Checkout the Media and Mass Communication Courses in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 01, 2025 03:54:49
Program: BA & MA in Mass Communication
Specializations:
Journalism
Public Relations
Radio & TV
Digital Media
Language: Arabic (some courses in English)
Tuition Fees: Around SAR 20,000–30,000/year (~USD 5,300–8,000)
Intake: Usually September (Fall intake)
Ranking: QS World Ranking 2025: 201-250 (Top in Saudi Arabia)
Program: BA in Mass Communication, MA in Media Studies
Specializations:
Advertising
Journalism
New Media
Multimedia Communication
Language: Mostly Arabic (some English-taught graduate courses)
Tuition Fees: Approx. SAR 25,000/year (~USD 6,600)
Intake: September
Ranking: QS 2025: 143 (Top public university in the Arab region)
Program: Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies
Focus Areas:
Strategic Communication
Digital Media
Media Ethics
Language: English
Tuition Fees: Around SAR 70,000/year (~USD 18,500)
Intake: Fall & Spring (Sept & Jan)
Ranking: Emerging in QS Arab Region Rankings
Program: BA in Visual and Digital Production
Focus Areas:
Film & Television
Animation
Screenwriting
Language: English
Tuition Fees: SAR 80,000/year (~USD 21,000)
Intake: September & January
Ranking: QS Arab Region: Top 150
Program: BA in Media and Communication
Specializations:
Journalism
Public Relations
Integrated Marketing
Language: English
Tuition Fees: Around SAR 90,000/year (~USD 24,000)
Intake: Fall and Spring
Ranking: N/A in QS but highly regarded in private sector
Program: BA & MA in Media and Communication
Focus Areas:
Islamic Media
PR & Journalism
Language: Primarily Arabic
Fees: Lower compared to private universities (est. SAR 10,000–15,000/year)
Intake: September
Ranking: Nationally ranked, less focus on international rankings
Program: BA & MA in Media and Communication
Taught In: Mostly Arabic (some postgraduate in English)
Fees: FREE if on a scholarship, else ~SAR 25,000/year (5.5–6 lakhs)
Intake: September (Fall)
Scholarships: Yes – Fully-funded government scholarships (includes tuition, airfare, accommodation, stipend)
Eligibility:
Min. 75–80% in 12th (for UG)
Bachelor’s degree for PG
Basic Arabic (or English if program is taught in English)
Program: B.A. in Communication and Media Studies
Medium: English
Fees: ~SAR 70,000/year (15–16 lakhs/year)
Intake: Fall & Spring (September & January)
Eligibility:
High school certificate + English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Scholarships: Limited merit-based grants
Program: BA in Visual & Digital Production (Film, Animation)
Medium: English
Fees: SAR 80,000/year (~17–18 lakhs)
Intake: September & January
Eligibility:
Female students only
English proficiency
Scholarships: Yes – Based on academic excellence
Program: BA in Media and Communication
Medium: English
Fees: SAR 90,000/year (~20 lakhs)
Intake: Fall & Spring
Eligibility:
12th grade certificate
English test (IELTS 5.5+ or equivalent)
Scholarships: Partial available
Program: BA & MA in Mass Communication (TV, PR, Journalism)
Medium: Primarily Arabic
Fees: Free or low if admitted via scholarship route
Eligibility:
Arabic language skill
Academic excellence
Intake: September
Scholarships: Yes – KSU Scholarship for non-Saudis
Valid Indian passport
12th-grade certificate (for UG); Bachelor's degree (for PG)
Language test (IELTS/TOEFL for English; Qiyas or Arabic test for Arabic-taught programs)
Medical certificate
Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (for PG)
Item |
Cost (in SAR) |
Approx in INR |
|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
1000–2000 |
22,000–45,000 |
|
Food & Groceries |
800–1000 |
18,000–22,000 |
|
Transport & Internet |
300–500 |
6,000–11,000 |
|
Total Estimate |
2,500–3,500 |
55,000–80,000/month |
Apply through the university once accepted
Visa (Iqama) processing time: 4–6 weeks
Requires sponsor letter from university
KAU Scholarship (Fully funded: tuition, housing, stipend)
KSU Scholarship
Effat University Excellence Awards
PMU and Dar Al-Hekma offer partial merit-based scholarships
Program: Diploma in Media Technology / Multimedia Communication
Duration: 2 years
Focus Areas:
Video Production
Photography
Media Editing
PR & Communication Skills
Language: Mostly Arabic
Tuition Fees: Low-cost or free for Saudi citizens; for international students, check specific campus
Locations: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, etc.
Eligibility: High school diploma
Intake: September & January
Program: Diploma in Media and Communication (under their continuing education or associate track)
Duration: 1–1.5 years
Language: English
Tuition Fees: SAR 25,000–35,000/year (~5.5–8 lakhs)
Focus Areas:
PR & Advertising
Communication Theories
Social Media Strategies
Eligibility: High school certificate + English proficiency
Intake: Fall (September), Spring (January)
Program: Executive Diploma / Short Program in Strategic Communication or Digital Media (under Center for Community Service and Continuing Education)
Duration: 6 months – 1 year (part-time)
Language: English
Fees: Varies by module (est. SAR 15,000–20,000)
Eligibility: High school diploma, some experience preferred
Program: Certificate / Diploma Courses in:
Digital Content Creation
Social Media & PR
Duration: 6 months to 1 year
Language: English
Fees: SAR 20,000–30,000
Eligibility: 12th grade or equivalent
Institutions like Al Khaleej Training, New Horizons, and Saudi Media Academy offer:
Short Diplomas in:
Video Editing
Media Presentation
Content Writing
Duration: 3–12 months
Fees: SAR 5,000–15,000
Language: Mostly Arabic, some English tracks
Quick entry into media jobs (content creator, editor, assistant producer, PR officer)
Pathway to higher education (some diplomas transfer into degree programs)
Lower cost compared to full bachelor's degrees
Opportunities to network with professionals in Saudi’s growing entertainment and media sector
Check if the institution accepts international applications
Look for English-medium programs if you're not fluent in Arabic
Some diploma programs may be offered under continuing education centers—these often don’t require a student visa, just a valid travel/residence permit
Apply early, especially for private institutions
Program: BA in Mass Communication
Language: Mostly Arabic
Specializations:
Journalism
PR & Advertising
Broadcasting
Duration: 4 years
Tuition Fees: SAR 20,000–30,000/year (≈ USD 5,300–8,000)
Scholarships: Yes – full/partial for international students
QS Ranking: #201–250 (Globally)
Intake: September
Program: BA in Media and Communication
Language: Arabic (some courses in English at higher levels)
Duration: 4 years
Specializations:
Journalism
Multimedia
PR & Communication
Fees: Free for scholarship students; otherwise SAR 25,000+/year
Scholarships: Fully funded KAU International Scholarship
QS Ranking: #143 Worldwide
Intake: September
Program: Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies
Language: English
Duration: 4 years
Focus:
Digital & Strategic Communication
Media Theory
Ethics & Global Media
Fees: SAR 70,000/year (≈ USD 18,500)
Intake: Fall & Spring (Sept & Jan)
Scholarships: Some merit-based options
Program: Bachelor of Visual and Digital Production
Focus Areas:
Film & TV
Scriptwriting
Animation & Visual Design
Language: English
Duration: 4 years
Fees: SAR 80,000/year (~USD 21,000)
Scholarships: Yes – Based on academic performance
Intake: Sept & Jan
Program: BA in Media and Communication
Specializations:
Journalism
Public Relations
Integrated Marketing Communication
Language: English
Duration: 4 years
Fees: SAR 90,000/year (~USD 24,000)
Scholarships: Available (partial merit-based)
Intake: September & January
Program: BBA in Marketing and Media Communication
Focus:
Marketing Media Strategy
Media Campaign Development
Language: English
Duration: 4 years
Fees: SAR 55,000–65,000/year
Scholarships: Limited
Intake: September & January
Requirement |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
High School Certificate |
Equivalent to Saudi General Secondary Cert. |
|
English Proficiency |
IELTS 5.5–6.0 or TOEFL (for English programs) |
|
Arabic Proficiency |
Only if program is taught in Arabic |
|
Passport & Medical Check |
Required for visa processing |
|
Statement of Purpose (SOP) |
Some universities may ask for it |
University |
Fee (SAR) |
Approx. in USD |
|---|---|---|
|
KSU (King Saud University) |
20k–30k |
$5,300–8,000 |
|
KAU (King Abdulaziz University) |
~25k (Free on scholarship) |
$6,600 |
|
PMU (Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd) |
70k |
$18,500 |
|
Effat University |
80k |
$21,000 |
|
Dar Al-Hekma |
90k |
$24,000 |
|
UBT |
55k–65k |
$14,500–17,000 |
Student Visa (Iqama): Sponsored by the university
Living Costs: ~SAR 2,500–3,500/month ($700–$950)
On-Campus Housing: Available in most universities
Part-Time Work: Limited, check with the university
Program: MA in Mass Communication
Language: Primarily Arabic
Duration: 2 years
Specializations:
Journalism
PR
Radio & TV
Fees: Low or free for scholarship students (~SAR 10k–15k/year)
Scholarships: Yes – Fully funded for international students
Ranking: QS Top 250 Worldwide
Intake: September (Fall)
Program: MA in Media and Communication / Media Studies
Language: Arabic (some research options in English for thesis)
Specializations:
Media Analysis
Digital Journalism
PR & Communication Theories
Duration: 2 years
Fees: Free under KAU Fully Funded Scholarship
Stipend: Yes – Monthly allowance + airfare + housing
QS Ranking: #143 Worldwide
Intake: September
Program: MSc in Strategic Communication & Public Relations (or similar)
Language: English
Duration: 2 years
Focus:
Crisis Communication
Media Planning
International Communication
Tuition Fees: ~SAR 80,000/year (~USD 21,000)
Scholarships: Limited merit-based awards
Intake: Fall (September), Spring (January)
Program: MA in Digital Media (under Humanities & Social Sciences)
Language: English
Duration: 2 years
Focus Areas:
Multimedia Storytelling
Content Strategy
Media Ethics & Regulation
Tuition Fees: SAR 90,000/year (~USD 24,000)
Scholarships: Yes (partial merit-based scholarships)
Eligibility: Female students only
Intake: Fall & Spring
Program: MA in Communication / Public Relations & Media Studies (depending on intake year)
Language: English
Duration: 2 years
Tuition Fees: SAR 90,000/year (~USD 24,000)
Scholarships: Yes – Up to 50% for top-performing students
Eligibility: Bachelor's in related field + English proficiency
Intake: September & January
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor’s Degree |
In Media, Communication, Journalism, or related field |
|
Transcripts |
Minimum GPA: 2.75–3.0 (or equivalent to 65–70%) |
|
Language Proficiency |
IELTS 6.0+ / TOEFL 550+ (if program is in English) |
|
Arabic Proficiency |
Required if applying to Arabic-medium programs |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
Usually 2–3 academic/ professional references |
|
Statement of Purpose (SOP) |
Personal motivation and research goals |
|
Research Proposal (some programs) |
For thesis-track or research-focused degrees |
University |
Tuition Fee (SAR) |
Approx. in USD |
|---|---|---|
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
10,000–15,000 |
$2,600–$4,000 |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
Free (with scholarship) |
Fully funded |
|
PMU |
80,000 |
$21,000 |
|
Effat University |
90,000 |
$24,000 |
|
Dar Al-Hekma |
90,000 |
$24,000 |
Student Visa (Iqama): Sponsored by the university
Scholarships: Most top public universities offer fully-funded scholarships covering tuition, housing, monthly allowance, and airfare
Living Costs: SAR 2,500–3,500/month ($650–$950)
Housing: Available on or near most campuses
Program: PhD in Mass Communication
Language: Arabic (may allow research in English with supervisor approval)
Duration: 3–5 years
Focus Areas:
Strategic Communication
Islamic Media
Public Relations
Media Psychology & Society
Tuition Fees: Free (with scholarship)
Scholarships: Available for international students
QS Ranking: Top 250 globally
Intake: September
Program: PhD in Media and Communication Studies
Language: Arabic (research may be done in English depending on department)
Duration: 4–5 years
Focus:
New Media & Society
Digital Journalism
Strategic and Political Communication
Media Ethics & Globalization
Scholarships: KAU Fully Funded Scholarship for international PhD students
Covers:
Tuition
Monthly stipend (~SAR 1,900+)
Airfare, accommodation, and healthcare
Intake: Usually September
QS Ranking: #143 Worldwide
Program: PhD in Media & Islamic Communication
Language: Arabic
Focus Areas:
Islamic Media
Religious Broadcasting
Values & Ethics in Mass Communication
Fees: Minimal or free (depending on sponsorship)
Scholarships: Available
Intake: September
Program: PhD in Media & Communication (under development or via research collaboration)
Language: Arabic
Scholarships: Available for GCC & international students
Eligibility: Master’s in related field + Arabic proficiency
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Master’s Degree |
In Media, Mass Comm, Journalism, or related field |
|
GPA Requirement |
Minimum 3.0/4.0 or equivalent (~75–80%) |
|
Research Proposal |
Well-structured proposal on your intended topic |
|
Language Proficiency |
Arabic (required for most); English for some research pathways |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
Usually 2–3 academic references |
|
Statement of Purpose (SOP) |
Explaining goals, interest, and relevance |
|
Academic Writing Sample |
Sometimes requested, especially for English-track |
The Role of Social Media in Shaping Public Opinion in Saudi Arabia
Crisis Communication Strategies in the Gulf Region
Islamic Media Ethics in the Digital Age
Government Communication and National Branding
The Evolution of Journalism in the MENA Region
Women in Saudi Media: Representation and Participation
Artificial Intelligence and Media Bias
Benefit |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Tuition |
100% covered |
|
Monthly Stipend |
SAR 1,900–2,500 (~USD 500–670) |
|
Housing |
Free furnished accommodation |
|
Airfare |
Round-trip tickets (once per academic year) |
|
Health Insurance |
Full coverage provided |
|
Research Funding |
Access to grants for thesis/research |
Visa (Iqama): Sponsored by the university
Living Costs: SAR 2,000–3,500/month (~USD 550–950)
Work Opportunities: Limited; some universities offer Teaching Assistant roles
Application Timeline: Start 6–9 months before intake (i.e., apply around Dec–March for Fall)
Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Academic Qualification |
High School Certificate (equivalent to Saudi General Secondary Certificate) |
|
Minimum Marks |
Usually 75% or above (or equivalent GPA) |
|
Language Requirement |
- English-taught: IELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL 500+ |
|
Passport |
Valid international passport |
|
Medical Certificate |
Required for visa & admission |
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU)
Effat University (women only)
Dar Al-Hekma University (women only)
Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Academic Qualification |
Bachelor's degree in Media, Communication, Journalism, or related field |
|
Minimum GPA |
Usually 2.75 out of 4.0 or 70%+ |
|
Language Requirement |
- English-taught: IELTS 6.0+ / TOEFL 550+ |
|
Recommendation Letters |
Usually 2 academic/professional references |
|
SOP/Personal Statement |
Required (explain goals and research interests) |
|
Equivalency Certificate |
Required in some public universities |
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Arabic, scholarship available
PMU – English, private university
Effat University – English, women only
Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Academic Qualification |
Master’s degree in Media, Journalism, Communication, or closely related field |
|
Minimum GPA |
3.0 out of 4.0 or 75–80% |
|
Language Requirement |
- Arabic for public programs |
|
Research Proposal |
Required (must align with faculty research areas) |
|
Publications |
Not mandatory but beneficial |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
Usually 2–3 required |
|
Interview |
May be required via video call or written test |
King Saud University (KSU)
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)
Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud University
Requirement |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
Student Visa (Iqama) |
Sponsored by the university; processed after admission |
|
Arabic Language Certificate |
Required for Arabic-medium programs (like at KSU or KAU) |
|
Passport Validity |
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay |
|
Proof of Funds (for self-funded) |
May be requested if not on scholarship |
|
Health Insurance |
Mandatory (often provided for scholarship students) |
Meet all academic requirements
Submit application by the scholarship deadline (usually Dec–March)
Have no criminal record or political affiliations
Be below 30 years old for Master’s, and below 35 for PhD (varies slightly)
Stage |
Approx. Timeline |
|---|---|
|
Application Opens |
December 2024 – February 2025 |
|
Application Deadline |
February or March 2025 |
|
Admission Results |
April – May 2025 |
|
Visa & Travel Processing |
June – August 2025 |
|
Classes Begin |
Early September 2025 |
Intake |
Application Period |
Semester Starts |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall 2025 |
February – July 2025 |
September 2025 |
|
Spring 2026 |
September – December 2025 |
January/February 2026 |
Academic transcripts (translated into English/Arabic)
Language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL for English programs, Arabic for Arabic-medium)
Passport (valid for at least 6–12 months)
Statement of Purpose / Research Proposal (for graduate levels)
Recommendation letters (especially for Master’s/PhD)
Valid medical certificate
Proof of funds (if self-funded)
University |
Tuition Fees (Per Year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
SAR 20,000 – 30,000 |
Public; Free with scholarship |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
SAR 25,000 – 30,000 |
Fully funded scholarships available |
|
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) |
SAR 70,000 – 75,000 |
English-taught, private |
|
Effat University (Women only) |
SAR 80,000 – 85,000 |
Private; scholarships available |
|
Dar Al-Hekma University (Women only) |
SAR 90,000 |
One of the highest among private universities |
|
University of Business and Technology (UBT) |
SAR 55,000 – 65,000 |
Offers business/media mix |
University |
Tuition Fees (Per Year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
SAR 10,000 – 15,000 |
Low cost; Free for scholarship holders |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
Free (Fully Funded) |
Covers tuition + stipend + accommodation |
|
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) |
SAR 80,000 |
English-medium private university |
|
Effat University |
SAR 90,000 |
Women only; partial scholarships available |
|
Dar Al-Hekma University |
SAR 90,000 |
Private; focused on PR & Communication Studies |
University |
Tuition Fees (Per Year) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
Free (with scholarship) |
Requires Arabic proficiency |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
Free (Fully Funded) |
For international students |
|
Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University |
Minimal/Free |
Primarily Arabic programs |
|
Effat University / Dar Al-Hekma |
Not widely offered yet |
Research opportunities through partnerships only |
Fee Type |
Estimated Cost (SAR) |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Application Fee |
100 – 500 |
Varies by university |
|
Registration/Admin Fee |
500 – 1,000/year |
Some universities charge this annually |
|
Language Proficiency Exam |
800 – 1,200 (optional) |
If not submitted already (e.g., IELTS) |
|
Student Visa Fee |
~SAR 2,000 (one-time) |
Processed after admission |
Tuition
Monthly living stipend
Free housing
Airfare
Health insurance
