Checkout the Bachelor in Hospitality Management in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 08, 2025 12:22:51
Offers degrees in business with hospitality/tourism electives.
English-taught programs.
Private university, popular with international students.
One of the top public universities in the Kingdom.
May offer hospitality-related programs through the College of Tourism and Antiquities.
Women-only private university, but quite international and modern.
Offers a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Program is in English.
Accredited and in collaboration with international institutions.
Public college focusing on tourism and hospitality.
May have diplomas and bachelor’s programs aligned with practical experience.
SEG is a world-renowned group of hospitality schools (based in Switzerland).
Some programs or short courses may be available via partnerships in KSA.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
Valid passport and student visa.
Some programs might ask for a statement of purpose or interview.
Public universities: Low to no tuition, especially if you receive a scholarship.
Private universities: Around SAR 25,000 – SAR 50,000/year (~USD $6,500 – $13,000).
Effat and PSU are more expensive but have good facilities and international exposure.
Some universities offer scholarships for academic excellence.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Scholarships for international students may cover full tuition, accommodation, and living costs.
Check with the Ministry of Education or specific university portals.
Hotel and resort management
Event planning and MICE industry
Tourism development
Hospitality consulting
Work with major projects like NEOM or The Red Sea Project
Increasingly diverse student population.
Safe environment with a strong focus on culture and religion.
New visas and residency schemes make it easier to stay and work after graduation.
English is commonly used in universities, but learning basic Arabic helps.
Program: Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Type: Private, women-only
Language: English
Highlights: International collaborations, modern curriculum, internships.
Program: Related hospitality or tourism management courses through business programs
Type: Private, co-ed
Language: English
Highlights: Business-oriented with electives in hospitality; strong industry ties.
Program: Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Management
Type: Public, co-ed
Language: Mostly Arabic (some English in upper levels)
Highlights: One of the top public universities in Saudi Arabia.
Program: Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality
Type: Public
Language: Primarily Arabic
Highlights: Practical approach with strong focus on hospitality in Saudi context.
Program: Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Management (Faculty of Arts and Humanities)
Type: Public
Language: Arabic (some courses may be in English)
Highlights: Established university, recognized across the Middle East.
Program: Tourism and Hospitality Management
Type: Public
Language: Arabic
Highlights: Serves the southern region of Saudi Arabia with tourism-focused curriculum.
Must have completed high school (Grade 12 or equivalent).
A minimum GPA or percentage may be required (typically around 75% or higher, or its equivalent).
Some universities might ask for a recognized high school equivalency certificate.
For programs taught in English (e.g., at Effat University or Prince Sultan University):
IELTS: Usually a minimum of 5.5 – 6.0
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 60 – 80
If English was your language of instruction in high school, a waiver might be available.
If the program is taught in Arabic (mostly at public universities), basic proficiency in Arabic may be needed.
Some universities offer a foundation year with Arabic language training for international students.
Generally, you should be under 25 years old for bachelor’s program admissions, especially when applying for scholarships.
You’ll need to submit a recent medical fitness certificate from an approved clinic or hospital.
A valid passport (with at least 6 months validity).
Apply for a student visa once you receive the offer/admission letter from the university.
High school certificate & transcript (officially translated if not in Arabic or English)
Passport copy
Personal photo (passport size)
English language test score (IELTS/TOEFL), if applicable
Statement of purpose or motivation letter (some universities)
Letters of recommendation (optional but helpful)
Health certificate
Application form (completed)
This includes:
General Foundation Year (1st Year) – Common in many Saudi universities. Focuses on English, study skills, and sometimes basic business or tourism-related courses.
Major-Specific Courses (Years 2–4) – Focus on core hospitality and tourism management subjects, internships, and electives.
English language enhancement (if needed)
Introduction to hospitality & tourism
Communication and study skills
Basic computer or IT skills
Principles of hospitality management
Food and beverage operations
Front office and housekeeping management
Business mathematics / statistics
Hotel and resort management
Tourism marketing
Event management
Human resource management in hospitality
Strategic hospitality management
Entrepreneurship in tourism
Internship or practical training
Final project or graduation thesis
Offers distance learning in business and management programs.
While they don’t currently offer a dedicated Hospitality Management degree, some business majors allow hospitality or tourism-related electives.
Classes are blended: online lectures + in-person assessments.
Offers a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Currently offered on-campus, but during COVID, many courses were moved online. Check if they now offer a hybrid model.
Some theoretical courses may be taken online, but practical training is in-person.
Offers online and blended undergraduate programs in business administration.
No direct Hospitality Management program yet, but they may launch specialized tracks in the future.
Swiss Hotel Management School (Online courses)
Les Roches Global Hospitality Education (Online short programs)
American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI)
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) – Online BA in Hospitality Business
Semester |
Start Month |
Application Period |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall (Main Intake) |
August–September |
April to July |
|
Spring (Limited Intake) |
January–February |
October to December |
Main Intake: Fall (September)
Application Opens: March/April
Deadline: July (Early deadline may apply for scholarship consideration)
Main Intake: Fall
Application Opens: March
Deadline: Mid-June to July
Notes: Early applications have a better chance at financial aid or placement.
Main Intake: Fall
Application Period: May to July (for international students, sometimes earlier)
Notes: Apply through the Ministry of Education’s international scholarship portal if you’re a foreign student.
Intake: Fall
Application for international students: Usually open January to April/May
Apply via the "Study in Saudi Arabia" platform (for scholarships or international admissions)
Main Intake: Fall
Application Period: June to July
Mostly for local and regional students, but international admissions are opening up more.
University |
Type |
Estimated Tuition (per year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Effat University – Jeddah |
Private |
SAR 40,000 – 55,000 (~USD $10,600 – $14,600) |
Includes lab & admin fees; English-taught |
|
Prince Sultan University (PSU) – Riyadh |
Private |
SAR 45,000 – 60,000 (~USD $12,000 – $16,000) |
Scholarships available; English-taught |
|
King Saud University – Riyadh |
Public |
Free or minimal for scholarship students |
Arabic-taught; international students may apply through scholarship |
|
King Abdulaziz University – Jeddah |
Public |
Free (for scholarship students) |
Government-funded for international students |
|
Taif University – Taif |
Public |
Low or Free |
Mostly Arabic-taught; limited spots for international students |
|
Jazan University – Jazan |
Public |
Free (if on scholarship) |
Arabic-taught; limited programs for non-Arabic speakers |
Item |
Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
SAR 10,000 – 25,000 (~USD $2,600 – $6,500) |
|
Food & Living |
SAR 8,000 – 15,000 |
|
Books & Materials |
SAR 1,500 – 3,000 |
|
Health Insurance |
SAR 1,000 – 2,000 |
|
Visa/Residency (Iqama) Fees |
SAR 500 – 1,000 |
Full tuition
Free accommodation
Monthly stipend
Health insurance
Airfare (in some cases)
Expense |
Private University |
Public University (with Scholarship) |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition Fees |
SAR 40,000 – 60,000 |
Free or minimal |
|
Accommodation |
SAR 10,000 – 25,000 |
Often free in scholarship dorms |
|
Food & Daily Living |
SAR 8,000 – 15,000 |
SAR 8,000 – 15,000 |
|
Books & Study Materials |
SAR 1,500 – 3,000 |
SAR 1,500 – 3,000 |
|
Health Insurance |
SAR 1,000 – 2,000 |
Usually covered by scholarship |
|
Visa & Residency (Iqama) |
SAR 500 – 1,000 |
SAR 500 – 1,000 |
|
Transportation & Misc. |
SAR 3,000 – 5,000 |
SAR 3,000 – 5,000 |
|
Total Annual Cost |
SAR 64,000 – 111,000 |
SAR 13,000 – 24,000 (if scholarship) |
|
Total 4-Year Cost |
SAR 256,000 – 444,000 |
SAR 52,000 – 96,000 |
Effat University: Higher tuition but high-quality education with English instruction and modern campus.
Prince Sultan University (PSU): Slightly more expensive, but offers scholarships for high-performing international students.
Public Universities (e.g., King Saud, KAU, Taif University): Very low cost if you qualify for a government scholarship.
Free tuition
Free housing
Monthly stipend (SAR 800–1,200)
Free health insurance
Annual airfare tickets (in some cases)
Research universities offering Hospitality Management (e.g., Effat University, King Saud University, PSU, etc.)
Check whether the program is taught in English or Arabic
Confirm intake periods (most are in September/Fall)
High School Certificate (official + translated if not in Arabic/English)
Transcript/Marksheet
Passport copy (valid at least 6 months)
Passport-sized photos
English language test (IELTS/TOEFL – required for English programs)
Personal Statement or Motivation Letter
Recommendation letters (some private universities)
Medical Certificate (proving general health & fitness)
Proof of financial support (for visa if self-funded)
Visa application form (after getting admission)
Apply directly on the university website
Upload required documents
Pay application fee (usually SAR 200–500)
Attend interview (if required)
Wait for offer letter
Apply through the Ministry of Education’s “Study in Saudi Arabia” portal (if applying for a scholarship)
Some universities accept direct applications for self-funded seats
Offer/Acceptance Letter
Instructions for visa application
Invoice for tuition or seat reservation (if applicable)
You’ll need:
Admission letter
Medical test results
Financial support proof (bank statement or scholarship confirmation)
Passport
Filled visa application form
Arrive in Saudi Arabia before semester begins
Attend orientation
Finalize university registration
Receive student ID, residency (Iqama), and campus housing (if applicable)
Month |
What to Do |
|---|---|
|
March–May |
Choose university, start application |
|
May–July |
Submit documents, interviews, get offer |
|
July–August |
Apply for student visa |
|
August–Sept |
Travel, attend orientation, begin studies |
Offered by: Ministry of Education (MOE)
Available at: Major public universities (e.g., King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University, Taif University)
Covers:
Full tuition fees
Free accommodation (university housing)
Monthly stipend (SAR 800–1,200)
Free health insurance
Airfare (round trip annually)
Visa and Iqama fees
Eligibility:
High school diploma with strong academic record
Age usually under 25
Good conduct (no criminal record)
Medical fitness
May require proof of English or Arabic proficiency depending on program
How to apply:
Through the official Study in Saudi Arabia portal
Choose “Bachelor” → select universities that offer Hospitality or Tourism majors
Type: Private women’s university
Scholarships:
Merit-based (based on GPA)
Need-based for international students
Covers: Partial tuition discount (10%–50%)
Notes: Apply early for best chances
Type: Private co-ed university
Scholarships:
Academic Excellence Scholarships
Financial Aid (for international students)
Covers: 25%–100% tuition based on academic performance
Language: English-taught programs
Type: International scholarship for students from IsDB member countries
Covers:
Full tuition
Monthly allowance
Health insurance
Travel tickets
Eligible countries: Over 50 Muslim-majority or IsDB-affiliated countries
Programs: Includes tourism/hospitality-related programs in Saudi Arabia
Some Saudi embassies offer bilateral scholarships to students from specific countries.
Check with the Saudi Cultural Attaché in your country.
Apply early – scholarships have limited seats and close before regular admission deadlines.
Maintain a strong GPA throughout high school.
Write a strong motivation letter.
Know whether your program is in Arabic or English, and prepare language test scores accordingly.
Job Roles: Hotel Manager, Guest Relations Officer, Front Office Supervisor, Housekeeping Manager
Where: Luxury hotels, resorts, and international chains (e.g., Hilton, Marriott, Accor, Rosewood)
Hotspots: Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, NEOM, The Red Sea Project
Job Roles: Restaurant Manager, Catering Manager, F&B Operations Supervisor
Where: 5-star hotel restaurants, fine dining establishments, event catering companies, resorts
Job Roles: Tourism Officer, Travel Consultant, Tour Manager, Destination Marketing Executive
Where: Saudi Tourism Authority, regional tourism boards (AlUla, Abha, Tabuk), travel agencies
Job Roles: Event Planner, Conference Coordinator, Venue Manager
Where: GEA (General Entertainment Authority), MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) sector, international expos & festivals
Projects: NEOM, Qiddiya, The Red Sea Project, AMAALA
Roles: Hospitality Operations Assistant, Guest Services, Project Coordinator in Tourism Development
Roles: Client Relations Executive, VIP Guest Experience Coordinator, Corporate Travel Coordinator
Industries: Airlines, Banks, Tech companies, Government entities
Opportunities: Start your own café, boutique hotel, travel agency, or experience-based business
Support: Startup incubators like Monsha’at and regional entrepreneurship hubs support hospitality startups
Options:
Master's in Hospitality, Tourism, or Event Management (locally or abroad)
Specialized diplomas in culinary arts, luxury brand management, or hotel operations
Certifications (e.g., AHLEI, Cornell online hospitality programs)
Job Role |
Average Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
|
Hotel Front Desk Agent |
SAR 4,000 – 6,000 |
|
Guest Relations Executive |
SAR 5,000 – 7,500 |
|
Event Coordinator |
SAR 6,000 – 9,000 |
|
F&B Supervisor |
SAR 5,500 – 8,000 |
|
Tourism Officer |
SAR 6,000 – 10,000 |
