Checkout the Masters in Finance in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 04, 2025 02:44:28
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) – Dhahran
Program: M.Sc. in Finance
Language: English
Reputation: Highly ranked in the region, strong in business and engineering
International students: Yes, with scholarships
King Saud University – Riyadh
Program: M.Sc. in Financial Management or M.Sc. in Finance
Language: English & Arabic (depending on program)
Location benefit: Capital city, access to financial institutions
Prince Sultan University – Riyadh
Program: MBA with Finance concentration
Private university: English-based education, more flexibility for expats
Good for: International-friendly environment
Alfaisal University – Riyadh
Program: MBA with Finance track
Notable: Collaborations with international institutions, all programs taught in English
Tuition-based: But offers scholarships
Effat University – Jeddah (for women only)
Program: MBA with Finance focus
International affiliations: Offers exchange programs, English instruction
Bachelor's degree (preferably in business, economics, accounting, or related fields)
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
GMAT/GRE – Some schools may require it
Letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose
Tuition: Varies by university, ranges between SAR 30,000–90,000/year (~USD 8,000–24,000)
Scholarships: Many public universities offer full scholarships, especially KFUPM (includes monthly stipend, accommodation, etc.)
Cost of living is relatively affordable compared to Western countries
Student housing often provided
Culture is conservative, but very safe and welcoming for international students
Growing financial sector in Riyadh and Jeddah
Vision 2030 is opening doors for more foreign investment, fintech, banking, and capital markets
Some universities have strong industry ties for internships or placements
Program: Master of Science in Finance
Language of Instruction: English
Public University
Notes: Highly ranked, especially strong in STEM and business disciplines. Offers scholarships for international students.
Program: Master of Science in Financial Management / Master in Finance
Language of Instruction: Some programs in English
Public University
Notes: One of the largest and oldest universities in Saudi Arabia. Competitive admission.
Program: MBA with Finance Track / Specialized Finance Graduate Programs
Language of Instruction: English
Private University
Notes: Known for international collaborations and modern curriculum. More flexible for international students.
Program: MBA with Finance Concentration
Language of Instruction: English
Private University
Notes: Research-oriented, with diverse student body and emphasis on innovation.
Program: Master in Financial and Banking Studies
Language of Instruction: Mostly Arabic, some tracks may offer English
Public University
Notes: Offers traditional and modern financial studies.
Program: Master in Finance / MBA with Finance specialization
Language of Instruction: English (for some graduate programs)
Public University
Notes: One of the top universities in terms of academic research output. Offers full scholarships for international students.
Program: MBA with Finance Specialization
Language of Instruction: English
Private University
Notes: Women’s university with strong international programs and partnerships.
Program: MBA with Finance focus
Language of Instruction: English
Private University
Notes: Business-focused university, known for practical approach and links to industry.
Field: Preferably in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or related areas.
Minimum GPA: Typically 2.75 out of 4.0 or equivalent (some top universities may require 3.0+).
Certified copies of academic records.
Translations into English or Arabic if the original is in another language.
If the program is taught in English, you’ll need one of the following:
TOEFL: Usually a minimum of 70–80 iBT
IELTS: Usually 6.0–6.5 overall
Native English speakers or graduates from English-medium institutions may be exempt.
GMAT or GRE – Some universities (like KFUPM or top private universities) may require or recommend it.
Others may waive it if you have strong academics or work experience.
Describes your academic background, career goals, and reasons for choosing the program.
Usually 2 academic or professional references.
Not always required, but can strengthen your application—especially for MBA-based finance tracks.
Valid passport
Student visa (issued after university admission and acceptance)
Some public universities (e.g. KFUPM, KAU) offer fully funded scholarships covering tuition, living allowance, and accommodation.
Private universities might not require GMAT/GRE but may have higher tuition.
Bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0+
TOEFL/IELTS required
GMAT recommended
Strong math/statistics background is helpful
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
This is the standard duration for most public and private universities.
Includes coursework, and may include a research thesis or capstone project.
Thesis track: Often leans more academic/research-oriented; useful if planning for PhD.
Non-thesis track: More practical; may include a final project or internship.
Duration: 1.5 to 2 years
Found at many private universities (e.g., Prince Sultan, Alfaisal)
More flexible, often suitable for working professionals
Duration: 2 to 3 years
Offered by some universities as evening or weekend programs
Ideal for students working while studying
University |
Program Type |
Duration |
|---|---|---|
|
KFUPM |
M.Sc. in Finance |
2 years |
|
King Saud University |
M.Sc. in Finance |
2 years |
|
Alfaisal University |
MBA – Finance Track |
1.5–2 years |
|
Prince Sultan University |
MBA – Finance |
2 years |
|
Effat University |
MBA – Finance |
2 years |
One of the top public universities in Saudi Arabia.
Offers postgraduate programs in finance and business.
While not all programs are fully online, they have been expanding their digital learning platforms.
Known for strong business and finance departments.
Offers distance learning and e-learning programs.
Often has part-time or blended options for working professionals.
Focuses on open and distance education.
Offers a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with Finance as a specialization.
Fully online or blended programs available.
A private university with a strong business school.
Known for offering flexible and modern education.
Offers MBA programs with finance tracks and may provide online components.
Offers MBA and Master's in Finance programs.
May include hybrid or online learning formats for professionals.
Offers business and finance-related postgraduate programs.
Has made strides in digital and remote learning, especially for working students.
Main intake for most graduate programs.
Application period usually opens between February to May.
Admission results typically announced in June or July.
Not all universities offer spring intake for Master’s programs.
Where available, applications open between September to November.
Decisions usually released by December.
Application period: February – April (for Fall)
Spring intake: Rare; mostly Fall
Portal: The “Graduate Studies Deanship” handles applications
Offers both Fall and occasionally Spring intakes
Application period: March – May (for Fall), September – October (for Spring)
Online portal for graduate admission is updated yearly
Offers multiple intakes, sometimes even three per year
Flexible deadlines, usually:
January Intake (apply by December)
May Intake (apply by April)
September Intake (apply by August)
Primarily one intake in Fall (September)
Application period: March – June
May extend deadlines for late applicants, especially for part-time students
Two intakes per year: Fall and Spring
Fall applications: March – June
Spring applications: October – December
Tuition for Saudis: Often free or heavily subsidized
Tuition for international students: Varies by program
Estimated total tuition (if charged): SAR 20,000 – 40,000 for the full program
For Saudis: Frequently free or minimal cost
International students can apply for fully-funded scholarships
Paid programs (especially executive or online): Around SAR 30,000 – 60,000
Master’s in Finance or MBA with Finance track
Estimated total cost: SAR 90,000 – 120,000
Payment is typically per credit hour (around SAR 2,000 – 2,500 per credit)
Master’s in Finance or MBA (with Finance electives)
Approx. tuition: SAR 80,000 – 100,000 total
Per semester: SAR 15,000 – 20,000, depending on course load
Finance-related Master’s (e.g., MBA with Finance concentration)
Total tuition: SAR 75,000 – 95,000
May offer scholarships based on GPA and academic performance
Very affordable compared to other private institutions
Per course: Around SAR 1,200 – 1,500
Total program cost: SAR 25,000 – 35,000
Ideal for working professionals or distance learners
Saudi students: Often free or SAR 5,000–15,000 total (nominal fees).
International students (self-funded): SAR 20,000 – 50,000 for the full program.
Scholarships: Available for top students, including full tuition + stipend.
Total tuition: SAR 80,000 – 120,000
Usually paid per credit hour (e.g., SAR 2,000–2,500 per credit)
Expense Type |
Estimated Cost (SAR) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
1,500 – 3,000 |
Shared apartment or studio |
|
Food & Groceries |
800 – 1,200 |
Moderate lifestyle |
|
Transportation |
300 – 600 |
Ride-share, public transport, fuel |
|
Internet & Mobile |
150 – 300 |
Basic packages |
|
Books & Materials |
200 – 500 |
Varies by course |
|
Personal Expenses |
500 – 1,000 |
Entertainment, clothes, etc. |
Monthly total: SAR 3,500 – 6,000
Yearly total: SAR 42,000 – 72,000
Most Master's in Finance programs: 2 years (4 semesters)
Some executive or online options: 1.5 years
Type of University |
Tuition (2 Years) |
Living (2 Years) |
Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Public (Saudi) |
SAR 5K – 15K |
SAR 42K – 72K |
SAR 47K – 87K |
|
Public (International) |
SAR 20K – 50K |
SAR 42K – 72K |
SAR 62K – 122K |
|
Private (All students) |
SAR 80K – 120K |
SAR 42K – 72K |
SAR 122K – 192K |
Decide between public (e.g., KSU, KAU) and private (e.g., PSU, Al Yamamah) universities.
Choose between MSc in Finance, MBA with a Finance track, or other related programs.
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or related field.
Minimum GPA:
Public universities: Usually 3.0/5 or 2.0/4 and above.
Private universities: Often more flexible, but a GPA of 2.75+/4.0 is recommended.
Programs taught in English require:
IELTS (typically 6.0+)
Or TOEFL iBT (usually 70–80+)
Some universities may offer English placement tests locally.
GMAT or GRE (mainly for MBA programs at top private universities)
Public universities may require an internal admission test
Some programs (especially MBAs) ask for 1–3 years of work experience
MSc Finance programs typically do not require work experience
Bachelor's degree certificate and transcript
English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
CV or Resume
Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose
Letters of Recommendation (usually 2)
Copy of national ID or passport
Passport-size photos
Application fee payment receipt (if applicable)
Each university has an online admission portal:
Public universities: Through the Deanship of Graduate Studies
Private universities: Through their own admissions or graduate program websites
After submission, you can usually track your status through the portal.
Some universities may conduct interviews or additional assessments.
If accepted, you'll get an official offer letter.
Accept the offer by confirming online and possibly paying a registration fee.
Accepted international students receive an admission letter for student visa processing
Apply for a student visa (Iqama) through the Saudi consulate/embassy
For international students (non-Saudis)
Covers full tuition, monthly stipend (SAR 1,900+), housing, airfare, and healthcare.
Open to students pursuing Master’s in Finance, Accounting, Economics, etc.
Application is made directly through the KAU Scholarship Portal.
Requirements:
Good academic record
English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
Recommendation letters and a strong statement of purpose
Scholarships for both Saudi and non-Saudi students (especially Arab and Muslim countries).
Often covers:
Tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Medical care
Annual round-trip ticket (for non-Saudis)
Finance-related programs (e.g., Finance, MBA, Islamic Finance) are eligible.
Supports study at public universities (KSU, KAU, KFUPM, etc.)
Covers full tuition, monthly stipend, medical care, travel, and visa processing
Focuses on fields like Finance, Business, IT, Engineering
Competitive, research-oriented university
Offers full scholarships for MSc programs, including Finance & Business disciplines
For international and domestic students
Includes:
Tuition waiver
Monthly stipend
Free housing & meals
Medical insurance
Airfare
Offers partial and full scholarships for Master’s in Finance, MBA, and Business Analytics
Open to Saudi and international female students
Merit-based or need-based
Covers up to 100% tuition fee
Offers partial merit-based scholarships for graduate students
GPA-based discounts on tuition (e.g., 25%–50%)
Scholarships apply to MBA or Finance-related programs
Many Saudi companies and banks (e.g., SABIC, Aramco, SABB, NCB) offer scholarships or sponsorships
Often tied to employment contracts post-graduation
Includes tuition coverage and monthly stipend
Bachelor’s degree transcript & certificate
English language certificate (IELTS/TOEFL)
CV/resume
Personal statement / Study plan
Recommendation letters
Passport copy / National ID
Work for banks, investment firms, or large corporations.
Analyze financial data, assist in budgeting, and make investment recommendations.
Starting salary: SAR 8,000 – 12,000/month
Mid-career: SAR 15,000 – 25,000/month
Work on mergers, acquisitions, IPOs, and capital raising.
Common employers: Samba Capital, NCB Capital, HSBC Saudi Arabia
Salary range: SAR 15,000 – 40,000/month (high pressure, high reward)
Manage a company’s financial planning, cash flow, and investment decisions.
Found in large firms like Aramco, SABIC, STC, Ma’aden
Salary: SAR 20,000 – 35,000/month
Analyze and manage financial risks; ensure regulatory compliance.
Often employed by banks, insurance firms, and financial regulators.
Salary: SAR 12,000 – 25,000/month
Emerging area with lots of potential: work in digital payments, blockchain, AI-driven finance.
Employers: STC Pay, Tamara, Geidea, Lean Technologies
Salary: SAR 10,000 – 20,000/month (startups), higher in scale-ups
Manage portfolios of clients or institutions, make strategic investment decisions.
Often requires CFA certification (can be pursued after your Master’s).
Salary: SAR 20,000 – 40,000/month
Growing demand in Sharia-compliant banking and investment
Work in banks like Al Rajhi Bank, Bank AlJazira, Alinma Bank
Salary: SAR 10,000 – 25,000/month
With strong grades, you can become a lecturer or researcher at a university or think tank.
Salary: SAR 12,000 – 20,000/month (entry-level lecturer), higher with PhD
Banks: Al Rajhi, NCB, Riyad Bank, SABB, Banque Saudi Fransi
Investment Firms: NCB Capital, Jadwa Investment, Alkhabeer Capital
Corporates: Aramco, SABIC, NEOM, STC
Consulting Firms: PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, EY, McKinsey (finance advisory)
Government Entities: Ministry of Finance, PIF (Public Investment Fund), CMA (Capital Market Authority)
Rapid growth in Fintech & digital banking
Government focus on capital markets development
Strong push for local talent (Saudization) in finance
High demand for financial modeling, data analytics, and compliance skills
CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) – for investment & asset management
CMA (Certified Management Accountant) – for corporate finance
FRM (Financial Risk Manager) – for risk and compliance roles
CPA / SOCPA – if you're leaning toward accounting or auditing
