Checkout the Masters in International Business in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 05, 2025 11:36:22
One of the oldest and most prestigious public universities.
Offers various business-related master's degrees.
Language of instruction: Mostly Arabic, but some programs (especially graduate-level and business) are in English.
Check their College of Business Administration.
Mostly STEM-focused, but offers entrepreneurship and business-related research programs.
100% English instruction.
Very international — over 100 nationalities on campus.
Private university with strong business and management programs.
Offers graduate programs in English.
Actively accepts international students.
Private, English-medium university with international faculty.
Offers an MBA with international business electives.
Known for a strong business and entrepreneurship focus.
Private women’s university with international partnerships.
Offers MBA and other business-related programs.
Courses in English.
Typically 1.5 to 2 years.
Includes courses like global marketing, international finance, cross-cultural management, trade policy, and more.
Often includes a capstone project or thesis.
Many universities offer graduate business programs in English, especially private universities or those with international faculty.
Still, it's good to confirm course-by-course.
Tuition varies depending on the university:
Public universities: Lower fees, especially subsidized for scholarship recipients.
Private universities: SAR 50,000 to 100,000 per year (~$13,000–$26,000 USD).
Scholarships:
Some universities offer fully-funded scholarships for international students.
Saudi government (via Ministry of Education) also provides Kingdom Scholarships to international students in select fields.
Student visa required – generally facilitated by the admitting university.
Accommodation: Most universities offer on-campus housing.
Cost of living in cities like Riyadh or Jeddah is moderate (compared to Western countries), but can vary depending on lifestyle.
Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field.
Good GPA (usually 3.0/4.0 or higher).
English proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL scores required for English-medium programs.
Some may require GMAT/GRE, but not always.
Offers graduate business programs under the College of Business Administration.
International Business content may be part of their MBA or specialized Master's tracks.
Known for its strong business and economics faculties.
Offers Master's programs in Business Administration, possibly with international business electives.
Offers graduate business programs with international orientation.
Emphasizes global business perspectives and English-language instruction.
Offers MBA and other business-related Master's programs.
Focuses on international business trends and has partnerships with global institutions.
Offers business graduate programs with international components.
Known for collaboration with international universities.
Offers Master's programs in business-related fields with a global perspective.
Business school offers a variety of graduate programs, some of which touch on international topics.
Bachelor’s Degree:
A Bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
Preferably in Business, Economics, Management, or a related field.
Some universities accept other majors but may require foundational business courses.
Minimum GPA:
Usually 2.75 out of 5.0 or 2.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent).
Competitive programs may require higher GPAs.
English Proficiency:
If the program is taught in English, non-native English speakers will typically need to provide:
IELTS (usually minimum 6.0 or 6.5)
TOEFL (around 70–80 iBT)
Some universities waive this if your undergraduate degree was taught in English.
Arabic Proficiency:
Not required for English-taught programs, but useful for daily life or Arabic-taught programs.
Academic transcripts
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement
Letters of Recommendation (usually 2)
Copy of passport/IQAMA (for expatriates)
Application fee (if applicable)
Some universities may require:
GMAT or GRE (less common, more typical for MBA programs)
University-specific entrance exam or interview
Full-time Program:
2 years (4 semesters)
This is the most common format for a traditional Master’s degree in Saudi universities.
Part-time Program:
2.5 to 3 years
This option may be available for working professionals, especially in private universities or Executive programs.
Program: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Mode: Fully online with occasional in-person requirements
Language: English
International Focus: Offers courses in global business, international marketing, etc.
One of the few institutions designed specifically for online education in Saudi Arabia.
Program: E-Learning options available for MBA and related fields
Mode: Mostly online with some in-person sessions
International components may be part of electives or specialization areas.
Offers business graduate programs with hybrid and flexible formats
While not fully online, they provide some courses online, especially for working professionals.
Both offer some online/blended courses in business programs.
Programs taught in English with international business-related subjects.
Start Date: Late August or early September
Application Period: Typically March to June
Most popular intake for local and international students
Offers wider course availability
Start Date: Late January or early February
Application Period: Usually October to December
Not all programs accept new students in this semester
More limited course and seat availability
Step |
Approximate Dates |
|---|---|
|
Online Application Opens |
March or October |
|
Deadline to Apply |
June (Fall) / December (Spring) |
|
Entrance Exams / Interviews |
June–July or December–January |
|
Admission Results |
July or January |
|
Semester Begins |
September or February |
Tuition Fees:
SAR 20,000 – 40,000 for the entire program (~USD 5,300 – 10,600)
Often subsidized by the government, especially for Saudi nationals.
Some programs may be free for Saudis or offered at lower rates through scholarships.
International students usually pay the full amount.
Tuition Fees:
SAR 70,000 – 120,000 for the full program (~USD 18,600 – 32,000)
Payment usually spread across 4 semesters.
May offer installment plans or partial scholarships.
University |
Estimated Tuition (Total) |
|---|---|
|
Alfaisal University |
SAR 120,000 |
|
Prince Sultan Univ. |
SAR 90,000 – 100,000 |
|
Effat University |
SAR 80,000 – 100,000 |
|
Dar Al-Hekma |
SAR 85,000 |
Tuition Fees:
SAR 35,000 – 50,000 total (~USD 9,300 – 13,300)
More affordable than on-campus private programs.
Paid per credit hour (around SAR 1,300 – 1,500 per credit)
Public universities may offer:
Government scholarships
Financial support for Saudi and sometimes international students
Private universities may offer:
Academic merit scholarships
Discounts for early registration, GPA, or company partnerships
Category |
Public Univ. (SAR) |
Private Univ. (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition Fees |
10,000 – 20,000 |
35,000 – 60,000 |
|
Accommodation |
12,000 – 24,000 |
18,000 – 30,000 |
|
Food & Groceries |
6,000 – 12,000 |
6,000 – 12,000 |
|
Transportation |
3,000 – 6,000 |
3,000 – 6,000 |
|
Books & Materials |
1,000 – 2,000 |
1,000 – 2,000 |
|
Misc. Expenses |
2,000 – 4,000 |
2,000 – 4,000 |
Public University: Approx. 34,000 – 68,000 SAR
Private University: Approx. 65,000 – 114,000 SAR
Public: ~$9,000 – 18,000/year
Private: ~$17,300 – 30,400/year
Type of University |
Total Cost for 2 Years |
|---|---|
|
Public University |
SAR 70,000 – 135,000 |
|
Private University |
SAR 130,000 – 220,000 |
Costs vary depending on the city (e.g., Riyadh and Jeddah are more expensive than smaller cities like Al Khobar or Abha).
Accommodation options: University dorms (more affordable), shared flats, or private rentals.
Public transport is limited; having a car or using ride apps (like Uber/Careem) is common.
Public universities may offer fully funded scholarships, especially for Saudi citizens and selected international students.
Private universities may offer partial tuition waivers based on academic merit or need.
Decide if you want to study at a public or private university.
Check if the program is International Business, or an MBA/Business program with international specialization.
Confirm if the program is on-campus, online, or blended.
Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Business or related field)
Minimum GPA (usually 2.75/5.0 or 2.0/4.0)
English proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL (if program is in English)
May require GMAT/GRE or entrance exam (not always)
Academic transcripts & degree certificate
CV or résumé
Statement of Purpose or Motivation Letter
Letters of Recommendation (usually 2)
Valid passport (and Iqama if you're a resident)
English test scores (if applicable)
Passport-size photo
Application fee (if required)
Visit the university’s admission portal.
Create an account and complete your profile.
Upload all required documents.
Select your program and submit the application.
Application Periods:
Fall Intake: Apply between March and June
Spring Intake: Apply between October and December
University-specific test
Interview (virtual or in-person)
Universities review applications and notify students via email or through their online portal.
Decision timelines: Typically 4–8 weeks after application deadline.
Accept admission offer.
Pay confirmation deposit (if required).
Submit final documents (e.g., attested transcripts).
Apply for student visa if you're an international applicant.
Register for courses via the student portal.
Arrange housing (university dorms or private).
Attend orientation or preparatory programs (if offered).
Offered through public universities like King Saud University, KAU, Imam University, etc.
Often fully funded: covers tuition, monthly stipend, housing, and medical insurance.
Available for Saudi and non-Saudi students (limited international seats).
Eligibility:
Strong academic record
English language proficiency
Must apply directly through the university or ministry’s portal
Mainly for Saudi nationals to study abroad, but also funds domestic graduate studies in special cases.
Covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
May support business and international programs within Saudi Arabia under strategic goals.
Merit-based scholarships for graduate students (partial tuition waivers)
10–25% discount based on academic performance
Special rates for PSU/Alfaisal undergrad alumni
Scholarships for high GPA students
Corporate sponsorships and financial aid options available
Partial scholarships based on GPA and financial need
Installment payment plans offered too
Many Saudi employers sponsor employees for graduate studies under:
Human Capital Development Programs
SABIC, ARAMCO, STC, and banks offer such sponsorships
Some companies have agreements with specific universities
Offers lower tuition rates with flexible payment
Occasionally provides discounts or support for top-performing students or applicants from low-income backgrounds
Offered at Effat University, Dar Al-Hekma, and Princess Nourah University
Designed to support Saudi women in business, leadership, and international roles
KAU International Scholarship
Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship (for students from member countries)
Includes full tuition, monthly stipend, housing, airfare
Work with multinational companies or local brands expanding abroad
Roles in digital marketing, brand strategy, and cross-border campaigns
Lead market entry strategies, partnerships, and joint ventures with foreign firms
High demand in tech, healthcare, finance, and logistics
Help Saudi firms expand globally, or assist foreign companies entering the Kingdom
Work with Chambers of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce, or private exporters
Analyze and support foreign direct investment (FDI) initiatives
Work with SAGIA (Ministry of Investment), NEOM, or free zones like KAEC
Oversee international procurement, logistics, and vendor relations
High demand in oil & gas, retail, e-commerce, and manufacturing
Coordinate cross-border or multinational projects
Especially relevant in construction, energy, and public sector initiatives
Join firms like PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, BCG, or local consultancies
Work on business strategy, global expansion, or organizational transformation
Multinational Corporations (MNCs): P&G, Unilever, Siemens, Amazon, Microsoft
Saudi Giants: Aramco, SABIC, STC, Ma’aden
Consulting Firms: McKinsey, EY, PwC, Bain
Government Entities: Ministry of Investment, Vision 2030 Projects (NEOM, Red Sea Global)
Banks & Financial Institutions: SABB, Riyad Bank, SNB Capital
E-commerce & Digital Trade
Sustainable Business & ESG
Fintech & Islamic Finance
Tourism & Hospitality (due to Vision 2030 mega-projects)
International Education & EdTech
Role |
Entry-Level |
Mid-Career |
|---|---|---|
|
International Marketing |
8,000 – 12,000 |
15,000 – 25,000 |
|
Business Development Manager |
10,000 – 15,000 |
18,000 – 30,000 |
|
Consultant (Strategy) |
12,000 – 20,000 |
25,000+ |
|
Supply Chain / Logistics Lead |
10,000 – 18,000 |
20,000 – 30,000 |
|
Foreign Investment Analyst |
9,000 – 15,000 |
20,000 – 28,000 |
Get internships or co-op training during your studies
Build your professional network via LinkedIn and events (e.g., LEAP, Future Investment Initiative)
Learn basic Arabic – not mandatory but helpful
Consider certifications like CIPS, PMP, CIM, or CFA based on your career focus
Stay updated on Vision 2030 trends – many new opportunities are being created!
