Checkout the Master in IT and Computer Science Courses in Saudi Arabia....
Mar 29, 2025 11:47:14
Programs:
M.Sc. in Computer Science
M.Sc. in Information Systems
M.Sc. in Software Engineering
Language: Mostly Arabic, but some programs are offered in English (especially in graduate schools)
Eligibility: Bachelor's in Computer Science/IT or related field, TOEFL/IELTS (for English programs)
Programs:
M.Sc. in Computer Science
M.Sc. in Computer Networks
M.Sc. in Information Security
Language: English
Eligibility: Strong academic background, GRE sometimes preferred, TOEFL/IELTS required
Programs:
M.Sc. in Computer Science
M.Sc. in Information Technology
Language: English for most graduate programs
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with good GPA, English proficiency scores
Programs:
M.Sc. in Cybersecurity
M.Sc. in Software Engineering
Language: English
Eligibility: Bachelor’s in CS/IT or related, good GPA, TOEFL/IELTS
Programs:
M.Sc. in Software Engineering
Language: English
Eligibility: Similar criteria – Bachelor’s degree, GPA, TOEFL/IELTS
Recognized Bachelor’s degree in CS/IT or related field
English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
Recommendation letters
Statement of purpose
Some may ask for GRE (KFUPM often does)
Valid passport and visa for international students
Public universities (like KSU, KFUPM, KAU): Often provide scholarships that cover tuition, housing, and even a stipend.
Private universities: Tuition is higher, but some merit-based scholarships are available.
Strengths: Consistently ranked among the top universities in the Arab world.
Specialties: Computer Science, Software Engineering, AI, Cybersecurity
Language of Instruction: English
Why it's great: Strong focus on research, high employability, competitive scholarships (especially for international students).
Strengths: Oldest and one of the largest universities in Saudi Arabia.
Specialties: Computer Science, Information Systems, Big Data, Networks
Language: Arabic & English (CS courses often in English)
Why it's great: Extensive academic resources, strong research facilities, high national and regional ranking.
Strengths: One of the top-ranked universities in the Arab world.
Specialties: IT, CS, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity
Language: English (for graduate and many science/engineering programs)
Why it's great: Offers generous fully-funded scholarships for international students.
Strengths: Research-focused graduate university with world-class labs.
Specialties: Computational Science, AI, Data Science, Computer Engineering
Language: English (fully English medium)
Why it's great: Very strong in R&D, excellent faculty, fully-funded master’s and PhD programs.
Strengths: Known for its modern curriculum and English-medium instruction.
Specialties: Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Science
Why it's great: Good industry connections, internship opportunities, focus on practical skills.
Strengths: Research-oriented private university with strong tech programs.
Specialties: Software Engineering, Computer Science, AI
Language: English
Why it's great: Small class sizes, modern labs, and international faculty.
Programs Offered:
B.Sc. in Computer Science
B.Sc. in Information Technology
B.Sc. in Software Engineering
B.Sc. in Information Systems
Language: Mostly Arabic, but some tech programs have English-medium tracks
Why It’s Good: One of the most reputable public universities with excellent facilities and academic strength
Programs Offered:
B.Sc. in Computer Science
B.Sc. in Computer Engineering
B.Sc. in Cybersecurity
Language: English
Why It’s Good: Highly ranked in the Middle East; strong industry ties, great campus and fully English curriculum
Programs Offered:
B.Sc. in Computer Science
B.Sc. in Information Systems
B.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence
Language: Mostly English for science and tech courses
Why It’s Good: Huge university with good international student programs and scholarship opportunities
Programs Offered:
B.Sc. in Computer Science
B.Sc. in Software Engineering
B.Sc. in Cybersecurity
Language: English
Why It’s Good: Private but offers strong practical training, modern curriculum, and industry exposure
Programs Offered:
B.Sc. in Software Engineering
B.Sc. in Computer Science
Language: English
Why It’s Good: Strong academic programs, research-driven, and known for student-faculty interaction and innovation
Programs Offered:
B.Sc. in Computer Science
B.Sc. in Information Technology
Language: Arabic & English (depends on program)
Why It’s Good: Public university with affordable tuition and solid academic reputation
High school certificate with good grades in Math and Science
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL may be required for English programs)
Passport and student visa
Entrance exam or interview (varies by university)
Public universities often offer low-cost or free education, sometimes with scholarships.
Private universities cost more, but merit-based scholarships are available for top-performing students.
Programs:
M.Sc. in Computer Science
M.Sc. in Software Engineering
M.Sc. in Computer Networks
M.Sc. in Information Security
Language: English
Why it’s great: One of the most prestigious universities in the Gulf, excellent research facilities, and fully-funded scholarships for international students.
Programs:
M.Sc. in Computer Science
M.Sc. in Information Systems
M.Sc. in Software Engineering
Language: English (especially for graduate-level courses)
Why it’s great: Top-ranked public university with strong R&D focus and modern labs.
Programs:
M.Sc. in Computer Science
M.Sc. in Information Technology
M.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence
Language: English
Why it’s great: Offers fully-funded scholarships to international students, including tuition, housing, and a monthly stipend.
Programs:
M.Sc. in Computer Science
M.Sc. in Electrical and Computer Engineering (with CS specializations)
Language: English
Why it’s great: 100% graduate research university, world-class labs, fully-funded fellowships for all admitted students.
Programs:
M.Sc. in Software Engineering
M.Sc. in Cybersecurity
Language: English
Why it’s great: Strong ties to industry, great practical focus, ideal for working professionals or part-time study.
Programs:
M.Sc. in Software Engineering
Language: English
Why it’s great: Highly ranked private university with international faculty, small class sizes, and project-based learning.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or related field
GPA: Usually 3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent)
English Proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL
Statement of Purpose
Recommendation Letters
Some universities (like KFUPM) may prefer or require GRE
Public universities (KFUPM, KSU, KAU, KAUST) often offer:
Free tuition
Free accommodation
Monthly stipend
Return air ticket (in some cases)
Private universities (PSU, Alfaisal):
Tuition required, but scholarships available based on merit
Rapidly growing tech sector (Vision 2030)
World-class research and funding opportunities
Safe and student-friendly environment
Strong Indian student community and cultural compatibility
PhD Programs:
PhD in Computer Science
PhD in Computer Engineering
PhD in Information Security
Language: English
Why it’s great: Top-tier research university, very well-funded programs, globally recognized faculty.
Scholarships: Fully funded for international students – includes tuition, monthly stipend, housing, and medical care.
PhD Programs:
PhD in Computer Science
PhD in Information Systems
Language: English (in most science/engineering doctoral programs)
Why it’s great: One of the oldest and most respected public universities; strong academic resources and advanced labs.
Scholarships: Available for high-achieving international students (includes stipend and tuition waiver).
PhD Programs:
PhD in Computer Science
PhD in Information Technology
PhD in Artificial Intelligence
Language: English
Why it’s great: Huge international student support, excellent research centers, and strong publication output.
Scholarships: Fully-funded international scholarship (tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, flight tickets).
PhD Programs:
PhD in Computer Science
PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering
PhD in Data Science or AI-related specializations
Language: English
Why it’s great: World-class graduate research institution, cutting-edge facilities, global research collaborations.
Scholarships: All admitted students receive full fellowships (tuition, stipend, accommodation, travel, etc.)
PhD Programs:
PhD in Computer Science
Language: Mostly Arabic, but some programs may offer English
Scholarships: May be available through ministry programs or internal grants
Master’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field
GPA: Usually ≥ 3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent)
English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS (mandatory for English-medium programs)
GRE: Optional, but preferred at KFUPM and KAUST
Other requirements:
Research proposal or statement of purpose
Letters of recommendation
Academic CV
Publications (not required, but a big plus)
Full tuition waiver
Monthly living allowance (can range from SAR 2,000–4,000 or more)
Free accommodation or housing allowance
Health insurance
Return air tickets
Research support (conference travel, journal publishing, etc.)
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Cybersecurity
Data Science & Big Data Analytics
Cloud Computing
Computer Vision
Software Engineering
Networking & IoT
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
Access to fully funded research with international-level infrastructure
Opportunities for collaborative research with universities in the US, UK, Europe
Supportive environment for international researchers
Strategic push towards tech and innovation (Vision 2030)
High School Certificate (Science stream preferred — Physics, Math, Computer Science)
Minimum Grades: Usually 70–80% aggregate or equivalent GPA
English Proficiency:
IELTS (typically 5.5–6.0) or TOEFL (IBT 60+), depending on the university
Equivalency Certificate: From Saudi Ministry of Education (usually handled after admission)
Valid Passport & Student Visa
Entrance exam or interview (some universities)
Health certificate and background check
Bachelor’s Degree: In Computer Science, IT, Engineering, or related field
Minimum GPA: Usually 2.75 to 3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent ~65%+ in Indian system)
English Proficiency:
IELTS (6.0–6.5) or TOEFL iBT (79+)
Recommendation Letters: Usually 2–3 from academic/professional sources
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Academic CV/Resume
GRE (for some universities like KAUST or KFUPM)
Research experience or publications (bonus)
Master’s Degree: In a relevant field (CS, IT, Software Eng., etc.)
Minimum GPA: 3.0 out of 4.0 or equivalent (~70–75%)
English Proficiency:
IELTS (6.5–7.0) or TOEFL iBT (85+)
Research Proposal or Statement of Research Interest
Academic CV with research/publication details
Letters of Recommendation: Usually 3
Interview with faculty (in some cases)
GRE General Test (required/preferred at some research-heavy universities like KAUST or KFUPM)
Prior publications or conference papers (a big plus)
Most public universities offer English-medium programs at postgraduate levels.
You'll need to attest and translate your academic documents (into Arabic or English).
Student visa is processed after you receive your admission and scholarship (if applicable).
Some universities help with Ministry of Education equivalency after acceptance.
Starts: September (some begin in late August)
Application Deadline: February to May (varies by university and level)
Most common intake for international students
More scholarship opportunities available
Starts: January or February
Application Deadline: September to November (of the previous year)
Not all universities offer this intake
Mostly available for postgraduate programs
Main Intake: September (Fall)
Application Window: March to May
Universities like:
King Saud University (KSU)
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University
Note: For international students, application usually closes earlier to process visas and equivalency.
Main Intake: Fall (August/September)
Application Period: January to March/April (some until May)
Spring Intake: Limited (check with each university)
Universities like:
KFUPM – Deadline usually early January for Fall
KAUST – Rolling admissions, but priority deadlines in October & January
KAU – February to April for Fall
Tip: Early application = higher chance of scholarship
Main Intake: Fall (September)
Application Deadlines:
KAUST: Priority deadlines in October (Spring) & January (Fall)
KFUPM: Closes early January for Fall intake
KAU: February to April
University / Institution |
Program Level |
Estimated Annual Tuition Fees (SAR) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
Bachelor's / Master's |
Free for Saudis, ~15,000–30,000 for expats |
Government-funded for Saudis |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
Bachelor's / Master's |
Free for Saudis, ~12,000–25,000 for expats |
Varies by program |
|
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) |
Bachelor's / Master's |
Free for Saudis, varies for international students |
Highly competitive |
|
Prince Sultan University |
Bachelor's |
~60,000–70,000 SAR per year |
Private university |
|
Alfaisal University |
Bachelor's / Master's |
~90,000–100,000 SAR per year |
Private, high-ranking in region |
|
Dar Al-Hekma University (Female only) |
Bachelor's |
~65,000–85,000 SAR per year |
Private, located in Jeddah |
|
Effat University (Female only) |
Bachelor's / Master's |
~60,000–80,000 SAR per year |
Private, English-medium instruction |
|
University of Jeddah |
Bachelor's |
Free for Saudis, ~10,000–20,000 for expats |
Public university |
|
Riyadh Elm University (formerly Riyadh Colleges) |
Bachelor's |
~50,000–60,000 SAR per year |
Private institution |
|
Arab Open University (Saudi Branch) |
Bachelor's |
~8,000–12,000 SAR per year |
More affordable, open education style |
SAR = Saudi Riyal (1 SAR ≈ 0.27 USD)
Many public universities offer free education for Saudi citizens.
International students might pay higher fees and require scholarships or sponsorships.
Some universities charge per credit hour, so final tuition can vary.
