Checkout the Master Courses in Saudi Arabia....
Mar 27, 2025 02:07:54
Fully-funded scholarships for international students (especially from countries with strong diplomatic ties).
High-quality universities like King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), King Saud University (KSU), and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM).
State-of-the-art research facilities and partnerships with global institutions.
Opportunities to study Islamic culture, Arabic, and Middle Eastern geopolitics up close.
KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology)
Focus on science and technology.
All students are on a fully-funded scholarship (tuition, housing, stipend, etc.).
English-taught programs.
KFUPM (King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals)
Strong in engineering, science, and business.
Offers scholarships to international graduate students.
KSU (King Saud University)
One of the oldest and largest in the region.
Wide range of graduate programs, especially in medicine, science, and humanities.
Bachelor's degree in a related field.
Good academic standing (usually minimum GPA 3.0 or equivalent).
English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) – some programs require it, especially if taught in English.
Letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, CV.
Research proposal (for PhD applicants).
Some universities may require GRE (especially for science/engineering).
Full tuition coverage
Monthly stipend
Free housing
Medical insurance
Round-trip airfare
International students from many countries are eligible. Some universities prioritize students from Muslim-majority countries, but many accept students globally.
Fall intake (September) is common.
Applications typically open 6–9 months in advance.
Deadlines vary, so check each university's official website.
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
King Saud University (KSU)
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University
Prince Sultan University (private)
Alfaisal University (private)
Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Data Science
Applied Mathematics
Environmental Science
Marine Science
Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, and Chemical Engineering
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Finance
Accounting
Marketing
Human Resource Management
Supply Chain Management
Public Health
Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Nursing
Pharmacy
Medical Physics
Islamic Studies
Arabic Language and Literature
History
Sociology
Psychology
Political Science
Sharia Law
Quranic Studies
Hadith Studies
Islamic Jurisprudence
Sustainable Development
Agricultural Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Water Resources Management
Many Master’s programs (especially in science, engineering, and business) are taught in English, particularly at KAUST and KFUPM.
Programs in Islamic studies, Arabic literature, and some humanities fields are taught in Arabic.
Usually 2 years (full-time).
Some programs may include a research thesis; others may offer a coursework-only track.
Bachelor's degree in a related field
Good GPA (often 3.0 out of 4.0 or equivalent)
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) for English-taught programs
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement or study plan
Sometimes a CV or resume
Bachelor’s Degree
Must have a recognized bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Usually requires a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or its equivalent (some universities accept lower, but competitive ones require higher).
Academic Transcripts
Official transcripts with grades from your undergraduate studies.
English Language Proficiency
Required if the program is taught in English.
Typically accepted scores:
IELTS: 6.0 – 6.5 (minimum)
TOEFL iBT: 70 – 80 (minimum)
May be waived if your previous degree was taught entirely in English (depends on university policy).
Recommendation Letters
2–3 academic or professional references.
Statement of Purpose / Study Plan
A personal statement explaining your motivation, academic goals, and why you want to study in Saudi Arabia.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
Academic and professional background, achievements, and relevant experiences.
Passport or ID
A valid passport is typically required during application.
Age Limit
Some universities may prefer applicants to be under a certain age (e.g., under 30–35 for Master’s), especially for scholarship eligibility.
Master’s Degree
In a related field, from a recognized institution.
Strong academic record and research background.
Research Proposal
A well-written proposal outlining your intended research area.
Published Work (Optional but beneficial)
Any published papers or research work may strengthen your application.
Supervisor Matching
Some universities may require or encourage you to contact a potential supervisor before applying.
Most government-funded universities offer fully-funded scholarships to international students.
Extra eligibility for scholarships may include:
Good conduct and medical fitness.
Commitment to full-time study.
Meeting visa and residency requirements in Saudi Arabia.
Fall Intake (September/October)
Primary intake for most universities.
Majority of international scholarships and admissions are offered for this intake.
Spring Intake (January/February)
Offered by some universities, but not all.
Fewer programs and scholarship options compared to Fall.
Application opens: Typically December to February
Deadline: Usually around February to April
Admission decisions: Between May and July
Semester starts: September
Application opens: Around August to September (not common for all)
Deadline: Usually by October or November
Semester starts: January or February
KAUST: Usually opens applications in September and closes by January or February for Fall.
KFUPM: Has specific cycles for Fall and sometimes Spring. Deadlines typically fall in January–March for Fall intake.
KSU and KAU: Deadlines vary but are usually open between February and April for Fall.
Private universities (like Alfaisal or Prince Sultan): Often have more flexible or rolling admissions, with deadlines into May or June.
Duration: Typically 2 years (full-time)
Structure:
Coursework + Thesis OR
Coursework only (non-thesis track, depending on the university and program)
Some programs may offer accelerated options that can be completed in 1.5 years, especially in business or professional fields like MBA.
Duration: Usually 3 to 4 years
Structure:
Coursework (first year) + Comprehensive Exam
Followed by Original Research & Dissertation
Students must defend their PhD thesis to graduate.
For part-time or executive programs, durations might be longer.
If you’re on a scholarship, universities usually expect you to complete your degree within the standard time frame (e.g., 2 years for Master’s).
Fully funded scholarships from top public universities.
No tuition fees + monthly stipend + free accommodation + airfare.
High-quality education in STEM, health sciences, business, and Islamic studies.
Programs taught in English, especially in science, tech, and engineering.
Safe, multicultural environment with a growing Indian community.
KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science & Technology)
Science, engineering, computer science, environmental studies.
100% scholarship for all admitted students.
English-taught programs.
KFUPM (King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals)
Engineering, IT, business, and sciences.
Offers scholarships to international students.
Highly respected in STEM fields.
King Saud University (KSU)
Broader range: humanities, business, health sciences, and tech.
Competitive international scholarships.
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)
Offers a variety of Master's programs and full scholarships for international students.
Popular among Indian students.
Alfaisal University & Prince Sultan University (Private)
Offer Master’s in Business, Engineering, and Health Sciences.
Scholarships are more limited, but still possible.
Recognized Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Minimum GPA: 3.0/4.0 (roughly 60–70% or higher).
English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS) – usually required unless your degree was taught in English.
Letters of recommendation (usually 2 or 3).
Statement of Purpose or Motivation Letter.
Updated CV/resume.
Valid passport.
Application opens: December to February (varies by university)
Deadline: Usually between February and April
Admissions results: May–July
Classes begin: August–September
Full tuition waiver
Monthly stipend (between 900 – 1,300 SAR/month)
Free accommodation
Health insurance
Annual return ticket
Visa support
Course / Field |
Top Universities |
Eligibility Criteria |
Intake |
Fees / Scholarships |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Computer Science / AI |
KAUST, KFUPM, KSU, KAU |
Bachelor's in CS or related, IELTS/TOEFL, GPA ≥ 3.0/4.0 |
Fall (Sep), Spring (Jan, limited) |
Fully Funded at KAUST, KFUPM, KAU; Tuition-Free + Stipend |
|
Engineering (Mech, Elec, etc.) |
KFUPM, KAUST, KSU, King Khalid University |
Bachelor’s in Engineering, English proficiency, GPA ≥ 3.0 |
Fall (main), Spring (some) |
Full Scholarships in public universities |
|
Business & MBA |
KAU, KFUPM, KSU, Alfaisal University (private) |
Bachelor’s degree, IELTS/TOEFL, some programs may require GMAT |
Fall (main), Spring (some) |
Private universities may charge fees; public ones offer scholarships |
|
Data Science / IT |
KAUST, KFUPM, KSU |
Bachelor's in CS, IT, or Engineering; IELTS/TOEFL; good GPA |
Fall (Sep) |
Fully Funded(KAUST/KFUPM); partial funding possible in others |
|
Public Health / Medicine |
KAU, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences |
Bachelor's in Medicine, Pharmacy, or related fields, English test, GPA ≥ 3.0 |
Fall only |
Scholarships available in public universities |
|
Islamic Studies / Arabic |
Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, KSU |
Bachelor's in Islamic Studies or related, Arabic language proficiency |
Fall only |
Fully Funded for international students |
|
Environmental Science |
KAUST, KAU, KSU |
Bachelor's in environmental science, biology, or engineering; IELTS/TOEFL |
Fall (Sep) |
Fully Funded in KAUST; scholarships available in others |
|
Education / Humanities |
KSU, KAU, Umm Al-Qura University |
Relevant Bachelor's degree, Arabic or English (depends on program), good GPA |
Fall |
Low or no fees at public universities |
Field of Study |
Example Courses |
Top Universities Offering These Programs |
|---|---|---|
|
Engineering |
Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, Industrial |
KAUST, KFUPM, KSU, KAU |
|
Computer Science & IT |
Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, IT |
KAUST, KFUPM, KSU, Prince Sultan University |
|
Business & Management |
MBA, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Project Management |
KAU, KFUPM, KSU, Alfaisal University (private) |
|
Sciences |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Marine Science |
KAUST, KSU, KAU, King Khalid University |
|
Health Sciences |
Public Health, Nursing, Clinical Laboratory Sciences |
KAU, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences |
|
Environmental Studies |
Environmental Science, Water Resources, Energy Engineering |
KAUST, KSU, KAU |
|
Islamic & Arabic Studies |
Sharia Law, Islamic Theology, Quranic Studies, Arabic Lit. |
Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Umm Al-Qura University, KSU |
|
Education & Humanities |
Psychology, Sociology, Education, History |
KAU, KSU, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (for women) |
|
Law & International Studies |
International Law, Political Science, Diplomacy |
KAU, KSU, King Faisal University |
|
Agriculture & Food Science |
Agriculture, Food Technology, Animal Science |
King Faisal University, KAU |
Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (approx. 60–70% in Indian grading).
English proficiency: IELTS (6.0–6.5) or TOEFL (70–80 iBT).
Letters of recommendation (usually 2–3).
Statement of Purpose (SOP) or personal statement.
Passport, CV/Resume, and sometimes a research proposal (especially for thesis programs).
Most public universities offer full scholarships to international students:
Tuition fees waived
Monthly stipend (around SAR 900–1,300)
Free housing and medical care
Round-trip airfare
Private universities may charge tuition but sometimes offer partial scholarships.
Fall Intake (Main): Classes start in August–September
Applications open: December–March
Spring Intake (Limited): Starts in January–February
Available in select universities like KFUPM or KSU.
Scholarship Name |
Offered By |
Degree Level |
What It Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
|
KAUST Fellowship |
King Abdullah University of Science & Tech |
Master’s, PhD |
Full tuition, monthly stipend (~SAR 3,000–4,000), housing, health insurance, airfare |
|
KFUPM Graduate Scholarship |
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals |
Master’s, PhD |
Full tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, airfare, medical care |
|
KAU Scholarship |
King Abdulaziz University |
Master’s, PhD |
Full scholarship (tuition, stipend, free housing, airfare, insurance) |
|
KSU International Scholarship |
King Saud University |
Master’s, PhD |
Tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, accommodation |
|
Islamic University of Madinah |
Islamic University of Madinah |
Mostly undergrad & Islamic studies PG |
Tuition, stipend, housing (for Islamic studies) |
|
Ministry of Education (Saudi Gov.) Scholarship |
Saudi Government |
Master’s, PhD |
Available for select universities and fields, includes full funding |
Indian nationality (or any non-Saudi).
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from a recognized university.
GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent ~60–70% in Indian grading).
IELTS or TOEFL (if applying to English-taught programs).
2–3 Letters of recommendation.
Statement of Purpose or Research Proposal.
Valid passport.
Age usually below 30–35 for Master’s (can vary by program).
No application fees for public universities.
Scholarships are automatic upon admission in some universities (like KAUST).
Most scholarships are fully funded.
You get a monthly stipend, free accommodation, medical care, and flight tickets.
Some universities may offer family accommodation if you're married.