Study in Saudi Arabia Fees and Cost of Accomodation

1

King Saud University (KSU)

Riyadh

Free (for Saudis) / Varies

Free for Saudis; fees apply for non-Saudis or private tracks

2

King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM)

Dhahran

Free (for Saudis)

Primarily free; limited spots for international students

3

King Abdulaziz University (KAU)

Jeddah

Free (for Saudis) / ~SAR 20,000–30,000

Fees apply for private programs and international students

4

King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)

Thuwal

Fully Funded (Scholarships)

Graduate-level only; scholarships cover full cost

5

Alfaisal University

Riyadh

SAR 60,000–95,000

Private university; fees vary by program (Medicine is most expensive)

6

Prince Sultan University

Riyadh

SAR 50,000–70,000

Private; offers various scholarships

7

Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University

Riyadh

Free (for Saudis)

Mostly tuition-free for locals

8

University of Dammam (Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal Univ.)

Dammam

Free (for Saudis) / Varies

Public university; some paid programs for non-Saudis

9

King Khalid University

Abha

Free (for Saudis)

Public university

10

Umm Al-Qura University

Makkah

Free (for Saudis)

Mostly free; few paid programs

1

King Saud University (KSU)

Riyadh

Free (for Saudis) / Varies

Public university; free for locals; low-cost options for some non-Saudis

2

King Abdulaziz University (KAU)

Jeddah

Free (for Saudis) / ~SAR 20,000–30,000

Affordable for international students via scholarships

3

King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM)

Dhahran

Free (for Saudis)

Very affordable; limited seats for non-Saudis

4

Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University

Riyadh

Free

Focus on Islamic studies, Sharia, and other programs

5

Umm Al-Qura University

Makkah

Free

Offers scholarships to international students in Islamic studies

6

Islamic University of Madinah

Madinah

Free + Monthly Stipend

Free tuition and living allowance for international Muslim students

7

King Khalid University

Abha

Free

Public university offering free education for locals

8

Taibah University

Madinah

Free

Affordable for locals; offers some international programs

9

Qassim University

Buraydah

Free

Public university with wide range of disciplines

10

Jazan University

Jazan

Free

Public university; affordable for all with scholarship opportunities

Public (Free for Saudis)

King Saud Univ., KAU, KFUPM, Imam Univ., King Khalid Univ.

All Fields

Free (for Saudis) / ~SAR 15,000–30,000

International students or private-track may pay fees

Public (Islamic Focus)

Islamic Univ. of Madinah, Umm Al-Qura Univ.

Islamic Studies, Arabic

Free (incl. for many internationals)

Often includes scholarships + housing for Muslim students

Private Universities

Alfaisal Univ., Prince Sultan Univ., Dar Al Uloom Univ.

Business, Engineering

SAR 45,000–75,000

Varies widely by major and institution

Medicine, Pharmacy

SAR 70,000–100,000+

Medicine is the most expensive

International/Hybrid

KAUST (Grad only), MBSC, Effat Univ., PNU

STEM, Business

SAR 40,000–90,000

May offer partial scholarships

Public Universities

King Saud Univ., KAU, KFUPM, King Khalid Univ.

General (All fields)

Free (for Saudis) / ~SAR 15,000–40,000/year

Often free for Saudis; subsidized for international students

Public - Research Focused

King Abdullah Univ. of Science & Technology (KAUST)

STEM, Engineering

Fully Funded + Stipend

All Master’s students receive scholarships and monthly stipend

Public - Islamic Focus

Islamic Univ. of Madinah, Umm Al-Qura Univ.

Islamic Studies, Arabic

Free + Stipend (for Muslims)

Fully funded for international Muslim students, often with accommodation

Private Universities

Alfaisal Univ., Prince Sultan Univ., Effat Univ., Dar Al Uloom

Business, Engineering, Health

SAR 45,000–90,000/year

Varies by program; Medicine and MBA are highest

Specialized Institutions

MBSC (Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College)

MBA, Executive Programs

SAR 150,000–250,000 (entire program)

Elite business school; scholarships available

Public Universities

King Saud Univ., KAU, KFUPM, Imam Univ.

All fields

Free (for Saudis) / SAR 10,000–30,000/year

Often free for Saudis; many programs offer funded seats for internationals

Public - Research Focused

KAUST (King Abdullah Univ. of Science & Technology)

STEM, Engineering, Sciences

Fully Funded (SAR 0)

Full scholarships + monthly stipend + housing

Public - Islamic Focus

Islamic Univ. of Madinah, Umm Al-Qura Univ.

Islamic Studies, Arabic

Free + Monthly Stipend

For Muslim students (incl. internationals); includes housing

Private Universities

Alfaisal Univ., Prince Sultan Univ., Effat Univ.

Business, Engineering, Medicine

SAR 60,000–120,000/year

Varies by program; some scholarships available

Specialized Institutions

MBSC (Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College)

Business, Leadership

SAR 150,000–250,000 (total)

Executive PhD/MBA programs; scholarships may be limited

Public VET Institutes

TVTC (Technical and Vocational Training Corporation)

Technical diplomas, IT, mechanics, health

Free (for Saudis)

Government-funded; includes monthly stipend for Saudi students

Public-Private Colleges

Colleges of Excellence (partnered with global providers)

Hospitality, Business, Engineering

Free / SAR 3,000–15,000

Some programs subsidized; fees apply in certain partnerships

Private Technical Colleges

Saudi Electronic University, Arab Open University (VET tracks)

IT, Design, Business

SAR 8,000–20,000

Varies by institution and program

International VET Centers

Laureate Colleges, Global Knowledge, Aptech

IT, Networking, English, Hospitality

SAR 10,000–30,000

Private institutions; international certifications often included

Shared Apartment (Student Housing)

Major Cities (Riyadh, Jeddah)

SAR 800–1,500

Common among students; includes basic utilities

Studio Apartment (Single)

Riyadh, Jeddah

SAR 1,500–2,500

Private living; varies based on location and furnishings

1-Bedroom Apartment (Mid-range)

Riyadh, Dammam

SAR 2,500–4,000

In city centers or newer developments

On-Campus Dormitory

University Cities

SAR 0–1,000

Often free or subsidized for Saudi/university scholarship students

Groceries (Home-cooked)

SAR 600–1,000

Based on rice, chicken, vegetables, fruits, etc.

Student Meal Plan (Uni)

SAR 300–600

Many universities offer affordable or subsidized meals

Eating Out (Budget)

SAR 15–30/meal

Local restaurants, shawarma, kabsa, etc.

Eating Out (Mid-range)

SAR 50–100/meal

Cafés, casual dining, Western-style restaurants

Budget Student

SAR 1,200–2,000

Shared room + groceries + public transport

Mid-Range Expat/Student

SAR 2,500–4,500

Private room/apartment + mix of eating out & cooking

 Transportation

Public Bus/Metro Pass

SAR 100–200/month

Available in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah

Taxi or Ride Apps (Careem, Uber)

SAR 15–40 per ride

Prices vary by distance and time

Car Rental (short-term)

SAR 1,200–2,000/month

For those who prefer private transport

Fuel (Petrol 91)

SAR 2.18/liter

Very affordable compared to global prices

 Communication

SIM Card + Mobile Data Plan

SAR 80–150/month

Providers: STC, Mobily, Zain

Home Internet

SAR 250–350/month

Fiber or 4G/5G packages

 Clothing

Basic Apparel (T-shirts, jeans, etc.)

SAR 100–300 per item

International brands slightly more expensive

‍ Personal Care

Haircut

SAR 20–50

Men’s barbershops are cheaper; women’s salons cost more

Toiletries & Hygiene

SAR 100–200/month

Includes soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.

 Leisure & Entertainment

Gym Membership

SAR 150–400/month

Varies by gym quality and location

Cinema Ticket

SAR 40–70

Standard seating

Coffee at a café

SAR 10–25

International chains may charge more

Tourist outings/day trips

SAR 100–300+

Depends on activity (e.g., desert trip, museums, events)

 Books & Supplies

Academic Books, Stationery

SAR 50–200/month

May be included in university fees

Basic Student

SAR 300–800

Budget-friendly; limited outings

Average Expat/Student

SAR 800–1,500

Includes some leisure, personal care

Comfortable Lifestyle

SAR 1,500–2,500+

Includes gym, cafes, outings, subscriptions