Checkout the Masters in Public Health in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 03, 2025 01:18:07
One of the top-ranked universities in Saudi Arabia.
Offers an MPH through its College of Medicine and College of Applied Medical Sciences.
Language: Mostly Arabic, but some programs are in English or bilingual.
Highly reputed and international-student friendly.
Offers various public health-related graduate programs.
Language of instruction: English in most graduate programs.
Specializes in health-related programs.
Has a School of Public Health offering MPH.
Offers modern curriculum with focus on evidence-based practices.
Offers MPH programs tailored to the region’s health challenges.
May require basic Arabic for clinical rotations, but coursework is often in English.
Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field (medicine, nursing, biology, etc.)
English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL, especially for non-native speakers)
Letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose
Academic transcripts
CV or Resume
Tuition fees vary but can range from $4,000 to $10,000 USD/year.
Some universities (like KAU) offer full scholarships for international students that cover tuition, monthly stipends, accommodation, and even airfare.
Safe, conservative environment with a strong cultural emphasis on tradition and religion.
Separate campuses for men and women at most universities.
Opportunities for public health research in areas like infectious disease, environmental health, epidemiology, and health systems.
College: College of Medicine / College of Applied Medical Sciences
Program: Master of Public Health (MPH)
Language: Some programs are in English, others in Arabic
Notes: One of the top public universities in the region with strong research infrastructure.
College: Faculty of Medicine / Faculty of Public Health
Program: MPH with various tracks (e.g., Epidemiology, Health Promotion)
Language: English
Notes: Offers fully funded scholarships for international students (KAU Scholarship Program).
City: Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al-Ahsa campuses
Program: Master of Public Health
Language: English
Notes: Affiliated with the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, very health-focused university.
Program: MPH
Language: English, but some clinical work may require Arabic.
Notes: Growing public health department, emphasis on regional health issues.
Program: MPH
Language: English
Notes: Largest women’s university in the world, international collaboration with Western universities.
College: College of Medicine
Program: Master of Public Health (planned or already launched)
Language: English
Notes: International, American-style education. Small class sizes and strong research links.
Program: MPH and other public health-related master's degrees
Language: Mainly Arabic, but transitioning some programs to English
Notes: Strong local reputation, close to health institutions in Makkah.
For full English-taught MPH programs, your best bets are:
KAU (King Abdulaziz University)
KSAU-HS
IAU
PNU (if female)
Alfaisal University
A Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as:
Medicine (MBBS)
Nursing
Pharmacy
Public Health
Biology, Biochemistry
Health Sciences, Environmental Health
Sociology or other health-related disciplines (some universities accept this with conditions)
Minimum GPA: Usually 2.75 out of 4.0 or equivalent (varies by university).
IELTS: Typically a score of 6.0–6.5
TOEFL: Around 80 iBT
Some universities may waive this if:
You studied your undergraduate degree in English
You're from a native English-speaking country
Academic transcripts
Bachelor’s degree certificate
Statement of Purpose / Letter of intent
Updated CV or résumé
Letters of Recommendation (usually 2 or 3)
Passport copy (for international students)
Medical clearance (may be needed for visa)
Some universities prefer applicants with healthcare or public health work experience, especially for applied or executive tracks.
Not always mandatory, but it strengthens your application.
Valid student visa (processed after admission offer)
Proof of financial support or scholarship acceptance
Sometimes requires medical checkup and police clearance
Duration: 2 years (standard)
Divided into:
Coursework: 3–4 semesters (around 1.5 years)
Thesis or Capstone Project: Final semester (research, internship, or field project)
Duration: 2.5 to 3 years
Tailored for working professionals (some classes on weekends or evenings)
Duration: 2 years full-time
Offers specializations like Epidemiology, Health Promotion, Environmental Health
Duration: 2 years
Includes practicum and thesis
Duration: 2 years
Includes both coursework and a final project or thesis
Duration: 2 years
English-taught, with thesis requirement
Epidemiology
Biostatistics
Environmental and Occupational Health
Health Policy and Management
Behavioral and Social Sciences in Health
Research Methods
Practicum/Internship
Thesis or Capstone Project
Program: Offers some blended MPH programs (partially online + on-campus)
E-learning platform available through the Deanship of E-Learning and Distance Education
May offer online classes for theoretical courses, but thesis/practicum may require in-person presence
Language: English
Welcomes international students with fully funded scholarships
Offers hybrid options for public health master's
Online learning components are available through their e-learning portal
Some specializations may be delivered remotely, but core requirements might include on-campus participation
While SEU doesn’t currently offer a full MPH, it’s known for online graduate degrees in health-related fields.
Future public health programs may be introduced due to demand.
Worth keeping an eye on.
Offers distance learning in collaboration with UK universities.
Doesn’t have a formal MPH yet but may offer health administration or health policy related programs soon.
Fully online MPH options are limited within Saudi Arabia, but hybrid options are expanding.
Many Saudi students also enroll in international online MPH programs (like University of London, Johns Hopkins, or University of South Wales) while living in KSA.
Online programs must be recognized by the Saudi Ministry of Education (MOE) if you plan to work locally with the degree.
Fall Semester (September/October)
This is the primary intake for MPH programs across most universities.
Applications generally open in January or February.
University |
Intake |
Application Period |
Deadline (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
Fall |
January – March |
Late March |
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
Fall |
February – April |
April |
|
KSAU-HS (King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences) |
Fall |
March – May |
May |
|
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) |
Fall |
February – April |
Mid-April |
|
Princess Nourah University (PNU) (women only) |
Fall |
January – March |
Late March |
|
Alfaisal University |
Fall |
Rolling admissions, earlier is better |
Up to June/July |
Apply early (January–March) to allow time for:
Document verification
Student visa processing
Scholarship consideration (if applicable)
University |
Estimated Annual Tuition (SAR) |
Estimated in USD |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
Free (if on scholarship) / ~25,000 SAR |
~$6,600 USD |
Offers fully funded scholarships to international students |
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
~20,000–30,000 SAR/year |
~$5,300–$8,000 USD |
Tuition varies by specialization |
|
KSAU-HS |
~25,000–35,000 SAR/year |
~$6,600–$9,300 USD |
Advanced public health curriculum |
|
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) |
~20,000–30,000 SAR/year |
~$5,300–$8,000 USD |
Competitive and growing MPH program |
|
Princess Nourah University (PNU) (Women only) |
~20,000 SAR/year |
~$5,300 USD |
Affordable public option, English-taught program |
University |
Estimated Tuition (Total MPH Program) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Alfaisal University |
~120,000–160,000 SAR total |
~$32,000–$43,000 USD for 2 years. High-quality, U.S.-style education |
|
Arab East Colleges |
~50,000–60,000 SAR total |
~$13,000–$16,000 USD. Offers health-related graduate degrees |
|
Riyadh Elm University (Public health-related tracks) |
Varies |
Not always MPH-specific, but worth checking |
Tuition fees
Monthly stipend (~1,900 SAR/month)
Free accommodation
Return airfare
Medical insurance
Available mainly at:
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)
King Saud University (KSU)
IAU
PNU (for female international students)
Type |
Cost (per year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Public Universities |
SAR 20,000–30,000 (~USD 5,300–8,000) |
Some offer free tuition with scholarships |
|
Private Universities |
SAR 60,000–80,000 (~USD 16,000–21,000) |
More expensive but English-taught and flexible |
Expense |
Monthly (SAR) |
Yearly (SAR) |
USD (Yearly) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
1,000–2,000 |
12,000–24,000 |
~$3,200–6,400 |
|
Food & Groceries |
800–1,200 |
9,600–14,400 |
~$2,500–3,800 |
|
Transport |
200–500 |
2,400–6,000 |
~$640–1,600 |
|
Internet & Utilities |
200–300 |
2,400–3,600 |
~$640–960 |
|
Personal/Other |
300–500 |
3,600–6,000 |
~$960–1,600 |
Total Estimated Living Cost:
SAR 30,000–50,000/year (~USD 8,000–13,000) depending on lifestyle and city
Item |
Estimated Cost (SAR) |
USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
|
Visa & Iqama (residence permit) |
2,000–3,000 |
$530–800 |
|
Health Insurance |
1,000–2,000/year |
$260–530 |
|
Airfare (round trip) |
2,500–4,500 |
$660–1,200 |
Item |
Cost |
|---|---|
|
Tuition |
FREE |
|
Monthly Stipend |
SAR 1,900–2,000 (~$500+) |
|
Housing |
Often FREE or subsidized |
|
Total Out-of-Pocket Cost |
Minimal – $1,000–$2,000/year for extras |
Funding Type |
Estimated 2-Year Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
|
Self-funded (Public Univ.) |
$16,000–$25,000 |
|
Self-funded (Private Univ.) |
$35,000–$45,000 |
|
With Scholarship |
$1,000–$4,000 (or even zero) |
Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field (e.g., Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Biology, Public Health, etc.)
Minimum GPA (usually 2.75 out of 4.0 or equivalent)
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL if program is in English)
Some universities may prefer work or research experience in health fields
Academic transcripts and degree certificate
English language test score (IELTS or TOEFL)
Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Statement of Purpose (SOP) or personal statement
Recommendation letters (usually 2 or 3 from academic or professional references)
Recent passport-sized photos
Medical report (for visa or health clearance later)
Apply through the university's graduate admissions portal
Fill in your personal, academic, and professional information
Upload all required documents
Pay the application fee if required
The admissions committee will evaluate your application
Some universities may invite you for an online interview
Others may conduct an entrance exam (rare for MPH)
If accepted, you’ll get a provisional or final admission letter
If you're awarded a scholarship, it will be stated in the offer
Apply for a student visa at the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate
Submit required documents (admission letter, passport, medical certificate, proof of funds or scholarship)
The university may help coordinate this process
Plan your travel at least 2–4 weeks before the semester starts
Complete residency formalities (Iqama, medical check, student ID)
Attend orientation and begin classes
Location: Jeddah
Covers:
Full tuition fees
Monthly stipend (~SAR 1,900)
Free accommodation
Health insurance
Round-trip airfare
Eligibility:
Strong academic record
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Health-related bachelor's degree
When to Apply: Typically January to March
Available to all nationalities
Location: Riyadh
Covers:
Tuition waiver
Monthly allowance
Accommodation and visa services
Eligibility:
Bachelor’s in health sciences or related
English proficiency (for English-taught programs)
Competitive program with limited seats for international students
Location: Dammam
Covers:
Tuition fees
Monthly stipend (varies)
Housing (on-campus)
Eligibility:
Good academic standing
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
IELTS/TOEFL if applying for English programs
Open to both Saudi and international students
Location: Riyadh (Women only)
Covers:
Tuition fees
Monthly stipend
Accommodation and other support services
Eligibility:
Women with strong academic credentials
Degree in health/public health-related fields
English test scores if needed
One of the few international scholarships exclusively for female students
Applicable in Saudi Arabia & other Muslim-majority countries
Covers:
Full tuition
Monthly living allowance
Health and travel support
Eligibility:
Citizens of IsDB member countries
Good academic standing
Must return to home country after completion
Available for MPH and other development-related fields
Most Saudi universities open applications between January and March
Scholarship offers are typically sent out by May or June
You should prepare documents at least 6 months in advance
Passport copy
Academic transcripts & degree certificate
IELTS/TOEFL
Statement of Purpose
Recommendation letters
Medical fitness report
CV
Track disease outbreaks, analyze data, and advise on health policies
Hired by: Ministry of Health (MOH), hospitals, research centers
Increasing demand post-COVID and due to public health modernization
Work with government or private health organizations on health programs and policies
Employers: MOH, Saudi CDC, WHO-affiliated projects, health NGOs
Role includes health strategy development, evaluation, and research
Design campaigns to raise awareness on issues like diabetes, obesity, smoking, maternal health
Employed by hospitals, schools, and community outreach centers
Work on projects related to food safety, air/water pollution, workplace safety
High demand in oil & gas companies, industrial sectors, and municipalities
Prevent and manage infection outbreaks in hospitals and clinics
Required in most government and private hospitals in KSA
Analyze and improve healthcare policies, budgeting, and planning
Often works with Saudi Health Council, Ministry of Health, or NGOs
Teach or conduct research in public health or related fields
Academic roles available at public universities (KSU, KAU, IAU, etc.)
Position |
Salary Range (Monthly) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Public Health Specialist |
SAR 12,000–20,000 |
Varies by experience and sector |
|
Epidemiologist |
SAR 10,000–18,000 |
Government + research jobs |
|
Infection Control Officer |
SAR 8,000–15,000 |
High demand in hospitals |
|
Health Educator |
SAR 7,000–12,000 |
Community and NGO work |
|
Lecturer / Academic |
SAR 10,000–16,000 |
Public universities + benefits |
WHO (Saudi offices)
GCC Health Council
UNICEF
Red Crescent Authority
NGOs and health think tanks
