 – $17,300 |
Apply for public universities (especially those with scholarships like KAU)
Look for merit-based discounts at Effat or Dar Al-Hekma
Consider dormitories instead of private housing
Join student clubs — they often offer fashion workshops & free materials
Private universities (e.g., Dar Al-Hekma, Effat University)
Public universities (e.g., Princess Nourah University, King Abdulaziz University)
Language of instruction (Arabic or English)
Gender policy (some are women-only)
Portfolio requirements
High school diploma (equivalent to Saudi Thanawiya)
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) if the program is in English
Strong academic background (minimum GPA varies)
A fashion portfolio (required for most design programs)
Age: Typically under 25 years old for undergrad admission
Copy of passport
High school transcripts (official and translated if not in Arabic/English)
English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL) – for English programs
Portfolio of artwork, sketches, designs, or fashion projects
Personal statement or motivation letter
1–2 recommendation letters
Recent passport-sized photos
Application form
Medical report (some universities require this)
Visit the university’s admissions portal
Register an account
Upload all required documents
Pay any application fee (usually SAR 300–500 at private universities)
Some universities may request an interview (in person or virtual)
Application Period:
Fall intake: Apply between February – July
Spring intake (if available): Apply between Sept – Nov
It may take a few weeks to get an offer letter
If accepted, you’ll receive:
Admission Letter
Instructions to confirm your spot
Visa and housing guidance
Submit visa application to the Saudi embassy or consulate in your country
You'll need:
Admission letter
Valid passport
Medical report
Proof of financial support (bank statement or scholarship)
Visa application forms
Arrive before semester start (usually in late August or early September)
Attend orientation
Finalize course registration
Get your student ID and health insurance
Full tuition
Airfare
Accommodation
Health insurance
Monthly stipend (~SAR 850–1,000)
Available at:
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)
King Saud University (KSU)
Princess Nourah University (PNU) – for women only
University of Jeddah
Covers tuition and sometimes accommodation
Open to international female students
Must meet academic and language requirements
Strong portfolio improves your chances (Fashion Design is a competitive program)
Partial scholarships for high-performing students
Based on:
High school GPA
English test scores
Creative portfolio for fashion applicants
May also offer need-based financial aid
Tip: Apply early for best chances of getting a discount or fee waiver.
Merit-based and need-based scholarships available
Some grants for international students
Fashion design applicants with strong art portfolios and academic records are encouraged to apply
OIC Scholarships (for Muslim students from OIC countries)
Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarships
Covers full tuition, living expenses, and return ticket
Applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria
Common criteria:
High GPA in high school (75%–90%)
Language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL if program is in English)
Portfolio (for fashion design programs)
Age under 25 (for undergrad scholarships)
Good health and no criminal record
Recommendation letters (sometimes needed)
Ready-to-wear, couture, or abaya design
Work for fashion houses, boutique brands, or start your own label
Opportunity to show at local fashion weeks (e.g., Riyadh or Arab Fashion Week)
Create technical patterns and ensure fit/sizing
In demand by production houses and local ateliers
Design prints, weaves, and embroidery (especially relevant in Saudi cultural fashion)
Work with textile companies or interior/furniture design brands
Analyze trends, plan product lines, manage store inventory
Work with brands like Namshi, Noon, Ounass, Centrepoint, or local malls
Style clients, celebrities, or shoots
Collaborate with photographers, magazines, influencers, or brands
Use digital tools (like Adobe Illustrator, CLO 3D) for concept design
Work in advertising, design studios, or freelance globally
Teach in local design academies or universities
Ideal with further studies like a Master's in Fashion or Education
Manage branding, social media, and online stores for fashion labels
Especially relevant in Saudi’s growing online fashion space
With your degree and portfolio, you can:
Apply for master’s programs abroad (e.g., in Paris, Milan, London)
Freelance or work remotely with global brands
Attend international fashion workshops and residencies
Saudi Fashion Commission under the Ministry of Culture is promoting local designers
Events like Riyadh Season, Red Sea Fashion Week, and Design Weeks are growing
Demand for modest fashion designers, sustainable fashion, and cultural innovation is rising
Job Role |
Monthly Salary (SAR) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Fashion Designer |
SAR 6,000 – 12,000 |
Can increase with brand/portfolio |
|
Pattern Maker |
SAR 5,000 – 9,000 |
Technical expertise is key |
|
Fashion Stylist |
SAR 4,000 – 10,000 |
Higher for celebrity work |
|
Social Media Manager |
SAR 5,000 – 8,000 |
Growing demand |
|
Fashion Lecturer |
SAR 8,000 – 15,000 |
With teaching experience |
