Checkout the Masters in Marketing in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 05, 2025 10:23:48
King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh
One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Saudi Arabia.
Offers graduate programs in business and marketing.
Programs are often in Arabic, but some graduate business courses may be offered in English.
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah
Known for its strong business faculty.
Offers Master’s degrees in Business Administration with marketing tracks or specializations.
Often provides scholarships for international students.
Prince Sultan University – Riyadh
A private university offering English-language programs.
Offers MBA programs with marketing concentrations.
Very international-friendly with a diverse student body.
Alfaisal University – Riyadh
A top private university with strong ties to industry and international collaboration.
Offers MBA programs with various specializations, including marketing.
Courses are delivered in English.
Effat University – Jeddah (Women only)
Prestigious private university for women.
Offers business programs with marketing tracks.
Courses taught in English; open to international female students.
A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field.
English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS).
Letters of recommendation.
Personal statement or statement of purpose.
Some programs may require work experience or GMAT/GRE scores.
Tuition varies by institution and whether it's public or private.
Public universities like KSU or KAU often offer full scholarships to international students, covering tuition, accommodation, and even a monthly stipend.
Private universities charge tuition but may offer partial scholarships or financial aid.
Rapidly growing higher education sector.
Increasing internationalization of universities.
Culturally rich experience with a strong business environment.
Government-backed initiatives like Vision 2030 promoting global talent and innovation.
One of the top public universities.
Offers Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with Marketing specialization.
Programs may be in Arabic or English, depending on the faculty.
Offers MBA and Master’s in Marketing or related business disciplines.
Known for international student scholarships.
Programs often available in English for international students.
Offers Master’s programs in Business, including Marketing.
May require proficiency in Arabic.
Mostly known for engineering, but offers strong MBA programs with electives in Marketing.
English is the medium of instruction.
Scholarships available for international students.
Offers MBA programs with a Marketing track.
English-language instruction.
International-student friendly.
Offers an MBA with Marketing and Strategic Management tracks.
Courses taught in English.
Welcomes international students with various funding opportunities.
Offers graduate programs in Business with Marketing options.
English-medium instruction.
Designed to empower women leaders in business.
Offers MBA with a Marketing concentration.
Programs in English.
Accepts international female students.
Bachelor’s Degree:
Must hold a recognized Bachelor's degree (typically in Marketing, Business, or a related field).
Some programs accept degrees in other disciplines, especially for MBA programs.
Minimum GPA requirements vary (usually around 2.75–3.0 out of 4.0, or equivalent).
Academic Transcripts (official and translated if not in Arabic or English).
Bachelor’s Degree Certificate (authenticated and sometimes attested by relevant authorities).
Letters of Recommendation (usually 2–3).
Statement of Purpose / Personal Statement explaining your goals, motivation, and background.
CV or Resume (highlighting academic, work, and volunteer experience).
Required if the program is taught in English:
IELTS (usually minimum 6.0–6.5) or TOEFL (around 79–90 iBT).
Some universities may waive this for students from English-speaking countries or those who studied in English.
MBA Programs may require:
GMAT or GRE (though often optional or waived depending on GPA or experience).
Work experience: Not always required, but 1–2 years can boost your application.
Valid Passport.
Student Visa (Iqama) – processed after acceptance.
Medical clearance (health check).
Proof of Financial Support – unless you’re receiving a scholarship.
Some universities may require equivalency certificates from the Saudi Ministry of Education.
Many public universities (like KSU, KAU, KFUPM) offer fully-funded scholarships that cover:
Tuition
Monthly stipend
Housing
Airfare
Medical insurance
1.5 to 2 years (usually 3 to 4 semesters)
Most programs are structured for completion in 2 academic years.
2.5 to 3 years, depending on course load per semester.
Typically requires 30 to 42 credit hours to graduate.
Some programs include a research thesis, while others follow a coursework-only or project-based model.
Most notable provider of online higher education in the Kingdom.
Offers an MBA program with electives in Marketing.
Fully online or blended (online + occasional in-person).
Courses are delivered in English.
Open to international students.
Offers MBA programs in collaboration with the UK Open University.
Some marketing-related specializations are available.
Blended learning model: Mostly online, with some in-person exams or sessions.
Recognized across GCC countries.
Most online programs are MBA programs with Marketing specialization, not standalone Master of Marketing degrees.
Some may allow for elective focus in Digital Marketing, Consumer Behavior, etc.
Same as on-campus programs: Bachelor’s degree, English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), possibly work experience for MBA programs.
2 years (full-time) or 2.5–3 years (part-time) depending on flexibility.
Starts: September
Applications Open: Around March to May
Deadline: Typically by May or June
Starts: February
Applications Open: Around October to November
Deadline: Usually by December
University |
Intake |
Deadline |
|---|---|---|
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
Fall |
May – June |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
Fall |
April – May |
|
Saudi Electronic University (SEU) |
Fall & Spring |
May (Fall), November (Spring) |
|
Alfaisal University |
Fall & Spring |
Rolling until seats are filled (July latest for Fall) |
|
Prince Sultan University |
Fall & Spring |
June (Fall), December (Spring) |
|
Effat University |
Fall & Spring |
June (Fall), December (Spring) |
Tuition Fees: Often free for international students with scholarships.
Without scholarship: Fees may apply, but usually low (around SAR 20,000–30,000 total).
Scholarships cover tuition, housing, stipend, and healthcare.
Fully-funded scholarships are available for international students.
Tuition (if not on scholarship): Approx. SAR 25,000–35,000 total.
Most international students apply under scholarship programs.
Offers MBA with marketing electives.
Tuition is often fully waived for international students (with stipend & housing).
Highly competitive, but great value.
Tuition: SAR 100,000–120,000 total (≈ $26,500–32,000 USD)
Per credit hour: Around SAR 3,000+
Scholarships and discounts are sometimes available for high-GPA students.
Tuition: Around SAR 90,000–110,000 total
Per semester: Approx. SAR 20,000–25,000
Tuition: Around SAR 70,000–90,000 total
Offers scholarships for female students with high academic records.
Tuition: Approx. SAR 80,000–100,000 total
Installment plans and financial aid options available.
Item |
Estimated Cost (Annual) |
|---|---|
|
Living Expenses |
SAR 25,000–40,000 |
|
Health Insurance |
Often included in scholarship |
|
Books & Supplies |
SAR 2,000–4,000 |
|
Visa & Residency |
SAR 2,000–3,000 |
University Type |
Tuition Range (Total for 2 Years) |
|---|---|
|
Public (with scholarship) |
Free + Monthly Stipend |
|
Public (without scholarship) |
SAR 20,000–35,000 |
|
Private |
SAR 70,000–120,000 (≈ $18,500–32,000 USD) |
Item |
Monthly (SAR) |
Annual (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
|
Housing (shared or studio) |
1,000–2,000 |
12,000–24,000 |
|
Food |
600–1,000 |
7,200–12,000 |
|
Transportation |
200–400 |
2,400–4,800 |
|
Internet + Utilities |
200–300 |
2,400–3,600 |
|
Personal Expenses |
300–500 |
3,600–6,000 |
Item |
Cost (SAR) |
|---|---|
|
Books & Supplies |
2,000–4,000 per year |
|
Health Insurance |
Often included or SAR 1,000–2,000 annually |
|
Visa & Iqama (Residency) |
SAR 2,000–3,000 |
|
Flight Tickets (Round-trip) |
SAR 2,000–4,000 |
Category |
Public (With Scholarship) |
Public (Without Scholarship) |
Private University |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tuition |
Free |
SAR 20,000–35,000 |
SAR 70,000–120,000 |
|
Living |
SAR 0–20,000 (covered) |
SAR 50,000–90,000 |
SAR 50,000–90,000 |
|
Other Expenses |
Covered / ~SAR 5,000 |
SAR 5,000–8,000 |
SAR 5,000–8,000 |
|
Total Cost |
SAR 0–25,000 |
SAR 75,000–130,000 |
SAR 125,000–215,000 |
Apply to public universities with scholarships (e.g., KAU, KFUPM, KSU).
Live in university housing when available.
Look for assistantships or part-time on-campus roles (some universities allow this).
Consider Saudi Electronic University for an online, lower-cost option.
Decide whether you want a public or private university, and if you prefer a course-based, thesis-based, or onlineprogram.
Some universities offer a Master of Marketing, while others offer an MBA with Marketing specialization.
Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Business, Marketing, or related field)
Minimum GPA (usually 2.75–3.0 out of 4.0)
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) if the program is in English
Some MBA programs may ask for GMAT/GRE or work experience
Document |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor's Degree Certificate |
Must be attested/verified |
|
Academic Transcripts |
Official, translated if needed |
|
English Test Score |
IELTS (6.0+) or TOEFL (79+) |
|
Passport Copy |
Valid for at least 1 year |
|
Statement of Purpose |
Explaining goals & interest in Marketing |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
Usually 2 academic/professional refs |
|
CV or Resume |
Especially for MBA programs |
|
Equivalency Certificate |
From Saudi Ministry of Education (sometimes required) |
Visit the university’s official graduate admissions portal.
Fill out the application form and upload all required documents.
Pay the application fee if required (some private universities charge this).
Step |
When |
|---|---|
|
Application Opens |
March–May (Fall intake) |
|
Deadline |
May–June (public), July–August (private) |
|
Admission Decision |
Within 1–2 months |
|
Visa Processing |
After acceptance |
|
Program Starts |
September (Fall) or February (Spring, if offered) |
You may be called for an interview (online or in-person).
Once accepted, you’ll receive a formal admission letter.
Apply for a student visa through the Saudi embassy or consulate.
Submit your admission letter, passport, medical report, and other documents.
The university may assist with visa sponsorship.
Travel to Saudi Arabia and attend orientation.
Complete any registration, fee payment, or language placement requirements.
Get your residence permit (Iqama) after arrival.
Type: Fully funded
Eligibility: International students (non-Saudis)
Coverage:
Full tuition fee waiver
Monthly stipend (SAR 1,900+)
Free accommodation & healthcare
Airfare (annual return ticket)
Marketing Program Type: MBA with Marketing focus
Language of Instruction: English
Highly recommended for international applicants
Type: Fully funded (for high-achieving students)
Eligibility: International students under 30 years old
Coverage:
Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Free accommodation
Healthcare & annual travel allowance
Programs Offered: MBA with electives in Marketing
Language of Instruction: Arabic & English (check program)
Type: Fully funded
Eligibility: High-achieving international students
Coverage:
Tuition-free education
Monthly stipend
Housing, meals, medical coverage
Free textbooks and travel ticket
Program: MBA with possible Marketing electives
Instruction Language: English
Type: Fully funded
Eligibility: Students from IsDB member countries
Coverage:
Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Health insurance
Thesis support and travel
Can be used at: Approved Saudi universities including KAU, KSU, PSU, etc.
Some private universities offer partial merit-based scholarships:
Up to 25–50% tuition discounts for international students with strong academic records.
Merit and need-based grants available.
Discounted tuition for high GPA and leadership potential.
Scholarships for high-performing international female students.
Retail & E-commerce (e.g., Noon, Amazon.sa)
Banking & Finance (e.g., Saudi National Bank, Al Rajhi)
Telecommunications (e.g., STC, Mobily)
FMCG Companies (e.g., Unilever, Nestlé, Almarai)
Real Estate & Construction (e.g., ROSHN, NEOM, Red Sea Global)
Luxury & Lifestyle Brands (especially in Jeddah & Riyadh)
Marketing Manager
Brand Manager
Product Marketing Specialist
Business Development Executive
Customer Experience Manager
PR & Communications Officer
Digital Marketing Manager
SEO/SEM Specialist
Social Media Strategist
Content Marketing Manager
Performance Marketing Analyst
Influencer Marketing Coordinator
Market Research Analyst
Consumer Insights Manager
Marketing Strategy Consultant
CRM/Data Analyst
Under Vision 2030, government-backed projects need strong marketing and communication talent.
NEOM, The Red Sea Project, Diriyah Gate, and Ministry of Tourism often hire marketing professionals.
Roles include Brand Communications, Marketing Strategy, Events & Campaigns.
Saudi’s startup ecosystem is booming, especially in Riyadh.
Roles in growth marketing, product marketing, and digital campaigns are key.
Join startups in fintech, health tech, logistics, and edtech.
With a thesis-based Master’s, you could pursue:
Lecturer or Teaching Assistant roles
PhD programs in Marketing or Business
Research positions in universities or think tanks
Role |
Entry-Level |
With 2–4 Years Experience |
|---|---|---|
|
Marketing Executive |
6,000–9,000 |
10,000–15,000 |
|
Brand Manager |
10,000–14,000 |
15,000–22,000 |
|
Digital Marketing Specialist |
8,000–12,000 |
14,000–18,000 |
|
Market Research Analyst |
7,000–11,000 |
12,000–18,000 |
|
Marketing Manager |
14,000–20,000 |
20,000–30,000+ |
