Checkout the Marketing Courses and Universities in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 03, 2025 10:20:02
Programs Offered: Engineering, Medicine, Business, Computer Science, Islamic Studies, Humanities, Law
Tuition Fees: Public university – many programs are free or heavily subsidized, especially for scholarship recipients
Intake: Primarily September (Fall), with some programs accepting January (Spring) intake
Ranking: QS World University Ranking (2024): ~237 globally, Top 5 in Arab region
Highlights:
Offers scholarships to international students covering tuition, accommodation, and living stipend. Strong research infrastructure.
Programs Offered: Engineering, Sciences, Environmental Design, Arts, Law, Economics, Business, Medical Sciences
Tuition Fees: Fully-funded scholarships available; self-funded students pay approx. SAR 20,000–40,000/year
Intake: Fall intake in September
Ranking: QS World University Ranking (2024): ~143 globally
Highlights:
KAU is known for its generous fully funded scholarships for international students. Offers online and distance programs as well.
Programs Offered: Engineering (Petroleum, Chemical, Electrical), Computer Science, Business, Industrial Management
Tuition Fees: Free for international students under graduate & postgraduate scholarship programs
Intake: Primarily Fall, limited Spring intake for some programs
Ranking: QS World University Ranking (2024): ~180 globally
Highlights:
Highly research-focused university, especially in STEM fields. Attracts high-performing international graduate students.
(Women-only university)
Programs Offered: Health Sciences, Education, Business, Computer Sciences, Design, Languages
Tuition Fees: Varies by program (~SAR 20,000–35,000/year); scholarships available for international female students
Intake: September (Fall)
Ranking: One of the largest women’s universities globally; not ranked in QS but regionally prominent
Highlights:
Safe, female-centered academic environment. Offers housing and Arabic-language support.
Programs Offered: Medicine, Business, Engineering, Science, Pharmacy
Tuition Fees: Higher-end private institution (~SAR 90,000–110,000/year depending on program)
Intake: September (Fall), limited Spring intake
Ranking: QS Arab Region Ranking: Top 15
Highlights:
English-medium instruction. Modern campus and international faculty. Strong partnerships with global institutions.
Programs Offered: Islamic Studies, Arabic, Sharia, Quranic Studies, and some Science and Engineering programs
Tuition Fees: Free for international students, including accommodation and monthly stipend
Intake: September (Fall)
Ranking: Not globally ranked, but highly respected in the Islamic world
Course: BBA in Marketing / MBA with specialization in Marketing
Medium: English
Fees: Approx. SAR 20,000–35,000 per year for self-funded students
(Scholarships available for high-performing international students)
Intake: September (Fall)
Eligibility: High school or bachelor’s degree + English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Highlights:
One of the top-ranked universities in Saudi Arabia
Strong business and economics faculty
Offers distance learning and scholarships
Course: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) – Marketing Track
MBA – Marketing & Strategic Management
Medium: English
Fees: SAR 95,000–110,000 per year
Intake: Fall (September), limited Spring intake
Eligibility: SAT/ACT or Alfaisal Admission Test, English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+)
Highlights:
International environment with modern teaching methods
Indian students often choose this for its English-taught programs
Offers business internships and project-based learning
Course: BBA in Marketing / MBA in Marketing
Medium: English
Fees: Approx. SAR 65,000–85,000 per year
Intake: September (Fall), Spring intake also available
Eligibility: Standard academic requirements + English test
Highlights:
Strong industry ties with private sector companies in Saudi
Co-ed but with gender-segregated classes
Offers exchange programs with US and European universities
Course: BBA – Marketing / MSc in Marketing
Medium: Mostly Arabic for undergrad, some postgrad in English
Fees: Public university – scholarships available, otherwise nominal fee (~SAR 10,000–20,000/year)
Intake: Fall intake
Eligibility: Arabic proficiency may be required for undergrad
Highlights:
Best for students proficient in Arabic or willing to study it
Offers government scholarships covering tuition and housing
Strong reputation across the Arab region
Course: Bachelor of Marketing / MBA in Marketing
Medium: English
Fees: Approx. SAR 70,000–90,000 per year
Intake: September (Fall)
Eligibility: High school + English proficiency
Highlights:
Female-focused learning environment
Popular among international female students
Emphasis on creativity, branding, and digital marketing
Language: Many universities offer business/marketing programs in English, especially at private or postgraduate level.
Visa: Student visa is arranged after university acceptance.
Living Costs: Approx. SAR 2,000–3,000/month depending on lifestyle and city.
Scholarships: KAU, KSU, and Islamic universities offer fully funded scholarships to qualified international students.
Work Opportunities: Limited part-time work opportunities for international students.
Program: Diploma in Marketing / Diploma in Sales & Marketing
Duration: 2 years
Medium: Mostly Arabic, though some institutes may offer English tracks
Fees: Heavily subsidized – typically SAR 5,000–10,000/year
Intake: September (Fall) primarily
Eligibility: High school certificate; Arabic language skills preferred
Highlights:
Government-run vocational training body
Practical focus: sales, retail, consumer behavior, advertising
Preferred by students looking for quick entry into job market
Program: Diploma in Business with Marketing specialization
Duration: 1.5 to 2 years (modular structure)
Medium: English
Fees: Approx. SAR 8,000–12,000/year
Intake: September (Fall), and possible Spring intake
Eligibility: High school certificate + English language proficiency
Highlights:
Open learning structure with flexibility
Good for part-time students or working professionals
Affiliated with Open University UK
Program: Professional Diploma in Marketing & Communications
Duration: 1 year
Medium: English
Fees: Approx. SAR 20,000–30,000 total
Intake: Multiple intakes per year
Eligibility: High school diploma or bachelor’s + English test
Highlights:
Industry-focused training (branding, digital marketing, social media strategy)
Great for career switchers or entry-level marketers
Modern campus and career support
Program: Associate Degree / Diploma in Marketing
Duration: 2 years
Medium: English
Fees: Approx. SAR 15,000–25,000/year
Intake: Fall and Spring
Eligibility: High school diploma, English test (IELTS/TOEFL or internal exam)
Highlights:
Offers job-ready diploma programs
Focus on business communication, marketing principles, advertising
International student friendly
Program: Diploma in Marketing or Business Administration (Marketing focus)
Duration: 2 years
Medium: Mostly Arabic
Fees: Low-cost (government funded or free for some categories)
Intake: Fall semester (August–September)
Highlights:
Vocational and applied education
Recognized across the Gulf job market
Some campuses have international partnerships
Program: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) – Marketing Track
Duration: 4 years
Medium of Instruction: English
Fees: SAR 90,000–110,000/year
Intake: Fall (September); limited Spring intake
Eligibility:
High school diploma
IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent
Entrance test or SAT/ACT (optional for some tracks)
Highlights:
One of the most prestigious private universities in Saudi Arabia
Strong international partnerships and internship opportunities
Curriculum includes digital marketing, branding, consumer behavior, and market analytics
Program: Bachelor of Marketing / BBA with Marketing Concentration
Duration: 4 years
Medium of Instruction: English
Fees: SAR 65,000–85,000/year
Intake: Fall (September) and Spring
Eligibility:
High school diploma
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Admission test or interview
Highlights:
Co-ed university (gender-segregated classes)
Accredited by NCAAA and offers American-style education
Strong industry connections with Saudi and global companies
Program: Bachelor of Marketing (BSc)
Duration: 4 years
Medium of Instruction: English
Fees: Approx. SAR 70,000–90,000/year
Intake: Fall semester (September)
Eligibility:
High school diploma
English language proficiency
Personal interview
Highlights:
All-women university with a creative and business-driven curriculum
Focus on branding, digital media, marketing research
Offers internships and hands-on learning projects
Program: Bachelor in Marketing & E-Commerce
Duration: 4 years
Medium of Instruction: English
Fees: SAR 45,000–55,000/year
Intake: Fall and Spring
Eligibility:
High school diploma (science or business preferred)
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or internal placement test)
Highlights:
Special focus on digital marketing and online business
International student-friendly with support services
Emphasis on practical skills and job readiness
Program: Bachelor in Business Administration – Marketing Track
Duration: 4 years
Medium of Instruction: Arabic (mostly); some English in business modules
Fees: Public university – Free for scholarship holders, ~SAR 15,000–25,000/year self-funded
Intake: September (Fall)
Eligibility:
High school diploma
Arabic proficiency preferred
Competitive admission for scholarships
Highlights:
One of the top public universities in Saudi Arabia
Fully-funded scholarships available for high-achieving international students
Strong business and management faculty
Program: BBA – Marketing
Duration: 4 years
Medium: Mostly Arabic
Fees: Public university – low cost or free for scholarship students
Intake: September (Fall)
Eligibility: High GPA, Arabic language ability required
Highlights:
One of the oldest and most prestigious public universities in the region
Focuses on both theory and practical application
Excellent reputation among employers in the Gulf
Program: Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Marketing Concentration
Duration: 2 years (can be completed in 1.5 years)
Language of Instruction: English
Fees: Approx. SAR 120,000–140,000 total
Intake: Fall (September), Spring intake also available
Eligibility:
Bachelor’s degree (preferably in business-related field)
IELTS 6.0+ / TOEFL iBT 70+
GMAT/GRE optional (may improve scholarship chances)
Highlights:
One of the most reputable private universities in Saudi Arabia
Strong focus on marketing analytics, brand strategy, digital marketing, and consumer behavior
Modern teaching style with international faculty
Program: Master of Science in Marketing
Duration: 2 years
Language of Instruction: Primarily Arabic, some electives in English
Fees: Free for scholarship holders; self-funded: ~SAR 20,000–30,000/year
Intake: Fall (September)
Eligibility:
Bachelor's degree in business/marketing
Arabic proficiency required (unless on special track)
High GPA and academic achievements for scholarship
Highlights:
Government-funded public university with a strong academic reputation
Fully-funded scholarships for international students (including stipend, tuition, housing)
Focus on theory, research, and applied marketing practices
Program: MBA with Marketing Specialization
Duration: 2 years (part-time and evening options available)
Language of Instruction: English
Fees: Approx. SAR 80,000–100,000 total
Intake: Fall and Spring
Eligibility:
Bachelor’s degree
English proficiency
Interview and experience preferred
Highlights:
American-style curriculum
Flexible format (ideal for working professionals)
Courses in strategic marketing, branding, global marketing, and digital campaigns
Program: Master in Marketing (MSc)
Duration: 2 years
Language of Instruction: Arabic
Fees: SAR 10,000–20,000/year (public university)
Intake: Fall semester
Eligibility:
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related field
Arabic language proficiency
Highlights:
Suitable for Arabic-speaking international students
Curriculum includes marketing research, analytics, and strategic decision-making
Strong ties with industries in Eastern Province
Program: MSc in Marketing
Duration: 2 years
Language: Mainly Arabic
Fees: Low or free (for scholarship students)
Intake: Fall semester
Eligibility:
Bachelor’s degree
Arabic fluency (required)
Highlights:
One of Saudi’s most prestigious public universities
Highly competitive for scholarships
Strong academic research environment
Program: PhD in Business Administration – Marketing Track
Duration: 3 to 5 years
Language of Instruction: Arabic
Fees: Free for scholarship students (including monthly stipend and housing)
Intake: Fall (September)
Eligibility:
Master’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field
Arabic proficiency required
High academic record (GPA 3.75/5 or above)
Entrance exam and interview
Highlights:
One of the top research institutions in the Arab world
Offers fully funded scholarships to international students
Strong emphasis on academic research and publications
Program: PhD in Business Administration – Marketing Focus
Duration: 4 years
Language of Instruction: Arabic, but some supervisors accept English dissertations
Fees: Fully funded scholarships available for international students
Intake: September
Eligibility:
Master’s degree with research thesis
IELTS 5.5+ or equivalent (for English track)
Strong academic and research background
Highlights:
Internationally ranked public university (Top 150 globally)
Fully funded KAU Scholarship includes tuition, living allowance, and airfare
Faculty involved in global marketing research and publications
Program: PhD in Business Administration – Marketing Specialization
Duration: 3 to 5 years
Language of Instruction: Arabic
Fees: Free for scholarship students
Intake: Fall
Eligibility:
Master’s in Marketing or related field
Arabic fluency mandatory
Written test and oral interview
Highlights:
Focus on Islamic business ethics and regional marketing practices
Good for students looking into Islamic marketing or culturally-rooted marketing strategies
Competitive admission
Program: PhD in Economics/Business with Marketing-related topics
Duration: 3–4 years
Language of Instruction: Arabic
Fees: Fully funded for all international students (includes stipend, housing, airfare)
Eligibility:
Master’s degree in relevant field
Strong Islamic academic background preferred
Arabic proficiency required
Highlights:
Designed primarily for Muslim international students
Specializes in Islamic economics, finance, and marketing
Offers complete funding and religious academic environment
Program: PhD in Business Administration (expected to include Marketing focus soon – check with admissions)
Duration: Typically 3–5 years
Language: English
Fees: Estimated SAR 150,000–200,000 total (no full scholarships yet)
Intake: Varies; by cohort or rolling basis
Eligibility:
Master’s degree (preferably with thesis)
Research proposal
English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+)
Highlights:
American-style education with international faculty
Ideal for those seeking English-language doctoral study in a private setting
Focus on innovation, digital economy, and marketing tech
Master’s degree (thesis-based preferred)
Transcripts & attested certificates
Statement of Purpose (SOP) or research proposal
CV/Resume
2–3 Recommendation Letters
Language Proficiency (Arabic or English depending on program)
Entrance exam/interview (for most public universities)
Passport copy & photographs
High school certificate (Grade 12 or equivalent)
Some institutions may require science, commerce, or arts stream
Minimum GPA: Around 60% or more
Language:
Arabic-taught diplomas: Arabic fluency may be required
English-taught diplomas: IELTS 4.5–5.0 or equivalent (may vary)
Age Limit: Usually between 17 to 25 years
High school certificate (attested)
Passport
Medical report
Proof of language proficiency (if required)
12th-grade completion / Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
Stream: Commerce, Business, or General stream accepted
Minimum GPA:
Private universities: 70–80%
Public universities with scholarships: 85–90% or above
English-medium: IELTS 5.5–6.0 / TOEFL iBT 60+
Arabic-medium: Arabic fluency or readiness to take language prep year
Entrance exam (in some private universities)
Interview or essay (optional)
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field
Minimum GPA:
Public universities: Very Good (3.0/4.0 or equivalent)
Private: 2.5–3.0/4.0
English-taught programs: IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL iBT 70+
Arabic programs: Arabic fluency
GMAT/GRE (optional or for scholarship applicants)
Work experience (especially in executive MBAs)
Bachelor’s transcripts
Passport copy
Resume/CV
SOP or motivation letter
Recommendation letters
Master’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related field
Research thesis at master’s level is usually required
Minimum GPA: 3.5/5.0 (or ~2.8/4.0); higher for scholarship consideration
Language Proficiency:
Arabic-taught: Arabic fluency
English-taught (rare): IELTS 6.5–7.0 or equivalent
Research Proposal is typically required
May include entrance exam + interview
Master’s degree and transcripts
Research proposal
Letters of recommendation (2–3)
CV/academic resume
Proof of English or Arabic proficiency
Passport, photos, medical report
Intake Season |
Month |
Common Across |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall Intake (Main) |
August – September |
All levels: Diploma, UG, PG, PhD |
|
Spring Intake (Limited) |
January – February |
Some private universities (UG & MBA) |
Main Intake: September
Application Opens: April – June
Deadline: July to early August
Private colleges may have rolling admissions until seats are filled.
Fall Intake:
Application Period: February – June
Deadlines: Typically by May–June for international students
Spring Intake (if available – private universities only):
Application Period: October – December
Deadline: Around mid-December
Public universities (KAU, KSU) admit only once a year in the Fall.
Fall Intake (Main):
Applications Open: January – March
Deadline: May – June
Spring Intake (Private universities only):
Applications Open: September
Deadline: November – December
Some top public universities require early application 6–8 months in advance due to scholarship processing.
Only Fall Intake: September
Application Window: January – March/April
Deadline: Usually by end of April or early May
Scholarship Deadline: Same as application — early submissions encouraged
Most PhD applications also include research proposal review and interview scheduling after the deadline.
Institution Type |
Tuition Fee (per year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Public Institutes (e.g., TVTC) |
SAR 5,000–10,000 |
Often subsidized or free for Saudi citizens; international students may pay nominal fees |
|
Private Colleges (e.g., Jeddah International College) |
SAR 15,000–25,000 |
English-taught; more modern facilities |
(4-year undergraduate program)
University |
Type |
Annual Fees (SAR) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Alfaisal University – Riyadh |
Private |
90,000–110,000 |
One of the most prestigious private universities |
|
Prince Sultan University – Riyadh |
Private |
65,000–85,000 |
English-medium, flexible payment plans |
|
Jeddah International College |
Private |
45,000–55,000 |
Focus on e-commerce & digital marketing |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
Public |
Free (scholarship) / 15,000–25,000(self-funded) |
Scholarships available for international students |
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
Public |
Free (with scholarship) |
Mostly Arabic-medium |
(1.5 to 2 years)
University |
Type |
Total Fees (SAR) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Alfaisal University – Riyadh |
Private |
120,000–140,000 total |
MBA with Marketing concentration |
|
Prince Sultan University – Riyadh |
Private |
80,000–100,000 total |
English-taught, part-time options available |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
Public |
Free (with scholarship) / ~SAR 20,000–30,000/year self-funded |
Highly competitive scholarship |
|
Imam Abdulrahman University |
Public |
~10,000–20,000/year |
Arabic-medium only |
(3–5 years, research-based)
University |
Type |
Tuition Fees |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
Public |
Free (with full scholarship) |
Includes tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, ticket |
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
Public |
Free for scholarship holders |
Competitive admission |
|
Islamic University of Madinah |
Public |
Free (for Muslim males) |
Arabic-medium only |
|
Prince Sultan University |
Private |
Approx. 150,000–200,000total |
For students looking for English-medium PhD options (limited) |
1 Saudi Riyal (SAR) ≈ 22 INR (approx. as of April 2025)
So, for example:
SAR 90,000/year = 19.8 lakhs/year
SAR 20,000/year = 4.4 lakhs/year
Public universities (like KAU, KSU, IU) offer full scholarships covering:
100% tuition
Monthly stipend (SAR 1,900–2,200)
Housing or allowance
Medical insurance
Airfare (annually or upon arrival/departure)
Private universities may offer:
Merit-based discounts (10–30%)
Sibling/Family discounts
Early payment benefits
