Public Universities in Saudi Arabia

List of Top 30 Public Universities in Saudi Arabia for Indian Students

 Top 30 Public Universities in Saudi Arabia for Indian Students

#	University Name	QS World Ranking 2024	Tuition Fees (Approx.)	Intake	Popular Courses
1	King Abdulaziz University (KAU)	#143	Free (Scholarships Available)	Sep/Feb	Engineering, Medicine, Business, IT
2	King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM)	#180	Free (Scholarships Available)	Sep	Petroleum Engg, Chemical Engg, CS
3	King Saud University (KSU)	#203	Free	Sep	Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, Law
4	King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)	#201–250	Fully Funded (Graduate only)	Sep	Marine Science, BioSci, AI, Engg
5	Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University	#701–750	Free	Sep	Islamic Studies, Arabic, Social Sciences
6	Umm Al-Qura University	#651–700	Free	Sep	Shariah, Education, Medicine
7	King Khalid University	#801–1000	Free	Sep	IT, Business, Arts, Medicine
8	Qassim University	#801–1000	Free	Sep	Pharmacy, Engineering, Sciences
9	Taibah University	#1001+	Free	Sep	Medicine, Islamic Studies, IT
10	University of Jeddah	#1001+	Free	Sep	Business, Engg, Arts, Sciences
11	Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (Women Only)	#1001+	Free	Sep	Health Sciences, IT, Education
12	Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University	#1001+	Free	Sep	Engineering, CS, Business
13	Jazan University	#1001+	Free	Sep	Marine Biology, Med, Sci
14	Najran University	#1001+	Free	Sep	Engineering, Pharmacy, IT
15	Northern Border University	#1001+	Free	Sep	CS, Medical Sciences, Arts
16	Shaqra University	N/A	Free	Sep	Health Sciences, Education
17	Majmaah University	N/A	Free	Sep	Business, Science, Engineering
18	Hail University	N/A	Free	Sep	Medicine, Engineering, Business
19	Tabuk University	N/A	Free	Sep	Engineering, Arts, CS
20	Al Baha University	N/A	Free	Sep	Islamic Studies, Science, CS
21	Al Jouf University	N/A	Free	Sep	Dentistry, Pharmacy, Business
22	Al Yamamah University (Private, but semi-public)	N/A	SAR 40,000+/year	Sep/Jan	Business, Law, CS
23	Taif University	N/A	Free	Sep	Engineering, Medicine, Law
24	University of Hafr Al Batin	N/A	Free	Sep	Business, Engineering, IT
25	Saudi Electronic University	N/A	SAR 8,000–15,000/year	Sep	Online Business, IT, Health
26	Islamic University of Madinah (Men Only)	N/A	Free	Sep	Islamic Studies, Arabic, Shariah
27	King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences	N/A	Free	Sep	Health Sciences, Medicine
28	King Faisal University	#1001+	Free	Sep	Veterinary, Pharmacy, Business
29	King Abdullah City for Science & Technology (KACST)	Research Only	Fully Funded	Varies	Research in Science, Tech
30	Effat University (Private, Female Only)	Not public	SAR 45,000–70,000	Sep/Jan	Business, Design, Engg

 

Universities in Saudi Arabia

Public Universities in Saudi Arabia for International Students

Top Universities (Highly Reputed Globally)

University	QS World Ranking 2024	Offers to International Students	Key Programs	Language
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)	#143	Yes – Fully Funded	Engineering, Medicine, Islamic Studies, CS	English & Arabic
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM)	#180	Yes – Graduate Programs Only	Petroleum Engg, AI, CS, Mechanical Engg	English
King Saud University (KSU)	#203	Yes	Medicine, Engineering, Business, Pharmacy	English & Arabic
King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)	#201–250	Yes – Master’s/PhD only	Biosciences, AI, Marine Science, Energy	English
Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University	#701–750	Yes	Islamic Studies, Arabic, Law, Social Sciences	Arabic
Umm Al-Qura University	#651–700	Yes	Shariah, Education, IT, Medicine	Arabic
King Faisal University	#1001+	Yes	Veterinary, Science, IT, Agriculture	Arabic & some English

Other Public Universities Accepting International Students

University	Location	Intake	Language	Popular Courses
King Khalid University	Abha	Sept	Arabic/English	IT, Business, Islamic Studies
Qassim University	Qassim	Sept	Arabic/English	Engineering, Pharmacy, Sciences
Jazan University	Jazan	Sept	Arabic	Marine Biology, Medicine
Najran University	Najran	Sept	Arabic	Engineering, Pharmacy
Tabuk University	Tabuk	Sept	Arabic	Engineering, Business
University of Jeddah	Jeddah	Sept	Arabic/English	Arts, Science, Engineering
Northern Border University	Arar	Sept	Arabic	IT, Business, Medicine
Taibah University	Madinah	Sept	Arabic	Islamic Studies, Medicine
Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University	Al-Kharj	Sept	Arabic	Engineering, CS
Majmaah University	Majmaah	Sept	Arabic	Business, Engineering
Shaqra University	Shaqra	Sept	Arabic	Science, Education
Hail University	Hail	Sept	Arabic	Medicine, Engineering
Al Baha University	Al Baha	Sept	Arabic	IT, Business
Al Jouf University	Sakaka	Sept	Arabic	Pharmacy, Arts
University of Hafr Al Batin	Hafr Al Batin	Sept	Arabic	Business, Education

Special Universities for Specific Fields

University	Focus Area	International Students
King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences	Health & Medicine	Yes
Islamic University of Madinah (Men Only)	Islamic Studies	Yes
Saudi Electronic University (SEU)	Online & Hybrid Programs	Yes
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (Women Only)	Women’s Education	Yes

Scholarships & Financial Aid

• Free Tuition

• Monthly Stipend (SAR 850–1,000/month)

• Free Accommodation

• Airfare (Round-trip ticket)

• Healthcare Coverage

Intakes

• Main Intake: September (Fall Semester)

• Some Graduate Programs: February (Spring)

• Applications typically open between January – April of the same year.

Language Requirements

• Undergraduate: May require Arabic proficiency (some programs in English)

• Postgraduate: Many programs taught in English

  • IELTS/TOEFL may be required (esp. KAUST, KAU, KFUPM)
     

Health Science, Medicine & Nursing in Saudi Arabia

Eligibility to get admission to Government Universities in Saudi Arabia

 General Eligibility Criteria

1. Academic Qualifications

• Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree):

  • Must have completed 12 years of schooling (equivalent to high school/Grade 12).

  • A good percentage or GPA is usually required (minimum 75–80% in most cases).

  • Science stream is needed for technical/medical programs.

• Postgraduate (Master’s Degree):

  • Must hold a relevant bachelor's degree from a recognized university.

  • Minimum GPA: around 3.0/4.0 or equivalent (varies by university).

• PhD Programs:

  • Must have a relevant master’s degree with research background or thesis.

  • Prior publications or research experience may boost your chances.

2. Age Limit

• For Bachelor’s programs: Usually between 17 to 25 years.

• For Master’s: Up to 30–35 years.

• For PhD: Up to 35–40 years.

• (These vary slightly by university and scholarship program.)

3. Language Requirements

• Many top programs are offered in Arabic, but science, engineering, and postgraduate programs are often in English.

• If applying for English-taught programs:

  • IELTS (5.5–6.5) or TOEFL is commonly required.

• If applying for Arabic programs:

  • Arabic language proficiency is needed.

  • Some universities require passing an Arabic test or certificate like Qiyas or ALPT.

4. Documents Required

• High school or bachelor’s degree certificates (attested)

• Academic transcripts

• Passport copy

• Recent photographs

• Police clearance certificate (good conduct)

• Birth certificate (in some cases)

• Medical fitness certificate

• Language test score (IELTS/TOEFL/Arabic, if applicable)

• Recommendation letters (for Master’s/PhD)

• Statement of Purpose (for postgraduate studies)

5. Medical Fitness

• Must be medically fit.

• Some universities require a health certificate or medical examination before arrival.

6. No Criminal Record

• Applicants must have a clean record and sometimes submit a police clearance certificate.

7. Scholarship Eligibility

• Outstanding academic performance is required.

• Priority is often given to students from countries with stronger academic ties with Saudi Arabia.

• Strong recommendation letters and a good academic CV help.
   

M.Tech in Saudi Arabia

Fee Structure of Public Universities in Saudi Arabia

1. Tuition Fees

• For international students admitted with scholarships (which is very common):

  •  Tuition is 100% free

  •  Accommodation is free or subsidized

  • Monthly stipend (SAR 850–1,200) is often provided

  •  Airfare, health insurance, and sometimes even meal plans are covered

• For self-funded students (rare at public universities):

  • Bachelor’s degree: SAR 8,000 – 20,000/year (~1.7–4.3 lakh INR/year)

  • Master’s/PhD: SAR 12,000 – 30,000/year (~2.6–6.5 lakh INR/year)

  • However, most programs encourage scholarship-based applications

2. Other Costs (Non-Tuition)

• Registration Fees: Usually SAR 100–500 (one-time)

• Books & Supplies: SAR 500–1,000/year (varies by course)

• Living Expenses (if not covered):

  • Food: SAR 500–800/month

  • Transport: SAR 100–200/month

  • Personal: SAR 300–500/month

  Many universities provide on-campus housing at no cost or for a small fee

3. Examples from Top Universities

King Abdulaziz University (KAU)

• Tuition: Free (Scholarship)

• Stipend: SAR 900/month

• Extras: Free medical care, housing, airfare

King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM)

• Tuition: Free

• Master’s & PhD students receive:

  • Monthly stipend

  • Free housing

  • Free books

  • Free medical care

KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology)

• Only for postgraduate students

• Fully funded scholarships:

  • Full tuition

  • Monthly stipend (SAR 5,000–6,000)

  • Private housing, health insurance, airfare

Admission Process of Public Universities of Saudi Arabia

Step 1: Choose the Right University & Program

• Research public universities like:

  • King Abdulaziz University (KAU)

  • King Saud University (KSU)

  • King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM)

  • KAUST (for PG/PhD only)

  • Others like Qassim, King Khalid, etc.

• Decide your level of study (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD).

• Check if your program is taught in English or Arabic.

Step 2: Check Eligibility Criteria

• Academic qualifications (percentage/GPA, stream).

• Age limit (typically: 17–25 for undergrad, up to 35 for Master’s).

• Language requirement:

  • English-taught programs: IELTS/TOEFL (may be waived depending on university)

  • Arabic programs: Arabic proficiency or exam (some universities offer Arabic language preparation)

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Typical documents include:

• Passport (valid for at least 1 year)

• Academic transcripts and certificates (attested)

• Birth certificate

• Passport-size photo

• Statement of Purpose (for PG)

• Recommendation letters (PG/PhD)

• Language test score (IELTS/TOEFL)

• Medical certificate

• Police clearance certificate (good conduct)

• CV/Resume (for PG/PhD)

• Research proposal (PhD)

Step 4: Apply Online

• Applications are submitted online through:

  • The university’s own portal (e.g., KAU, KFUPM, KAUST)

  • Or the Saudi Ministry of Education scholarship portal (when open)

• You’ll need to create an account, fill out the application form, and upload documents.

• No application fees for most public universities.

Step 5: Apply for Scholarship (If available)

Many universities offer full scholarships for international students:

• Apply during the admission process or via a separate form (depending on the university).

• Scholarships usually cover:

  • Tuition fees

  • Monthly stipend

  • Accommodation

  • Medical care

  • Round-trip airfare

Step 6: Wait for Admission Decision

• After submitting, your application will be reviewed by the university’s international admission department.

• If shortlisted, you may receive:

  • An interview call (online for PG/PhD programs)

  • An admission offer + scholarship offer letter

Step 7: Receive Acceptance Letter & Apply for Visa

• Once accepted:

  • You'll receive an official admission letter

  • Then, apply for a student visa (Type D) through the Saudi Embassy or Cultural Attaché office in your country

• Submit:

  • Admission letter

  • Passport

  • Visa application form

  • Medical and police clearance

Step 8: Arrival in Saudi Arabia

• Book your flight (some scholarships provide a ticket)

• Arrive before orientation or class start date

• The university usually arranges airport pickup and student housing
   

Saudi Arabia Scholarships for Indian Students

Scholarship in Public Universities of Saudi Arabia

1. King Abdulaziz University Scholarship (KAU) – Jeddah

• Open for: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD

• Covers:

  • 100% free tuition

  • Monthly stipend (around SAR 900)

  • Free accommodation

  • Medical care

  • Airfare tickets (entry and return after studies)

• Taught in: English & Arabic

• Very popular among Indian and African students.

2. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals Scholarship (KFUPM) – Dhahran

• Open for: Master’s and PhD only

• Covers:

  • Full tuition fees

  • Monthly stipend

  • Free housing and meals

  • Medical insurance

  • Access to research facilities and labs

• Medium of instruction: English

3. King Saud University Scholarship (KSU) – Riyadh

• Open for: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD (especially in Islamic Studies, Science, Engineering)

• Benefits:

  • Full scholarship including tuition and housing

  • Monthly stipend

  • Free health insurance

  • Airfare ticket and annual travel allowance

4. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Scholarship (KAUST) – Thuwal

• Open for: Master’s and PhD

• One of the most prestigious and generous scholarships in the region

• Includes:

  • Full tuition waiver

  • Monthly stipend of SAR 5,000–6,000

  • On-campus housing

  • Health and dental insurance

  • Relocation and travel support

5. Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship (Men Only)

• Open for: Bachelor’s and Diploma programs in Islamic Studies, Arabic, Shariah

• Benefits:

  • Free tuition and books

  • Monthly stipend

  • Airfare and health services

  • Free housing and meal plan

6. Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University Scholarship

• Programs in Islamic Law, Arabic, and Theology

• Fully funded including monthly allowance, housing, and medical care

7. Umm Al-Qura University Scholarship – Makkah

• For Islamic Studies, Arabic Language, Engineering, and Science

• Offers:

  • Full tuition

  • Accommodation

  • Medical care

  • Monthly living stipend

8. King Khalid University, Qassim University, Jazan University (and others)

• These regional public universities also provide scholarships to international students, typically through:

  • Ministry of Education nominations

  • University-level scholarship programs

• Benefits usually include:

  • Free tuition

  • Monthly allowance

  • Housing

  • Medical services

  • Annual airfare ticket (or upon graduation)

General Scholarship Conditions

• Must be in good academic standing

• Should not have received another Saudi government scholarship

• Must meet language requirements (English or Arabic depending on program)

• Should be of good conduct and medically fit

• Age restrictions apply (e.g., under 25 for Bachelor’s, under 30/35 for Master’s)

Extra Benefits Often Included

• Free round-trip airfare

• Annual allowance for books

• Subsidized or free meals

• Visa support and Iqama (residency permit)

Intake of Public Universities in Saudi Arabia

1. Main Intake: Fall Semester

• Starts: September – October

• Application Period: January to April/May

• Most common and widely open intake for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD

• All universities participate in this round

• Higher chance of scholarship offers

• Recommended intake for international students

2. Secondary Intake: Spring Semester

• Starts: January – February

• Application Period: August to October

• Available at select universities only, mainly for:

  • Postgraduate programs (Master’s & PhD)

  • Certain programs in Business, Science, and Engineering

• Fewer programs available compared to Fall

3. Special/Occasional Intakes

• Rolling Admissions or Mid-Year Intakes may be offered by:

  • KAUST (year-round for graduate studies)

  • Saudi Electronic University (SEU) – Online/Blended programs with flexible entries

• Some short diploma or Arabic/Islamic study programs offer ad hoc intakes

Key Application Timeline (Typical for Fall Intake)

Phase	Timeframe
Application Opens	January – March
Application Deadline	April – May
Evaluation & Shortlisting	May – July
Admission Results	July – August
Visa Processing	August – September
Classes Begin	September – October

Tips for International Students:

• Apply early – processing and scholarship decisions take time

• Some universities (like King Abdulaziz, KFUPM, KAUST) have separate graduate portals with their own intake schedules

• Bachelor's applicants usually apply through the university or Ministry of Education portals

• Make sure your documents are ready and attested before the application cycle begins

QS World Ranking of Public Universities in Saudi Arabia

 Top Ranked Public Universities in Saudi Arabia

1. King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah

   •  QS World Rank: #143

   • One of the top universities in the Arab region

   • Strong in: Engineering, Medicine, Islamic Studies, Computer Science

2. King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) – Dhahran

   •  QS World Rank: #180

   • Renowned for Petroleum Engineering, Engineering, and Tech

   • Very research-intensive with a global faculty

3. King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh

   •  QS World Rank: #203

   • Oldest university in Saudi Arabia

   • Strong in: Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Law, Business, STEM

4. King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) – Thuwal

   •  QS Global Rank: #201–250 (varies slightly by subject)

   • A graduate-level research university

   • Top-tier programs in: AI, Energy, Marine Science, Bioscience

5. Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University – Riyadh

   •  QS World Rank: #701–750

   • Strong focus on Islamic Studies, Arabic Language, Theology

   • Popular among students from Asia and Africa

6. Umm Al-Qura University – Makkah

   •  QS World Rank: #651–700

   • Offers programs in Islamic Studies, Engineering, Business, Education

   • Located near Masjid Al-Haram (Holy Mosque)

7. King Faisal University – Al-Ahsa

   •  QS World Rank: #1001–1200

   • Strong in: Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture, Business, Science

8. King Khalid University – Abha

   •  QS World Rank: #1001–1200

   • Offers scholarships to international students

   • Programs in IT, Medicine, Arts, Engineering

9. Qassim University – Qassim Region

   •  QS World Rank: #1001–1200

   • Public university with a wide range of disciplines