Chemistry Courses in Saudi Arabia for Bachelors and Masters Students

Chemistry Universities in Saudi Arabia for International Students

1. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

• Location: Thuwal

• Global Ranking: ~201-250 (THE World University Rankings)

• Programs:

  • M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemical Science

  • Research-heavy with specializations in materials, catalysis, analytical chemistry

• Tuition Fees:

  • Fully funded (KAUST offers full scholarships to all admitted students)

• Intake:

  • Fall (September); Application opens in October and closes in January

• International Student Friendly?  Very (English instruction, fully funded scholarships, diverse campus)

2. King Saud University (KSU)

• Location: Riyadh

• Global Ranking: ~200-300 (QS Rankings)

• Programs:

  • B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. in Chemistry (including Organic, Inorganic, Analytical, Physical)

• Tuition Fees:

  • Approx. $3,000–$5,000 per year (undergrad); Master's & Ph.D. may be fully or partially funded

• Intake:

  • Fall (August/September)

• International Student Friendly?  Yes (some programs taught in English at graduate level)

3. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)

• Location: Dhahran

• Global Ranking: ~160 (QS World University Rankings 2024)

• Programs:

  • M.Sc., Ph.D. in Chemistry

  • Strong emphasis on petroleum, materials, and environmental chemistry

• Tuition Fees:

  • Fully funded for graduate programs (admission includes a scholarship)

• Intake:

  • Fall and Spring (Graduate programs); undergrad generally Fall only

• International Student Friendly?  Especially at graduate level

4. King Abdulaziz University (KAU)

• Location: Jeddah

• Global Ranking: ~101-150 (THE Rankings), 143 (QS 2024)

• Programs:

  • B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. in Chemistry

• Tuition Fees:

  • Fully funded scholarships for international students (graduate level); undergrad may have nominal fees

• Intake:

  • Fall (September); applications open from November to February

• International Student Friendly?  Yes, offers special scholarships to international students

5. Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU)

• Location: Dammam

• Programs:

  • B.Sc., M.Sc. in Chemistry

• Tuition Fees:

  • $2,500–$4,000 per year (for self-funded students)

• Intake:

  • Fall semester only

• International Student Friendly?  Limited availability; some restrictions for undergraduates

Summary of Tuition & Scholarships

University	Tuition	Scholarships
KAUST	Free	Full for all
KSU	$3,000–$5,000	Available
KFUPM	Free (Grad)	Full for M.Sc./Ph.D.
KAU	Free (Grad)	Full for international students
IAU	$2,500–$4,000	Limited

General Application Deadlines (May vary)

• Fall Intake (Primary):

  • Applications usually open: October–January

  • Semester begins: August–September
     

Universities in Saudi Arabia

Chemistry Courses in Saudi Arabia for Indian Students

1. Bachelor’s in Chemistry (B.Sc.)

• Universities:

  • King Saud University (KSU)

  • King Abdulaziz University (KAU)

  • Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU)

• Duration: 4 years

• Language of Instruction: Mostly Arabic (some universities may offer support for international students)

• Eligibility:

  • 10+2 (Science Stream, with Chemistry)

  • Good academic record (Min 75–80%)

  • Arabic may be required (in some cases)

  • English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) recommended

2. Master’s in Chemistry (M.Sc.)

• Universities:

  • King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

  • King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM)

  • King Abdulaziz University (KAU)

  • King Saud University (KSU)

• Specializations:

  • Organic Chemistry

  • Inorganic Chemistry

  • Analytical Chemistry

  • Physical Chemistry

  • Environmental Chemistry

  • Materials & Nanoscience

• Language of Instruction: English

• Duration: 2 years

• Eligibility:

  • B.Sc. in Chemistry or related field

  • Minimum GPA 3.0/4.0 or equivalent (~60–65%)

  • IELTS (min 6.5) or TOEFL (min 79–80 iBT)

  • GRE (optional at most places)

3. Ph.D. in Chemistry

• Universities:

  • KAUST (top choice for Indian students)

  • KFUPM

  • KAU

• Program Focus: Research-based

  • Advanced materials, Catalysis, Sustainable Chemistry, Petrochemical research

• Duration: 3–5 years

• Funding: Fully funded (stipend + tuition waiver)

• Eligibility:

  • M.Sc. in Chemistry or relevant discipline

  • Strong academic background

  • Research proposal (sometimes optional)

  • English proficiency

Tuition Fees & Scholarships (for Indian Students)

University	Degree Level	Fees (USD/year)	Scholarships
KAUST	M.Sc./Ph.D.	Free	Full (1.5–2.5 lakh/month stipend)
KFUPM	M.Sc./Ph.D.	Free	Full funding for graduate students
KAU	UG/PG	UG: ~$2,000–$3,000  PG: Free with scholarship	Fully funded for graduate programs
KSU	UG: ~$3,000  PG: Low/funded	Varies	Graduate scholarships available
IAU	UG: ~$2,500	Limited scholarships	Yes (competitive)

Application Timeline for Indian Students

Intake	Application Window	Classes Start
Fall (main intake)	Oct – Jan	Aug – Sep
Spring (limited)	Mar – May	Jan – Feb

Why Saudi Arabia is Good for Indian Chemistry Students

• Affordable or fully funded education for graduate programs

• Cutting-edge research labs & infrastructure

•  Growing scientific ecosystem (Vision 2030 is investing heavily in R&D)

• Safe environment for Indian expatriates

• Tax-free stipends (in fully funded programs)

Documents Required

• Academic transcripts (10th, 12th, Bachelor's/Master's)

• Degree certificates

• Passport copy

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• Recommendation letters (2–3)

• English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)

• CV/Resume

• Research Proposal (for PhD)
   

Study in Saudi Arabia

Diploma in Chemistry in Saudi Arabia

Potential Institutions Offering Diplomas in Chemistry

1. Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC)

• Type: Government body overseeing technical and vocational education

• Program: Diploma in Industrial Chemistry Technology or Chemical Process Technology

• Duration: 2–3 years

• Language: Mostly Arabic (some technical programs may be offered in English)

• Eligibility:

  • High school certificate (Science stream preferred)

  • Basic English & Math skills

  • May require aptitude test

2. Saudi Petroleum Services Polytechnic (SPSP)

• Program: Diploma in Chemical Process Operations

• Focus: Industrial and petroleum chemistry, hands-on training in labs

• Duration: 2 years + internship

• Target Students: Often for technical jobs in the oil & gas or industrial sectors

• Eligibility:

  • High school diploma

  • English proficiency (some programs require basic English skills)

3. Yanbu Industrial College (Under Royal Commission)

• Program: Diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology

• Specialization: Applied chemistry, process control, petrochemicals

• Duration: 2–3 years

• Career Path: Lab technician, chemical plant operator, QC assistant

• Eligibility:

  • Science background in high school

  • May require placement test

4. Jubail Industrial College

• Program: Associate Diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology

• Duration: 2.5 years

• Training: Practical lab work + industry exposure (internship required)

• Eligibility:

  • High school with chemistry/maths

  • Some programs are open to expats/international students

Tuition & Fees (Estimated for Diplomas)

Institution	Approx. Annual Tuition (USD)
TVTC	$1,500 – $3,000
SPSP	$3,000 – $5,000
Yanbu College	$2,000 – $4,000
Jubail College	$2,500 – $4,500

Intakes & Deadlines

• Main Intake: August–September (Fall)

• Application Period: March–June (varies by institution)

• Secondary Intake (if available): January

Career Prospects After Diploma in Chemistry

• Lab Technician

• Quality Control Assistant

• Process Plant Operator

• Chemical Analysis Technician

• Support roles in oil, gas, and manufacturing sectors
   

Engineering, Science & Technology in Saudi Arabia

Bachelors of Chemistry in Saudi Arabia

1. King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh

• College: College of Science

• Ranking: Top 250 globally (QS)

• Special Features: Advanced labs, internships, research opportunities

• Language: Arabic (core science content may have English materials)

• Tuition (for self-funded int'l students): ~$3,000–$5,000/year

• Scholarships: Limited for undergrads, more common at grad level

2. King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah

• College: College of Science

• Ranking: #143 globally (QS 2024)

• Program: B.Sc. Chemistry, with tracks like General Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry

• Language: Primarily Arabic

• Scholarships: Occasionally available for undergrad international students

• Tuition: ~$2,000–$4,000/year

3. Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) – Dammam

• Program: B.Sc. in Chemistry

• Language: Arabic (some English courses)

• Special Features: Regional labs and internship programs

• Fees: ~$2,500–$4,000/year

• Eligibility: High school science stream; may require basic Arabic proficiency

4. Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) – Riyadh

(Women only)

• Program: B.Sc. in Chemistry

• Special Features: Female-only campus; modern labs

• Language: Arabic

• Tuition: ~$2,000–$3,000/year

5. Taibah University – Medina

• Program: B.Sc. in Chemistry

• Language: Arabic

• Fees: ~$2,000–$3,500/year

• Target Students: Open to Saudi and international applicants under certain quotas

 Eligibility Criteria (General)

Requirement	Details
Academic	10+2 or equivalent with Chemistry, Physics, Math/Biology
GPA	75%+ recommended
Language	Arabic proficiency helpful (some unis require a basic Arabic test)
English	For science subjects, English may be required or beneficial
Passport	Valid passport with student visa eligibility

 Application Timeline

Intake	Application Period	Semester Start
Fall (Main)	March – July	August/September
Spring (Some unis)	Oct – Dec	January/February

 Estimated Tuition Fees

University	Estimated Annual Fee (USD)
KSU	$3,000 – $5,000
KAU	$2,000 – $4,000
IAU	$2,500 – $4,000
PNU	$2,000 – $3,000
Taibah Univ.	$2,000 – $3,500

Career Paths After B.Sc. Chemistry in Saudi Arabia

• Laboratory Technician

• Research Assistant

• Quality Control Analyst

• Environmental Chemist

• Teaching (with PGCE or equivalent)

• Higher Studies: M.Sc. in Chemistry (KAUST, KFUPM, etc.)
   

MS in Saudi Arabia

Masters of Chemistry  in Saudi Arabia

1.  King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) – Thuwal

• Program: M.Sc. in Chemical Science

• Language: English

• Fully Funded: Yes – tuition, housing, medical, and a monthly stipend (~SR 7,500)

• Research Areas: Nanochemistry, Catalysis, Spectroscopy, Materials Science

• Eligibility:

  • B.Sc. in Chemistry or related

  • English test: IELTS (6.5) / TOEFL iBT (79)

  • Strong GPA and recommendation letters

• Application Deadlines:

  • Opens: October

  • Deadline: Usually January 15

 Best choice for high-level research and full funding.

2.  King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh

• Program: M.Sc. in Chemistry

• Specializations: Organic, Inorganic, Physical, Analytical Chemistry

• Language: English (for graduate programs)

• Funding: Scholarships available (competitive)

• Fees: ~$3,000–$5,000/year (self-funded)

• Eligibility:

  • B.Sc. in Chemistry or related field

  • GPA: 3.0+/4.0 (~65%+)

  • IELTS/TOEFL required

3.  King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) – Dhahran

• Program: M.Sc. in Chemistry

• Focus Areas: Industrial, Analytical, and Environmental Chemistry

• Language: English

• Fully Funded: Yes – Tuition waiver + Monthly stipend (~SR 3,000–4,000)

• Application: Online with GRE (optional), IELTS/TOEFL

• Deadline:

  • Fall Intake: Jan–Feb

  • Spring Intake: Aug–Sept

4.  King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah

• Program: M.Sc. in Chemistry

• Specializations: General Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry

• Language: English (graduate level)

• Scholarships: Fully funded for international students (includes airfare, housing, and stipend)

• Tuition: Free for scholarship holders

• Eligibility:

  • B.Sc. in Chemistry

  • IELTS/TOEFL required

  • Strong academic background

5.  Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) – Dammam

• Program: M.Sc. in Chemistry

• Specializations: Organic, Analytical, Inorganic

• Language: English

• Funding: Some scholarships, or self-funded

• Fees: ~$2,000–$4,000/year

• Eligibility: Bachelor’s in Chemistry, English proficiency

 General Admission Requirements for M.Sc. Chemistry

Requirement	Details
Degree	B.Sc. in Chemistry or closely related field
GPA	3.0/4.0 or equivalent (~60–65%)
English Proficiency	IELTS (6.0–6.5) or TOEFL iBT (79–85)
Documents	Academic transcripts, recommendation letters (2–3), Statement of Purpose, Passport copy
GRE	Optional (preferred for KAUST, KFUPM)

 Application Deadlines

University	Intake	Deadline
KAUST	Fall	Jan 15
KFUPM	Fall / Spring	Feb (Fall), Sept (Spring)
KAU	Fall	Feb–March
KSU	Fall	March–May
IAU	Fall	April–June

 Tuition & Scholarships Summary

University	Tuition (USD)	Funding
KAUST	Free	Fully Funded (Stipend + Housing)
KFUPM	Free	Fully Funded
KAU	Free	Fully Funded
KSU	~$3,000–$5,000	Limited funding
IAU	~$2,000–$4,000	Some funding/sponsorships

 

Biology Courses and Universities in Saudi Arabia

PhD in Chemistry in Saudi Arabia

1.  King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) – Thuwal

• Program: Ph.D. in Chemical Science

• Language: 100% English

• Research Areas:

  • Advanced materials

  • Nanochemistry

  • Catalysis

  • Sustainable chemistry

  • Environmental chemistry

• Funding: Fully funded – includes:

  • Tuition

  • On-campus housing

  • Healthcare

  • Monthly stipend (~SR 7,500 / ~$2,000 USD)

• Eligibility:

  • M.Sc. in Chemistry or related field

  • GPA ≥ 3.0/4.0

  • English test: IELTS (6.5) / TOEFL iBT (79)

  • GRE (optional but recommended)

  • Research experience preferred

• Deadline: January 15 for Fall intake

 Best option for international students seeking high-level research and global exposure

2.  King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) – Dhahran

• Program: Ph.D. in Chemistry

• Focus Areas:

  • Analytical Chemistry

  • Industrial Chemistry

  • Petrochemical research

• Funding: Fully funded

  • Monthly stipend (~SR 3,000–4,000)

  • Free tuition, housing, medical care

• Language: English

• Eligibility:

  • M.Sc. in Chemistry or equivalent

  • Strong academic background

  • IELTS/TOEFL required

• Deadline:

  • Fall Intake: February

  • Spring Intake: September

3.  King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh

• Program: Ph.D. in Chemistry

• Tracks: Organic, Inorganic, Physical, Analytical Chemistry

• Funding: Available (competitive scholarships for international students)

• Language: English for graduate studies

• Eligibility:

  • M.Sc. in Chemistry

  • Strong academic record

  • IELTS or TOEFL

• Duration: 3–4 years

4.  King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah

• Program: Ph.D. in Chemistry

• Specializations: General Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry

• Language: English (some Arabic may be used in admin)

• Funding: Fully funded for international students

  • Includes airfare, accommodation, health insurance, and monthly stipend

• Eligibility:

  • M.Sc. in Chemistry

  • IELTS/TOEFL

  • GPA ≥ 3.0/4.0

• Deadline: Spring admissions open around November–February

 Ph.D. Funding & Stipend Summary

University	Tuition	Monthly Stipend	Funding Includes
KAUST	Free	~SR 7,500 ($2,000)	Housing, health, travel
KFUPM	Free	~SR 3,000–4,000	Accommodation, medical
KSU	Free/Low	Varies	Housing (for funded students)
KAU	Free	~SR 1,900–2,500	Housing, airfare, insurance

General Admission Requirements for Ph.D.

Requirement	Details
Degree	M.Sc. in Chemistry or related
GPA	3.0+/4.0 (~65–70%)
English	IELTS (6.5) or TOEFL iBT (79–80)
Research Proposal	Often required or encouraged
Recommendations	2–3 academic references
CV / Resume	Academic format
GRE	Optional (recommended for KAUST)

Application Timelines (Typical)

University	Application Opens	Deadline	Intake
KAUST	October	Jan 15	Fall (August)
KFUPM	November	Feb (Fall), Sept (Spring)	Fall & Spring
KAU	November	Feb–March	Fall
KSU	Spring	May–June	Fall

Career Opportunities After Ph.D.

• University Lecturer / Professor

• Postdoctoral Researcher

• Industrial R&D Chemist

• Petrochemical Industry Analyst

• Environmental Scientist

• Government/Defense Labs

Eligibility Criteria for Chemistry Course Program in Saudi Arabia

1. Bachelor’s in Chemistry (B.Sc.)

General Requirements:

Criteria	Details
Academic Qualification	12th grade (Science stream) with Chemistry, Physics, Math/Biology
Minimum GPA / Marks	75% and above (varies by university)
Language	Most undergraduate chemistry programs are taught in Arabic. Some courses and labs use English terminology.
Arabic Proficiency	May be required for most undergrad programs; basic Arabic test or certificate may be needed
English Proficiency	Optional but recommended (IELTS/TOEFL can strengthen your application)
Passport & Visa	Valid passport, eligible for a student visa

Documents Required:

• High school transcripts

• Copy of passport

• Birth certificate

• Arabic/English language test (if applicable)

• Recommendation letters (some cases)

• Medical fitness certificate

2. Master’s in Chemistry (M.Sc.)

General Requirements:

Criteria	Details
Academic Qualification	B.Sc. in Chemistry or closely related field
Minimum GPA	Usually 3.0/4.0 GPA (~60–65%)
English Proficiency	IELTS (min 6.5) or TOEFL iBT (min 79–80)
GRE	Not mandatory; optional for KAUST & KFUPM
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	Required
Letters of Recommendation	2–3 academic references
CV/Resume	Academic format
Passport & Visa	Valid international passport

Documents Required:

• Bachelor’s degree and transcripts

• Passport copy

• English language certificate (IELTS/TOEFL)

• SOP

• 2–3 Recommendation letters

• Research interest or area (optional)

• Medical certificate

3. Ph.D. in Chemistry

General Requirements:

Criteria	Details
Academic Qualification	M.Sc. in Chemistry or relevant field
Minimum GPA	3.0/4.0 (or equivalent)
English Proficiency	IELTS (min 6.5) or TOEFL iBT (min 80)
GRE	Optional (recommended for KAUST)
Research Proposal	Required or strongly encouraged
Letters of Recommendation	3 academic references preferred
CV/Resume	Detailed, academic CV
Previous Research	Prior research experience or publications is a plus

Documents Required:

• Master’s degree certificate and transcripts

• Passport copy

• SOP / Research Proposal

• 2–3 Recommendation letters

• English proficiency test

• Academic CV

• Medical clearance

Intakes & Application Deadlines for Chemistry Course in Saudi Arabia

 General Intakes for Chemistry Programs in Saudi Arabia

Program Level	Main Intake	Secondary Intake	Notes
Bachelor’s (B.Sc.)	Fall (August–September)	Occasionally Spring (Jan–Feb)	Spring intake is rare and limited
Master’s (M.Sc.)	Fall (August–September)	Some offer Spring (Jan)	KAUST, KFUPM, KAU offer both
Ph.D.	Fall (August–September)	Some offer Spring (Jan)	Major research universities offer 2 intakes

 Typical Application Deadlines (Chemistry Programs)

 Bachelor’s in Chemistry (B.Sc.)

University	Intake	Application Period
King Saud University (KSU)	Fall	March – May
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)	Fall	February – April
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU)	Fall	March – June
Princess Nourah University (PNU - Women only)	Fall	March – June

 Master’s in Chemistry (M.Sc.)

University	Intake(s)	Application Period
KAUST	Fall only	October – January 15
KFUPM	Fall & Spring	Fall: Nov – Feb Spring: Aug – Sept
KAU	Fall only	December – March
KSU	Fall	March – May
IAU	Fall	April – June

 Ph.D. in Chemistry

University	Intake(s)	Application Deadline
KAUST	Fall only	By Jan 15
KFUPM	Fall & Spring	Fall: By Feb Spring: By Sept
KAU	Fall	Apply by Feb – March
KSU	Fall	March – June
IAU	Fall	May – June

Additional Tips for International Students

•  Visa Processing: After acceptance, allow 1–2 months for visa & travel arrangements.

•  Online Application Portals: All major universities accept applications online.

•  Recommendation: Apply early (especially to KAUST/KFUPM) as seats and scholarships are competitive.

•  Prepare in advance:

  • IELTS/TOEFL

  • Transcripts

  • Recommendation Letters

  • Statement of Purpose / Research Proposal (for grad studies)

Summary: Quick Deadlines Cheat Sheet

University	Deadline (Fall Intake)
KAUST (M.Sc./Ph.D.)	Jan 15
KFUPM (M.Sc./Ph.D.)	Feb (Fall), Sept (Spring)
KAU (All levels)	Feb – March
KSU (B.Sc./M.Sc./Ph.D.)	March – May
IAU (All levels)	April – June

Fees for Chemistry Courses in Saudi Arabia

 Tuition Fees for Chemistry Programs in Saudi Arabia (2024–2025)

Degree Level	Type of Student	Tuition Fees (per year)	Notes
Bachelor’s (B.Sc.)	International (Self-funded)	$2,000 – $5,000	Varies by university; some partial scholarships available
Master’s (M.Sc.)	International (Funded)	Free	Fully funded at KAUST, KFUPM, KAU
	International (Self-funded)	$2,500 – $5,000	At universities like KSU, IAU
Ph.D.	International (Funded)	Free	100% funded + stipend
	International (Self-funded)	Rare	Ph.D. applicants are usually offered full funding

 University-wise Chemistry Course Fees

 1. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) – Thuwal

• M.Sc. / Ph.D. in Chemical Science

• Tuition Fees: $0 (Fully funded)

• Extras Covered: Housing, health insurance, relocation, monthly stipend (~SR 7,500 / ~$2,000)

 2. King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) – Dhahran

• M.Sc. / Ph.D. in Chemistry

• Tuition Fees: $0 (Fully funded)

• Extras Covered: Stipend (~SR 3,000–4,000), housing, health care

 3. King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah

• B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. in Chemistry

• Bachelor’s Tuition: ~$2,000–$4,000/year

• Graduate (M.Sc./Ph.D.): $0 for funded students

• Scholarship: International students receive full tuition waiver + monthly stipend (~SR 1,900)

 4. King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh

• B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. in Chemistry

• Bachelor’s Tuition: ~$3,000–$5,000/year

• M.Sc. / Ph.D.: May offer funding or be low-cost for internationals

• Notes: Funding for grad students is competitive

 5. Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) – Dammam

• B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. in Chemistry

• Bachelor’s Tuition: ~$2,500–$4,000/year

• Graduate Tuition: ~$2,000–$3,500/year

• Scholarships: Limited for international students

Additional Fees to Consider (All Levels)

Fee Type	Amount (Approx.)
Application Fee	$0–$100 (Most public universities do not charge)
Visa Processing	$100–$150
Health Insurance	Often covered by scholarship; ~$300–$500/year if self-funded
Accommodation	Free in fully funded programs; ~$1,000–$2,000/year if self-paid
Books/Lab Fees	$200–$500/year