Commerce Universities and Courses in Saudi Arabia

Commerce Universities in Saudi Arabia for International Students

1. King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh

Ranking:

• National: #1

• QS World University Ranking: ~#230

Commerce Programs Offered (College of Business Administration):

• B.Sc. in Accounting

• B.Sc. in Finance

• B.Sc. in Marketing

• B.Sc. in Management

• MBA

• Master’s in Accounting, Finance, and Public Administration

Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate: Approx. SAR 10,000 – SAR 25,000/year

• Postgraduate: SAR 20,000 – SAR 40,000/year

Intake:

• Main intakes in September (Fall)

• Some postgraduate programs may have Spring intake (February)

International Student Info:

• Scholarships available for international students

• Arabic is the primary language, but some business courses are taught in English

2. King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah

Ranking:

• National: #2

• QS World University Ranking: ~#143

Commerce Programs Offered (Faculty of Economics and Administration):

• BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)

• B.Sc. in Economics

• B.Sc. in Accounting

• MBA

• MSc in Economics, Public Administration, Accounting

• Ph.D. in Business and Economics

Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate: SAR 10,000 – SAR 20,000/year

• Postgraduate: SAR 20,000 – SAR 35,000/year

Intake:

• Fall (September)

• Limited Spring (February) intake for graduate programs

International Student Info:

• Offers full scholarships for international students

• Some English-taught programs in Business and Economics

3. Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University – Riyadh

Ranking:

• National: Top 10

• QS Ranking: Not ranked globally

Commerce Programs Offered:

• B.Sc. in Business Administration

• B.Sc. in Accounting

• MBA

• Master’s in Management and Finance

Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate: SAR 8,000 – SAR 15,000/year

• Postgraduate: SAR 15,000 – SAR 30,000/year

Intake:

• Primarily Fall intake (September)

International Student Info:

• Strong focus on Islamic finance and commerce

• Scholarships available for international students

• Programs mainly in Arabic, but some business degrees may be available in English

4. Prince Sultan University (PSU) – Riyadh (Private)

Ranking:

• National: Among top private universities

• Times Higher Education Rank: 601–800 (global range)

Commerce Programs Offered (College of Business Administration):

• BBA in Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Aviation Management

• MBA

• Executive MBA

Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate: SAR 50,000 – SAR 65,000/year

• MBA: SAR 70,000 – SAR 100,000 (total program)

Intake:

• Fall (September) and Spring (February)

International Student Info:

• English is the medium of instruction

• Offers international scholarships, especially for high-performing students

5. Effat University – Jeddah (Women Only – Private)

Ranking:

• National: Leading private women’s university

• Times Higher Education: Ranked regionally

Commerce Programs Offered (College of Business):

• B.Sc. in Finance

• B.Sc. in Marketing

• B.Sc. in Entrepreneurship

• MBA

Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate: SAR 40,000 – SAR 60,000/year

• MBA: SAR 70,000 – SAR 90,000 (total)

Intake:

• Fall and Spring semesters

International Student Info:

• English-taught programs

• Welcomes international female students with scholarship opportunities

Summary Table:

University	UG Fees/Year	PG Fees	Medium	Intake	Ranking
King Saud University	SAR 10k–25k	SAR 20k–40k	Arabic/English	Sep, Feb	#1 (KSA)
King Abdulaziz University	SAR 10k–20k	SAR 20k–35k	English/Arabic	Sep, Feb	#2 (KSA)
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Univ.	SAR 8k–15k	SAR 15k–30k	Mostly Arabic	Sep	Top 10
Prince Sultan University	SAR 50k–65k	SAR 70k–100k	English	Sep, Feb	Private Top
Effat University (Women Only)	SAR 40k–60k	SAR 70k–90k	English	Sep, Feb	Private Top

 

Universities in Saudi Arabia

Commerce Courses in Saudi Arabia

 Undergraduate Commerce Courses (Bachelor's Degrees)

1. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

   • Specializations:

     • Finance

     • Marketing

     • Human Resources

     • International Business

     • Supply Chain Management

     • Entrepreneurship

2. Bachelor of Accounting

   • Focus on financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and managerial accounting.

3. Bachelor of Finance

   • Courses in investment, banking, Islamic finance, and financial markets.

4. Bachelor of Marketing

   • Includes digital marketing, consumer behavior, branding, and sales.

5. Bachelor of Economics

   • Microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, development economics.

6. Bachelor of Management Information Systems (MIS)

   • Business + IT focus: database systems, analytics, ERP, e-commerce.

7. Bachelor of Public Administration

   • Public sector management, governance, and policy-making.

 Postgraduate Commerce Courses (Master's & MBA)

1. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

   • Often offered in English. Executive MBA versions also available.

   • Specializations:

     • Strategic Management

     • Finance

     • Marketing

     • Leadership

     • International Business

2. Master of Accounting

   • Advanced financial reporting, audit, forensic accounting, ethics.

3. Master of Finance / Islamic Finance

   • Corporate finance, investment analysis, Islamic banking principles.

4. Master of Marketing

   • Brand strategy, market research, digital media.

5. Master of Public Administration (MPA)

   • Public sector planning, policy analysis, leadership in government.

6. Master of Economics

   • Economic modeling, data analysis, policy economics.

7. MSc in Supply Chain Management or Logistics

Common Courses/Subjects Across Degrees

• Principles of Management

• Financial Accounting

• Managerial Accounting

• Business Law

• Micro & Macroeconomics

• Business Statistics

• Organizational Behavior

• Business Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility

• E-Commerce

• Strategic Management

• Operations Management

• Islamic Economics and Finance (common in Saudi programs)

Language of Instruction

• Public Universities: Mostly Arabic, but many commerce programs now offer English-taught tracks—especially at postgraduate level.

• Private Universities: Typically use English for business and commerce programs.

Intakes

• Main Intake: September (Fall)

• Some programs: Additional Spring intake (January/February), especially MBAs or private universities.
   

Study in Saudi Arabia

Bachelors of Commerce  in Saudi Arabia

 Bachelor of Commerce in Saudi Arabia

• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

• Bachelor of Accounting

• Bachelor of Finance

• Bachelor of Economics

• Bachelor of Marketing

• Bachelor of Management Information Systems (MIS)

• Bachelor of Public Administration

 Top Universities Offering B.Com Equivalent Degrees

University	City	Type	Programs Offered	Medium of Instruction
King Saud University (KSU)	Riyadh	Public	BBA, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Marketing	Arabic/English
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)	Jeddah	Public	BBA, Accounting, Economics, Public Administration	English/Arabic
Prince Sultan University (PSU)	Riyadh	Private	BBA (Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Aviation Mgmt.)	English
Effat University (Women only)	Jeddah	Private	Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship	English
Al Yamamah University	Riyadh	Private	BBA, MIS, Accounting	English
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud University	Riyadh	Public	BBA, Accounting, Public Administration	Arabic

 Program Duration & Structure

• Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)

• Credit Hours: Usually 120–135

• Internship: Often required in the final year

• Capstone Project/Research: Included in many programs

 Common Subjects/Course Modules

• Principles of Accounting

• Micro & Macroeconomics

• Business Statistics

• Corporate Finance

• Organizational Behavior

• Business Law & Ethics

• Marketing Principles

• Supply Chain & Operations

• Strategic Management

• E-Commerce

• Islamic Finance (frequent in Saudi curriculum)

 Tuition Fees

University Type	Estimated Tuition (Per Year)
Public Universities	SAR 10,000 – SAR 25,000
Private Universities	SAR 40,000 – SAR 65,000

 Intake Periods

• Primary Intake: September (Fall Semester)

• Some Universities: Spring intake in January/February
   

Business, Management & Economics in Saudi Arabia

Masters of Commerce in Saudi Arabia

 Master of Commerce in Saudi Arabia (M.Com Equivalent)

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)

• Master of Accounting

• Master of Finance

• Master of Marketing

• Master of Economics

• Master of Public Administration (MPA)

• Master of Management Information Systems (MIS)

• Master in Islamic Finance and Banking

 Top Universities Offering M.Com Equivalent Degrees

University	City	Public/Private	Notable Programs	Medium
King Saud University (KSU)	Riyadh	Public	Master in Accounting, MBA, Finance, Public Admin, Islamic Banking	Arabic/English
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)	Jeddah	Public	MBA, MSc in Accounting, Economics, Public Admin	Arabic/English
Prince Sultan University (PSU)	Riyadh	Private	MBA, MSc in Finance and Marketing	English
Alfaisal University	Riyadh	Private	MBA, Master in Accounting and Finance	English
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud University	Riyadh	Public	Master in Islamic Finance, Accounting, Public Admin	Arabic
Effat University (Women only)	Jeddah	Private	MBA, Master in Finance and Entrepreneurship	English
Dar Al-Hekma University (Women)	Jeddah	Private	MBA, Master in Logistics and Supply Chain Management	English

 Specializations Commonly Offered

• Accounting and Auditing

• Corporate & Islamic Finance

• Economics and Policy

• Human Resources and Organizational Behavior

• Marketing and Branding

• Public Administration and Governance

• Supply Chain and Logistics

• Business Analytics / MIS

• Strategic Management

 Duration and Intake

• Program Duration: 2 years (full-time)

• Main Intake: September (Fall)

• Additional Intake: January/February (available in private universities & MBA programs)

 Tuition Fees (Estimated)

University Type	Fee Range (Total)
Public Universities	SAR 20,000 – SAR 40,000
Private Universities	SAR 60,000 – SAR 100,000

 International Student Info

• Language Requirements:

  • English programs: IELTS 6.0+/TOEFL iBT 79+

  • Arabic programs: Arabic proficiency required or test offered

• Student Visa: Sponsored by admitting university

• Scholarships:

  • Available at KSU, KAU, and Imam University

  • Some private universities offer merit-based tuition discounts

 Example Programs

King Saud University (KSU)

• Master of Accounting (Arabic/English)

• MBA (English track available)

• Master in Islamic Finance

• Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, language test, entrance interview

King Abdulaziz University (KAU)

• MBA

• MSc in Economics & Accounting

• Fully Funded International Scholarships (includes monthly stipend and travel)

Prince Sultan University (PSU)

• MBA (weekend/evening options for professionals)

• MSc in Finance/Marketing

• Taught entirely in English
   

MBA in Saudi Arabia

PhD in Commerce from Saudi Arabia

Commerce-Related PhD Programs:

• PhD in Business Administration

• PhD in Accounting

• PhD in Finance

• PhD in Economics

• PhD in Public Administration

• PhD in Islamic Finance & Banking

• PhD in Management Information Systems (MIS)

 Top Universities Offering PhD in Commerce Fields

University	City	Notable PhD Programs	Medium
King Saud University (KSU)	Riyadh	PhD in Business Admin, Accounting, Economics, Public Admin	Arabic / English
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)	Jeddah	PhD in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Public Admin, Islamic Finance	Arabic / English
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud University	Riyadh	PhD in Islamic Finance, Public Admin, Economics	Arabic
Princess Nourah University (Women)	Riyadh	PhD in Economics, Business Admin	Arabic / English
Prince Sultan University (PSU)	Riyadh	Research-focused Doctorate-level business programs (limited)	English
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM)	Dhahran	PhD in Finance, MIS, and Industrial Management	English

 Specializations You Can Pursue

• Accounting & Auditing

• Finance (Corporate or Islamic)

• Business Strategy & Organizational Behavior

• Marketing and Consumer Behavior

• Supply Chain & Operations Management

• Econometrics & Development Economics

• Public Policy & Administration

• Entrepreneurship & Innovation

 Program Duration & Intake

• Duration: 3 to 5 years

• Format: Coursework + Comprehensive Exam + Dissertation Research

• Intake Period:

  • Main Intake: September

  • Some may accept in Spring (Jan/Feb)—usually for MBA-to-PhD paths

 Admission Requirements

1. Master’s degree in a related field (Business, Commerce, Economics, etc.)

2. Strong academic record (Minimum GPA 3.0–3.5 on a 4.0 scale)

3. Language Proficiency:

   • IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL iBT 79+ (for English programs)

   • Arabic proficiency (for Arabic-taught programs)

4. Research Proposal or Statement of Purpose

5. Academic CV & Recommendation Letters

6. Entrance Exam / Interview (varies by university)

 Tuition Fees (Estimated)

University Type	Fees (Total Program)
Public Universities	SAR 0 – SAR 20,000 (often covered by scholarships)
Private Universities	SAR 80,000 – SAR 120,000

 Scholarships for PhD in Commerce

• Full tuition coverage

• Monthly stipend (~SAR 1,900–2,500)

• Free housing or housing allowance

• Free healthcare

• Annual airfare to/from home country

• Research support

Popular Scholarship Programs:

• KAU International Graduate Scholarship

• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Government Scholarship

• King Saud University Postgraduate Scholarship

• Imam University Scholarships for Non-Saudis

 Language of Instruction

• Arabic: Dominant in many public universities

• English: Available in programs at King Abdulaziz, King Saud, PSU, KFUPM, and private universities

 Why Do a PhD in Commerce in Saudi Arabia?

• Access to Islamic finance expertise and real-world case studies

• Government-funded universities with strong research support

• Internationally recognized faculty and AACSB-accredited business colleges

• Strong academic and professional linkages with the Gulf region and global markets

• Low or no tuition costs for PhD studies
   

Bachelor in Marketing Courses in Saudi Arabia

Eligibility Criteria for Commerce Course Program in Saudi Arabia

 1. Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce (BBA, B.Com equivalent)

 General Eligibility Criteria:

Requirement	Details
High School Certificate	Must have completed 12 years of education (or equivalent) with strong grades.
Subject Requirement	Background in Commerce, Business, Math, or Economics preferred but not mandatory.
Minimum GPA	Usually 2.5 – 3.0 out of 4.0 or equivalent.
Language Proficiency	- English programs: IELTS (5.5–6.0) / TOEFL (60–80 iBT)
	- Arabic programs: Arabic proficiency may be required (some offer Arabic prep courses).
Age Limit	Most universities require students to be under 25 years old for scholarships.
Medical Fitness	Medical certificate required for visa and enrollment.

Additional Notes:

• Public universities like KSU and KAU may require you to pass an aptitude test or interview.

• Some universities offer foundation or prep programs in English or Arabic for non-native speakers.

 2. Master’s Degree in Commerce Fields (MBA, M.Com equivalent)

 General Eligibility Criteria:

Requirement	Details
Bachelor’s Degree	In a relevant field: Business, Accounting, Economics, Finance, etc.
Minimum GPA	Usually 2.75 – 3.5 out of 4.0
Language Proficiency	IELTS (6.0–6.5) or TOEFL iBT (70–90) for English programs
Work Experience (For MBA)	Some MBA programs may require 1–2 years of experience, though not always mandatory.
Recommendation Letters	2–3 academic or professional references
Statement of Purpose	Explaining your academic goals and career plans
Interview	May be required for top programs (especially MBA)

 3. PhD in Commerce Fields (Business, Finance, Accounting, etc.)

 General Eligibility Criteria:

Requirement	Details
Master’s Degree	In a relevant field: Business, Commerce, Finance, Economics, etc.
Minimum GPA	Usually 3.25 – 3.75 out of 4.0
Research Proposal	A clear academic research proposal is often mandatory
Language Proficiency	IELTS (6.5+) or TOEFL iBT (79+); Arabic for Arabic-taught programs
Academic CV	Research experience, publications (if any), and academic achievements
Recommendation Letters	Typically 2–3 from academic supervisors
Interview / Entrance Exam	Required by most top public universities

 Documents Commonly Required for All Levels:

• Academic transcripts (official & translated if necessary)

• Passport copy

• Birth certificate

• Personal photo

• Medical report

• Recommendation letters

• Language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)

• Statement of purpose or motivation letter

Intakes & Application Deadlines for Commerce Course in Saudi Arabia

 Main Intakes in Saudi Arabia

Semester	Intake Month	Common Name	Availability
Fall Semester	August – September	1st Semester	Main intake for all levels
Spring Semester	January – February	2nd Semester	Available in some universities, mostly for Master’s & MBA
Summer Session	June – July	Summer Term (short)	Rare for degree admissions; limited short courses

 Intake & Deadline Summary by Program Level

1 Bachelor’s in Commerce / Business (BBA, B.Com equivalent)

• Main Intake: September (Fall Semester)

• Secondary Intake: Not common (some private universities may allow Spring intake)

University Type	Application Opens	Application Deadline
Public Universities (e.g. KSU, KAU)	January – March	March – May
Private Universities (e.g. PSU, Effat)	Feb – April & Sep – Nov	Varies by semester (~2–3 months before start)

2 Master’s in Commerce Fields (MBA, Accounting, Finance, etc.)

• Main Intake: September

• Spring Intake: Available in some universities (January)

University Type	Application Opens	Application Deadline
Public Universities	January – April	April – June
Private Universities	Rolling Admissions (2 intakes/year)	1–2 months before semester starts

3 PhD in Commerce Fields

• Main Intake: September

• Spring Intake: Rare (case-by-case)

University	Application Period	Deadline
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)	December – March	Usually March 31
King Saud University (KSU)	Jan – March (for Sep intake)	Around April
Imam University	January – May	check yearly
Private Universities	Rolling / Limited PhD options	N/A

Fees for Commerce Courses in Saudi Arabia

 1. Bachelor’s in Commerce (BBA, Accounting, Finance, etc.)

University Type	Tuition Fees (Per Year)	Notes
Public Universities (e.g. KSU, KAU)	SAR 10,000 – 25,000	Often free for Saudi citizens; scholarships for international students available
Private Universities (e.g. PSU, Alfaisal, Effat)	SAR 40,000 – 70,000	Higher fees but often taught in English; partial scholarships available

 2. Master’s in Commerce (MBA, MSc in Finance, Accounting, etc.)

University Type	Tuition Fees (Total Program)	Duration	Notes
Public Universities	SAR 20,000 – 40,000	2 years	Often fully funded for international students
Private Universities	SAR 60,000 – 100,000	1.5 – 2 years	Often includes Executive MBA options, taught in English

 3. PhD in Commerce Fields (Accounting, Finance, Economics)

University Type	Tuition Fees (Total)	Duration	Notes
Public Universities	Often Free or SAR 10,000 – 25,000	3–5 years	Most international students get full scholarships
Private Universities	SAR 80,000 – 120,000	3–4 years	Limited PhD programs in private sector

 What’s Included in the Fees?

Item	Public Universities	Private Universities
Tuition	Often free or low cost	Fully paid by student or sponsor
Books/Materials	Not included	Not included
Accommodation	Free or subsidized (with scholarship)	Usually extra (SAR 10k–20k/year)
Health Insurance	Included in scholarships	Sometimes included

 Scholarships to Reduce Costs

Public Universities Offering Full Scholarships:

• King Abdulaziz University (KAU)

• King Saud University (KSU)

• Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University

• Islamic University of Madinah (Bachelor only)

Covers:

• 100% Tuition

• Monthly stipend (SAR 1,000–2,000+)

• Free housing & medical insurance

• Airfare tickets (entry & return)