Master of Economics Courses and Universities in Saudi Arabia

Checkout the Master of Economics Courses and Universities in Saudi Arabia....

Standyou Team
Standyou Team

Mar 28, 2025 11:46:32

Master of Economics Courses in Saudi Arabia for International Students


 Top Universities Offering Master’s in Economics in Saudi Arabia

1. King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh

  • Program: Master of Economics

  • Language: Mostly Arabic, but some courses in English (check with the department)

  • Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in Economics or related field, English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL may be required)

  • International Students: Yes – KSU accepts international applications, especially through scholarship programs

2. King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah

  • Program: Master of Science in Economics

  • Language: Arabic & English

  • Tuition: Scholarships available for international students (fully funded options)

  • Features: Strong research facilities, international faculty, focus on Islamic economics and development

3. Islamic University of Madinah

  • Program: Often offers programs with a focus on Islamic finance and economics

  • Language: Arabic

  • International Scholarships: Very generous scholarship programs available for international male students

4. Prince Sultan University – Riyadh (Private)

  • Programs: Business and Economics-related master’s programs

  • Language: English

  • International Focus: More likely to cater to English-speaking students with a global curriculum


Admission Requirements (General)

  • Bachelor's degree in Economics or a closely related field

  • English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL for English programs)

  • Academic transcripts

  • Statement of Purpose

  • Letters of Recommendation

  • Some may require GRE/GMAT


Scholarships & Funding

Saudi Arabia offers generous government-funded scholarships for international students:

  • KAU Scholarship

  • King Abdullah Scholarship Program

  • Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Scholarships

These usually cover:

  • Full tuition

  • Monthly stipend

  • Accommodation

  • Health insurance

  • Travel allowance
     

Universities in Saudi Arabia


Universities Offering Economic Courses in Saudi Arabia to International Students


1. King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh

  • One of the top public universities in the country.

  • Offers Master's programs in Economics.

  • Welcomes international students, especially through scholarship programs.

2. King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah

  • Known for its strong postgraduate programs.

  • Offers both Islamic and conventional Economics degrees.

  • Fully funded scholarships available for international students.

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

  • Primarily focused on engineering and sciences, but offers Economics and Finance-related programs through its College of Industrial Management.

  • Offers graduate programs in Applied Economics and related fields.

  • Open to international students with competitive admissions.

4. Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University – Riyadh

  • Offers programs in Islamic Economics and Finance.

  • Courses primarily in Arabic.

  • Scholarships available for non-Saudi students from Muslim-majority countries.

5. Islamic University of Madinah – Madinah

  • Offers degrees with emphasis on Islamic Economics.

  • Programs mostly taught in Arabic.

  • Open to male international students with full scholarships.

6. Prince Sultan University – Riyadh

  • Private university with English-taught programs.

  • Offers Business and Economics-related degrees.

  • Attracts international students and faculty.

7. Al Yamamah University – Riyadh

  • Private university with programs in Economics and Finance.

  • Offers instruction in English.

  • Open to international students with a business and management focus.

8. Taibah University – Madinah

  • Public university offering Economics and Management programs.

  • Welcomes international students.

  • Programs may be in Arabic or bilingual depending on the department.
     

Business, Management & Economics in Saudi Arabia


Master in Economic Courses in Saudi Arabia


1. King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh

  • Program: Master of Arts in Economics

  • Focus: Economic theory, econometrics, development, public finance

  • Language: Primarily Arabic (some courses may be in English)

  • Features: Research-focused, strong academic reputation

  • Admission: Requires bachelor’s degree in economics or related field


2. King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah

  • Program: Master of Science in Economics

  • Specializations: Islamic Economics, Development Economics

  • Language: Arabic and some English

  • Scholarships: Fully funded international scholarships available

  • Admission: Competitive – includes interview and English language requirement


3. Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University – Riyadh

  • Program: Master’s in Islamic Economics

  • Focus: Islamic finance, Sharia-compliant economic systems

  • Language: Arabic

  • Target Students: Especially students from Muslim countries


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

  • Program: Master of Science in Applied Economics

  • Focus: Economic modeling, quantitative methods, energy economics

  • Language: English

  • Ideal For: Students interested in applied and technical economic fields

  • Admission: Bachelor’s degree in economics, business, math, or engineering


5. Islamic University of Madinah

  • Program: Master's in Islamic Economics

  • Focus: Islamic principles in economic thought

  • Language: Arabic

  • Eligibility: Open to male international students, full scholarships available


6. Prince Sultan University – Riyadh (Private)

  • Program: Master’s in Financial Economics or Business Economics

  • Language: English

  • Features: International faculty, modern curriculum

  • Admission: Bachelor’s degree, English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
     

MBA in Saudi Arabia


PhD in Economic Courses in Saudi Arabia


1. King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh

  • Program: PhD in Economics

  • Focus Areas: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Development, Public Finance

  • Language: Primarily Arabic (some research may be conducted in English)

  • Eligibility: Master’s in Economics or related field, research proposal, entrance exam/interview


2. King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah

  • Program: PhD in Economics / Islamic Economics

  • Specializations: Islamic Banking & Finance, Development Economics, Economic Policy

  • Language: Arabic with some courses or research in English

  • International Students: Welcomed under KAU’s fully funded scholarship program

  • Research-Oriented: Strong emphasis on original contributions


3. Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University – Riyadh

  • Program: PhD in Islamic Economics

  • Focus: Shariah-based economic systems, Islamic finance theory, ethics in economics

  • Language: Arabic

  • Target Audience: Muslim international students with a background in Islamic studies or economics


4. Islamic University of Madinah

  • Program: PhD in Islamic Economics

  • Language: Arabic

  • Eligibility: For male students; full scholarships available

  • Emphasis: Integration of Islamic law and modern economics


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

  • Note: KFUPM offers advanced graduate research in applied economics and related business fields, though formal PhD in Economics is limited. Often, students pursue PhDs in related disciplines like Finance, Management Science, or Energy Economics.

  • Language: English

  • Strengths: Energy and environmental economics, quantitative analysis


General Admission Requirements for PhD Programs

  • Master’s degree in Economics or related field

  • Strong academic record (GPA 3.0+/4.0)

  • Research proposal or statement of purpose

  • Letters of recommendation

  • English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS if required)

  • Entrance exam/interview (varies by university)

  • For Islamic economics programs: background in Shariah or Islamic studies may be required


Eligibility Criteria for Economics Course Program in Saudi Arabia


 Bachelor’s in Economics – Eligibility Criteria

  •  High School Certificate (equivalent to the Saudi General Secondary Education Certificate)

  •  Minimum GPA or percentage (typically 75% or higher)

  •  Proof of English Proficiency (for English-taught programs):

    • TOEFL or IELTS

  •  Passport & National ID

  •  Health Certificate

  •  Recommendation Letters (sometimes required)

  •  Age Limit: Often 17–25 for undergraduate international scholarships


 Master’s in Economics – Eligibility Criteria

  •  Bachelor’s Degree in Economics or related field (e.g., Finance, Business, Math, Statistics)

  •  Minimum GPA: Usually 2.75–3.0 out of 4 (or equivalent)

  •  English Proficiency (for programs in English):

    • IELTS (usually 6.0+) or TOEFL (79+ iBT)

  •  Recommendation Letters

  •  Statement of Purpose

  •  Academic Transcript

  •  CV or Resume

  •  Entrance Exam or Interview: May be required by some universities (e.g., KSU, KAU)


 PhD in Economics – Eligibility Criteria

  •  Master’s Degree in Economics or closely related field

  •  Strong GPA: Usually 3.0+ out of 4

  •  Research Proposal or Study Plan

  •  English Proficiency:

    • IELTS (6.5–7.0) or TOEFL (80+)

  •  Letters of Recommendation (2–3)

  •  Statement of Purpose

  •  Academic Writing Sample (sometimes required)

  •  Entrance Exam or Interview

  •  Background in Islamic Studies (required for Islamic Economics PhD programs)


 Additional Notes for International Students

  •  Scholarships: Many programs offer fully funded scholarships for qualified students

  •  Language of Instruction: Some programs are in Arabic, others in English – check before applying

  •  Visa Requirements: Students must obtain a Saudi student visa (usually coordinated by the university upon admission)


Intakes & Application Deadlines for Economics Course in Saudi Arabia


 General Intakes in Saudi Arabia

  1. Fall Intake (Primary)

    • Starts: September

    • Applications open: January – May

    • Most common for international students and scholarship applicants

  2. Spring Intake (Limited)

    • Starts: February

    • Applications open: September – November

    • Fewer programs available, not offered at all universities


 Application Deadlines (General Timeline)

Degree Level

Intake

Application Period

Notes

Bachelor’s

Fall

Jan – Apr/May

Some scholarships close earlier

Master’s

Fall

Feb – May

Deadlines vary by university

PhD

Fall

Feb – May

Requires more documents, apply early

Spring (All)

Feb

Sep – Nov

Fewer slots, competitive


 Examples from Major Universities

 King Abdulaziz University (KAU)

  • Intake: Fall only for international scholarship students

  • Deadline: Around March–April

  • Program Start: September

  • Scholarship: Fully funded, online application required

 King Saud University (KSU)

  • Intake: Fall (some programs also in Spring)

  • Deadline: Usually February–April

  • Application: Via their admission portal

 KFUPM (King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals)

  • Graduate Programs Intake: Fall and Spring

  • Fall Deadline: March–May

  • Spring Deadline: September–October

  • Language: Most graduate courses are in English


Fees for Economics Courses in Saudi Arabia


 1. Bachelor’s Degree in Economics

University Type

Estimated Annual Tuition (USD)

Notes

Public University (e.g., KSU, KAU)

Free (for international students on scholarship)

Tuition-free + monthly stipend

Public University (self-funded)

$2,500 – $5,000

Limited self-funded slots for internationals

Private University (e.g., Prince Sultan University)

$8,000 – $12,000

English-taught, modern curriculum


 2. Master’s Degree in Economics

University Type

Estimated Annual Tuition (USD)

Notes

Public University (e.g., KAU, KSU, KFUPM)

Free (for international students on scholarship)

Includes housing, stipend, books

Public University (self-funded)

$3,000 – $7,000

Some programs may require Arabic

Private University

$9,000 – $14,000

English programs, more flexibility for foreigners


 3. PhD in Economics

University Type

Tuition Fees

Notes

Public Universities

Free for scholarship holders

Full financial support (stipend, housing, etc.)

Private Universities

Rarely offer PhDs in Economics

If available, may cost $10,000+ annually


 What’s Usually Included in Scholarships at Public Universities:

  • Full tuition waiver

  • Monthly stipend (~$250–$800 depending on level)

  • Free on-campus housing

  • Health insurance

  • Airfare (round trip)

  • Research support (for graduate students)