Checkout the Psychology Universities and Courses in Saudi Arabia....
Mar 31, 2025 03:53:47
QS World University Ranking (2024): ~#237
Among top in Saudi Arabia for psychology and social sciences.
B.A. in Psychology (Arabic and limited English instruction)
M.A. in Clinical Psychology
PhD in Psychology (Research-based)
Undergraduate: SAR 20,000–35,000/year (~$5,300–$9,300 USD)
Postgraduate: SAR 30,000–50,000/year (~$8,000–$13,000 USD)
Main intake in September (Fall)
Limited intake in January (Spring) for some graduate programs.
Offers scholarships for international students.
Strong research and clinical psychology focus.
Campus facilities are modern and extensive.
QS World University Ranking (2024): ~#143 globally
Top-ranked in Saudi Arabia overall
B.A. in Psychology
M.A. in Educational Psychology / Clinical Psychology
PhD in Psychology
UG: SAR 18,000–30,000/year (~$4,800–$8,000 USD)
PG: SAR 25,000–45,000/year (~$6,600–$12,000 USD)
Fall (September) is primary
Application deadline: usually March–May
Offers fully funded King Abdulaziz University Scholarship for international students (includes tuition + monthly stipend).
Strong emphasis on Islamic and cross-cultural psychology research.
Not top globally ranked but highly respected in Islamic and Arab psychological studies.
B.A. in Psychology (Islamic psychology emphasis)
M.A. and PhD in Psychology and Counseling
Around SAR 15,000–25,000/year (~$4,000–$6,600 USD)
Fall semester primarily (September)
Courses are mainly in Arabic—proficiency is required.
Known for integrating Islamic values in psychological studies.
Leading women's university in the Arab world
B.A. in Psychology
M.A. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology
UG: SAR 20,000/year ($5,300 USD)
PG: SAR 30,000–40,000/year ($8,000–$10,600 USD)
Fall (September)
One of the few women-only universities.
International students (females only) are welcome.
Scholarships and student housing available.
QS Arab Region Ranking: High among private universities
B.S. in Psychology (English taught)
No graduate-level psychology programs currently
SAR 70,000–90,000/year (~$18,600–$24,000 USD)
Fall (September)
Spring (January) for some programs
English-medium instruction
High international student presence
More Western-style curriculum
High school diploma or undergraduate degree with transcripts
English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) – especially for programs in English
Passport and visa documents
Letter of recommendation (PG)
Statement of Purpose
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Scholarship for International Students
University-specific scholarships (like at KAU and KSU)
Some include monthly stipend + free housing + healthcare
Program: B.A. in Psychology
Language: Mostly Arabic; some courses in English
Focus Areas: General Psychology, Research Methods, Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology
Duration: 4 years
Program: B.A. in Psychology
Language: Arabic (with some English terminology)
Courses: Cognitive Psychology, Counseling, Psychological Testing, Personality Theories
Program: B.Sc. in Psychology (English-taught)
Language: English
Focus Areas: Biological Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Applied Psychology, Research Methods
Great for: International students seeking Western-style education
Program: B.A. in Psychology
Language: Arabic
Includes: Practical internships, community mental health training
Programs:
M.A. in Clinical Psychology
M.A. in Counseling Psychology
M.A. in Educational Psychology
Language: Arabic (some English resources used)
Includes: Practicum, thesis
Programs:
M.A. in Clinical Psychology
M.A. in Family Counseling
M.A. in Psychological Measurement & Evaluation
Language: Arabic
Admission: Bachelor’s in psychology or related field + interview
Programs:
M.A. in Psychology (General or Counseling)
Language: Arabic
Religious and cultural integration in psychological models
Program: M.A. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology
Focus: Mental health, trauma, counseling skills
Language: Arabic
Programs:
PhD in Clinical Psychology
PhD in Educational Psychology
Structure: Research-based with dissertation
Language: Mostly Arabic
Programs:
PhD in Psychology
Language: Arabic
Focus Areas: Advanced counseling, psychometrics, and Islamic psychology
Specialization |
Offered at Which Level? |
Universities |
|---|---|---|
|
Clinical Psychology |
M.A. / PhD |
KSU, KAU, PNU |
|
Educational Psychology |
M.A. / PhD |
KSU, KAU |
|
Counseling Psychology |
M.A. |
KSU, Imam Univ, PNU |
|
Family & Marital Counseling |
M.A. |
KAU |
|
Forensic / Criminal Psychology |
Not widely offered yet |
N/A |
|
Organizational Psychology |
Limited availability |
Some electives only |
Most public universities teach psychology in Arabic
Alfaisal University offers English-taught undergraduate psychology
Some postgraduate research may allow English thesis submission (with approval)
One of the top public universities in Saudi Arabia
Degree: B.A. in Psychology
Duration: 4 years
Language: Primarily Arabic, with some courses in English
Key Courses:
Introduction to Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Abnormal Psychology
Psychological Testing
Research Methods
Fees: SAR 20,000–30,000/year ($5,300–$8,000 USD)
Scholarships: Available for international students
Intake: September (Fall)
QS Ranking: ~#237 globally (2024)
One of the top-ranked universities in the Arab world
Degree: B.A. in Psychology
Duration: 4 years
Language: Arabic
Key Courses:
Cognitive Psychology
Counseling Skills
Social Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Fees: SAR 18,000–30,000/year ($4,800–$8,000 USD)
Scholarships: Fully funded scholarships available for international students
Intake: Fall (September)
QS Ranking: ~#143 globally (2024)
Best option for English-taught psychology programs
Degree: B.Sc. in Psychology
Duration: 4 years
Language: English
Key Courses:
Cognitive Neuroscience
Biological Psychology
Behavioral Science
Research Design and Statistics
Fees: SAR 70,000–90,000/year (~$18,600–$24,000 USD)
Scholarships: Merit-based available
Intake: Fall (September) & Spring (January)
Great For: International students looking for a Western-style curriculum
Women-only public university
Degree: B.A. in Psychology
Duration: 4 years
Language: Arabic
Focus Areas:
Women’s mental health
Developmental psychology
Counseling and therapy basics
Fees: SAR 20,000/year ($5,300 USD)
Scholarships: Available
Intake: Fall (September)
Note: Open to international female students only
Known for integrating Islamic values in psychology
Degree: B.A. in Psychology
Language: Arabic
Duration: 4 years
Focus: General Psychology, Islamic Psychology, Family Counseling
Fees: SAR 15,000–25,000/year (~$4,000–$6,600 USD)
Notes: May require Arabic proficiency test
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
High School Certificate |
Equivalent to Saudi standards; translated into Arabic or English |
|
GPA |
Usually 75% or higher |
|
Language Proficiency |
TOEFL/IELTS for English-taught programs; Arabic for others |
|
Passport & Residency Status |
Valid passport, student visa (can be sponsored by university) |
|
Personal Statement |
Sometimes required |
|
Recommendation Letters |
Optional but beneficial |
Programs Offered:
M.A. in Clinical Psychology
M.A. in Counseling Psychology
M.A. in Educational Psychology
Duration: 2 years
Language: Arabic (Some thesis and research components may be allowed in English)
Tuition Fees: SAR 30,000–50,000/year (~$8,000–$13,000 USD)
Intake: Fall (September); deadlines usually in March–May
Special Features:
Strong clinical training + internships
Advanced psychometrics & counseling modules
Opportunity to transition to PhD for top students
Scholarships: Available for international students (cover tuition, living expenses)
Programs Offered:
M.A. in Clinical Psychology
M.A. in Family & Marital Counseling
M.A. in Psychological Measurement & Evaluation
M.A. in Educational Psychology
Duration: 2 years
Language: Arabic
Tuition Fees: SAR 25,000–45,000/year (~$6,600–$12,000 USD)
Scholarships: Fully funded King Abdulaziz University Scholarship available for international students
Intake: Fall only (Apply by March/April)
Special Features:
Strong research & counseling focus
Hands-on clinical hours
Integration of cultural & Islamic perspectives in therapy
Program: M.A. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology
Duration: 2 years
Language: Arabic
Tuition Fees: SAR 30,000–40,000/year ($8,000–$10,600 USD)
Scholarships: Available to female international students
Intake: Fall (September)
Focus Areas:
Trauma counseling
Women’s mental health
Islamic values in psychotherapy
Programs Offered:
M.A. in Psychology (General)
M.A. in Counseling Psychology
M.A. in Islamic Psychology
Duration: 2 years
Language: Arabic only
Tuition Fees: SAR 20,000–30,000/year (~$5,300–$8,000 USD)
Specialization: Integration of Islamic teachings with psychological practices
Scholarships: Available to international students
Programs:
M.A. in Counseling Psychology
M.A. in Educational Psychology
Duration: 2 years
Language: Arabic
Fees: SAR 20,000–30,000/year
Scholarships: Limited, but some for international students
Program: PhD in Psychology
Specializations:
Clinical Psychology
Educational Psychology
Counseling Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Duration: 3–5 years
Language: Arabic (some research may be done in English with approval)
Tuition Fees: SAR 40,000–60,000/year (~$10,600–$16,000 USD)
Intake: Fall semester (September)
Ranking: #1 in Saudi Arabia for psychology research output
Features:
Heavy research component with dissertation
Access to clinical training sites and research labs
Strong publication and thesis expectations
Program: PhD in Psychology
Specializations:
General Psychology
Counseling and Guidance
Psychological Measurement & Evaluation
Duration: 3–4 years
Language: Arabic (some academic components may be accepted in English)
Tuition Fees: SAR 40,000–50,000/year (~$10,600–$13,300 USD)
Intake: Fall (September)
Scholarships: Fully funded PhD scholarship for international students
Scholarship Includes:
Free tuition
Monthly stipend
Free housing & healthcare
Airfare ticket annually
Program: PhD in Psychology
Specializations:
Counseling Psychology
Islamic Psychology
Mental Health in Islamic Contexts
Duration: 3–5 years
Language: Arabic only
Tuition Fees: SAR 25,000–40,000/year (~$6,600–$10,600 USD)
Scholarships: Available for international students (especially from Muslim-majority countries)
Program: PhD in Educational Psychology or Counseling Psychology
Language: Arabic
Duration: 3–4 years
Fees: SAR 20,000–30,000/year (~$5,300–$8,000 USD)
Scholarships: Limited but available
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Master’s Degree |
In Psychology or related field (Clinical, Counseling, Educational) |
|
GPA |
Typically 3.5/4.0 (or equivalent to 85%) |
|
Research Proposal |
Required for most programs |
|
Language Proficiency |
Arabic required; English thesis may be permitted with approval |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
2–3 academic references |
|
CV / Resume |
Detailing academic and clinical experience |
|
Interview |
Usually part of admission for clinical or counseling PhD |
Specialization |
Available At |
|---|---|
|
Clinical Psychology |
KSU, KAU |
|
Educational Psychology |
KSU, KAU, Taibah |
|
Counseling Psychology |
KSU, Imam Univ |
|
Islamic Psychology |
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud University |
|
Psychological Measurement |
KAU |
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
High School Certificate |
Equivalent to Saudi system (science or humanities track) |
|
Minimum GPA |
Usually 75% or above (varies by university) |
|
Language Proficiency |
Arabic (for most public universities); TOEFL/IELTS for English-taught programs |
|
Age |
Typically under 25 for most undergrad scholarships |
|
Health Certificate |
Required for visa and university enrollment |
|
Passport & Valid Visa |
Mandatory for international students |
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor’s Degree |
In Psychology or closely related field |
|
Minimum GPA |
Typically 3.0/4.0 or equivalent (~75% or higher) |
|
Language Proficiency |
Arabic for public unis; TOEFL/IELTS if research in English |
|
Recommendation Letters |
Usually 2 required (from professors or employers) |
|
Statement of Purpose (SOP) |
Required |
|
CV / Resume |
Recommended |
|
Interview |
Required for Clinical/Counseling Psychology tracks |
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Master’s Degree |
In Psychology (Clinical, Educational, Counseling, etc.) |
|
Minimum GPA |
3.5/4.0 or equivalent (typically 85% or higher) |
|
Research Proposal |
Required with application |
|
Published Research (preferred) |
Strongly preferred, especially for funded positions |
|
Language Proficiency |
Arabic required; English may be accepted for thesis with approval |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
2–3 academic referees |
|
Personal Interview |
Usually part of final selection process |
Requirement |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
Passport with Student Visa |
Apply via Saudi Embassy after receiving university admission letter |
|
Medical Fitness Certificate |
Required for residency and university records |
|
Police Clearance Certificate |
Often required for visa application |
|
Proof of Funding / Scholarship |
For visa + immigration purposes if not on a full scholarship |
Program Level |
Language Used |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor’s |
Arabic (mostly), English (Alfaisal) |
Arabic required unless applying to English-medium unis |
|
Master’s |
Arabic (public), English thesis possible |
Some allow English thesis with supervisor approval |
|
PhD |
Arabic instruction, English thesis optional |
Some accept English for research + publication |
Program Level |
Main Intake |
Secondary Intake |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor’s |
Fall (September) |
Occasionally Spring (January, limited) |
Most universities only admit once per year for undergrad |
|
Master’s |
Fall (September) |
Rarely Spring (January) |
Highly competitive; submit early |
|
PhD |
Fall (September) |
Not typical |
Most PhD programs open once a year |
Intake: September (Fall only)
Bachelor’s Deadline: March–April
Master’s/PhD Deadline: February–March
Notes: All applicants (including international students) must submit through the Graduate Studies portal. Arabic is the primary language.
Intake: September (Fall only)
Bachelor’s Deadline: March–May
Master’s/PhD Deadline: December–February
Notes: Offers fully funded scholarships for international students. Applications open very early—especially for graduate studies.
Intakes: Fall (September) and Spring (January)
Bachelor’s Deadline:
Fall: June–July
Spring: November–December
Notes: English-taught programs; deadlines are more flexible. Earlier application improves scholarship chances.
Intake: Fall only (September)
Application Deadline: March–April
Notes: Female applicants only. Scholarships available for top-performing international female students.
Intake: Fall (September)
Deadline: January–March
Notes: Arabic proficiency often required. Programs focused on Islamic and Counseling Psychology.
University |
Annual Tuition (SAR) |
USD Equivalent (approx.) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
20,000–30,000 |
$5,300–$8,000 |
Public, Arabic medium |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
18,000–30,000 |
$4,800–$8,000 |
Public, scholarships available |
|
Alfaisal University (Private) |
70,000–90,000 |
$18,600–$24,000 |
English-taught, international focus |
|
Princess Nourah University (PNU) |
20,000 |
$5,300 |
Women only, public |
|
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud University |
15,000–25,000 |
$4,000–$6,600 |
Arabic, Islamic psychology emphasis |
University |
Annual Tuition (SAR) |
USD Equivalent (approx.) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
30,000–50,000 |
$8,000–$13,300 |
Public, Arabic medium |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
25,000–45,000 |
$6,600–$12,000 |
Full scholarships available |
|
Princess Nourah University (PNU) |
30,000–40,000 |
$8,000–$10,600 |
Women only |
|
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud University |
20,000–30,000 |
$5,300–$8,000 |
Arabic, religious integration |
|
Taibah University – Madinah |
20,000–30,000 |
$5,300–$8,000 |
Public, regional university |
University |
Annual Tuition (SAR) |
USD Equivalent (approx.) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
King Saud University (KSU) |
40,000–60,000 |
$10,600–$16,000 |
Public research university |
|
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) |
40,000–50,000 |
$10,600–$13,300 |
Often waived for scholarship students |
|
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud University |
25,000–40,000 |
$6,600–$10,600 |
Arabic programs only |
|
Taibah University – Madinah |
20,000–30,000 |
$5,300–$8,000 |
Limited seats, few English options |
Full tuition
Monthly stipend (around SAR 900–1,900)
Free housing
Health insurance
Yearly return airfare
King Abdulaziz University Full Scholarship
KSU International Graduate Scholarship
Imam Mohammad University Islamic Studies Scholarship
