Checkout the How to Study in Saudi Arabia after 12th....
Apr 10, 2025 11:49:19
King Saud University (Riyadh)
King Abdulaziz University (Jeddah)
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (Dhahran)
Islamic University of Madinah (for male Muslim students)
Umm Al-Qura University (Makkah)
Completed secondary education (high school diploma or equivalent)
Strong academic performance (often minimum GPA or grade requirements)
English or Arabic language proficiency (based on the program's language)
Valid passport
Age between 17 to 25 (varies by university)
High school diploma and transcripts (certified and translated into Arabic or English)
Passport copy
Birth certificate (translated if needed)
Recent passport-size photos
Certificate of good conduct or character
Medical fitness certificate
Language test results (like TOEFL/IELTS for English or Arabic proficiency certificate)
Tuition
Accommodation
Monthly stipend
Health care
Airfare (in some cases)
Visiting the university’s international admissions office (either in person or by contacting via email)
Sending an email to the admissions department requesting the application form and instructions
Submitting all required documents online or by email, depending on the university's process
Once accepted:
The university may issue a student visa invitation or help you apply for a visa through the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
You’ll then need to visit the nearest Saudi embassy/consulate to process your visa.
After your visa is approved:
Book your travel
Inform the university about your arrival
Complete enrollment procedures on arrival
Must have completed high school or equivalent (12th grade).
The certificate must be recognized by the Saudi Ministry of Education.
Some universities require a minimum GPA or percentage (e.g., 80% or above), especially for science and engineering programs.
Generally, you must be between 17 and 25 years old.
Some universities are flexible depending on the program or scholarship.
If the program is in Arabic:
You may need to pass an Arabic proficiency test or take a preparatory Arabic course.
If the program is in English (common in science, engineering, and medicine):
TOEFL or IELTS scores may be required.
Must be medically fit. A medical report is often required.
The report should be from a certified doctor and might need to be verified by a Saudi embassy.
A certificate of good behavior/conduct may be required from your school or a government authority.
Must have a valid passport (usually with at least 6–12 months of validity at the time of applying).
If you're already in Saudi Arabia (e.g., as a dependent), you might need to show a valid Iqama (residency permit).
If you're applying for a government-funded scholarship:
You should not have previously studied in Saudi Arabia on another scholarship.
You may be required to not work while studying.
You may need a recommendation letter or approval from your country’s embassy.
Offers fully funded undergraduate scholarships.
Covers tuition fees, monthly stipend, accommodation, healthcare, and even airfare.
Highly competitive and well-known across the Middle East.
Though primarily known for postgraduate programs, some exceptional international undergraduates may find entry with support.
Strong focus on engineering, science, and business disciplines.
Fully funded or partially funded depending on the program and performance.
Offers scholarships primarily in Islamic Studies, Arabic Language, and some science fields.
Fully funded: includes tuition, monthly allowance, accommodation, meals, and air tickets.
Only available to Muslim male students.
Offers undergraduate scholarships in religious studies and some other academic programs.
Includes free tuition, monthly stipend, housing, and medical care.
Also tends to prioritize Muslim students.
Offers scholarships to talented international students.
Covers tuition, living costs, accommodation, and airfare.
Has strong programs in science, medicine, engineering, and humanities.
Located in Makkah; offers scholarships especially in Islamic Studies, Shariah, Arabic Language, etc.
Fully funded: monthly stipend, accommodation, travel expenses, and medical care.
Preference for Muslim students.
The Saudi government provides scholarships for international students to study at public universities.
Scholarships may cover various fields and are typically fully funded.
Includes tuition fees, monthly stipend, housing, healthcare, and travel.
Top-ranked in Saudi Arabia and often ranks high in the Arab region.
Offers a wide range of undergraduate programs: engineering, medicine, science, humanities, etc.
Strong international student support and generous scholarships.
Specialized in engineering, science, IT, and business.
One of the most prestigious technical universities in the region.
Known for research excellence and close ties with the energy industry (think ARAMCO).
One of the oldest and largest universities in Saudi Arabia.
Offers a diverse range of programs: from medicine and engineering to humanities.
Good infrastructure and academic reputation.
Welcomes international students with scholarship opportunities.
Technically focuses on graduate programs, but partnerships and foundation programs make it relevant.
World-class facilities, international faculty, and cutting-edge research.
Ideal if you plan to stay in Saudi Arabia for undergrad and move into research-heavy fields like AI, biosciences, or renewable energy.
Offers strong programs in health sciences, engineering, and business.
Known for its medical school and advanced learning facilities.
Primarily for Islamic Studies, Shariah, and Arabic Language.
Open to Muslim male students only.
Globally respected for Islamic sciences.
First private university in Saudi Arabia.
Offers modern programs in engineering, business, law, and computer science.
Strong focus on English-language instruction and a more global curriculum.
Preferred field of study (e.g., Engineering, Business, Medicine, Islamic Studies, etc.)
Type of university: Public (free for Saudi citizens) or Private
Language of instruction – Some programs are in Arabic, others in English (especially in medical, engineering, or international tracks)
King Saud University (Riyadh)
King Abdulaziz University (Jeddah)
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (Dhahran)
Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University
Alfaisal University (private)
Prince Sultan University (private)
High school certificate (with attestation if you're international)
High GPA (minimum varies by program and university)
Qudrat and Tahsili exams for Saudi nationals (similar to SAT)
English proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL) – if applying to English-medium programs
Valid passport or national ID
Medical certificate (in some cases)
Saudi nationals: Qudrat (General Aptitude Test) + Tahsili (Subject Achievement Test)
International students: May need SAT, ACT, or local equivalents depending on the program
English proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS (if required)
High school transcripts and certificate
Passport/national ID
Recent photos
Test scores (if any)
Medical certificate
Recommendation letters (some private universities)
Statement of Purpose or personal essay (usually for private or international programs)
Most Saudi universities have online admission portals
You’ll create an account, fill in your details, upload documents, and submit the application
Some universities allow you to select multiple programs in order of preference
Application period: Usually opens around June-July and closes by August (but varies by university)
Universities typically announce results within a few weeks after the deadline
If accepted, you’ll receive an official offer and further instructions
Accept the offer on the university portal
Submit any final documents
Pay fees (for private universities)
Register for orientation and classes
Admission letter from a Saudi university
Valid passport
Medical clearance
Visa application via Saudi embassy or consulate
Apply early – some universities are competitive
Keep scanned copies of all documents ready
If you’re an expat in Saudi Arabia, check if you qualify as a "resident student" for easier application
Arabic fluency is important for many programs, especially in public universities
