Checkout the Masters in Civil Engineering in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 04, 2025 03:18:41
Program: M.Sc. in Civil Engineering
Specializations: Structural, Geotechnical, Transportation, Water Resources, Environmental
Language: English
International Students: Yes – very welcoming, with scholarships available
Notes: One of the top technical universities in the region. Competitive admission.
Program: M.Sc. in Civil Engineering
Specializations: Structural Engineering, Water Resources, Transportation
Language: Mostly English at the graduate level
International Students: Yes – especially through scholarships from the government
Notes: One of the oldest and most respected universities in Saudi Arabia.
Program: M.Sc. in Civil Engineering
Specializations: Covers a wide range: Structural, Environmental, Transportation, etc.
Language: English
International Students: Yes – KAU offers full scholarships for international students
Notes: Strong research output and good funding for graduate students.
Program: M.Sc. in Civil Engineering
Language: English
International Students: Yes
Notes: A private university with an American-style curriculum. Smaller class sizes.
Program: Offers Engineering graduate programs, though availability may vary
Language: Arabic & English
International Students: Yes – but only Muslims
Notes: Scholarships often include housing, monthly stipend, and airfare.
Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering or related field
English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
Letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose
Possibly GRE (rarely required)
Well-known for engineering and technology.
Offers M.Sc. in Civil Engineering with several specializations.
Medium of instruction: English.
One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Saudi Arabia.
Offers graduate studies in Civil Engineering including structural, environmental, and transportation engineering.
Offers M.Sc. in Civil Engineering.
Known for strong research programs and generous scholarships for international students.
Offers M.S. and PhD programs in Environmental and Water Engineering, and related Civil Engineering fields.
English-medium instruction.
Highly international, research-focused, and fully funded for admitted students.
A private university with American-style education.
Offers a Master’s program in Civil Engineering.
Instruction in English.
Offers graduate studies in engineering disciplines including Civil Engineering.
Offers Civil Engineering graduate programs.
Developing in research and infrastructure.
Offers postgraduate programs in Civil Engineering.
Offers master’s programs in Civil Engineering with growing academic offerings.
Offers graduate programs in various engineering disciplines, including Civil.
Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) – especially for international applicants.
Statement of purpose and recommendation letters.
Some universities offer full scholarships to international students.
Bachelor’s Degree:
A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field (e.g., Environmental Engineering, Structural Engineering, etc.)
Most universities require a minimum GPA, usually:
3.0/4.0 or its equivalent (some may accept lower for conditional admission)
Bachelor's Degree Certificate and Transcript (official, and sometimes attested by relevant authorities)
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Motivation Letter
Letters of Recommendation (usually 2–3 from academic or professional references)
Copy of Passport
Passport-sized photographs
Medical certificate (some universities may ask)
Required if the applicant’s previous education was not in English.
Acceptable scores:
IELTS: Usually 6.0 or above
TOEFL iBT: Around 70–80+
Some universities waive this requirement if your bachelor’s degree was in English.
GRE: Rarely required, but may strengthen your application at top research universities like KAUST or KFUPM.
Valid passport
Ability to obtain a student visa (universities help with this after admission)
Some universities may require a security clearance or additional documentation depending on your home country
Tuition fee waiver
Monthly stipend
Free accommodation
Health insurance
Airfare (round-trip annually)
University |
Minimum GPA |
|---|---|
|
KFUPM |
3.0/4.0 |
|
KAUST |
3.0/4.0 |
|
KSU |
2.75–3.0/4.0 |
|
KAU |
3.0/4.0 |
2 years (Full-time)
Equivalent to 4 academic semesters
Thesis Track (Research-based)
Duration: ~2 years
Includes coursework + research + a final thesis defense
Recommended if you're planning to go into academia or pursue a PhD later
Common at universities like KAUST, KFUPM, and KAU
Non-Thesis Track (Coursework-based or Project-based)
Duration: 1.5 to 2 years
More coursework, less research, sometimes includes a final project instead of a thesis
Good for students planning to work in the industry
Offers some online graduate courses.
Online master’s programs exist in other disciplines, but Civil Engineering is primarily on-campus.
However, in light of digital expansion, hybrid options may increase in the near future.
Offers distance learning and e-learning platforms, mostly for general education or non-engineering programs.
Engineering master’s programs are mainly campus-based.
Known for its distance education model, but does not currently offer a master’s in Civil Engineering.
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University and similar private institutions may explore online/hybrid formats in the future, but Civil Engineering is currently in-person.
Main intake
Most seats and scholarships available
Application Period:
Usually December to March/April
Available at some universities, not all
Fewer seats and programs than fall
Application Period:
Usually August to October
University |
Fall Intake Deadline |
Spring Intake Deadline |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
KFUPM(Dhahran) |
Dec – Feb (for Sep intake) |
Rarely offered |
Online application portal opens in December, closes by Feb |
|
KAUST(Thuwal) |
Jan – March (for Sep intake) |
No spring intake |
Fully funded; highly competitive |
|
KAU (Jeddah) |
Jan – March (for Sep intake) |
Sept – Oct (for Feb intake) |
Generous scholarships; accepts international students |
|
KSU (Riyadh) |
Jan – April |
Oct – Nov (limited) |
Requires early planning for visa and language proficiency |
|
PMU (Al Khobar) |
Rolling admissions |
Rolling admissions |
May have flexible intakes; private university |
University |
Tuition Fees (SAR/year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) |
Free for international students (if awarded scholarship) |
Full scholarship covers tuition, housing, stipend |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
Free for international students (if awarded scholarship) |
Includes stipend, airfare, accommodation |
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
Often free or very low for scholarship students |
May charge ~SAR 4,000–10,000/year if not on scholarship |
|
King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) |
Fully funded for all admitted students |
100% scholarship; includes housing, stipend |
|
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) |
~SAR 10,000–20,000/year |
Varies; some scholarships available |
|
King Khalid University (KKU) |
~SAR 8,000–15,000/year |
Inexpensive compared to private options |
University |
Tuition Fees (SAR/year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) |
~SAR 60,000 – 80,000/year |
Tuition depends on credit hours; financial aid may be available |
|
Alfaisal University (Civil not always offered) |
~SAR 80,000+/year |
Prestigious private institution with U.S.-style system |
|
Dar Al Uloom University |
~SAR 45,000 – 65,000/year |
Fees vary by program and term load |
1 SAR ≈ 0.27 USD
So, SAR 60,000 ≈ $16,000 USD/year
University Type |
Tuition (per year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Public (with scholarship) |
0 SAR |
Tuition-free + monthly stipend |
|
Public (self-funded) |
8,000–20,000 SAR/year |
Depends on university |
|
Private universities |
45,000–80,000 SAR/year |
Varies by institution |
Expense Type |
Cost per Month (SAR) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
800 – 1,500 |
University dorms are cheaper; off-campus varies |
|
Food |
600 – 1,000 |
Cooking at home is cheaper; restaurants vary |
|
Transportation |
200 – 400 |
Local transport or shared taxis |
|
Internet & Mobile |
100 – 200 |
Internet + mobile plan |
|
Books & Supplies |
100 – 200 |
Depends on courses |
|
Miscellaneous |
200 – 400 |
Clothes, laundry, entertainment, etc. |
Estimated Monthly Cost: 1,800 – 3,500 SAR
Estimated Yearly Cost: 21,000 – 42,000 SAR (~$5,600 – $11,000 USD)
Item |
Estimated Cost (SAR) |
|---|---|
|
Student Visa & Iqama |
1,000 – 2,000 |
|
Health Insurance (private) |
1,000 – 2,500 |
|
Airfare (round-trip) |
2,500 – 4,000 |
|
Laptop & Study Materials |
2,000 – 4,000 |
Free tuition
Monthly stipend (SAR 1,900 – 3,000+)
Free or subsidized housing
Annual round-trip airfare
Medical coverage
Tuition: ~SAR 50,000/year (private) or ~SAR 10,000/year (public)
Living expenses: ~SAR 24,000 – 40,000/year
Total annual cost:
Public universities: ~SAR 35,000 – 60,000
Private universities: ~SAR 75,000 – 120,000
(~$9,300 – $32,000 USD)
Select the university that offers Civil Engineering with your desired specialization (e.g., Structural, Environmental, Transportation).
Decide between thesis or non-thesis track.
Document |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor’s degree certificate & transcript |
In Civil Engineering or related field, attested |
|
Curriculum Vitae (CV) |
Academic and professional background |
|
Statement of Purpose (SOP) |
Why you want to study Civil Engineering and your goals |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
Usually 2 or 3 from professors or employers |
|
English proficiency test |
IELTS (≥ 6.0) or TOEFL (iBT ≥ 70), unless degree was in English |
|
Passport copy |
For identity verification |
|
Medical certificate |
Some universities require proof of health |
|
Research proposal (for thesis-based programs) |
If applicable |
Register an account
Upload required documents
Fill in academic history, personal info, and program choice
Submit application before the deadline
Some private universities charge a non-refundable application fee
Public universities usually don’t charge for applying
Universities will evaluate:
Academic performance
English skills
Research interest (if thesis-based)
If accepted, you’ll receive an Offer Letter
Some offers include scholarships
For public universities (e.g., KAUST, KAU, KFUPM), full scholarships are part of the offer
You may need to formally accept the offer via the portal
Once accepted, the university will assist you in:
Issuing a visa invitation letter
Coordinating with the Saudi Embassy in your country
Arrange accommodation (on-campus or off-campus)
Attend orientation and begin the program
Start 6–8 months before your intended intake
Apply for multiple universities to increase your chances
Check if the university offers a fully funded scholarship
Coverage:
Full tuition fee
Monthly stipend (SAR 20,000–30,000/year)
On-campus housing
Medical and dental insurance
Airfare (annual)
For: All admitted students (international and domestic)
Deadline: December to March (for fall intake)
Competitive, research-intensive, all programs taught in English
Coverage:
Full tuition waiver
Monthly stipend (~SAR 900–1,100)
Free on-campus housing
Books and medical care
Subsidized meals
For: Highly qualified international applicants
Application Window: December to February
Coverage:
Tuition fee waived
Monthly stipend (~SAR 1,900)
Preparation allowance upon arrival
Accommodation, medical care, and annual return ticket
For: All nationalities (non-Saudis)
Application: Open most of the year; apply through their scholarship portal
Coverage:
Tuition fee
Monthly stipend
Free housing or housing allowance
Medical coverage
Annual airfare
For: Outstanding international students
Application: Jan–April (Fall); Oct–Nov (Spring)
Coverage:
Tuition and registration fees
Monthly living allowance
Health insurance
Travel costs
Can be used at partner universities in Saudi Arabia
Deadline: Usually around February–April
University assistantships (teaching/research jobs for graduate students)
Embassy-sponsored programs (some embassies collaborate with Saudi institutions)
Ministry of Education (Saudi Arabia) – occasionally provides international grants via partnerships
Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering or related field
Strong GPA (usually 3.0/4.0 or equivalent)
IELTS or TOEFL (if not previously taught in English)
Recommendation letters and SOP
Good research interest or experience (especially for KAUST, KFUPM)
Work on designing high-rise buildings, bridges, stadiums, and other infrastructure.
High demand due to projects like NEOM, The Line, Red Sea Project, and Diriyah Gate.
Design and plan road networks, highways, metro systems, and airports.
Opportunities with Ministry of Transport, Aramco, and Saudi Railways (SAR).
Work on water treatment, desalination, and wastewater management.
Saudi is big on water sustainability due to its arid climate.
Assess soil and foundation stability for major construction projects.
Involved in tunneling, excavation, and major infrastructure builds.
Oversee large-scale engineering projects, manage budgets and teams.
PMP certification can boost opportunities.
Strong demand in Saudi mega-projects and Vision 2030 initiatives.
Continue into PhD programs in Saudi Arabia (e.g., KAUST, KFUPM) or abroad.
Join research institutes focused on smart infrastructure, green buildings, etc.
Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Transport, Public Investment Fund (PIF)
Positions in urban planning, infrastructure development, and civil regulation.
Companies like Saudi Aramco, SABIC, and Ma’aden hire civil engineers for site design, structural integrity, and plant construction.
Saudi Aramco
NEOM
Red Sea Global
Public Investment Fund (PIF)
Saudi Binladin Group
Bechtel
AECOM
Dar Al-Handasah
SNC-Lavalin
Saudi Railways (SAR)
Role |
Monthly Salary (SAR) |
|---|---|
|
Entry-level Civil Engineer (MSc) |
7,000 – 10,000 |
|
Mid-level (5–10 years exp.) |
12,000 – 18,000 |
|
Senior Engineer / Project Manager |
20,000 – 30,000+ |
