Checkout the Masters in Accounting in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 05, 2025 02:28:07
King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh
One of the oldest and most prestigious universities. Offers graduate programs in Accounting under the College of Business Administration.
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah
Known for its international student programs. Offers Accounting at postgraduate level.
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) – Riyadh
Offers business-related postgraduate degrees including Accounting.
Prince Sultan University – Riyadh
A private university offering English-taught business programs.
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) – Dhahran
Mostly known for engineering and sciences, but also offers high-quality business programs.
Duration: Typically 1.5 to 2 years
Language: Many postgraduate programs, especially in private universities, are taught in English
Curriculum: Advanced courses in financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, and research methods.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field
English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS) – especially for English-taught programs
Academic transcripts
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement or study plan
Some programs may require an entrance exam or interview
Tuition fees can vary widely depending on the university (public vs. private)
Saudi government and universities offer scholarships to international students, which may cover tuition, living expenses, and health insurance
Students usually live in university dorms or private housing
Cost of living is moderate compared to Western countries
Cultural norms are important: it's a conservative country, so understanding local customs is key
Growing economy with a strong demand for accounting professionals
Access to one of the largest markets in the Middle East
Government investment in higher education and Vision 2030 initiatives
Unique exposure to Islamic finance principles (offered in some programs)
King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh
Offers Master of Accounting through the College of Business Administration.
One of the top-ranked and oldest institutions in Saudi Arabia.
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah
Offers Master in Accounting and has programs available in English.
Actively accepts international students and offers government scholarships.
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) – Riyadh
Offers postgraduate degrees in Accounting and Islamic finance.
Some programs may integrate Shariah-compliant financial practices.
King Khalid University – Abha
Offers a Master’s in Accounting with emphasis on contemporary practices and local regulations.
Qassim University – Qassim
Offers a Master’s in Accounting with focus on regional and international accounting standards.
Taibah University – Medina
Offers graduate business programs including Accounting, targeting both local and foreign students.
King Faisal University – Al-Ahsa
Offers graduate programs in the College of Business, including Accounting.
Islamic University of Madinah
Known for religious studies, but also offers programs in economics and accounting – primarily male students, and includes international admissions.
Prince Sultan University – Riyadh
Offers graduate programs in business and accounting with English as the medium of instruction.
Very international-student friendly.
Al Yamamah University – Riyadh
Offers a Master’s in Accounting and Auditing as part of its business school.
Courses are typically aligned with global accounting practices.
Effat University – Jeddah
A private women’s university that offers Master’s degrees in business-related fields.
Welcomes international female students.
Dar Al-Hekma University – Jeddah
Another top private women’s university offering business degrees, including accounting.
Bachelor’s Degree
A recognized Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Some universities may accept degrees in Business Administration with sufficient accounting coursework.
Academic Performance
Minimum GPA requirement varies, but usually around 2.75 out of 4.0 or equivalent (some require 3.0 or higher).
Strong academic record is favored for competitive programs or scholarships.
English Language Proficiency (for English-taught programs)
TOEFL iBT (usually minimum 65–80) or
IELTS (usually 5.5–6.5 minimum)
May be waived if the previous degree was taught in English.
Arabic Language Proficiency (for Arabic-taught programs)
Some public universities require international students to know basic Arabic.
Others may offer a language preparatory program before academic study.
Bachelor’s Degree Certificate & Transcript (official and attested)
English or Arabic proficiency test scores
Valid Passport
Recent Passport-sized Photos
Updated CV/Resume
Statement of Purpose or Study Plan
Letters of Recommendation (usually 2)
Medical Report (for visa and university health clearance)
Police Clearance Certificate (in some cases)
Entrance Exam / Interview
Some universities may conduct an internal entrance exam or interview (online or in-person).
Work Experience (Optional)
Not usually required, but can strengthen your application, especially for MBA or executive-style programs.
Research Proposal
May be requested if applying to a thesis-based Master’s program.
1.5 to 2 years (Full-time study)
Most Master’s programs in Accounting fall within this range.
Coursework-Based Program (Non-Thesis)
Duration: Around 1.5 years (3 semesters)
Includes core courses + electives + capstone project
Focused on professional practice
Thesis-Based Program
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Includes research methods courses + core accounting subjects + a thesis
Suitable for students planning to pursue a PhD or academic career
Most programs require 30–36 credit hours to graduate
Core Accounting courses
Electives (e.g., Auditing, Taxation, Financial Reporting)
Research or practical project (if applicable)
Offers some distance learning graduate programs in business and economics, including Accounting-related subjects.
Known for its Deanship of e-Learning and Distance Education.
May offer blended or fully online formats.
Offers programs in Business Administration with Accounting concentration.
Follows a blended learning model (online + some in-person sessions).
Recognized across Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia.
While SEU doesn’t yet offer a full Master’s in Accounting, it does offer related Master’s programs like:
Master of Business Administration (MBA) with accounting/finance courses
Programs are fully online or hybrid
Courses are taught in English, designed with international standards
Online degrees are increasingly accepted but may still carry less weight than traditional degrees in some public sectors.
Programs may include live virtual lectures, recorded sessions, online exams, and group work.
You’ll need stable internet, and some programs may require you to attend exams or seminars in person (depending on the university).
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programs)
Resume/CV
Personal statement
Possibly an interview (online)
Fall Intake (First Semester)
Starts: September
Applications: February to May/June
This is the primary intake with the most seats and scholarship options.
Spring Intake (Second Semester) (offered by some universities)
Starts: January or February
Applications: September to November
Not all universities offer spring intake for graduate programs. It’s more common in private or electronic universities.
University |
Intake |
Application Period (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
Fall |
Feb – May |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
Fall |
Feb – June (especially for scholarships) |
|
Saudi Electronic University (SEU) |
Fall & Spring |
Jan – Mar (Fall), Sep – Oct (Spring) |
|
Prince Sultan University |
Fall |
March – June |
|
Arab Open University (AOU) |
Fall & Spring |
Varies by branch, usually one month before semester start |
University |
Estimated Tuition Fees (per year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
8,000 – 12,000 SAR (~$2,100 – $3,200) |
May be free for scholarship students |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
10,000 – 15,000 SAR (~$2,600 – $4,000) |
Offers full scholarships to internationals |
|
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud University |
Around 10,000 SAR (~$2,600) |
May vary by program type |
|
King Khalid University / Qassim University / Taibah University |
8,000 – 12,000 SAR (~$2,100 – $3,200) |
Affordable and sometimes free under grants |
University |
Estimated Tuition Fees (per year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Prince Sultan University |
40,000 – 60,000 SAR (~$10,600 – $16,000) |
One of the most prestigious private universities |
|
Al Yamamah University |
45,000 – 55,000 SAR (~$12,000 – $14,700) |
Offers Accounting & Auditing specialization |
|
Effat University (women only) |
35,000 – 45,000 SAR (~$9,300 – $12,000) |
Scholarships available for high performers |
|
Dar Al-Hekma University (women only) |
35,000 – 50,000 SAR (~$9,300 – $13,300) |
Often includes access to international programs |
Item |
Estimated Cost (Annual) |
|---|---|
|
Housing (Dorm or Rent) |
10,000 – 25,000 SAR ($2,600 – $6,600) |
|
Food & Transport |
6,000 – 10,000 SAR ($1,600 – $2,600) |
|
Books & Supplies |
1,500 – 3,000 SAR ($400 – $800) |
8,000 – 15,000 SAR/year
($2,100 – $4,000 USD)
Total for 2 years: 16,000 – 30,000 SAR
($4,200 – $8,000 USD)
35,000 – 60,000 SAR/year
($9,300 – $16,000 USD)
Total for 2 years: 70,000 – 120,000 SAR
($18,600 – $32,000 USD)
Category |
Monthly (SAR) |
Annual (SAR) |
USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Housing (rent/dorm) |
1,500 – 2,500 |
18,000 – 30,000 |
$4,800 – $8,000 |
|
Food |
800 – 1,200 |
9,600 – 14,400 |
$2,500 – $3,800 |
|
Transportation |
300 – 500 |
3,600 – 6,000 |
$950 – $1,600 |
|
Internet/Utilities |
200 – 400 |
2,400 – 4,800 |
$640 – $1,280 |
|
Personal Expenses |
300 – 600 |
3,600 – 7,200 |
$950 – $1,900 |
Item |
Cost (SAR) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Visa & Residency (Iqama) |
2,000 – 4,000 |
One-time or annual |
|
Health Insurance |
1,500 – 3,000 |
Often required for visa |
|
Books & Supplies |
1,500 – 3,000 |
Depends on the university |
|
Flight Tickets (Round Trip) |
2,000 – 4,000 |
From most regions |
University Type |
Tuition + Living (2 Years) |
USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
|
Public (with no scholarship) |
86,000 – 120,000 SAR |
$22,900 – $32,000 |
|
Public (with scholarship) |
35,000 – 60,000 SAR |
$9,300 – $16,000 |
|
Private |
140,000 – 180,000+ SAR |
$37,300 – $48,000+ |
Full tuition
Monthly stipend (up to 1,900 SAR/month)
Accommodation & healthcare
Visa & travel assistance
Research universities that offer Master’s in Accounting (e.g., KAU, KSU, SEU, Prince Sultan University).
Decide if you prefer English-taught or Arabic-taught programs.
Check if the university offers scholarships for international students.
Required Document |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor’s Degree |
In Accounting or a related field (attested & translated if needed) |
|
Academic Transcript |
Showing GPA (minimum often 2.75 – 3.0 out of 4) |
|
English Proficiency Test |
IELTS (5.5–6.5) or TOEFL (65–80 iBT) – required for English programs |
|
Personal Statement |
Explaining your goals, interest in accounting, and why Saudi Arabia |
|
CV / Resume |
Include academic background, work experience (if any) |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
Usually 2 from professors or employers |
|
Passport Copy |
Valid for at least 1 year |
|
Medical Report |
Sometimes required during visa process |
|
Police Clearance |
Some universities ask for it during visa processing |
Go to the university’s official portal.
Create an account and submit the online application.
Upload all required documents.
Pay application fee (if applicable).
Choose if applying with or without a scholarship.
Application Timeline:
Fall Intake (September): Apply between February – June
Spring Intake (January/February): Apply between September – November (available in some universities)
Some programs may require:
Online entrance test (basic accounting, quantitative skills)
Interview (to assess academic motivation and language skills)
If accepted, you'll receive an official admission letter.
If you applied for a scholarship, you’ll be notified of the result separately.
After admission:
The university helps issue a student visa invitation letter.
Apply for a residency visa (Iqama) through the Saudi embassy in your country.
Submit medical check-up results and police clearance if required.
Arrive in Saudi Arabia before semester starts.
Complete final registration, medical check-up, and orientation at the university.
Full tuition waiver
Monthly stipend (up to 1,900 SAR / ~$500)
Free accommodation and meals
Healthcare
Airfare tickets (entry and return)
Research funding (in some cases)
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field
Good academic record (GPA 3.0+/4.0 preferred)
English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL if English-taught)
Under 35 years old
Free tuition
Monthly allowance
Free housing (often on-campus)
Health services
Annual airfare ticket (round trip)
Offered for a variety of programs including Accounting
Arabic proficiency may be required if the program is not in English
Covers tuition, housing, monthly stipend, and medical care
Includes transportation and visa processing support
Relevant for students interested in Islamic finance and accounting principles
Tuition discounts for high-achieving students
Flexible installment plans
Some programs are more affordable compared to private universities
Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Health insurance
Flight tickets
Cultural & academic support
Apply directly to the university
Select the scholarship option during the application
The university submits your name to the Ministry for final approval
Bachelor's degree in a related field (Accounting, Finance, Business, etc.)
Minimum GPA: Often 2.75–3.0 out of 4.0
Valid passport
Under 35 years old (typical upper limit)
Good moral conduct and physical/mental health
Not currently receiving another scholarship in KSA
English or Arabic proficiency depending on program
Role / Title |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Financial Accountant |
Handle financial reporting, statements, and compliance |
|
Auditor (Internal or External) |
Work in corporate or audit firms (e.g., KPMG, PwC, EY) |
|
Tax Consultant / Advisor |
Help businesses comply with VAT, Zakat, and corporate taxes |
|
Management Accountant |
Budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning for businesses |
|
Forensic Accountant |
Investigate financial discrepancies and fraud cases |
|
Accounting Lecturer or Researcher |
Academic role in universities or research centers |
|
CFO / Financial Manager (long-term) |
Strategic leadership in finance departments |
Big Four Accounting Firms
PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, Ernst & Young (EY)
Offices in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran
Government and Public Sector
Ministry of Finance, General Auditing Bureau, Saudi Central Bank
High demand for auditors, analysts, and financial managers
Banking & Finance
Al Rajhi Bank, SNB, Riyad Bank, and SAMA
Roles in compliance, auditing, and financial planning
Multinational Companies (MNCs)
Aramco, SABIC, Ma’aden, and NEOM
Strategic finance, budgeting, and corporate accounting roles
Startups & Tech Sector
Growing demand for accountants in fintech and e-commerce firms
Opportunities in Riyadh’s tech scene
Position |
Fresh Grad |
2–5 Years Exp |
Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accountant |
6,000 – 9,000 SAR |
10,000 – 14,000 SAR |
16,000+ SAR |
|
Auditor |
8,000 – 12,000 SAR |
13,000 – 18,000 SAR |
20,000+ SAR |
|
Tax Consultant |
9,000 – 12,000 SAR |
14,000+ SAR |
20,000+ SAR |
|
Finance Manager / CFO |
N/A |
20,000+ SAR |
30,000+ SAR |
|
Lecturer (University) |
10,000 – 16,000 SAR |
With additional benefits like housing allowance |
CPA (Certified Public Accountant – US)
CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)
SOCPA (Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants – local license)
UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)
Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait
Multinational corporations globally
You’ll be competitive for jobs in firms needing Arabic-speaking professionals with knowledge of Islamic finance or VAT/Zakat regulations
Entrepreneurship – Start your own accounting or consulting firm
PhD in Accounting – Continue into academia or research
Consulting – Work with business clients on performance improvement
Government advisory roles – Especially in audit or finance ministry departments
