Check out the Bachelor of Robotics Engineering in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 08, 2025 10:48:18
Mainly graduate-level (Master's and PhD), but worth mentioning because of its world-class research in robotics and AI.
Offers research opportunities, internships, and collaboration for undergrads.
Language: English
One of the top universities in Saudi Arabia.
Offers Mechanical, Electrical, and Computer Engineering programs with possible elective focus or senior projects in Robotics.
Has a Robotics and Intelligent Systems Research Group.
Strong in engineering disciplines.
Offers Mechatronics Engineering, which is closely tied to robotics.
Good research facilities and industry connections.
A private university in Riyadh.
Offers Computer and Electrical Engineering programs.
Has some robotics competitions and clubs, good environment for innovation.
Offers programs in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.
Known for being international-student friendly.
Active student research and robotics-related projects.
High School Diploma (with strong grades in Math and Science)
English Proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL (usually required, unless you studied in English)
SAT or local entrance exams (some universities require it)
Personal Statement or Interview (depends on university)
Passport and Visa: You’ll need a student visa (apply through the Saudi embassy)
Public universities (like KSU or KFUPM): Often low-cost or free for international students, especially if you get a scholarship.
Private universities: Higher tuition, but many offer merit-based scholarships.
Scholarships to Explore:
Saudi Government Scholarship for Non-Saudis
University-specific scholarships (check each institution's website)
Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarships
Universities often have separate campuses for men and women.
Housing is usually available on-campus.
Strong community of international students in big cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.
Rules are more conservative than Western countries, but campuses are often quite modern and tech-driven.
Fast-growing tech and smart city projects like NEOM.
Government support for AI, automation, and Industry 4.0.
Opportunities for internships, research, and startups in robotics.
Offers programs in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Engineering.
Strong research groups and labs in robotics and automation.
Offers Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Control Systems Engineering.
Very strong in research and robotics-related fields.
Offers Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering with elective courses and labs in AI and robotics.
Active in robotics competitions and student innovation projects.
Offers Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering programs with robotics electives.
Focus on innovation and international student support.
Offers Control and Instrumentation Engineering, which includes robotics content.
Research focus includes automation, intelligent systems, and control theory.
Offers programs in Mechatronics and Electrical Engineering.
Involved in applied research including robotics systems.
Offers Mechatronics Engineering.
Suitable for students interested in robotics hardware and system integration.
Offers Computer and Electrical Engineering with robotics-related coursework and projects.
Must have completed high school (secondary education) or equivalent.
Strong academic background in Math, Physics, and English.
A minimum GPA or percentage is often required (usually around 80% or above, or equivalent in GPA).
TOEFL or IELTS scores are often required:
TOEFL: Usually 500+ (paper-based) or 61+ (iBT)
IELTS: Minimum 5.5 to 6.0
If your previous education was in English, some universities may waive this requirement.
SAT or ACT may be requested by a few universities (especially private ones).
Some universities may ask for a university entrance exam (like the Qiyas test), but many waive this for international applicants.
Must have a valid passport.
Need to apply for a student visa after acceptance.
Usually need a medical report and a certificate of good conduct as part of the visa process.
Most universities accept students between 17 and 25 years old for bachelor’s programs.
Proof of health insurance coverage is typically required before or upon arrival.
High school diploma and transcripts (translated to English or Arabic if needed)
Passport copy
English proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOEFL)
Birth certificate
Recommendation letters (some universities)
Personal statement or motivation letter
Recent passport-size photographs
Medical fitness certificate
Certificate of good conduct or police clearance (for visa)
4 years of academic study (8 semesters)
Plus 1 year of preparatory or foundation year (in some universities)
Focuses on English, math, physics, and introduction to engineering.
Often required for international students to help adjust to academic expectations.
General Engineering Courses (math, physics, programming, etc.)
Major-specific Courses (robotics, control systems, AI, embedded systems, mechatronics, etc.)
Lab work, projects, and sometimes internships or industrial training.
Year 1: Foundation courses + intro to engineering
Year 2–3: Core and major-specific courses
Year 4: Advanced robotics, AI, senior project, and optional internship
Some universities include mandatory industrial training (6–12 weeks) during the summer between 3rd and 4th year, especially for engineering degrees.
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering,
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, or
Bachelor of Robotics Engineering (if offered directly)
Artificial Intelligence
Control Systems
Embedded Systems
Intro to Robotics
King Saud University (KSU)
Prince Sultan University
Alfaisal University
Bachelor in Mechatronics / Robotics (Online) – Offered by some European or American universities
Online Computer Science + Robotics electives – From platforms like Coursera or edX (e.g., University of London, MIT)
Starts: September
Applications Open: February to May (sometimes as early as January)
Deadline: Usually May to July, depending on the university
Most recommended intake for international students
Starts: January or February
Applications Open: October to November
Deadline: Usually November to December
Only some universities offer this intake, and often not for all programs
University |
Intake |
Applications Open |
Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
Fall |
Feb – May |
May – June |
|
King Fahd Univ. of Petroleum (KFUPM) |
Fall |
March – May |
June – July |
|
Prince Sultan University |
Fall & Spring |
Feb / Oct |
July / Dec |
|
Alfaisal University |
Fall |
March – June |
July |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
Fall |
April – June |
July – August |
Start preparing at least 6–8 months before the deadline (especially for visa and document translation).
Apply early to be eligible for scholarships, as they are often limited and awarded on a first-come basis.
Make sure your documents are officially translated (if needed) and attested (high school certificates, transcripts, etc.).
High school diploma and transcripts
English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL)
Passport copy
Recommendation letters (some universities)
Statement of purpose or personal statement
Medical report
Police clearance or good conduct certificate (for visa)
University |
Tuition (per year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
Free (for scholarship students) |
Non-scholarship fees may apply, but rarely exceed SAR 8,000–10,000/year |
|
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) |
Free (for all accepted students) |
Tuition is typically waived; very competitive admission |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
Free (with scholarship) |
Offers fully funded scholarships to international students |
Free tuition
Monthly stipend (SAR 850–1000)
Free housing and healthcare
Travel allowance (round-trip flight)
University |
Estimated Tuition (per year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Prince Sultan University |
SAR 45,000 – 65,000 (~$12,000 – $17,000) |
Offers merit-based scholarships |
|
Alfaisal University |
SAR 90,000 – 100,000 (~$24,000 – $27,000) |
Prestigious, high-quality education, scholarships available |
|
Dar Al Uloom University |
SAR 50,000 – 60,000 (~$13,000 – $16,000) |
Offers Mechatronics and Computer Engineering |
Item |
Estimated Cost (Per Year) |
|---|---|
|
Books & Supplies |
SAR 1,000 – 2,000 |
|
Housing (if not covered) |
SAR 6,000 – 15,000 |
|
Health Insurance |
SAR 1,000 – 2,500 |
|
Living Expenses |
SAR 10,000 – 20,000 |
With scholarship: Free
Without scholarship: SAR 6,000 – 10,000/year (rare – most offer free tuition to accepted international students)
King Saud University (KSU)
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM)
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)
SAR 45,000 – 100,000/year
That’s about $12,000 – $27,000 USD/year
Alfaisal University
Prince Sultan University
Expense Category |
Cost (SAR/year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
6,000 – 15,000 |
On-campus is cheaper; many public universities offer free dorms to scholars |
|
Food & Meals |
6,000 – 9,000 |
Affordable campus cafeterias available |
|
Transportation |
1,500 – 3,000 |
Depends on city and distance from campus |
|
Personal Expenses |
2,000 – 4,000 |
Internet, clothes, phone, etc. |
|
Health Insurance |
1,000 – 2,500 |
May be free with scholarship |
Item |
Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
|
Visa & Iqama (residency) |
SAR 500 – 1,000/year |
|
Round-trip flight |
SAR 2,000 – 4,000 (depending on country) |
|
Books & Materials |
SAR 1,000 – 2,000/year |
|
Laptop & Supplies |
SAR 2,000 – 4,000 (one-time) |
Type of University |
Tuition + Living Cost (SAR/year) |
In USD |
|---|---|---|
|
Public (with scholarship) |
Mostly Free + ~SAR 15,000 – 20,000 |
~$4,000 – $5,300 |
|
Public (no scholarship) |
SAR 20,000 – 30,000 |
~$5,300 – $8,000 |
|
Private University |
SAR 60,000 – 120,000 |
~$16,000 – $32,000 |
Free tuition
Free housing
Monthly stipend (SAR 850–1000)
Free health insurance
Annual airfare ticket
Mechatronics Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Artificial Intelligence (AI) with robotics focus
King Saud University (KSU)
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM)
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)
Prince Sultan University
Alfaisal University
High school diploma (science/technical stream)
Academic transcripts (grades 10–12)
Equivalency certificate (if required, based on your country's system)
IELTS (5.5–6.0) or TOEFL (minimum iBT 61)
Some universities may waive this if previous education was in English
Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
Recent passport-sized photos
Statement of purpose (SOP) or motivation letter
Recommendation letters (1–2, depending on university)
Medical fitness certificate
Police clearance / certificate of good conduct
Resume/CV (optional, but helpful)
Intake |
Application Period |
|---|---|
|
Fall (September) |
February – July |
|
Spring (January) |
October – December (offered by fewer universities) |
Some universities charge a small application or registration fee (usually around SAR 100 – 300). Others are free to apply.
You’ll receive an admission offer if selected.
Some universities may conduct a virtual interview or ask for additional documents.
Once accepted:
Confirm your spot (online)
Submit any pending documents
Prepare for visa application
Admission letter
Passport
Visa application form
Medical and police clearance
Proof of financial support (unless on scholarship)
Book your flight
Attend orientation
Finalize course registration
Settle in (accommodation, ID, bank account, SIM card, etc.)
Covers:
Full tuition fees
Monthly stipend (SAR 850–1000)
Free accommodation (university dorms)
Free health insurance
Annual round-trip airfare
Access to sports & cultural activities
Eligibility:
Age: 17–25 years
Strong high school grades in science/math
Good conduct (police clearance may be needed)
Must commit to full-time study
Must comply with Saudi regulations and cultural norms
How to Apply:
Apply directly through the university portal (not through a central government portal)
Select “Apply as International Student on Scholarship”
Offers fully funded scholarships for international students.
Apply via KSU’s international student admission office.
Highly competitive, but offers free education to all accepted students.
Strong in robotics, AI, and mechatronics fields.
Offers fully funded scholarships for international students.
Includes full tuition, housing, airfare, and a monthly stipend.
Offers scholarships mostly to students from Islamic countries.
Covers tuition, living expenses, and accommodation.
Offers partial to full merit-based scholarships.
Covers up to 100% tuition based on high school grades and academic performance.
For students in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science.
Offers merit-based and need-based scholarships.
Partial funding available for international students in engineering programs.
Fully funded scholarship for students from IsDB member countries.
Covers bachelor’s degrees in science, engineering, and technology fields.
You can study at Saudi universities under this program.
High academic performance (80–90%+ in high school)
Strong background in science and math
English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Good character and medical fitness
Must apply within age limits (usually 17–25)
Semester |
Scholarship Application Period |
|---|---|
|
Fall (September) |
February – June |
|
Spring (January) |
October – December (less common) |
Design, build, and program robots for industries like oil & gas, defense, logistics, and manufacturing.
Growing demand in smart factories, automated warehouses, and NEOM projects.
Develop control systems for industrial processes (PLC, SCADA, etc.)
Highly valued in petrochemical, power plants, and construction industries.
Hybrid role working on mechanical systems, electronics, sensors, and AI integration.
Common in automotive, energy, medical devices, and aerospace.
Use robotics knowledge to build intelligent systems that learn and adapt.
In-demand in finance, healthcare, security, and tech startups.
Develop hardware-software systems for robotics, drones, and smart devices.
Careers in IoT, defense, and robotic arms for industrial automation.
Manage robotic and automated systems in real-world environments.
Opportunities in ARAMCO, SABIC, and logistics companies using automation.
Work in research labs developing new robotic solutions, prototypes, and experimental tech.
You could work in university labs, tech parks, or innovation hubs like KAUST or KACST.
Oil & Gas (e.g., Saudi Aramco, SABIC)
Manufacturing & Industrial Automation
Defense & Aerospace (e.g., military robotics, drones)
Smart Cities & Urban Tech (e.g., NEOM, Red Sea Project)
Healthcare & Medical Robotics
Transport & Logistics (e.g., automated warehouses, drones)
Tech Startups & Innovation Hubs
Education & Research Institutions
Saudi Aramco
SABIC
NEOM
STC (Saudi Telecom Company)
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
Advanced Electronics Company (AEC)
Airports and transport authorities using AI systems
Job Role |
Entry-Level Monthly Salary (SAR) |
|---|---|
|
Robotics Engineer |
SAR 8,000 – 12,000 |
|
Automation Engineer |
SAR 7,000 – 10,000 |
|
Mechatronics Engineer |
SAR 7,500 – 11,000 |
|
Embedded Systems Engineer |
SAR 8,000 – 13,000 |
|
AI/ML Engineer |
SAR 10,000 – 15,000+ |
