Public Universities in Riyadh

List of Top 30 Public Universities in Riyadh for Indian Students

 1. King Saud University (KSU)

• QS World Ranking: 203 (2025)

• Fees: ~SAR 10,000–20,000/year (often waived for international scholarship students)

• Intake: August/September

• Programs: Engineering, Medicine, Business, Computer Science, Pharmacy, Islamic Studies

 2. Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University

• QS World Ranking: 801–1000

• Fees: ~SAR 10,000–15,000/year (scholarships widely available)

• Intake: September

• Programs: Islamic Studies, Arabic Language, Shariah, Law, Computer Science, Engineering

 3. Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (For Women)

• QS World Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: ~SAR 8,000–12,000/year

• Intake: August/September

• Programs: Health Sciences, Nursing, Business, Education, Arts, Computer Science

 4. King Fahd Security College

• QS World Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: Government-sponsored

• Intake: August

• Programs: Security Studies, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement

 5. Prince Sultan University (Note: Private but semi-public funded)

• QS Ranking: 1001–1200

• Fees: ~SAR 40,000–60,000/year

• Intake: Spring and Fall

• Programs: Business, Engineering, Law, Computer Science, Finance

 6. Riyadh Elm University

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: ~SAR 40,000–70,000/year (primarily healthcare programs)

• Intake: August/September

• Programs: Dentistry, Pharmacy, Health Sciences

 7. Al Yamamah University

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: ~SAR 40,000–60,000/year

• Intake: Fall & Spring

• Programs: Business, Marketing, Computer Engineering, Law

 8. Saudi Electronic University (SEU) – Riyadh Campus

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: ~SAR 8,000–12,000/year

• Intake: Fall and Spring

• Programs: Online + blended programs in IT, Business, Health Informatics

 9. Technical Trainers College (TTC) – Riyadh

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: Government-funded

• Intake: August/September

• Programs: Technical and Vocational Teacher Training, Engineering

 10. Applied Engineering College – Riyadh

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: SAR 8,000–12,000/year

• Intake: September

• Programs: Electrical, Mechanical, Civil Engineering, IT

 11. King Khalid Military Academy

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: Government-sponsored

• Intake: Fall

• Programs: Military Science, Leadership, Strategic Studies

 12. King Fahd Medical City – Training and Education Center

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: Varies by program (some free for healthcare trainees)

• Intake: Fall/Spring

• Programs: Medical training, Residency programs, Nursing

 13. Riyadh College of Technology

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: Free for most programs

• Intake: August/September

• Programs: Technical Diplomas, Applied Engineering, Computer Programming

 14. Institute of Public Administration (IPA) – Riyadh

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: Minimal/Free (Government-supported)

• Intake: Fall/Spring

• Programs: Public Administration, HR, IT, Finance

 15. Arab Open University – Riyadh Branch

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: ~SAR 10,000–15,000/year

• Intake: Fall and Spring

• Programs: Business, IT, English Language, Education

 16. Islamic University College of Riyadh

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: Low to Free (Islamic scholarship-funded)

• Intake: Fall

• Programs: Islamic Jurisprudence, Quranic Studies, Arabic, Theology

 17. Health Sciences College for Boys – Riyadh

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: Low

• Intake: September

• Programs: Paramedic Training, Nursing, Radiology, Lab Science

 18. Saudi Railway Polytechnic – Riyadh Campus

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: Free for trainees (with stipend)

• Intake: August

• Programs: Rail Engineering, Mechanical Tech, Signaling Systems

 19. King Salman Center for Disability Research

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: Funded programs

• Intake: Based on research projects

• Programs: Disability Studies, Research, Public Health

 20. National Guard Health Affairs College

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: Low (government-funded for citizens; may vary for foreign students)

• Intake: August

• Programs: Health Sciences, Nursing, Biomedical Sciences

 21. Saudi Technical Institute for Petroleum Services (STIPS) – Riyadh Campus

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: Free

• Intake: August

• Programs: Oil and Gas Technology, Maintenance, Operations

 22. Fire Safety Training Academy – Riyadh

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: Sponsored

• Intake: August

• Programs: Fire Safety Engineering, Emergency Services

 23. Advanced Electronics Academy

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: Sponsored by industry

• Intake: Fall

• Programs: Electronics, Communications Engineering, AI and Robotics

 24. Aviation Academy – Riyadh Campus

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: SAR 20,000–50,000/year

• Intake: Fall

• Programs: Pilot Training, Aircraft Maintenance, Aviation Management

 25. Saudi Japanese Automobile High Institute – Riyadh Branch

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: Free

• Intake: September

• Programs: Automotive Engineering, Vehicle Maintenance

 26. Riyadh Technical College of Telecommunications

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: Free/Low

• Intake: September

• Programs: Telecom Engineering, Satellite Tech, Networking

 27. Ministry of Health Medical Training Center

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: Sponsored/Low

• Intake: September

• Programs: Healthcare Certification, Emergency Medical Training

 28. Saudi Institute for Tourism and Hospitality – Riyadh

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: Sponsored

• Intake: Fall/Spring

• Programs: Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Travel & Tourism

 29. Saudi Academy for Civil Aviation – Riyadh

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: Sponsored/Scholarships available

• Intake: August

• Programs: Air Traffic Control, Aviation Safety, Airport Operations

 30. Riyadh College of Excellence

• QS Ranking: Not ranked

• Fees: SAR 10,000–20,000/year

• Intake: Fall

• Programs: Vocational Diplomas, Business Tech, IT Support, Logistics
   

Universities in Saudi Arabia

Public Universities in Riyadh for International Students

 1. King Saud University (KSU)

• Status: Public

• Accepts International Students: Yes (with/without scholarship)

• Scholarships: Full scholarships for non-Saudis (includes stipend, accommodation)

• Programs: Engineering, Medicine, Sciences, Arts, Law, Business, IT

 2. Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU)

• Status: Public

• Accepts International Students: Yes (mainly for Islamic and Arabic studies)

• Scholarships: Yes – especially for Islamic studies

• Programs: Arabic Language, Shariah, Law, Computer Science, Media, Economics

 3. Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) (For Women Only)

• Status: Public (World’s largest women-only university)

• Accepts International Students: Yes (female only)

• Scholarships: Yes

• Programs: Health Sciences, Education, Humanities, IT, Languages, Business

 4. Saudi Electronic University (SEU)

• Status: Public

• Accepts International Students: Yes

• Scholarships: Limited (mostly self-financed for foreigners)

• Programs: Business, IT, Health Informatics, Data Science (online & blended)

 5. Institute of Public Administration (IPA) – Riyadh

• Status: Government/Public

• Accepts International Students: Yes (for short-term programs & diplomas)

• Scholarships: Some funded training for government-related fields

• Programs: Public Administration, HR, Finance, Computer Science

 6. Riyadh College of Technology

• Status: Public (TVTC system)

• Accepts International Students: Yes (limited intake)

• Scholarships: Available under select programs

• Programs: Engineering Technologies, Applied Sciences, IT, Electronics

 7. King Fahd Security College

• Status: Public (Under Ministry of Interior)

• Accepts International Students: Yes (under special defense/security agreements)

• Scholarships: Full for eligible defense candidates

• Programs: Security Studies, Law Enforcement, Strategic Defense

 8. Technical Trainers College (TTC) – Riyadh

• Status: Public (TVTC + German collaboration)

• Accepts International Students: Yes (selective)

• Scholarships: Yes (for teacher training programs)

• Programs: Engineering Technology, Education (Vocational)

 9. Health Colleges under Ministry of Health – Riyadh

• Status: Public

• Accepts International Students: Yes (on scholarship/Ministry basis)

• Scholarships: Available for healthcare professionals

• Programs: Nursing, Medical Labs, Radiology, Public Health

 10. Islamic University Colleges – Riyadh Branches

• Status: Public (with Islamic focus)

• Accepts International Students: Yes (mainly from Muslim countries)

• Scholarships: Full scholarships

• Programs: Quranic Sciences, Arabic, Shariah, Islamic Jurisprudence

 Notes for International Students:

• Most public universities in Riyadh offer full scholarships that include:

  • Tuition waiver

  • Monthly stipend

  • Free accommodation

  • Return flight ticket (annual)

  • Healthcare coverage
     

Art & Humanities in Saudi Arabia

Eligibility to get admission to Government Universities in Riyadh

 General Eligibility Criteria (For Bachelor’s Programs)

Requirement	Details
Academic Qualification	High school diploma or equivalent (12th-grade pass for Indian students) with good academic standing
Minimum Grade Requirement	Typically 75%+ or equivalent GPA (exact criteria vary by university and program)
Age Limit	Usually between 17–25 years at time of application
Language Proficiency	Arabic for most Islamic and social science programs English for STEM, Business, IT programs (IELTS 5.5–6.0 or equivalent may be required)
Medical Fitness	Must be medically fit (official medical report may be required)
Clean Record	Should have a clean legal/police record (a certificate may be requested)
Passport Validity	Passport should be valid for at least 6 months from time of application

 Eligibility Criteria for Postgraduate (Master’s or PhD)

Requirement	Details
Academic Background	Recognized Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with minimum "Very Good" GPA (usually 3.0/4.0 or 75%+)
Language Requirement	English-taught programs: IELTS/TOEFL (IELTS 6.0–6.5 or equivalent)  Arabic-taught programs: Arabic proficiency or pass Arabic placement
Recommendation Letters	Typically 2–3 academic or professional recommendation letters
Research Proposal	Required for research-based Master's/PhD programs
Age Limit	Master's: usually below 30–35 years PhD: below 40 years (may vary)
Medical and Police Clearance	Often required for final admission and visa processing

 Additional Notes on Eligibility for Scholarship Applicants

• Many Riyadh public universities offer fully funded scholarships (tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, ticket, etc.) to international students.

• To be eligible for these:

  • You must not have been previously dismissed from any Saudi institution.

  • You must not be receiving another Saudi scholarship at the same time.

  • You need to apply through the university's online portal or the Saudi Ministry of Education portal when open.

  • For Islamic-focused universities like Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Muslim studentsare prioritized, especially for Arabic/Islamic Studies programs.

 When to Apply?

• Application windows: Usually open between January and March for Fall intake (September start).

• Some universities may have a second intake or accept rolling applications for specific programs.

Universities That Accept International Students in Riyadh:

• King Saud University (KSU)

• Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University

• Princess Nourah University (Women)

• Saudi Electronic University (SEU)

• Technical and Health Colleges (via TVTC or Ministry of Health)
   

MA in Saudi Arabia

Fee Structure of Public Universities in Riyadh

For Saudi nationals:

• Tuition: Generally free

• Additional benefits: Many students receive a monthly stipend, free textbooks, and access to on-campus housing and healthcare

For non-Saudi (international) students:

• Some public universities do accept international students, often through scholarships

• Tuition: Can vary, but international students on scholarships may also study for free

• Without a scholarship, international students might face tuition fees, which can vary by program and university

Key public universities in Riyadh include:

• King Saud University (KSU)

• Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University

• Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (for women)

• King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences
   

Public Universities in Saudi Arabia

Admission Process of Public Universities of Riyadh

Common Public Universities in Riyadh:

1. King Saud University (KSU)

2. Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU)

3. Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU)

4. King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS)

5. Saudi Electronic University (SEU) – also headquartered in Riyadh

General Admission Process:

1. Eligibility Criteria

• Completion of high school (Thanawiya Amma) or its equivalent.

• Minimum GPA requirements (typically high scores for competitive programs).

• Must have taken standardized tests:

  • Qudrat (General Aptitude Test)

  • Tahsili (Subject Achievement Test) – often required for science-related fields.

2. Online Application

• Students apply through a central unified admission portal for public universities in Riyadh (especially for female applicants).

• Application usually opens once a year, typically in June or July, after final exams.

• Applicants select their preferred universities and programs during this stage.

3. Program Selection

• Based on:

  • High school GPA

  • Qudrat and Tahsili scores

  • Availability of seats

  • Gender and campus location

4. Merit-based Ranking

• Applicants are ranked based on a weighted average of:

  • High school GPA (e.g., 30–40%)

  • Qudrat score (30–40%)

  • Tahsili score (20–40%) – depending on the university and field.

5. Admission Offers

• Accepted students receive provisional offers via the portal or SMS/email.

• They must confirm acceptance by a given deadline.

• If an applicant declines or misses the deadline, their seat may go to someone on the waiting list.

6. Final Admission

• Students submit official documents, undergo a medical check-up (for some programs), and complete any placement tests required (e.g., English or Math).

• Orientation and registration follow before the start of the semester.

Special Notes:

• Saudi Electronic University (SEU) has a slightly different process, including interviews or additional language placement.

• Princess Nourah University handles admissions via the unified system but offers only female programs.

• Admission is highly competitive for medical, engineering, and IT programs.

Scholarship in Public Universities of Riyadh

 Types of Scholarships in Public Universities of Riyadh

1. Internal Scholarships (for non-Saudi residents living in the Kingdom)

• Offered to non-Saudi students legally residing in Saudi Arabia.

• Must meet general admission criteria.

• Limited seats; high academic performance required.

2. External Scholarships (for international students abroad)

• Offered to non-Saudi students living outside the Kingdom.

• Typically at the undergraduate and postgraduate level.

• Includes a full ride: tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, healthcare, and travel allowance.

• Applicants must apply through the university’s international admission office.

3. Government-funded Scholarships (for Saudis)

• All Saudi citizens accepted into public universities receive free tuition.

• Also includes monthly financial support, textbooks, and sometimes housing (especially for those from other regions).

Scholarships at Key Riyadh Universities:

 King Saud University (KSU)

• Offers fully funded scholarships to both internal and external students.

• Covers:

  • Tuition

  • Monthly stipend

  • Medical care

  • Housing (for international students)

• Priority is given to students with high academic merit.

 Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU)

• Offers scholarships mainly in Islamic studies, Arabic language, and other humanities.

• External scholarships target Muslim students from abroad.

• Includes free accommodation and annual travel tickets.

 Princess Nourah University (PNU) (female-only)

• Provides full scholarships for female international students.

• Priority for students from countries with cultural or educational ties to Saudi Arabia.

• Includes campus housing, health services, and a monthly allowance.

 King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS)

• Offers limited scholarships due to the specialized nature (mostly medical fields).

• Scholarships often available for postgraduate programs and based on MOUs with other countries.

 Saudi Electronic University (SEU)

• Rarely offers full scholarships, but discounted tuition may apply for Saudis.

• Occasionally collaborates on funded graduate programs.

General Scholarship Requirements:

• Strong academic performance

• Valid passport/residency

• Good conduct and health

• Age within accepted limits (e.g., 17–25 for undergraduate)

• Approval from home country’s government (for some international students)

What Scholarships Usually Cover:

• Full tuition fees

• Monthly stipend (around 850–1000 SAR)

• Free accommodation or housing allowance

• Annual return ticket (for external scholars)

• Medical insurance

• Books and materials

Intake of Public Universities in Riyadh

 Main Intake: Fall Semester (First Semester)

• Timeframe: Applications usually open around June to July (after high school results are released).

• Semester Start: End of August or early September.

• This is the primary and largest intake for undergraduate programs.

• Most scholarship opportunities and competitive programs are available during this time.

 Spring Semester (Second Semester) – Limited Intake

• Some universities (not all) offer a second intake in January or February, but it is:

  • Limited to specific programs

  • More common at graduate level (e.g., master's programs)

  • Subject to seat availability

 Who Can Apply During Each Intake?

• Saudi Students: Eligible for both fall and occasionally spring intake, especially for postgrad studies.

• Non-Saudi Residents (Internal Scholarship Applicants): Usually apply in the main intake.

• International Students (External Scholarship Applicants):

  • Generally accepted in the main fall intake only

  • Applications are often processed months in advance (February to May)

Notes on Intake:

• Some universities (like Saudi Electronic University) offer multiple admissions per year, especially for online or blended programs.

• Health-related universities like KSAU-HS have strict schedules and may only admit once a year due to the structure of the medical curriculum.

Application Deadlines (Typical Timeline):

Month	Stage
March – May	International scholarship applications (external)
June – July	Domestic applications (Saudi & internal residents)
August	Final admissions & document verification
September	Start of classes (First semester)

QS World Ranking of Public Universities in Riyadh

 QS World Rankings – Public Universities in Riyadh (2024/2025 Cycle)

1. King Saud University (KSU)

• Riyadh’s top-ranked public university

• QS World Rank: Around 201–210

• QS Arab Region Rank: Consistently in the Top 5

• Known for: Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, and Research

2. Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU)

• Riyadh

• QS World Rank: Not ranked globally in the top 500, but listed in QS Arab Region Rankings

• QS Arab Region Rank: Around 71–90

• Known for: Islamic Studies, Sharia Law, Arabic Language

3. Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU)

• Riyadh (World’s largest women-only university)

• QS World Rank: Not in top global rankings but featured in QS Arab Region Rankings

• QS Arab Region Rank: Around 101–150

• Focus: Health Sciences, Education, Humanities, Female empowerment in STEM

4. King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS)

• Riyadh (with branches in Jeddah & Al-Ahsa)

• QS World Rank: Not listed in global top 500

• QS Subject Rankings: Recognized in Medicine and Health Sciences (regionally)

• Specialized in: Medicine, Nursing, Public Health

5. Saudi Electronic University (SEU)

• Riyadh (with nationwide branches)

• Not ranked in QS World or Regional Rankings yet, as it’s a newer, blended-learning institution.

• Focus: E-learning, IT, Business, and emerging fields