Cost of Studying in Saudi Arabia for Indian Students

Cost of Studying in Saudi Arabia

1. Tuition Fees

• Public Universities: Many public universities (like King Saud University and King Abdulaziz University) offer free education to Saudi nationals. Some even provide scholarships to international students.

• Private Universities: Tuition fees range from SAR 20,000 – 90,000 per year ($5,300 – $24,000), depending on the program.

  • Medicine & Engineering tend to be more expensive.

  • Business & Arts programs are usually more affordable.

2. Living Expenses

• Accommodation:

  • On-campus: SAR 10,000 – 25,000 per year ($2,600 – $6,600).

  • Off-campus: SAR 1,500 – 3,500 per month ($400 – $930), depending on the city. Riyadh and Jeddah are more expensive.

• Food: SAR 1,000 – 2,500 per month ($260 – $660).

• Transportation:

  • Public transport: SAR 200 – 500 per month ($50 – $130).

  • Taxi/Uber: Around SAR 10 – 30 per ride ($2.50 – $8).
     

Universities in Saudi Arabia

Average Tuition Fees in Saudi Arabia For Indian Students

1. Public Universities (Affordable / Free for Scholarship Holders)

Many public universities offer full scholarships to international students, including Indians. If you secure a scholarship, your tuition will be free, and you may even receive a monthly stipend.

If you're a self-funded student, some public universities charge tuition fees ranging from SAR 10,000 – 30,000 per year($2,600 – $8,000), depending on the program.

2. Private Universities (Higher Fees)

• Undergraduate Programs: SAR 20,000 – 70,000 per year ($5,300 – $18,600)

• Postgraduate Programs: SAR 30,000 – 90,000 per year ($8,000 – $24,000)

• Medicine & Engineering: SAR 50,000 – 100,000 per year ($13,300 – $26,600)

3. Top Private Universities and Their Fees

• Alfaisal University (Riyadh) – SAR 70,000 – 90,000 per year

• Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University – SAR 40,000 – 60,000 per year

• Effat University (Jeddah) – SAR 30,000 – 50,000 per year

4. Additional Costs

• Visa & Residency Permit: SAR 500 – 1,000 per year

• Health Insurance: SAR 1,000 – 3,000 per year
   

Study in Saudi Arabia

Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia for Indian Students

1. Accommodation Costs 

• On-campus housing: SAR 10,000 – 25,000 per year ($2,600 – $6,600) – Cheaper and includes utilities.

• Off-campus rental (varies by city):

  • Shared apartment: SAR 1,500 – 3,000 per month ($400 – $800)

  • Single apartment: SAR 2,500 – 5,000 per month ($660 – $1,300)

  • Riyadh and Jeddah are more expensive than Dammam or Madinah.

2. Food Expenses 

• Groceries (if cooking at home): SAR 1,000 – 1,500 per month ($260 – $400)

• Eating out:

  • Budget meal: SAR 15 – 30 ($4 – $8)

  • Mid-range restaurant: SAR 50 – 100 per meal ($13 – $27)

  • Indian restaurants: SAR 20 – 50 per meal ($5 – $13)

3. Transportation Costs 

• Public transport (buses & metro in cities like Riyadh): SAR 200 – 500 per month ($50 – $130)

• Taxi/Uber:

  • Short trip: SAR 10 – 30 ($3 – $8)

  • Monthly Uber budget: SAR 300 – 1,000 ($80 – $260)

• Car rental (if needed): SAR 1,500 – 3,000 per month ($400 – $800)

4. Internet & Mobile 

• Mobile plan: SAR 50 – 200 per month ($13 – $53)

• Home internet: SAR 250 – 400 per month ($66 – $106)

5. Other Expenses 

• Gym membership: SAR 150 – 400 per month ($40 – $100)

• Entertainment (movies, shopping, outings): SAR 300 – 1,000 per month ($80 – $260)

• Health insurance: SAR 1,000 – 3,000 per year ($260 – $800)

6. Total Estimated Monthly Cost 

Expense	Estimated Cost (SAR)	Estimated Cost (USD)
Accommodation	1,500 – 5,000	$400 – $1,300
Food	1,000 – 2,500	$260 – $660
Transportation	200 – 1,000	$50 – $260
Internet & Mobile	300 – 600	$80 – $160
Entertainment & Misc.	500 – 1,500	$130 – $400
Total Monthly Cost	3,500 – 10,000	$930 – $2,660

How to Reduce Costs? 

• Apply for on-campus accommodation – much cheaper.

• Cook at home instead of eating out.

• Use public transport instead of Uber/taxis.

• Apply for scholarships, which cover tuition, housing, and a monthly stipend.
   

Cheap and Affordable Universities in Saudi Arabia