Checkout the Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 08, 2025 10:23:48
One of the best engineering schools in the region.
Known for strong mechanical and petroleum engineering departments.
Recently opened up more to international students.
Oldest and one of the most prestigious universities in Saudi Arabia.
Offers well-established Mechanical Engineering programs.
Offers fully funded scholarships for international students.
English-taught programs available, especially at the undergraduate level.
Private university with American-style education.
Programs taught in English and more international in orientation.
KAUST is a research-focused graduate-level university, but worth mentioning if you’re considering graduate studies in mechanical or related fields later on.
High school diploma with a strong background in math and physics.
English proficiency (usually IELTS or TOEFL).
Some universities may ask for SAT or local equivalency exams.
Recommendation letters, personal statement, and transcripts.
Valid passport and visa requirements for Saudi Arabia.
Most top universities offer Mechanical Engineering in English, especially for international students.
You may need to take a preparatory year to build language or academic foundations.
Public universities (like KAU and KFUPM) offer fully funded scholarships for international students, including:
Free tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Health care
Round-trip airfare
Highly ranked for engineering and technology in the Middle East.
Strong emphasis on research and innovation in mechanical and petroleum-related fields.
One of the largest and oldest universities in the Kingdom.
Offers a well-rounded Mechanical Engineering program with solid industry ties.
Known for generous scholarships for international students.
Offers Mechanical Engineering through the Faculty of Engineering.
Offers engineering programs with a focus on practical training and academic excellence.
Offers Mechanical Engineering through its College of Engineering.
Emphasizes innovation and applied sciences.
Graduate programs only (no bachelor's), but included for future planning.
Known for cutting-edge research in engineering and sciences.
Offers mechanical and other engineering programs for undergraduate students.
Provides a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a modern curriculum.
Offers Mechanical Engineering through its College of Engineering.
Geared towards both local and international students.
Offers various engineering degrees including Mechanical Engineering.
American-style education system.
English is the medium of instruction.
International student-friendly.
Offers Mechanical Engineering under the College of Engineering.
High international standards and collaborative research environment.
One of the few universities in Saudi Arabia for women that offers engineering.
Offers a Bachelor in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.
Completion of high school (secondary school) or equivalent.
Must have studied Mathematics, Physics, and preferably Chemistry.
A minimum GPA or percentage is often required (typically around 85% or higher, depending on the university).
Required if the program is taught in English (which many engineering programs are).
Acceptable scores:
IELTS: 5.5 – 6.0 or higher
TOEFL iBT: 60 – 80+
Some universities may offer an English preparatory year if you don't meet the requirement.
Some public universities might ask for:
Qudrat (General Aptitude Test) or Tahsili (Achievement Test) – mainly for locals but may apply to some international students.
SAT or ACT scores might be considered by some institutions (especially private ones like PMU or Alfaisal).
University-specific exams in Math, Physics, or English may be required.
High school certificate & transcripts (authenticated/attested)
Copy of valid passport
Passport-sized photographs
English proficiency test scores
Personal statement or motivation letter (in some cases)
Recommendation letters (optional but helpful)
Health certificate (in some cases)
Police clearance (for visa in some situations)
Generally must be between 17 – 25 years old at the time of application.
If you're applying without a scholarship, you’ll need proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsor letter, etc.).
For fully funded scholarships, like at King Abdulaziz University or KFUPM:
High academic performance
Strong English skills
Clean health and legal record
You’ll need to apply for a student visa (Education Visa) after receiving your acceptance letter.
Saudi embassies may require:
Admission letter from the university
Medical test results
Passport validity of at least 6 months
Sponsor or financial proof
The core Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering usually takes 4 academic years (8 semesters) to complete.
Students complete around 130 to 140 credit hours, depending on the university.
Many universities require a Preparatory Year for:
English language improvement
Basic sciences and math
Study skills & cultural orientation (especially for international students)
If required, this makes the total duration 5 years.
Most engineering programs include a mandatory internship (8–16 weeks) or Co-op program in the final year.
This is not a full academic year, but may slightly extend graduation depending on when it's completed.
Year |
Focus |
|---|---|
|
Year 1 |
Preparatory/foundation year (if needed) |
|
Year 2 |
Core mechanical engineering courses begin |
|
Year 3 |
Advanced mechanical systems, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics |
|
Year 4 |
Specializations, electives, final project, internship |
Starts: August or September
Applications Open: January to April (can vary)
Ideal for: International students applying for scholarships
Most common intake for undergraduate engineering programs
Starts: January or February
Applications Open: September to November (previous year)
Note: Not all universities offer spring intake for Mechanical Engineering
University |
Intake |
Application Period |
|---|---|---|
|
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) |
Fall only |
Jan – Mar (for scholarship programs) |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
Fall only |
Dec – Mar (for international scholarships) |
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
Fall only |
Jan – Apr |
|
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) |
Fall & Spring |
Rolling admissions (check 2–3 months before semester) |
|
Alfaisal University |
Fall & Spring |
Feb – June (Fall), Oct – Dec (Spring) |
|
University of Jeddah / King Khalid University / Others |
Fall |
University |
Tuition Fees |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) |
Free (with scholarship) |
Covers tuition, stipend, housing, healthcare |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
Free (with scholarship) |
Full scholarship available for international students |
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
Free or very low |
Scholarship options available; limited self-funded seats |
|
King Khalid University (KKU) |
Free (with scholarship) |
Open to selected international applicants |
|
Jouf / Northern Border University |
Free (with scholarship) |
Available for eligible students through Ministry of Education programs |
Full tuition
Monthly stipend (~700–1,000 SAR)
Free accommodation
Free healthcare
Round-trip airfare
University |
Estimated Annual Tuition (SAR) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) |
55,000 – 70,000 |
Tuition varies by credit hours |
|
Alfaisal University |
~60,000 – 80,000 |
One of the top private universities |
|
Dar Al Uloom University |
~40,000 – 50,000 |
Offers engineering programs with modern facilities |
|
Effat University (for Women) |
~40,000 – 60,000 |
Offers Mechanical Engineering for women |
Tuition fees
Accommodation (on-campus)
Monthly stipend (700–1,000 SAR/month)
Medical insurance
Round-trip ticket (once a year)
Item |
Cost (SAR) |
Cost (USD approx.) |
|---|---|---|
|
Food & groceries |
4,800 – 7,200 |
$1,280 – $1,920 |
|
Personal expenses |
2,000 – 3,000 |
$530 – $800 |
|
Books & materials |
1,000 – 2,000 |
$260 – $530 |
|
Transport (local) |
1,000 – 2,000 |
$260 – $530 |
|
Total (Annual) |
8,800 – 14,200 |
$2,300 – $3,800 |
25,000 – 70,000 SAR/year
(~6,600 – 18,700 USD/year)
(4,800 – 8,000 USD/year)
Item |
Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
|
Food & groceries |
5,000 – 7,000 SAR (~$1,300 – $1,900) |
|
Transport & misc. |
2,000 – 4,000 SAR (~$530 – $1,060) |
|
Books & materials |
1,000 – 2,000 SAR (~$260 – $530) |
Item |
Cost (SAR) |
Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition |
25,000 – 70,000 |
$6,600 – $18,700 |
|
Housing |
18,000 – 30,000 |
$4,800 – $8,000 |
|
Living expenses |
7,000 – 10,000 |
$1,860 – $2,700 |
|
Total/year |
50,000 – 110,000 |
$13,200 – $29,400 |
Decide whether you’re applying to a public or private university.
Check if they offer Mechanical Engineering and accept international students.
Confirm language of instruction (many top programs are in English).
Tip: Prioritize universities like KAU, KFUPM, KSU, PMU, Alfaisal for engineering.
Fall Intake (Main): Starts in August/September → Apply Jan – Apr
Spring Intake (Some private universities): Starts in Jan/Feb → Apply Sep – Nov
Most universities require:
Document |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
High school certificate |
Must be attested and translated to English or Arabic |
|
Transcript (grades) |
Final 3 years of high school |
|
Passport copy |
Valid for at least 6 months |
|
Passport-size photos |
With white background |
|
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) |
Required if taught in English |
|
Recommendation letters |
Optional but helpful |
|
Statement of Purpose (SOP) or personal statement |
Required by most universities |
|
Medical report |
Some require a recent health checkup |
|
Police clearance certificate |
Sometimes required for visa |
|
Application form |
Submitted online or via email |
SAT/ACT scores
University entrance exams
Equivalency certificate from Saudi Ministry of Education (after acceptance)
Apply through the university's official admission portal.
Upload all documents.
Some private universities may charge an application fee (e.g., ~200–500 SAR).
Public universities (like KAU, KFUPM) usually do not charge any application fee.
Processing time is usually 4–8 weeks.
If selected, you’ll receive an Admission Letter or Offer of Scholarship.
Admission letter
Valid passport
Medical certificate
Police clearance
Visa application form
Arrive in Saudi Arabia before the semester starts.
Complete in-person registration at the university.
Attend orientation sessions (especially for international students).
Level: Bachelor’s (and postgraduate)
Coverage:
Full tuition fees
Monthly stipend (~900 SAR)
Free accommodation
Round-trip airfare (annually)
Health insurance
Eligibility:
Strong academic performance
Age between 17–25
English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
Primarily for postgraduate, but exceptional international undergraduates may be considered for internal scholarships or funding via strategic initiatives.
Highly competitive
Offers one of the best engineering programs in the region.
Level: Bachelor’s
Coverage:
Tuition-free
Monthly stipend (~850 SAR)
Free dormitory and medical care
Airfare (entry and exit)
Eligibility:
High school with excellent grades
Good English or Arabic (depending on program)
Open to male Muslim students only
Full scholarship for Bachelor’s in Engineering (including Mechanical)
Coverage:
Tuition, accommodation, monthly allowance (~850 SAR)
Meals, healthcare, and air ticket
Offers full or partial scholarships through various public universities.
Apply via the university, which submits your case to the MOE.
Merit-based scholarships (up to 50%)
High GPA required (from previous schooling)
Offers Merit Scholarships (10%–50% tuition discount)
Need-based aid and sibling discounts available
Top Employers: Saudi Aramco, SABIC, Schlumberger, Halliburton
Roles: Mechanical Design Engineer, Maintenance Engineer, Drilling Equipment Specialist
Why it’s popular: One of the biggest sectors in Saudi; high salaries and job security.
Top Employers: Saudi Binladin Group, Bechtel, Nesma & Partners
Roles: HVAC Engineer, Project Engineer, Site Engineer, MEP Coordinator
Huge demand due to mega projects like NEOM, The Line, Qiddiya, and Red Sea Project.
Industries: Steel, cement, food processing, automotive
Roles: Production Engineer, Maintenance Supervisor, Plant Engineer
Top Employers: SEC (Saudi Electricity Company), ACWA Power, Marafiq
Roles: Thermal Systems Engineer, Power Plant Engineer, Energy Analyst
Companies: Lucid Motors (now in KSA), Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), GACA
Roles: Design Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, QA/QC Engineer
Engineering graduates are often recruited for:
Defense projects
Public infrastructure
Research institutions
Agencies: Ministry of Defense, Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu
Graduates with strong academics may pursue:
Research Assistant roles
Teaching Assistant roles
Scholarships for Master’s/PhD at KAUST, KSU, or abroad
Companies: Siemens, ABB, Honeywell, Schneider Electric
Roles: Technical Sales Engineer, Application Engineer
Combines engineering knowledge with communication/business skills.
Sector |
Monthly Salary (SAR) |
USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
|
Oil & Gas |
8,000 – 12,000 |
$2,100 – $3,200 |
|
Construction & Infrastructure |
6,000 – 9,000 |
$1,600 – $2,400 |
|
Manufacturing |
5,000 – 8,000 |
$1,300 – $2,100 |
|
Technical Sales |
6,000 – 10,000 |
$1,600 – $2,700 |
|
Research/Academia |
5,000 – 7,000 |
$1,300 – $1,860 |
