Checkout the Bachelor Programs in English in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 09, 2025 10:21:24
Location: Thuwal (near Jeddah)
Type: Primarily graduate-level, but sometimes offers bridging or research prep programs
Language: Fully English-medium
Focus: Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Environmental Science
Note: While KAUST mainly offers graduate programs, it’s worth watching as it may expand to include undergrad options in future.
Location: Riyadh
Language: Select programs in English (especially in Engineering, Business, Medicine, Pharmacy)
Programs: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil), Computer Science
Language Support: ESL support may be available
Location: Dhahran
Language: Most undergraduate programs are taught in English
Focus Areas: Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Petroleum Studies
Internationally recognized for STEM education
Location: Al Khobar
Language: Entire curriculum in English
Private University with American-style education
Fields: Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Law, Architecture
Good option for international students seeking a modern campus with English instruction
Location: Riyadh
Language: Fully English-medium programs
Bachelor’s Degrees in: Medicine, Engineering, Business, Pharmacy
Well-regarded medical college
Diverse student body including many international students
Location: Jeddah
Private university
Language: All programs in English
Fields: Engineering, Business, Architecture, Cinematic Arts, and more
Female-only institution with a global outlook
High school diploma (equivalent to Tawjihi or A-levels/IB etc.)
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL scores usually required)
Transcripts and recommendation letters
Some programs may require entrance exams or interviews
Student visa (apply after acceptance)
Medicine & Health Sciences
Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, etc.)
Business Administration
Computer Science & IT
Architecture & Design
International Law (limited options)
King Abdulaziz University: Fully funded scholarships (grad and undergrad)
Alfaisal University: Merit-based and need-based scholarships
PMU: May offer partial scholarships
Cultural experience in the heart of the Arab world
High-quality education in STEM and business
Modern campuses and growing English-language instruction
Tax-free living and growing expat community
Location: Riyadh
English programs mainly in: Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing, Engineering, and Business
Location: Dhahran
Medium of Instruction: English for all undergraduate programs
Focus: Engineering, Sciences, Business, and Computer Science
Location: Al Khobar
Private university with an American-style curriculum
Entire instruction in English
Programs in: Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Architecture, Law
Location: Riyadh
Private, research-focused institution
English-medium undergraduate programs in: Medicine, Business, Engineering, Pharmacy
Location: Jeddah
All programs taught in English
Fields: Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Architecture, Cinematic Arts
Location: Jeddah
Some programs in English, especially for international students
Known for strong Medicine, Engineering, and Science departments
Location: Makkah
Select programs in Engineering and Health Sciences offered in English
Mostly Arabic instruction, but international-focused programs use English
Location: Madinah
Offers English-medium Science and Engineering programs
Islamic studies are taught in Arabic
Location: Jeddah
English is the medium of instruction
Programs in: Business, Law, Health Sciences, Design, Engineering
Location: Riyadh
Focused on Health and Medical Sciences
Programs in English include Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing
High school diploma (or equivalent)
Must be recognized by the Saudi Ministry of Education
Common accepted systems: IB, A-Levels, SAT, GED, national curriculums
Strong academic performance (often a GPA of 2.5 or higher out of 4, or equivalent)
For Medicine or Engineering programs: high marks in Math, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
IELTS (usually 5.5–6.0 minimum) or TOEFL (iBT: 60–80)
Some universities may waive this if your previous education was in English
Some schools offer internal English placement tests
Typically 17–25 years old at the time of admission
A valid passport with at least 6 months before expiry
You will need a student visa (processed after receiving an offer letter)
Some scholarships are only available to non-Saudi nationals; others may include expat residents
Medical certificate proving physical and mental fitness
Some programs (like Health Sciences or Medicine) may have more specific health requirements
High school transcripts (translated into English or Arabic, if needed)
Passport-sized photographs
Personal statement or motivation letter (optional at some universities)
Letters of recommendation (sometimes required for competitive programs)
Application form (usually online)
Medicine/Dentistry/Pharmacy: May require entrance tests or interviews
Engineering/Computer Science: Strong background in Math and Science
Business: Some may ask for SAT/ACT scores or internal assessments
Field of Study |
Typical Duration |
|---|---|
|
Engineering |
4 to 5 years |
|
Computer Science / IT |
4 years |
|
Business Administration |
4 years |
|
Medicine |
6 to 7 years (incl. internship) |
|
Dentistry |
6 years (incl. internship) |
|
Pharmacy |
5 to 6 years |
|
Nursing |
4 to 5 years |
|
Architecture / Design |
5 years |
|
Law (offered in select universities) |
4 to 5 years |
|
Islamic Studies / Humanities (in English, where available) |
4 years |
Most Saudi universities follow a semester system (Fall and Spring)
Some offer summer terms for extra credits or language prep
One academic year = 2 main semesters, each about 15–18 weeks
Many universities require a first-year foundation program (esp. for English language or science/math prep)
This may extend the total study time by 1 year depending on your background
Often applies to Medicine, Engineering, or international students needing extra English language training
Mode: Blended (online + in-person)
Language: Some programs offered in English
Programs:
Business Administration
IT and Computing
Notes:
AOU partners with the Open University (UK), so programs may have British standards
Courses are flexible but may still require in-person exams or attendance
Mode: Blended (primarily online, with occasional campus sessions)
Language: Many programs available in English
Programs:
Business Administration
Health Informatics
IT / Computer Science
Finance
Notes:
Popular among working adults and part-time students
Some in-person components are mandatory (e.g., exams, assessments)
Primarily for residents of Saudi Arabia, but worth checking for exceptions
Mode: Fully online (for Islamic Studies only)
Language: Arabic and some English
Programs:
Bachelor in Islamic Studies (not accredited as a full academic program in every country)
Eligibility: Male Muslim students only
Intake |
Semester Starts |
Application Period |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall Intake |
August–September |
January to May/June |
|
Spring Intake (limited) |
January–February |
September to November |
Fall semester: Applications usually open between January and March, close by May or June
Spring semester: Not always available for Bachelor programs
Programs with scholarships or international quotas close earlier (April–May)
More flexible deadlines
May accept applications up to July or August for Fall intake
Some offer Spring intake, with deadlines in October or November
Apply early – especially if you're seeking a scholarship or need a student visa
Medical & Engineering programs often close admissions earlier due to competitive selection and entrance exams
Student visa processing can take several weeks after admission, so plan ahead
Always check whether you need to submit English proficiency scores, recommendations, or equivalency certificates early in the process
University Type |
Estimated Tuition (USD/year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Public Universities |
Free – $2,000 |
Often subsidized or free for Saudis & some international scholars |
|
Private Universities |
$7,000 – $18,000 |
Higher tuition; varies by major |
|
Medical Programs |
$12,000 – $20,000+ |
Most expensive, especially in private sector |
|
Engineering / IT |
$8,000 – $15,000 |
Varies by lab/studio use |
|
Business / Arts |
$7,000 – $12,000 |
Often on the lower end |
Tuition: Often free or very low-cost
English-taught programs in Medicine, Engineering, Pharmacy
Some international students admitted on fully-funded scholarships
Tuition: Free for most students
Highly competitive and often scholarship-based
Entire programs taught in English
Tuition: Free for international scholarship holders
Bachelor’s tuition without scholarship: around $1,500 – $2,500/year
Tuition:
Medicine: ~$20,000/year
Engineering / Business: ~$12,000 – $16,000/year
Merit-based and need-based scholarships available
Tuition:
Around $8,000 – $13,000/year, depending on program
Discounted rates possible for academic excellence
Tuition:
$10,000 – $14,000/year
All programs in English; scholarships available
Tuition:
Around $10,000 – $15,000/year
Programs in Business, Engineering, Design
Many public universities offer fully-funded scholarships to international students, covering:
Tuition fees
Monthly stipend
Housing and medical care
Private universities often offer:
Merit-based discounts
Need-based aid
Sibling or early application discounts
Expense Category |
Estimated Cost (USD/year) |
|---|---|
|
Tuition Fees |
$0 – $20,000+ (depends on university & program) |
|
Accommodation |
$1,500 – $5,000 |
|
Food & Groceries |
$1,200 – $2,400 |
|
Transportation |
$300 – $800 |
|
Health Insurance |
$300 – $800 |
|
Books & Study Materials |
$300 – $600 |
|
Visa & Residency Fees |
$200 – $400 (one-time or annual) |
|
Personal Expenses |
$800 – $1,500 |
Public University (with scholarship): ~$2,000 – $4,000/year
Private University (self-funded): ~$10,000 – $25,000/year
Tuition: $0
Accommodation (provided or subsidized): $500 – $1,000
Stipend: Often included for scholarship holders
Total Out-of-Pocket: $1,000 – $2,000/year
Tuition: $18,000 – $20,000
Accommodation: $3,000
Other costs: $2,000
Total Estimated Cost: $23,000 – $25,000/year
Item |
Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
|
Shared apartment/student housing |
$150 – $400 |
|
Food (groceries & meals) |
$100 – $200 |
|
Public transport / Uber |
$30 – $60 |
|
Phone & Internet |
$20 – $50 |
|
Personal/spending money |
$70 – $150 |
On-campus dorms: Affordable, usually subsidized ($100–$250/month)
Private rentals: Varies based on city and location
Utilities: Often included in on-campus housing
Full tuition
Monthly stipend (approx. $250 – $500/month)
Free housing
Medical care
Return airfare (in some cases)
Identify universities offering Bachelor's programs in English
Pick your field of study (e.g., Medicine, Engineering, Business, etc.)
Check if they accept international students for undergraduate studies
High school certificate (equivalent to the Saudi Tawjihi or A-levels/IB)
English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 5.5–6.0 or TOEFL iBT 60–80)
Strong grades in relevant subjects (e.g., Math, Science for Engineering)
Valid passport
Age: Usually between 17–25 years
High school diploma and transcripts (official, translated to English/Arabic)
Passport copy
Passport-sized photos
English test results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
Statement of purpose or motivation letter (optional but recommended)
Recommendation letters (some universities require 1–2)
Medical fitness certificate
Application form (usually online)
Application fee (varies by university)
Most universities have online application portals
Choose your desired program and upload all required documents
Pay the application fee if required
Some programs (like Medicine or Engineering) may require:
Aptitude/entrance tests
Interviews (online or in-person)
Admission results are usually sent via email
Timeline: 2–6 weeks depending on the university
If accepted, you’ll receive:
Admission letter
Tuition fee payment instructions (if self-funded)
Scholarship offer (if applicable)
Once admitted:
Use the admission letter to apply for a Saudi student visa
Submit documents to the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in your country
Required documents may include:
Passport
Admission letter
Proof of financial support or scholarship
Medical exam results
Visa application form
Pay tuition fee (if applicable)
Submit confirmation of enrollment
Register for orientation and prepare for arrival
Attend orientation
Set up your university ID, medical insurance, housing, etc.
Begin classes (usually in August–September for Fall intake)
Location: Jeddah (Public University)
Who can apply: International students (non-Saudis)
Fields: Sciences, Engineering, Business, IT, Humanities
Language: Many programs taught in English
Benefits:
Full tuition coverage
Monthly stipend (~$250–300)
Free accommodation
Healthcare
Return airfare ticket (yearly)
Apply: Usually from January to April each year
Scholarships mainly for postgraduate students, but exceptional undergraduates may be accepted under special funding or external sponsorship
Medium: English
Check for special research or gifted student programs for undergrads
Location: Riyadh
Who can apply: Outstanding international students
Fields: Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, Pharmacy, Business
Benefits:
Tuition-free education
Monthly allowance
Housing and healthcare
Free Arabic language training (optional)
Apply: Spring or early Summer for Fall intake
Location: Madinah
Who can apply: Muslim male students only
Programs: Islamic Studies (Arabic medium), Science & Engineering (some in English)
Benefits:
Full scholarship
Monthly stipend
Housing
Return airfare
Healthcare
One of the oldest and most scholarship-friendly institutions
Location: Riyadh
Fields: Medicine, Business, Engineering, Pharmacy
Types:
Merit-based scholarships (partial tuition waivers)
Need-based aid
Up to 50–100% tuition discount
Competitive and renewable annually
Location: Al Khobar
Fields: Engineering, Law, Business, IT
Partial scholarships for high-achieving students
Open to international students who meet academic criteria
Location: Jeddah
English-taught programs
Fields: Business, Law, Design, Cinematic Arts, Engineering
Scholarships:
Merit-based
Need-based
Sibling & early application discounts
High academic achievement (often GPA > 3.5/4.0 or equivalent)
Good English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL)
Strong personal statement / motivation letter
Recommendation letters (for private universities)
Passport valid for at least 6–12 months
Age usually between 17–25 years
Where: Public schools, private international schools, language institutes
Average Salary: SAR 5,000 – 10,000/month
Note: Higher salary if you work in international schools or have a teaching license (e.g., CELTA, TEFL)
Where: Government offices, legal firms, media companies, embassies
Average Salary: SAR 6,000 – 12,000/month
Note: Arabic-English translation is in high demand
Where: Marketing agencies, media outlets, startups, blogs, corporate communication departments
Average Salary: SAR 4,000 – 9,000/month
Note: Digital content and SEO knowledge boosts chances
Where: Multinational companies, banks, airlines
Average Salary: SAR 3,500 – 7,000/month
Note: Good communication and patience required
Where: Big corporations, PR firms, government entities
Average Salary: SAR 7,000 – 15,000/month
Note: Strong writing and speaking skills needed
Where: News outlets, radio, online news, magazines
Average Salary: SAR 5,000 – 10,000/month
Note: Knowing Arabic as well helps, but English media is growing
Where: Any corporate office needing English proficiency
Average Salary: SAR 4,000 – 8,000/month
Postgraduate degree (e.g., MA in English, Education, Linguistics)
Teaching certification (CELTA, TEFL, PGCE)
Freelance work (translation, writing, tutoring)
Additional skills like digital marketing, graphic design, or project management
