Finance and Accounting Courses in Saudi Arabia

Finance and Accounting Universities in Saudi Arabia for International Students

1. King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh

• Courses Offered:

  • B.Sc. in Accounting

  • B.Sc. in Finance

  • M.Sc. in Accounting

  • MBA with Finance specialization

• Tuition Fees:

  • Undergraduate: ~$2,000–$4,000/year

  • Postgraduate: ~$4,000–$6,000/year

• Intake: September (Fall), some programs also accept Spring (January)

• Ranking:

  • QS World University Ranking (2024): ~#230 globally

  • National: #1 in Saudi Arabia

• Notes: Offers scholarships for outstanding international students; Arabic and English medium available.

2. King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah

• Courses Offered:

  • B.Sc. in Accounting

  • B.Sc. in Finance

  • M.Sc. in Accounting

  • MBA (Finance Track)

• Tuition Fees:

  • Undergraduate: ~$2,500–$5,000/year

  • Postgraduate: ~$5,000–$7,000/year

• Intake: September (main), January (limited programs)

• Ranking:

  • QS World: ~#143 globally (2024)

  • THE (Times Higher Education): Top 200

• Notes: Excellent research reputation; generous scholarships (often full).

3. Prince Sultan University – Riyadh (Private)

• Courses Offered:

  • B.Sc. in Finance

  • B.Sc. in Accounting

  • MBA with Finance/Accounting tracks

• Tuition Fees:

  • Undergraduate: ~$9,000–$11,000/year

  • Postgraduate: ~$12,000–$15,000/year

• Intake: Fall (September), Spring (January)

• Ranking:

  • National: Among top private universities

  • Not in QS top 500, but highly regarded locally

• Notes: English-medium, private institution with modern curriculum and good industry ties.

4. Alfaisal University – Riyadh (Private)

• Courses Offered:

  • B.B.A in Finance

  • B.B.A in Accounting

  • MBA (with Finance Concentration)

• Tuition Fees:

  • Undergraduate: ~$18,000/year

  • Postgraduate: ~$22,000/year

• Intake: September & January

• Ranking:

  • QS Arab Region: Top 50

  • High employer reputation in the region

• Notes: English-medium instruction, strong focus on research and business innovation.

5. Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University – Dammam

• Courses Offered:

  • B.Sc. in Accounting

  • B.Sc. in Finance

• Tuition Fees:

  • ~$2,000–$3,000/year

• Intake: September

• Ranking:

  • QS Arab Region: Top 100

• Notes: Public university with good facilities and access to internships in Eastern Province.
   

Universities in Saudi Arabia

Finance and Accounting Courses in Saudi Arabia for Indian Students

 Top Courses in Finance & Accounting

 Undergraduate (Bachelor's Level)

• B.Sc. in Accounting

• B.Sc. in Finance

• BBA in Finance or Accounting

• B.Com-equivalent programs (some offered under broader Business Administration)

 Postgraduate (Master's Level)

• MBA (Finance/Accounting Specialization)

• M.Sc. in Accounting

• M.Sc. in Finance

• Professional Diplomas in Auditing, Taxation, Islamic Finance, etc.

 Top Universities Offering Finance & Accounting for Indian Students

University	Location	Language	Tuition Fees	Scholarships	Notes
King Saud University (KSU)	Riyadh	English/Arabic	$2,000–$4,000/yr	Yes	Public, high QS rank
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)	Jeddah	English/Arabic	$2,500–$5,000/yr	Yes (Fully Funded)	Ranked top in Arab region
Prince Sultan University (Private)	Riyadh	English	$9,000–$11,000/yr	Partial	Top private uni, modern curriculum
Alfaisal University (Private)	Riyadh	English	$18,000–$22,000/yr	Partial merit-based	Excellent business faculty
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University	Dammam	English/Arabic	$2,000–$3,000/yr	Yes	Strong regional ties

 Admission Requirements for Indian Students

For Bachelor's Programs:

• Indian Class 12 (CBSE/ISC or State Board)

• Minimum 60–75% (depending on university)

• IELTS or TOEFL (if applying to English programs)

• Valid passport, visa documents

• Statement of Purpose & recommendation letters (some private universities)

For Master's Programs:

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Business, Finance, Accounting or related fields

• Minimum CGPA: ~2.75/4 or equivalent (~55–60%)

• English proficiency test (IELTS ~6.0+)

• GRE/GMAT (for MBA – sometimes optional)

• Resume/CV + references

 Intake Seasons

• Fall Intake (September) – Main intake for most programs

• Spring Intake (January) – Available in select universities (mostly private)

• Application Periods:

  • October–April (for Fall)

  • May–October (for Spring, if available)

 Scholarships for Indian Students

Government/Public University Scholarships

• Offered by:

  • King Abdulaziz University

  • King Saud University

  • Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud University

• Includes:

  • Full tuition fee waiver

  • Monthly stipend (~800–1000 SAR)

  • Accommodation + health insurance

  • Travel allowances (in some cases)

Other Scholarships

• Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship

• Saudi Government Scholarship for Indian Students

• Merit Scholarships at private universities

 Language of Instruction

• Public universities: Many programs are in Arabic, but Finance/Accounting are increasingly available in English, especially at postgraduate level.

• Private universities (like Alfaisal and Prince Sultan): English-only instruction.

 Living in Saudi Arabia as an Indian Student

• Cost of Living: ~$400–$700/month (accommodation, food, transport)

• Cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam have Indian communities, mosques, and restaurants

• Work During Studies: Limited for international students, but internships are often available

• Safety: Generally very safe with strict laws and expat-friendly environments
   

Study in Saudi Arabia

Bachelors of Finance and Accounting in Saudi Arabia

 Bachelor’s in Finance and Accounting in Saudi Arabia

Degree Names:

• B.Sc. in Finance

• B.Sc. in Accounting

• BBA with Finance/Accounting concentration

 Top Universities Offering Bachelor’s in Finance and Accounting

University	Program	Language	Tuition (per year)	Location
King Saud University (KSU)	B.Sc. in Accounting / Finance	Arabic / English	$2,000–$3,500	Riyadh
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)	B.Sc. in Finance / Accounting	English	$2,500–$4,000	Jeddah
Prince Sultan University (Private)	BBA in Finance / Accounting	English	$9,000–$11,000	Riyadh
Alfaisal University (Private)	BBA in Finance / Accounting	English	$18,000	Riyadh
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University	B.Sc. in Finance / Accounting	Arabic / some English	$2,000–$3,000	Dammam
Dar Al-Hekma University (Private, Women Only)	B.Sc. in Finance / Accounting	English	$8,000–$10,000	Jeddah

 Program Structure (Typical Curriculum)

Years: 4 Years (8 Semesters)

Core Courses:

• Principles of Accounting I & II

• Financial Accounting

• Cost & Managerial Accounting

• Corporate Finance

• Investment & Portfolio Management

• Financial Markets & Institutions

• Auditing & Taxation

• Islamic Finance (offered in most universities)

• Business Law, Ethics, and Governance

 Entry Requirements

For Indian/International Students:

• 12th Grade Completion (CBSE/ISC/State Board)

  • Minimum 60–75% marks (varies by university)

• English Proficiency:

  • IELTS (typically 5.5–6.0) or TOEFL

• SAT/ACT: Optional (some private universities may require it)

• Personal Statement / SOP

• Recommendation Letter(s) (mostly private universities)

• Passport + Valid Visa

• Entrance Test / Interview (sometimes for scholarship applicants)

 Tuition Fees Overview (Annual)

University Type	Estimated Tuition (USD/year)
Public (KSU, KAU, IAU)	$2,000–$4,000
Private (PSU, Alfaisal)	$8,000–$18,000

 Scholarships for Bachelor's Students

1. Government Scholarships (Highly recommended)

• Offered by public universities like KAU, KSU

• Includes:

  • Full tuition waiver

  • Monthly stipend (~800–1000 SAR)

  • Accommodation & health insurance

  • Air ticket once per year

2. University Scholarships

• Merit-based (GPA > 85–90%)

• Offered at Prince Sultan, Alfaisal, Dar Al-Hekma

• Partial fee waivers (up to 30–50%)

 Intake Periods

Intake	Application Period
Fall (September)	January – June
Spring (January)	August – October (not all programs)

 Medium of Instruction

• Public Universities: Mix of Arabic and English

  • Most Finance & Accounting majors now offer English-medium courses, especially in international tracks.

• Private Universities: 100% English

 Career Pathways After Graduation

• Financial Analyst

• Tax Consultant

• Accountant or Auditor

• Risk Analyst

• Investment Advisor

• Islamic Banking Professional

• CPA or CFA (with additional qualifications)
   

Business, Management & Economics in Saudi Arabia

Masters of Finance and Accounting in Saudi Arabia

 Types of Master’s Programs Offered

Degree Title	Focus
M.Sc. in Accounting	Advanced accounting, auditing, taxation, IFRS
M.Sc. in Finance	Investments, corporate finance, risk management
MBA (Finance Track)	Managerial approach with finance specialization
M.Sc. in Islamic Finance	Sharia-compliant banking, Islamic capital markets

 Top Universities Offering Master’s in Finance & Accounting

University	Program	Language	Tuition Fees (USD/year)	City
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)	M.Sc. in Accounting, MBA (Finance)	English	$4,000–$6,000	Jeddah
King Saud University (KSU)	M.Sc. in Accounting, MBA	Arabic / English	$4,000–$6,000	Riyadh
Alfaisal University (Private)	MBA (Finance), M.Sc. in Finance	English	$21,000–$25,000	Riyadh
Prince Sultan University (Private)	MBA (Finance Track)	English	$13,000–$15,000	Riyadh
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University	M.Sc. in Accounting	Arabic / Some English	$3,000–$4,000	Dammam
Islamic University of Madinah	M.Sc. in Islamic Finance	Arabic	Free (with scholarship)	Madinah

 Entry Requirements

For Indian & International Students:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or related

• Minimum GPA: 2.75+/4.0 (~55–60%)

• English proficiency:

  • IELTS (6.0+) / TOEFL iBT (60–80+)

• GMAT/GRE: Optional (required for some MBA programs)

• Transcripts attested (MEA + Saudi Embassy)

• SOP/Personal Statement

• Recommendation Letters (2)

• Resume/CV

 Intake Periods

Semester	Intake Months	Application Period
Fall	August–September	January–May
Spring	January–February	August–October (limited programs)

 Tuition Fees (Per Year)

Type	Fee Range (USD/year)
Public Universities	$2,500 – $6,000
Private Universities	$12,000 – $25,000

 Scholarships for Master’s in Saudi Arabia

Public Universities (Fully Funded)

• King Abdulaziz University, KSU, and others offer:

  • Full tuition waiver

  • Monthly stipend (~850–1,000 SAR)

  • Free accommodation

  • Health insurance + return flight tickets

• Eligibility: High GPA, strong academics, English proficiency

• Application Portal: Usually university-specific online portal

Private Universities

• Alfaisal University and Prince Sultan University offer:

  • Merit-based scholarships (25–50% tuition waiver)

  • Women in Business/Finance scholarships (for eligible applicants)

 Medium of Instruction

• English: Most MBA and Master’s in Finance programs

• Arabic: Some M.Sc. in Accounting (esp. in public universities) — check before applying

‍ Career Opportunities Post Graduation

Graduates can work in:

• Big Four accounting firms (EY, PwC, Deloitte, KPMG)

• Banks & Islamic finance institutions

• Multinational corporations in KSA and Gulf region

• Ministries (Finance, Economy) or Regulatory Authorities (CMA, SAMA)

• Academic or Research roles

Job Roles:

• Financial Analyst

• Chartered Accountant

• Internal/External Auditor

• Risk Manager

• Investment Banker

• Compliance Officer

Why Choose Saudi Arabia for Master’s?

Fully funded scholarships
Tax-free salaries after graduation
Growing finance sector (Vision 2030)
International faculty in top universities
Strong links to regional job markets (UAE, Bahrain, Qatar)
 

MBA in Saudi Arabia

PhD in Finance and Accounting from Saudi Arabia

 Top Universities Offering PhD in Finance or Accounting

University	Programs Offered	Medium	Tuition	Scholarship
King Saud University (KSU)	PhD in Accounting, PhD in Finance	Arabic / Some English	~$3,000/year	Fully Funded (public)
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)	PhD in Accounting, PhD in Finance	English	FREE (for international students)	Fully Funded
Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University	PhD in Islamic Finance / Accounting	Arabic	Low / Free	Funded
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU)	PhD in Accounting	Arabic	~$3,000–$4,000/year	Funded
Prince Sultan University (Private)	Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) – Finance/Accounting focus	English	~$15,000–$20,000/year	Limited funding

 Eligibility & Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or related field

• Minimum GPA of 3.0+/4.0 (or equivalent 75%+)

Language Requirements:

• English programs: IELTS (6.5–7.0) or TOEFL iBT (80+)

• Arabic programs: Proof of proficiency in Arabic (if applicable)

Required Documents:

• Master’s and Bachelor’s transcripts + degrees (attested)

• Passport copy

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• Research proposal aligned with faculty interests

• Recommendation letters (2–3)

• Updated CV/Resume

• Medical certificate (required by most Saudi universities)

 Tuition Fees and Funding

Public Universities:

• Tuition: Mostly free or ~$2,000–$3,000/year

• Full Scholarships Available, including:

  • Tuition waiver

  • Monthly stipend (900–1,300 SAR)

  • Free accommodation

  • Medical insurance

  • Return flight tickets (yearly)

Private Universities:

• Higher fees (~$15,000–$20,000/year)

• Scholarships are merit-based and partial

 Intake & Timeline

Activity	Period
Application Opens	December – March
Selection / Interview	April – May
Results & Visa Processing	June – August
Academic Year Begins	September

 PhD Research Focus Areas

Common research domains include:

• Financial Risk Management

• Corporate Governance

• Forensic Accounting

• Islamic Finance

• Auditing and Compliance

• Behavioral Finance

• Public Sector Accounting

• Capital Markets in Emerging Economies

 Language of Instruction

• English: Widely used at the doctoral level, especially in research-oriented universities like KAU.

• Arabic: Some programs are offered fully or partially in Arabic — mainly in Islamic Finance or public sector institutions.

‍ Post-PhD Career Opportunities

After completing your PhD in Saudi Arabia, you can work as:

• University Professor / Lecturer

• Researcher / Policy Analyst

• Chief Financial Officer / Finance Manager

• Regulatory Consultant (CMA, SAMA)

• Sharia Finance Specialist (if focused on Islamic Finance)

Additionally, Saudi Arabia is investing in education and finance sectors under Vision 2030, creating strong job demandfor PhD holders.

Advantages of Pursuing a PhD in Saudi Arabia

• Fully funded doctoral programs for international students

• Tax-free living and research-friendly environment

• Access to regional data and markets in GCC countries

• Opportunity to collaborate with Islamic finance research centers

• Multicultural academic settings
   

Business Management and Finance Courses in Riyadh

Eligibility Criteria for Finance and Accounting Course Program in Saudi Arabia

 1. Bachelor's Degree (B.Sc. in Finance / Accounting / BBA)

General Eligibility:

• 12th Grade Completion from a recognized board (CBSE/ISC or State Boards)

• Minimum marks: 60–75%

• Strong Math or Business foundation preferred

Documents Required:

• Secondary School Certificate (10th)

• Higher Secondary Certificate (12th)

• Passport copy

• English proficiency test (if applicable):

  • IELTS: 5.0–6.0

  • TOEFL iBT: 60+ (for English-medium programs)

• Medical certificate

• Passport-size photos

Additional:

• Some private universities (e.g., Alfaisal, Prince Sultan) may require:

  • Personal Statement or SOP

  • Letter(s) of Recommendation

  • Entrance Test / Interview

Language of Instruction:

• Public universities: Some programs in Arabic, others in English

• Private universities: Usually English

 2. Master’s Degree (M.Sc. / MBA in Finance or Accounting)

Academic Eligibility:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related fields

• GPA of at least 2.75/4.0 or equivalent (~55–60%)

English Language Requirement:

• IELTS: 6.0–6.5

• TOEFL iBT: 80+

• (Waived in some universities if prior education was in English)

Required Documents:

• Bachelor’s degree and transcripts (attested)

• English language certificate

• Valid passport

• Resume/CV

• Personal Statement (SOP)

• Letters of Recommendation (2)

• Health and medical clearance

Extra (for MBA):

• Work experience: 1–2 years preferred (not always mandatory)

• GMAT/GRE: Sometimes required by private universities

 3. PhD in Finance or Accounting

Academic Requirements:

• Completed Master’s degree in a related field (Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business)

• GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent (~75%+)

Language Requirement:

• IELTS: 6.5–7.0

• TOEFL iBT: 85–100

• Arabic fluency if the program is not offered in English

Documents Required:

• Master’s & Bachelor’s degrees + transcripts (attested)

• Research proposal

• Statement of Purpose

• Letters of Recommendation (2–3)

• English/Arabic proficiency certificate

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Valid passport & medical certificate

 Scholarship Eligibility Criteria (Public Universities)

• Have strong academic records

• Be of good conduct

• Be medically fit

• Not be over age limit (commonly:

  • Bachelor’s: under 25

  • Master’s: under 30

  • PhD: under 35)

Intakes & Application Deadlines for Finance and Accounting Course in Saudi Arabia

 1. Bachelor’s Programs (B.Sc. in Finance / Accounting / BBA)

 Main Intake:

• Fall Semester: September

  •  Application Period: January – May

  • Deadlines vary by university, generally by May 31st

 Secondary Intake (Optional):

• Spring Semester: January (available only at some private universities)

  •  Application Period: August – October

  • Deadline: Typically October 15–31

Popular Universities with Fall Intake:

• King Saud University (KSU)

• King Abdulaziz University (KAU)

• Alfaisal University

• Prince Sultan University

 2. Master’s Programs (M.Sc. / MBA in Finance or Accounting)

 Main Intake:

• Fall Semester: August / September

  •  Application Window: December – April

  • Final Deadline: Usually April 30 (can vary by university)

 Spring Intake (Limited):

• January Intake: Available in select private universities only

  •  Apply between: August – October

  • Deadlines: Mostly by October 30

Popular Master’s Providers:

• King Abdulaziz University (fully funded)

• King Saud University

• Alfaisal University (private)

• Prince Sultan University (private)

 3. PhD Programs in Finance or Accounting

 Only One Major Intake Per Year:

• Fall Semester: Starts in September

  •  Application Period: December – March

  • Final Deadline: Typically March 31

  • Interviews & result processing: April – June

Universities Offering PhDs:

• King Abdulaziz University (KAU)

• King Saud University (KSU)

• Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University

• Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University

 Typical Admission Timeline Overview

Phase	Fall Intake (Sep)	Spring Intake (Jan)
Application Opens	Dec – Jan	Aug – Sep
Application Deadline	Apr – May	Oct – Nov
Admission Decisions	May – June	Nov – Dec
Visa & Travel Processing	June – Aug	Dec – Jan
Semester Begins	Late Aug – Sep	Jan – Feb

Fees for Finance and Accounting Courses in Saudi Arabia

 Universities (Bachelor’s or Master’s Programs)

Institution	Program	Estimated Annual Fees (SAR)
King Saud University (Public)	BSc/MSc in Accounting or Finance	Free to low-cost for citizens
Prince Sultan University	BSc in Finance/Accounting	SAR 50,000 – 70,000
Alfaisal University	BBA with Finance or Accounting major	SAR 80,000 – 100,000
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)	MSc in Finance	SAR 20,000 – 40,000 (subsidized)

‍ Professional Certification Courses

Course	Institution	Estimated Fees (SAR)
ACCA	PwC Academy, Morgan International	SAR 10,000 – 25,000
CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)	CFA Institute (online), Local prep providers	SAR 5,000 – 20,000 (plus exam fees)
CPA (Certified Public Accountant)	Becker, Morgan International	SAR 15,000 – 30,000
CMA (Certified Management Accountant)	Wiley, IMA, local academies	SAR 8,000 – 20,000

 Short Courses / Diplomas

Course Type	Institution	Estimated Fees (SAR)
Finance & Accounting Diplomas	Saudi Electronic University, TVTC	SAR 5,000 – 15,000
Online/Weekend Finance Courses	Udemy, Coursera, Local Training Centers	SAR 500 – 5,000