Checkout the BSc Nursing Course in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 08, 2025 05:33:27
King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah
King Khalid University – Abha
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University – Dammam
Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University – Riyadh (Female students only)
High school diploma or equivalent (science stream preferred)
Minimum GPA (often 75% or higher)
Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL)
Good health (medical clearance may be required)
Valid passport and visa
For some universities: entrance exams or interviews
Tuition for BSc Nursing in Saudi Arabia for international students varies.
On average, expect around SAR 20,000 – SAR 60,000 per year (USD $5,000 – $16,000), depending on the university.
Some universities offer scholarships, especially under government programs like Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Scholarships.
Academic transcripts (translated to Arabic or English)
Passport copy
Medical certificate
Recommendation letters (optional, but helpful)
English proficiency test results
Application form from the university
Personal statement or motivation letter
Most universities offer on-campus housing for international students.
Average monthly living expenses: SAR 2,000 – SAR 4,000 (USD $530 – $1,000)
Saudi Arabia is quite safe, and many universities have separate facilities for male and female students.
Location: Riyadh
One of the top universities in Saudi Arabia with strong health sciences programs.
Location: Jeddah
Offers a well-established BSc Nursing program and is known for welcoming international students.
Location: Dammam
Known for its College of Nursing and close ties to local hospitals for clinical practice.
Location: Abha
Offers nursing courses with a focus on clinical and community health.
Location: Riyadh
One of the largest women-only universities in the world, offering BSc Nursing programs for female students.
Locations: Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al-Ahsa
Specializes in health sciences with advanced simulation labs and clinical exposure.
Location: Madinah
Offers BSc Nursing with an emphasis on practical training and research.
Location: Buraydah
College of Nursing offers undergraduate programs with community-based clinical training.
Location: Najran
Offers a Bachelor of Nursing Science with modern facilities and practical hospital training.
Location: Jazan
Offers BSc in Nursing and promotes health education and public service in the region.
Completion of high school (secondary education) or equivalent.
Must be from the science stream (with subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics).
Minimum required GPA or percentage (usually around 75% or above).
Some universities may ask for equivalency certificates if your high school was outside Saudi Arabia.
High school transcripts (translated into Arabic or English if in another language).
Certificate of completion of secondary education.
Proof of subject-wise grades in core science subjects.
Since many nursing programs are taught in English, universities require:
IELTS: Usually a minimum score of 5.5–6.0
TOEFL: Minimum score of around 60–80 (iBT)
Some universities may conduct internal English placement tests instead.
Medical fitness certificate from a recognized hospital.
Proof of vaccination (Hepatitis B, MMR, etc.)
Some universities may require medical insurance for international students.
Generally, applicants should be between 17 to 25 years old at the time of admission.
Exceptions may be made depending on the university's policy.
Must have a valid passport.
International students need to apply for a student visa after receiving admission.
Some universities only accept students from countries that have diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia.
Personal statement or motivation letter
Letters of recommendation (optional but helpful)
Entrance test (only some universities)
Interview (usually online for international students)
Consent to follow the rules and regulations of the Kingdom, especially regarding cultural and academic conduct
3 years of academic coursework (theoretical and lab-based learning)
1 year of internship or clinical practice (also known as the internship year or clinical rotation)
A foundation year (preparatory year) before the main program — especially for students who need to improve their science or English skills.
This may extend the program to 5 years total.
Year 1:
Basic sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology)
Introduction to nursing concepts
Year 2:
Nursing fundamentals
Medical-surgical nursing
Pathophysiology
Year 3:
Pediatric nursing
Maternity and women’s health nursing
Psychiatric and community health nursing
Year 4:
Internship / Clinical Practice Year
Rotations in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings
Starts: August or September
Applications Open: March to May (sometimes as early as February)
Deadline: Usually May to July
Starts: January or February
Applications Open: September to November
Deadline: November or early December
Stage |
Timeframe |
|---|---|
|
Application Opens |
March 2025 |
|
Application Deadline |
May–June 2025 |
|
Document Verification |
June–July 2025 |
|
Admission Results Announced |
July–August 2025 |
|
Visa & Travel Arrangements |
August 2025 |
|
Classes Begin |
Late August / Early September 2025 |
University Type |
Estimated Tuition Fee per Year |
Total for 4 Years |
|---|---|---|
|
Public Universities |
SAR 15,000 – SAR 30,000 |
SAR 60,000 – SAR 120,000 |
|
Private Universities |
SAR 35,000 – SAR 60,000 |
SAR 140,000 – SAR 240,000 |
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah
Tuition: Around SAR 20,000 – 30,000 per year
Often provides full scholarships to outstanding international students.
King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh
Tuition: SAR 15,000 – 25,000 per year
Public university; offers subsidized education to international students in some programs.
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University – Dammam
Tuition: SAR 20,000 – 30,000 per year
Blended learning options available.
Private Universities (e.g., Riyadh Elm University, Batterjee Medical College)
Tuition: SAR 45,000 – 60,000 per year
More flexible payment plans, but higher fees than public institutions.
Registration Fee: SAR 500 – 2,000 (one-time)
Books & Supplies: SAR 2,000 – 4,000 per year
Health Insurance: Required for international students (SAR 1,000 – 2,000 annually)
Accommodation: SAR 1,500 – 3,000/month (if not included)
Visa and Residency (Iqama) Fees
University Type |
Annual Tuition |
Total (4 Years) |
|---|---|---|
|
Public University |
SAR 15,000 – 30,000 |
SAR 60,000 – 120,000 |
|
Private University |
SAR 35,000 – 60,000 |
SAR 140,000 – 240,000 |
Item |
Monthly Cost (SAR) |
Yearly Cost (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation (shared) |
1,500 – 2,500 |
18,000 – 30,000 |
|
Food & groceries |
600 – 1,000 |
7,200 – 12,000 |
|
Transportation |
200 – 400 |
2,400 – 4,800 |
|
Internet & phone |
150 – 250 |
1,800 – 3,000 |
|
Personal expenses |
300 – 500 |
3,600 – 6,000 |
Item |
Estimated Cost (SAR) |
|---|---|
|
Visa processing & Iqama |
2,000 – 3,000 |
|
Health insurance (annually) |
1,000 – 2,000 |
|
Books & supplies |
2,000 – 4,000 per year |
|
Admission & registration fee |
500 – 2,000 (one-time) |
|
Uniforms/lab equipment |
1,000 – 2,000 (one-time) |
University Type |
Tuition (4 years) |
Living + Other Costs |
Total Estimate (4 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Public University |
SAR 60,000 – 120,000 |
SAR 140,000 – 180,000 |
SAR 200,000 – 300,000 |
|
Private University |
SAR 140,000 – 240,000 |
SAR 140,000 – 180,000 |
SAR 280,000 – 420,000 |
Apply for full or partial scholarships offered by the Saudi government or universities.
Choose on-campus housing if available — often cheaper and safer.
Use public transportation or university shuttles.
Research universities that offer BSc Nursing to international students (e.g., King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University, Imam Abdulrahman University, etc.).
Check the eligibility criteria, tuition fees, and language of instruction (most are in English).
High school certificate (science stream)
Transcripts (with grades in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math)
Passport copy (valid for at least 1 year)
English language proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
Personal statement or motivation letter
Recommendation letters (if required)
Recent passport-size photos
Medical fitness certificate
Police clearance certificate (for some universities)
Visit the university’s official admission portal or Ministry of Education platform (for government scholarships).
Fill in the application form carefully.
Upload all required documents.
Pay the application/processing fee (if applicable).
The university reviews your application and checks academic eligibility.
You may be called for an online interview or admission test (depending on the university).
Some universities may request document verification or notarization.
If accepted, you'll get an official offer letter or provisional acceptance.
This letter is required for visa processing.
Using your admission letter, apply for a Saudi student visa through the Saudi embassy or consulate in your country.
Submit additional documents like a visa application form, medical reports, and police clearance (based on embassy rules).
Upon visa approval, make travel arrangements.
Arrive before orientation or the start of classes.
Complete on-campus registration, health check, and ID issuance.
Submit original documents if required.
Start preparing 6–9 months before intake.
Main intake is in August/September (Fall Semester).
Some universities may open admissions as early as February or March.
Offered by: Saudi Ministry of Education
Covers:
Full tuition fees
Monthly stipend
Free accommodation or housing allowance
Medical care
Airfare (annual round-trip ticket)
Available at many public universities like King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University, etc.
Open to students from selected countries with diplomatic relations.
Fully-funded scholarship for undergraduate programs including Nursing
Covers:
Tuition fees
Monthly allowance
Accommodation
Health insurance
Round-trip airfare
Very competitive – requires good academic records and English proficiency.
Offers partial or full scholarships to international students in medical and health programs
Includes tuition fee waiver and possibly housing
Priority to students with high academic scores and good English skills.
Not specific to Saudi Arabia but valid for students studying in partner countries, including Saudi Arabia
Covers:
Tuition
Living expenses
Health insurance
Travel
Must be a citizen of an IsDB member country
Apply through the IsDB online portal and get university acceptance.
Many universities offer internal merit-based scholarships, especially if you perform well academically during the course:
GPA-based tuition fee waivers (e.g., 25%, 50%, or full)
Student assistantships or part-time campus jobs
Some universities have incentives for top-performing international students
Strong academic record (High GPA in science subjects)
English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or university placement test)
Medical fitness
Good behavior and disciplinary record
Age typically between 17 and 25
Some may require a recommendation from your country's embassy in Saudi Arabia
BSc Nursing degree from an accredited university
Pass the Prometric exam (Saudi Nursing Licensure Exam)
Complete dataflow verification (for international students)
Apply for SCFHS license
Once licensed, you can work in:
Government hospitals (e.g., King Faisal Specialist Hospital)
Private hospitals (e.g., Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib, Al Mouwasat)
Primary health centers and clinics
School or university health centers
After gaining some experience and your SCFHS license, you can apply for jobs in:
UAE (HAAD or DHA license)
Qatar (QCHP license)
Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain
Saudi nursing experience is respected across the Gulf.
MSc Nursing
Post-BSc diplomas (e.g., in ICU, Pediatrics, Oncology, Midwifery)
PhD in Nursing or Nursing Education
Top areas of specialization:
Critical Care Nursing
Emergency Nursing
Pediatric or Neonatal Nursing
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
Community/Public Health Nursing
Become a clinical instructor
Work as a nursing lecturer or trainer
Join nursing education and research institutions
Hospital administration
Case management
Healthcare quality & safety
Medical insurance review
Public health officer
Medical sales (pharmaceuticals or equipment)
Position |
Monthly Salary (SAR) |
|---|---|
|
Entry-Level Nurse |
5,000 – 8,000 |
|
Experienced RN |
8,000 – 12,000 |
|
Nurse Specialist |
12,000 – 16,000 |
|
Nurse Manager |
15,000 – 22,000+ |
|
Academic/Clinical Trainer |
10,000 – 18,000 |
