Checkout the Masters in Human Resource Management in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 07, 2025 10:16:59
One of the most prestigious public universities.
Offers Master's programs in Business Administration with specializations in HR.
Some programs are taught in English.
Welcomes international students via scholarships.
Known for strong business and management programs.
Offers full scholarships to international students.
HRM may be part of an MBA or specific Master’s in Public Administration.
Private university with international affiliations.
Offers business programs with HR tracks, often in English.
More accessible for international students than public universities.
Highly ranked private university with English-taught graduate programs.
Offers an MBA with HR Management focus.
Strong international student support.
Offers programs in English.
MBA or MA programs with HR concentration.
Welcomes international female students.
Most HRM programs are part of an MBA or Management program.
English-taught options are available, particularly in private universities.
Programs typically take 1.5 to 2 years.
Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Business, Management, or related fields).
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL if the program is in English).
Letters of recommendation.
Personal statement or Statement of Purpose.
Some programs may require work experience or an entrance interview.
Public universities often provide full scholarships (including tuition, housing, and monthly stipend) to international students.
Private universities charge tuition (ranges from SAR 40,000–80,000 per year), but some offer merit-based scholarships.
Increasing focus on internationalization.
On-campus housing often available.
Students must follow local cultural norms and rules, but universities are generally supportive.
Offers Master's programs in Business Administration with HR specialization.
One of the top-ranked and oldest universities in Saudi Arabia.
Welcomes international students through scholarship programs.
Offers programs in Human Resource Management under the Faculty of Economics and Administration.
Known for offering full scholarships to international students.
Offers programs in Administrative Sciences with HR-related courses.
Strong focus on Islamic and cultural values.
Offers graduate studies in Business Administration with possible HR concentrations.
Growing reputation in the southern region of the Kingdom.
Offers HRM courses within the College of Business and Economics.
Suitable for students seeking a quieter and more traditional environment.
Offers an MBA program with an HRM concentration.
English is the primary medium of instruction.
Known for its international collaborations.
Offers MBA with elective courses in Human Resources.
English-taught programs and a diverse international student body.
Offers a Master’s in HRM program designed for female professionals.
Focus on leadership, ethics, and global HR practices.
Offers programs in business and management with HR focus.
Emphasizes leadership and innovation, especially for women in the workforce.
Offers an MBA program with HR specialization.
Private institution with business-focused programs.
Must hold a recognized undergraduate degree (usually a 4-year degree).
Preferred: Degrees in Business Administration, Management, HR, Economics, Sociology, or related fields.
Some programs may accept applicants from other backgrounds, depending on academic performance or relevant experience.
Minimum GPA: Usually 2.75 out of 4.0 or 3.75 out of 5.0 (or equivalent).
Transcripts must be official and sometimes attested by your country’s Ministry of Education and the Saudi Embassy.
Required if the program is taught in English.
Commonly accepted tests:
IELTS (minimum score: 6.0 or above)
TOEFL (minimum iBT score: 70–80)
Usually 2 letters from academic or professional references.
Describes your motivation, career goals, and why you’re choosing HRM.
Especially important if applying to an MBA with HR focus or if work experience is considered an advantage.
Not always required, but having 1–2 years of relevant work experience can strengthen your application.
Some MBA programs may specifically ask for professional experience.
A valid passport and national ID (translated if not in English or Arabic).
Some universities ask for a medical report and proof of good conduct.
Some universities might have an internal exam or require GRE/GMAT—usually more common for MBA programs.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Includes coursework, and may include a thesis or research project (depending on the track).
Common in public universities like King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University, and others.
Duration: 1.5 to 2 years
Often offered by private universities such as Alfaisal University, Prince Sultan University, and UBT.
More practice-oriented, sometimes available in evening or weekend formats for working professionals.
Duration: 1 to 1.5 years
Designed for professionals with work experience.
May be offered in modular or blended formats (part-time or online + on-campus sessions).
Most Saudi universities operate on a semester system, with:
Fall Semester (starts in September)
Spring Semester (starts in February)
Some programs also offer a summer semester or accelerated options.
Program Type: Master in Public Administration (MPA) with HR concentration – Distance Learning Track
Format: Fully online or hybrid
Language: Arabic (some programs may have English content)
Notes: KAU is a top-ranked university and offers distance education programs under its Deanship of e-Learning and Distance Education.
Program: Master of Business Administration (MBA) with HR track
Format: Blended learning (online + in-person exams or sessions)
Language: English
Notes: AOU is a regional university with a flexible learning model ideal for working professionals.
Program: MBA with HR specialization
Format: Hybrid/Online courses offered, especially for part-time students
Language: English
Notes: Offers options for distance or evening learning for working students.
Program: Master of Business Administration (MBA) with electives in HRM
Format: Blended (60% online + 40% in-person)
Language: English
Notes: SEU is specialized in online learning and designed for digital education, making it the top choice for flexible postgraduate studies in Saudi Arabia.
Working professionals seeking flexibility
International students already in Saudi Arabia on residence visas
Students needing part-time or remote study options
Language of instruction (Arabic or English)
Mode of assessment (online exams vs. on-campus)
Whether the degree is thesis-based or coursework-only
Accreditation (make sure it’s recognized by the Saudi Ministry of Education)
Semester starts: September
Application period: March to June
Most competitive intake with scholarship opportunities for international students
Semester starts: February
Application period: September to November (previous year)
Not all universities offer spring intake for master’s programs — check individually
Application portals open: March–April (for Fall intake)
Deadlines: Usually by end of May or early June
Scholarship deadline: Same as application or slightly earlier
Notification of results: July–August
More flexible intake options
Usually have rolling admissions or multiple application windows
Accept applications up to 1–2 months before semester begins
Fall intake deadline: Around July–August
Spring intake deadline: Around December–January
Some may offer summer intake as well
University |
Type |
Program Type |
Language |
Approx. Annual Tuition (SAR) |
Approx. Annual Tuition (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
Public |
MBA/HR Specialization |
Arabic/English |
Free (for scholarship students) |
Free |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
Public |
Master in Public Admin – HR Track |
Arabic |
Free (with scholarship) |
Free |
|
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud University |
Public |
Master in Administrative Sciences – HR |
Arabic |
Free (for Saudis/scholarships) |
Free |
|
Saudi Electronic University (SEU) |
Semi-Government |
MBA – HR Electives |
English |
42,000 SAR (total) |
$11,200 (for full program) |
|
Alfaisal University |
Private |
MBA – HR Focus |
English |
90,000–110,000 SAR/year |
$24,000–29,000 |
|
Prince Sultan University |
Private |
MBA – HRM Track |
English |
66,000–80,000 SAR/year |
$17,600–21,300 |
|
University of Business & Technology (UBT) |
Private |
MBA – HR Specialization |
English |
60,000–70,000 SAR/year |
$16,000–18,700 |
|
Dar Al-Hekma University (Women Only) |
Private |
Master’s in HR Management |
English |
70,000–80,000 SAR/year |
$18,700–21,300 |
|
Effat University (Women Only) |
Private |
MBA or HRM Program |
English |
75,000 SAR/year (avg.) |
$20,000 |
University Type |
Annual Tuition (SAR) |
Total (2 Years) |
Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Public (with scholarship) |
0 |
0 |
Free |
|
Public (self-funded, if allowed) |
20,000–30,000 |
40,000–60,000 |
~$10,500–16,000 |
|
Private (e.g., PSU, Alfaisal) |
60,000–110,000 |
120,000–220,000 |
~$32,000–58,000 |
Expense Category |
Monthly (SAR) |
Yearly (SAR) |
USD Equivalent (Yearly) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation (shared or student housing) |
1,000–2,000 |
12,000–24,000 |
~$3,200–6,400 |
|
Food |
800–1,200 |
9,600–14,400 |
~$2,500–3,800 |
|
Transportation |
300–500 |
3,600–6,000 |
~$950–1,600 |
|
Internet & Utilities |
200–300 |
2,400–3,600 |
~$640–960 |
|
Personal/Miscellaneous |
300–500 |
3,600–6,000 |
~$950–1,600 |
Item |
Estimated Cost (SAR) |
USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
|
Health Insurance |
1,000–2,000/year |
~$270–540 |
|
Visa & Iqama (residency) Fees |
2,000–3,000/year |
~$530–800 |
|
Books & Study Materials |
1,000–1,500/year |
~$270–400 |
|
Application/Enrollment Fees |
500–1,000 (one-time) |
~$130–270 |
|
Airfare (round trip) |
2,500–4,000 |
~$660–1,000 |
Type |
Total in SAR |
Total in USD |
|---|---|---|
|
Public University |
80,000–120,000 |
~$21,000–32,000 |
|
Private University |
150,000–270,000 |
~$40,000–72,000 |
|
Scholarship Student |
~30,000–40,000 (living only) |
~$8,000–11,000 |
Many public universities offer full scholarships, which cover:
Tuition
Monthly stipend (up to 900–1,200 SAR)
Free accommodation
Health insurance
Sometimes even annual airfare
Decide if you’re applying to a public, private, or online/blended university.
Check if the program is:
Thesis-based or coursework-only
Taught in English or Arabic
Open to international students (not all programs are)
Document |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor’s degree certificate |
Preferably in Business, HR, or related field |
|
Academic transcripts |
Must be official and translated (if not in Arabic/English) |
|
English language certificate |
IELTS (6.0+) or TOEFL (70+ iBT) – required for English-taught programs |
|
CV/Resume |
Including academic and work experience |
|
Statement of Purpose (SOP) |
Explaining career goals and motivation |
|
Letters of recommendation |
Usually 2 – from professors or employers |
|
Passport copy |
Valid for at least 6 months |
|
Medical report |
Required at most public universities |
|
Recent photos |
Passport-size photos |
Submit your application through the university’s online admissions portal.
Some universities (especially public) require an account through Ministry of Education portals.
Application fee may apply (usually 100–500 SAR for private universities).
After reviewing your application, the university may:
Request an interview (in person or online)
Ask for additional documents
Notify you of conditional acceptance
For private universities, pay the admission/enrollment fee to confirm your spot.
For public universities with scholarships, you may need to confirm via a portal or letter.
If outside Saudi Arabia, use the acceptance letter to apply for a student visa.
Submit to the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in your home country along with:
Medical test results
Police clearance certificate
Visa application form
Some universities (especially public ones) offer free dorms for scholarship students.
Private university students may need to arrange housing separately.
University: King Abdulaziz University – Jeddah
Coverage:
Full tuition fees
Monthly stipend (~900–1,200 SAR)
Free housing and medical care
Round-trip airfare
Eligibility: International students (non-Saudis)
Language: Arabic or English (depending on program)
Deadline: March–May (for Fall intake)
Notes: Highly competitive and available for many programs including Public Administration with HR focus.
University: King Saud University – Riyadh
Coverage:
Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Free accommodation
Medical care and airfare
Eligibility: International students with strong academic records
Programs: MBA or Master’s in Admin Sciences with HR focus
Deadline: Usually around April–June
Medium of Instruction: Arabic or English depending on the program
Coverage:
Full tuition
Monthly living allowance
Accommodation and medical care
Eligibility: Male international students (specific to certain nationalities and fields)
Notes: While mainly focused on Islamic Studies and Arabic, they also offer Admin and HR-related programs.
SEU may offer partial scholarships or financial aid for domestic and resident expat students.
Program is blended (part online, part in-person).
Available for the MBA program, with HR electives.
Type: Merit-based partial scholarships
Coverage: 10%–30% tuition discount
Eligibility: High GPA, professional experience, or leadership potential
Program: MBA with HRM electives
Language: English
Notes: Competitive, and often combined with employer sponsorships.
Offers partial scholarships for outstanding international or expat students
Available for MBA with HR track
Based on academic excellence and financial need
Partner programs with selected universities for full scholarship support.
Usually applies to public universities only.
Scholarships are often listed via Saudi Embassies or university websites.
Bachelor’s degree with strong academic performance
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) for English-taught programs
Good conduct certificate / medical report
Age limit: usually under 35 years old for Master’s
Valid passport
Strong statement of purpose and recommendation letters
Handles recruitment, onboarding, performance management, payroll, and employee relations.
Common across sectors like banking, education, telecom, manufacturing, and oil & gas.
Focuses on hiring strategies, employer branding, and staffing plans.
In demand in multinational companies, tech startups, and HR consulting firms.
Works on organizational change, employee engagement, and performance strategies.
Roles exist in large corporations, government ministries, and NGOs.
Designs and implements employee training programs and learning systems.
Especially needed in universities, training institutes, and corporate L&D departments.
Designs salary structures, bonus plans, and employee benefits.
Key for corporate HR, especially in banking, oil & gas, and aviation sectors.
Deals with conflict resolution, policy enforcement, and employee satisfaction.
Relevant for both private sector and public sector HR departments.
Aligns HR strategies with business goals.
Often a senior strategic role in large companies or multinationals.
Sector |
Examples of Employers |
|---|---|
|
Oil & Energy |
Saudi Aramco, SABIC, Petro Rabigh |
|
Banking & Finance |
Al Rajhi Bank, SABB, Riyad Bank |
|
Government/Public Sector |
Ministries, Vision 2030 agencies |
|
Healthcare & Education |
King Faisal Specialist Hospital, universities |
|
Telecom & Tech |
STC, Zain, Mobily, NEOM, PIF-backed startups |
|
Retail & FMCG |
Almarai, Savola, Panda |
|
HR Consulting |
PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, local HR firms |
A Master’s from a recognized Saudi university (especially one with an English-medium program) can be a stepping stone for:
Jobs in the GCC (UAE, Qatar, Bahrain)
HR roles in global companies with Middle East operations
Further education like PhD in HR or Business Administration
Role |
Monthly Salary (SAR) |
Annual Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
HR Officer / Specialist |
7,000 – 10,000 |
$22,000 – 32,000 |
|
HR Manager |
12,000 – 20,000 |
$38,000 – 64,000 |
|
Talent Acquisition Lead |
10,000 – 18,000 |
$32,000 – 58,000 |
|
Training & Development Manager |
12,000 – 22,000 |
$38,000 – 70,000 |
|
HR Business Partner |
15,000 – 25,000+ |
$48,000 – 80,000+ |
