Checkout the Bachelor in International Business in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 08, 2025 02:37:47
Program: BSc in Business Administration (specializations available)
One of the top public universities in Saudi Arabia.
Offers strong academic resources and an international student community.
Program: Bachelor of Science in International Business
English-taught
Strong international orientation and exchange programs.
Program: BSc in Business Administration
Known for engineering but has a strong business school.
Competitive and research-focused.
Program: Bachelor of Business Administration with global business components.
English-medium instruction.
High international student population.
Offers business-related degrees with international perspectives.
Partnerships with global institutions.
English-medium, open to international students.
Most top universities offer programs in English, especially private institutions.
Public universities may have some English-taught programs, but it's good to double-check.
Basic Arabic knowledge is helpful for daily life, though not always required for academic study.
High school diploma or equivalent (with transcripts)
English proficiency – IELTS (usually 6.0+) or TOEFL
Passport copy & visa documents
Statement of purpose / personal statement
Recommendation letters (sometimes required)
SAT or standardized test scores (optional at many institutions)
Public universities: Often free or low-cost, even for some international students (varies by scholarship availability).
Private universities: Range between SAR 40,000–80,000/year (~USD $10,000–$21,000)
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Scholarships for International Students
University-specific scholarships
Cultural missions or embassy-based scholarships in your home country
Apply through the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) or your nearest Saudi embassy/consulate.
You’ll need an acceptance letter from a Saudi institution before applying.
Many universities offer on-campus housing.
Living costs can range from SAR 2,500–4,000/month (USD $650–$1,000), depending on lifestyle and city.
Program: Bachelor of Science in International Business
Private, English-medium
Known for international partnerships and exchange programs
Designed with a global business perspective
Tuition: Approx. SAR 66,000/year (~USD $17,500)
Program: Bachelor of Business Administration – International Business Track
Private, English-medium
Curriculum focuses on international trade, cross-cultural management, and global markets
Tuition: Around SAR 55,000–65,000/year
Program: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) – with international business electives
Private, research-driven, English-medium
Accredited by NCAAA and AACSB pathways
Tuition: Around SAR 84,000/year (~USD $22,400)
Program: BSc in Business Administration – Global Business Concentration
Private, English-medium
Focuses on international business, leadership, and strategy
Tuition: Approx. SAR 60,000–70,000/year
Program: BSc in International Business
Private, English-medium
Offers study-abroad and exchange opportunities
Tuition: Approx. SAR 70,000/year
Must have completed 12 years of schooling (or equivalent to Saudi high school certificate).
Typically a minimum GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 or equivalent (60%+ in some cases).
Transcripts must be translated into English or Arabic, and attested by the Ministry of Education and Saudi Embassy in your country.
IELTS: Minimum 6.0 (some may accept 5.5)
TOEFL: Minimum 500 (PBT) or 61 (iBT)
Some universities waive this if you’re from an English-speaking country or studied in English.
Some universities may ask for:
A general aptitude test
An English or math placement test
Optional: SAT or ACT (rarely required but can strengthen your application)
Must have a valid passport.
Will need a student visa, typically processed after receiving your university acceptance letter.
You may be required to undergo a medical check-up and provide vaccination records.
Many private universities ask for a brief essay or letter explaining:
Why you want to study in Saudi Arabia
Your interest in international business
Your future goals
1–2 letters from teachers, school counselors, or academic supervisors.
May have limited seats for international students.
Admission often through Saudi government scholarship programs (like the King Abdullah Scholarship).
Arabic might be the primary medium in some programs (check carefully).
More international-friendly.
Programs are taught in English.
Easier admission process for non-Saudi students.
Accept direct applications through their websites.
Apply early (at least 6–8 months before intake).
Submit attested transcripts and authenticated documents.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 12 months.
Meet language and GPA minimums, or consider applying with conditional admission (some schools offer language prep).
General Education Courses
Core Business Courses
International Business Specialization/Electives
Internship or Capstone Project (in many programs)
Year 1: Foundation courses (English, math, intro to business, economics)
Year 2: Core business courses (accounting, marketing, management, statistics)
Year 3: International business subjects (global economics, cross-cultural management, international finance)
Year 4: Advanced topics, electives, internship/project
Most universities follow a semester system:
Fall semester: Starts around September
Spring semester: Starts around January/February
Optional summer session for faster completion
Program: Bachelor in Business Studies – Marketing or Management Track
While not labeled "International Business", it includes global business components.
Mode: Blended/Online (flexible schedule)
Partnered with the UK’s Open University – Degree often recognized internationally.
Tuition: Affordable (~SAR 10,000–15,000 per year)
Language: English & Arabic tracks available
Program: Bachelor of Science in E-Commerce or Business Administration
No specific “International Business” title, but includes international trade and business modules.
Mode: Primarily online with occasional in-person exams
Strong digital platform with live and recorded lectures
Tuition: SAR 18,000–24,000 per year (~USD $4,800–$6,400)
Language: Mostly in English
Starts: Late August to early September
Application Period: March to June
Best time to apply—most programs and scholarships are available during this intake.
Starts: January or February
Application Period: September to November
Fewer programs may be open compared to fall, but still an option at many universities.
Intake |
Application Opens |
Application Closes |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall (Sep) |
March/April |
June/July |
|
Spring (Jan) |
Sept/Oct |
Nov/early Dec |
Private universities (e.g., PSU, Alfaisal, Al Yamamah) tend to have more flexible deadlines.
Public universities (e.g., KSU, KAU) follow strict Ministry of Education timelines.
International students should apply at least 2–3 months before semester start to allow time for visa and travel arrangements.
All foreign documents must be authenticated (by your country’s Ministry of Education and Saudi Embassy), which can take extra time.
University |
Program Name |
Tuition (per year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Prince Sultan University (PSU) |
BSc in International Business |
SAR 66,000 (~USD $17,600) |
Private, English-taught, co-ed |
|
Alfaisal University |
BBA with international business electives |
SAR 84,000 (~USD $22,400) |
Top-tier private university |
|
Al Yamamah University |
BBA – International Business Track |
SAR 55,000–65,000 |
Offers scholarship discounts |
|
Effat University (Women only) |
BSc in Business Admin – Global Business concentration |
SAR 60,000–70,000 |
Women’s university, English-medium |
|
Dar Al-Hekma University (Women) |
BSc in International Business |
SAR 70,000 (~USD $18,600) |
Women-only, strong global curriculum |
|
Arab Open University (AOU) |
BSc in Business Studies (blended/online) |
SAR 10,000–15,000 |
Affordable, blended learning option |
|
Saudi Electronic University (SEU) |
BSc in Business Administration |
SAR 18,000–24,000 |
Online-focused, flexible structure |
Tuition: Usually low-cost or free for international students with scholarships.
Without scholarships, costs are still very low—often less than SAR 10,000/year.
Admissions are competitive, and seats for international students are limited.
Many private universities offer:
Merit-based scholarships
Sibling discounts
Early application discounts
Need-based aid for international students
Expense |
Average Annual Cost |
|---|---|
|
Housing (on/off campus) |
SAR 12,000–25,000 |
|
Books & Supplies |
SAR 2,000–4,000 |
|
Health Insurance |
SAR 1,000–2,000 |
|
Transportation/Food |
SAR 8,000–12,000 |
Type of University |
Estimated Tuition per Year |
Total for 4 Years |
|---|---|---|
|
Private Universities |
SAR 55,000 – 85,000 |
SAR 220,000 – 340,000 |
|
Public Universities |
Often free or low-cost |
SAR 0 – 10,000/year (if accepted) |
|
Online/Blended (e.g., AOU, SEU) |
SAR 10,000 – 24,000 |
SAR 40,000 – 96,000 |
Item |
Estimated Monthly |
Estimated Yearly |
|---|---|---|
|
Housing (shared/private) |
SAR 1,000 – 2,500 |
SAR 12,000 – 30,000 |
|
Food & Groceries |
SAR 800 – 1,200 |
SAR 9,600 – 14,400 |
|
Transport |
SAR 300 – 500 |
SAR 3,600 – 6,000 |
|
Internet & Mobile |
SAR 100 – 200 |
SAR 1,200 – 2,400 |
|
Health Insurance |
SAR 1,000 – 2,000/year |
SAR 1,000 – 2,000 |
|
Books & Supplies |
N/A |
SAR 2,000 – 4,000 |
University Type |
Total Tuition |
Total Living Costs |
Grand Total (4 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Private University |
SAR 220K – 340K |
SAR 100K – 200K |
SAR 320K – 540K (~USD $85K – $144K) |
|
Public University |
SAR 0 – 40K |
SAR 100K – 200K |
SAR 100K – 240K (~USD $26K – $64K) |
|
Online/Blended Program |
SAR 40K – 96K |
SAR 60K – 100K (if staying in KSA) |
SAR 100K – 200K (~USD $26K – $53K) |
Apply for merit-based scholarships (offered at PSU, Alfaisal, Effat, etc.)
Look for Kingdom-funded scholarships for international students
Choose online or blended programs like AOU or SEU
Consider shared accommodation or student housing
Prince Sultan University (PSU)
Alfaisal University
Al Yamamah University
Effat University (women only)
Dar Al-Hekma University (women only)
High school certificate or equivalent
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Valid passport
Possibly a personal statement or recommendation letters
Required Documents |
Details |
|---|---|
|
High School Certificate & Transcripts |
Must be translated to English/Arabic and attested by the Ministry of Education + Saudi Embassy in your country |
|
English Language Test Score |
IELTS (min. 6.0) or TOEFL (iBT 61+) |
|
Valid Passport |
At least 6–12 months validity |
|
Passport-size Photos |
Recent, in color |
|
Medical Report |
Some universities may request one |
|
Personal Statement / Motivation Letter |
Explaining interest in business program |
|
Letters of Recommendation (optional) |
From teachers or counselors |
Visit the university’s online admission portal.
Create an account and fill in the application.
Upload the required documents.
Pay the application fee (if applicable).
Apply during the intake window:
Fall Intake (September): Apply by March–June
Spring Intake (January): Apply by September–November
Processing time: 2 to 6 weeks
You may receive a request for additional documents or an interview (rare).
Once accepted, you'll receive an official acceptance letter, which is required for the student visa process.
Take your admission letter to the Saudi Embassy or Cultural Mission in your country.
Submit:
Admission letter
Passport
Visa application form
Medical report
Proof of funds (bank statement or scholarship)
Arrive before classes start.
Finalize registration at the university.
Attend orientation and get your student ID.
Full tuition fees
Monthly stipend
Free accommodation or housing allowance
Healthcare
Airfare (sometimes)
Strong academic performance
High school certificate equivalent to Saudi standards
Age: typically 17–25 years
Good character and health
Must not be receiving another scholarship
Directly through university portals of public universities (e.g., King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University)
Or through the Saudi Ministry of Education when calls are announced
University |
Scholarship Type |
Coverage |
|---|---|---|
|
Prince Sultan University (PSU) |
Merit-based & need-based |
Up to 25%–50% of tuition fees |
|
Alfaisal University |
Financial aid & merit scholarships |
Partial tuition waiver |
|
Effat University |
Scholarships for top academic performers (women only) |
Up to 35% coverage |
|
Al Yamamah University |
Early registration & high GPA discounts |
Partial fee reduction |
|
Dar Al-Hekma University |
Academic excellence & financial aid (women only) |
Up to 40% off tuition |
Cultural exchange agreements between Saudi Arabia and other countries
Your home country’s Ministry of Higher Education or Embassy
Students from Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, and other countries have special scholarship quotas at Saudi universities under such agreements.
High school transcripts
Passport copy
IELTS/TOEFL score
Recommendation letters
Statement of purpose
Scholarship application form (university-specific)
For Fall intake: Apply between March and June
For Spring intake: Apply between September and November
Some scholarships have their own deadlines, separate from the regular application
Work with import/export companies, customs, or logistics firms.
In-demand due to Saudi Arabia’s strong oil exports and growing non-oil trade sector.
Identify new international markets and growth opportunities.
Common in multinational companies (MNCs) and startups expanding across GCC.
Plan strategies for international product launches and campaigns.
Opportunities in FMCG, retail, and digital marketing agencies.
Work with companies involved in global supply chains, ports, shipping, and freight.
Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdullah Port, and NEOM are key hubs.
Roles in government ministries, economic zones (like KAEC or NEOM), and foreign investment offices.
Work in international banking, trade finance, and regulatory compliance.
Many mega-projects (like NEOM, The Line, Qiddiya) hire grads with international business backgrounds.
Industry |
Why It’s a Fit |
|---|---|
|
Oil & Energy |
Global operations and trade agreements |
|
Logistics & Shipping |
Saudi Arabia is a trade and shipping hub |
|
Banking & Finance |
Global finance, trade services, Islamic banking |
|
Technology & E-Commerce |
Expanding rapidly with global partners |
|
Tourism & Hospitality |
Vision 2030 goal to attract millions of international tourists |
|
Education & Consulting |
Business English, market analysis, trade consulting |
Aramco
SABIC
Amazon Saudi Arabia
Maersk Line
NEOM Project
PwC / KPMG / EY
Saudi Ministry of Investment (MISA)
Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA)
MBA in International Business
Professional certifications:
CITP (Certified International Trade Professional)
CPIM (Supply Chain Management)
CIMA / CFA / PMP (if going into finance or project management)
Role |
Monthly Salary Range |
|---|---|
|
International Business Analyst |
SAR 8,000 – 12,000 |
|
Business Development Associate |
SAR 7,000 – 11,000 |
|
Logistics/Trade Coordinator |
SAR 6,500 – 10,000 |
|
Marketing Executive |
SAR 6,000 – 9,000 |
|
Government or NGO Internships |
SAR 4,000 – 7,000 (stipend) |
