How to Study in Saudi Arabia

How to apply for university in Saudi Arabia as an international student

1. Research Universities & Programs

• King Saud University (Riyadh)

• King Abdulaziz University (Jeddah)

• King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (Dhahran)

• Islamic University of Madinah (special focus on Islamic studies)

• Umm Al-Qura University (Makkah)

Look into:

• Programs offered

• Language of instruction (Arabic or English)

• Scholarships or fully-funded programs

2. Meet the Eligibility Requirements

• A high school diploma (or equivalent)

• Transcripts (translated to Arabic or English)

• Proof of language proficiency:

  • English: TOEFL or IELTS for English programs

  • Arabic: Some programs require Arabic proficiency

• Passport (valid)

• Recommendation letters (some universities)

• Medical clearance

3. Apply for Scholarships (Optional but Recommended!)

Many Saudi universities offer fully-funded scholarships to international students. For example:

• King Abdulaziz University Scholarship (Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD)

• Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship

• Saudi Government Scholarship Program

These scholarships usually cover:

• Tuition fees

• Monthly stipend

• Accommodation

• Health care

• Travel tickets

4. Submit Online Application

• Create an account

• Fill in personal and academic info

• Upload documents (certificates, transcripts, passport, etc.)

• Submit the application before the deadline

Make sure you double-check deadlines, as they vary between universities and programs.

5. Wait for Acceptance & Visa Instructions

If accepted:

• You’ll receive an admission letter

• The university may help facilitate your student visa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• You'll likely need to visit the Saudi embassy or consulate in your country with the documents

6. Prepare to Move

Once you get your visa, prepare to travel:

• Book flights

• Arrange housing (on-campus or private)

• Get vaccinations or medical checks if required

• Familiarize yourself with Saudi culture, customs, and laws

Universities in Saudi Arabia

Best universities in Saudi Arabia for international students

 Top Universities in Saudi Arabia for International Students

1. King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah

Why it's great:

• Offers fully-funded scholarships for international students

• Strong in science, engineering, and medical fields

• Ranked among the top universities in the Arab region and globally

• Many English-taught postgraduate programs

2. King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh

Why it's great:

• Oldest university in Saudi Arabia

• Highly respected across the Middle East

• Offers various graduate programs in English

• Known for research excellence, especially in science and medicine

• Offers scholarships for non-Saudis

3. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) – Dhahran

Why it's great:

• Elite technical university, highly selective

• Strong focus on engineering, petroleum, IT, and business

• Ranked among the top engineering schools in the region

• Mostly male-only, but open to international applicants

• Offers fully-funded Master’s and PhD programs

4. Islamic University of Madinah – Madinah

Why it's great:

• Ideal for students pursuing Islamic studies, Shariah, or Arabic

• Offers 100% scholarships to international students

• Provides housing, airfare, and monthly stipends

• Male-only, mainly focused on undergraduate education

5. Umm Al-Qura University – Makkah

Why it's great:

• Known for Islamic studies, Arabic language, and also has engineering, medicine, etc.

• Offers programs for international students, especially those pursuing religious studies

• Good location for those interested in Islamic heritage

• Offers scholarships for certain programs

6. Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University – Riyadh

Why it's great:

• Largest women-only university in the world

• Offers programs in health sciences, education, engineering, and business

• Welcomes international female students

7. Alfaisal University – Riyadh (Private)

Why it's great:

• International, English-medium university

• Strong focus on medicine, business, and engineering

• Diverse student body (lots of expats and international students)

• Tuition fees apply, but scholarships and financial aid are available

Study in Saudi Arabia

Scholarships for international students in Saudi Arabia

1. King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Scholarships – Jeddah

Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
What it covers:

• Full tuition

• Monthly stipend

• Free accommodation

• Round-trip airfare

• Health care

• Access to university facilities
  Fields: Engineering, Sciences, Arts, Law, IT, Business, and more
  One of the most generous scholarships for international students.

2. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) Scholarship – Dhahran

Degree Levels: Master’s, PhD
What it covers:

• Full tuition waiver

• Monthly stipend

• Free furnished housing

• Books, meals, and transportation

• Airfare
  Fields: Engineering, Sciences, Computer Science, Business
  Highly competitive; known for strong research and tech programs.

3. King Saud University (KSU) Scholarship – Riyadh

Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
What it covers:

• Monthly stipend

• Accommodation

• Health care

• Airfare
  Fields: Sciences, Humanities, Health Sciences, Engineering
  Offers scholarships especially to students from outside Saudi Arabia.

4. Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship – Madinah

Degree Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
What it covers:

• Monthly allowance

• Free housing and meals

• Medical care

• Round-trip airline ticket annually
  Fields: Islamic Studies, Arabic Language, Shariah, Hadith, etc.
  Open to Muslim male students worldwide.

5. Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University Scholarship – Riyadh

Degree Levels: Undergraduate, Graduate
What it covers:

• Monthly stipend

• Housing

• Medical care

• Travel tickets
  Fields: Islamic Studies, Arabic Language, Humanities
  Similar to Islamic University of Madinah but located in Riyadh.

6. Umm Al-Qura University Scholarship – Makkah

Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
What it covers:

• Full tuition

• Monthly stipend

• Accommodation

• Health insurance

• Airfare
  Fields: Islamic Studies, Arabic, Sciences, Engineering, Medicine
  Especially strong for Islamic and Arabic programs.

7. Saudi Government Scholarships (Ministry of Education)

Degree Levels: All (Undergrad, Master’s, PhD)
These are offered via Saudi embassies or directly through universities.
What it covers:

• Tuition

• Monthly allowance

• Accommodation

• Medical care

• Visa and travel expenses
  You can apply either directly to a university or via the Saudi Embassy in your country.

General Scholarship Requirements

• Good academic record

• Valid passport

• Medical clearance

• Language proficiency (Arabic or English depending on program)

• Muslim applicants are often prioritized for Islamic universities

• Male and female students may have different campuses or institutions

Business, Management & Economics in Saudi Arabia

Is Saudi Arabia a good place to study 

 Why Saudi Arabia Can Be a Good Place to Study

1.  Quality Education

• Home to top-ranked universities in the Arab world (e.g., King Abdulaziz, King Saud, KFUPM).

• Offers English-taught programs, especially in sciences, engineering, IT, and medicine.

• Strong government investment in research and development.

2.  Generous Scholarships

• Many fully-funded scholarships are available for international students.

• Benefits often include tuition, monthly stipend, housing, healthcare, and airfare.

• Some programs even offer free Arabic language training.

3.  Cultural and Religious Significance

• It’s the birthplace of Islam — studying here can be deeply meaningful for Muslim students.

• Cities like Makkah and Madinah offer unique spiritual experiences.

• Universities like the Islamic University of Madinah focus on Islamic studies and Arabic language.

4.  Diverse Student Community

• Students from all over the world — especially Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

• Some universities are becoming more internationalized in recent years.

5.  Modern Infrastructure

• Rapid development in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran.

• New projects like NEOM and Vision 2030 are transforming the country.

But There Are a Few Things to Consider:

1.  Cultural Differences

• Saudi Arabia is conservative, especially compared to Western countries.

• Dress codes, gender segregation in some areas, and religious rules are strictly followed.

2.  Language Barrier

• While many degree programs are in English, daily life is mostly in Arabic.

• Learning some Arabic can really help you adapt.

3. ‍‍‍ Male/Female Campuses

• Some universities have separate campuses for men and women.

• Opportunities may differ depending on gender, especially in traditional universities.

4.  Lifestyle Adjustments

• No alcohol, limited entertainment compared to some countries.

• Social norms might take some getting used to — but the environment is improving and modernizing fast.

Study in Saudi Arabia Fees and Cost of Accomodation

Cost of studying and living in Saudi Arabia for foreigners

 Tuition Fees

• Public Universities:
  Many public universities offer free education to international students through scholarships (e.g., King Saud University, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals).

  • These scholarships often include:

    • Full tuition coverage

    • Monthly stipend (~$250–$800 USD/month)

    • Free accommodation

    • Medical care

    • Subsidized meals

• Private Universities:
  Tuition can range from:

  • $6,000 – $20,000 USD per year depending on the program and university (business and engineering programs are usually more expensive).

 Living Costs

Category	Monthly Cost (USD)	Notes
Rent	$300 – $800	Shared or student housing is cheaper. Riyadh and Jeddah are more expensive.
Food	$150 – $300	Eating at home is much cheaper than dining out.
Transportation	$50 – $100	Taxis and Uber are common; public transport is limited but expanding.
Internet & Mobile	$20 – $50	Affordable mobile data plans and home WiFi.
Miscellaneous	$50 – $100	Entertainment, clothes, etc.

MBA in Saudi Arabia