Checkout the How to Apply for Study in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 01, 2025 04:50:41
King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) – Dhahran
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah
Princess Nourah University – Riyadh (women only)
Islamic University of Madinah (accepts international students, especially from Muslim countries)
High School Certificate (translated into Arabic or English)
Transcript with grades (certified)
Good GPA (usually above 80-90% or equivalent)
Language Proficiency:
Arabic programs: may require Arabic proficiency
English programs: TOEFL/IELTS (or university’s English test)
Some universities may require:
SAT/ACT (for science/engineering programs)
Qudurat/Tahseely (Saudi national aptitude tests, more for locals)
Usually needed:
Valid passport
High school diploma (authenticated)
Academic transcript
Photo
Medical report
Recommendation letters (some universities)
Statement of Purpose (sometimes)
Register on the university admissions portal
Fill in personal and academic details
Upload required documents
Submit before the application deadline
Admission Timeline:
Applications typically open: May–July
Academic year starts: September
You’ll receive an admission letter
Begin your visa process (for international students)
Start preparing for travel and accommodation
Apply for a student visa with your acceptance letter
Arrange for travel to Saudi Arabia
Some universities offer accommodation and stipends, especially for religious studies or scholarships
Islamic University of Madinah – for Muslim male students
KAU Scholarships – postgraduate scholarships (Master’s, PhD)
KFUPM Scholarships – for engineering and science fields
These scholarships may cover:
Tuition
Accommodation
Monthly stipend
Health care
Travel tickets (in some cases)
Must have completed high school (or equivalent).
Usually requires a minimum GPA (often above 80-90% or equivalent).
Some programs may require specific subjects or grades in math/science for STEM fields.
Must have a recognized Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Minimum GPA requirements vary (commonly 3.0/4.0 or equivalent).
May require work experience, especially for MBA-type programs.
Must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field.
Strong academic record and often research proposal is needed.
Bachelor’s: 17–25 years old
Master’s: up to 30 years old
PhD: up to 35–40 years old
Arabic-taught programs: Proficiency in Arabic (some may require a test or certificate).
English-taught programs: Need to show TOEFL or IELTS scores.
TOEFL iBT: Usually 60–80+
IELTS: 5.5–6.5+
A medical exam is usually required.
You’ll need a health certificate confirming you're free from infectious diseases.
You may need a certificate of good conduct or police clearance.
Clean academic and disciplinary record.
Hold a valid passport from your country.
Meet all academic and language requirements.
Comply with visa regulations.
Be Muslim if applying to Islamic universities (e.g., Islamic University of Madinah).
Some universities give priority to students from countries with diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia.
Open to both male and female students
English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL)
Good academic record
Must be Muslim and male
High school diploma
Must be between 17–25 years old
Good conduct and Islamic character
Student visa granted after acceptance
Passport valid for at least 6 months
Medical check + police clearance
Proof of financial support (or scholarship)
Valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity)
Passport-sized photos (usually white background, recent)
High school diploma or certificate (translated and certified)
Academic transcripts of high school (with grades, translated into Arabic or English)
Bachelor’s/Master’s degree certificate
Official transcripts of previous education
Equivalency certificate (if required by the Saudi Ministry of Education)
IELTS or TOEFL test scores (if applying for English-taught programs)
Arabic proficiency certificate (for Arabic-taught programs, if applicable)
Recommendation letters (usually 2, especially for Master’s or PhD)
Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Motivation Letter
CV or Resume (for postgraduate applicants)
Medical fitness certificate (usually a general health check, including blood tests and chest X-ray)
Police clearance certificate or certificate of good conduct
Application form (submitted online through the university’s portal)
Visa application form (once accepted)
Proof of financial support (if self-funded)
Scholarship letter (if awarded one)
Birth certificate (sometimes requested)
Islamic faith certificate (if applying to Islamic universities like the Islamic University of Madinah)
Parental consent letter (for applicants under 18)
Proof of accommodation (or university housing confirmation)
Travel itinerary (when applying for a visa)
Translate all documents into Arabic or English, depending on the university.
Notarize or certify important documents (transcripts, diplomas, etc.).
Keep both hard and soft copies ready (scanned PDFs are usually uploaded online).
You must receive an official admission letter from a recognized university in Saudi Arabia.
If you’re on a scholarship, you’ll also receive a sponsorship or scholarship letter.
Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months)
Passport-sized photographs (white background)
Copies of your academic certificates (high school, bachelor's, etc.)
Transcripts, certified and translated into Arabic or English
Medical report (authenticated by a government health authority; includes general health check, blood tests, and chest X-ray)
Police clearance certificate or certificate of good conduct
University admission letter
Visa application form (from the Saudi embassy or consulate)
Visa fee payment receipt
Sponsorship letter (if on a scholarship)
Proof of accommodation (if required)
Parental consent letter (if under 18)
Educational documents attested by your country’s Ministry of Education and Foreign Affairs
Medical report and police clearance authenticated
All documents may also need to be verified by the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in your country
Visit the Saudi Arabian Embassy or Consulate in your country
Submit the visa application along with all supporting documents
Some embassies may require an interview
Visa processing time can range from a few days to several weeks
Once approved, you’ll receive your student visa stamp in your passport
Enter the country before your visa expires
Upon arrival, your university will usually help you:
Register your Iqama (residence permit)
Get a health insurance card
Open a bank account
Settle in housing (dorm or apartment)
