Study in Saudi Arabia Fees and Total Cost of Education

How much does it cost to study in Saudi Arabia for international students

 Tuition Fees

• Public Universities: Most public universities in Saudi Arabia offer free tuition to international students who are awarded government scholarships. Some universities even cover other costs like accommodation and healthcare.

• Private Universities: Tuition varies a lot depending on the institution and program. On average:

  • Undergraduate programs: $2,000 – $10,000 USD per year

  • Postgraduate programs: $4,000 – $15,000+ USD per year

 Top Scholarships for International Students

1. King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Scholarship

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

3. Islamic University of Madinah

4. King Saud University Scholarship

These often cover:

• Full tuition

• Monthly stipend (usually around $250–$800/month)

• Free accommodation

• Healthcare

• Flight tickets (sometimes annually)

 Living Costs in Saudi Arabia

• Accommodation:

  • University dorms: Often free for scholarship students

  • Private rent: $300–$700/month (varies by city)

• Food & Transport:

  • Monthly groceries: ~$150–$300

  • Transport: ~$50–$100/month (cheaper if using public transport or ride-shares)

Additional Notes

• Most programs are taught in Arabic, but many top universities offer science and engineering programs in English.

• Cost of living is generally lower than in Western countries.

Universities in Saudi Arabia

What are the tuition fees for universities in Saudi Arabia

 Public Universities

• Full tuition coverage

• Monthly stipend

• Free housing

• Health insurance

• Travel allowance

 Private Universities – Tuition Fees

Field of Study	Estimated Tuition (USD/year)
Business/Management	$6,000 – $12,000
Engineering/IT	$8,000 – $15,000
Medicine	$15,000 – $25,000+
Pharmacy	$10,000 – $18,000
Arts/Humanities	$4,000 – $8,000

Some Well-Known Private Universities

1. Alfaisal University (Riyadh)

   • One of the top private universities.

   • Medicine and Engineering programs are in high demand.

   • Tuition: ~$15,000–$25,000/year (especially for Medicine)

2. Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University

   • Offers programs in English.

   • Tuition: ~$8,000–$12,000/year

3. Effat University (Jeddah – women only)

   • Offers liberal arts, architecture, and engineering.

   • Tuition: ~$6,000–$10,000/year

Study in Saudi Arabia

Is studying in Saudi Arabia free for international students

Scholarships in Saudi Arabia

Saudi universities offer full scholarships that typically cover:

• Full tuition fees

• Monthly stipend

• Free housing or accommodation allowance

• Medical care

• Round-trip airfare

• Other benefits like language training or research support

Who can apply?

• International students from all over the world

• Requirements vary, but you usually need:

  • Good academic performance

  • Recommendation letters

  • Medical clearance

  • Sometimes proof of Arabic or English proficiency (depending on the program)

Popular universities offering scholarships:

• King Saud University (KSU)

• King Abdulaziz University (KAU)

• King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)

• Islamic University of Madinah (especially for Islamic studies)

• King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) – known for science & research; all students at KAUST are on full scholarships

Business, Management & Economics in Saudi Arabia

What is the average monthly cost of living for students in Saudi Arabia

 Monthly Cost Breakdown (in SAR)

Expense	Average Cost (SAR)	Notes
Accommodation	500 – 1,500	On-campus housing is cheaper or free with scholarships. Off-campus varies by city.
Food	500 – 800	Eating at university cafeterias is cheap. Cooking at home saves money.
Transportation	100 – 300	Public transport is limited, but taxis and apps like Uber/Careem are common. Students may get discounts.
Mobile/Internet	100 – 200	SIM cards are affordable; data packages are reasonable.
Personal Expenses	200 – 400	Toiletries, clothes, entertainment, etc.
Books & Supplies	100 – 300	Often covered if you're on scholarship.
Health Insurance	Varies	Usually provided by the university if you’re on scholarship.

Cost by City

• Riyadh / Jeddah: More expensive (closer to the upper range)

• Madinah / Abha / Al-Ahsa: More affordable

• Smaller cities tend to have lower rent and food costs.

MBA in Saudi Arabia

Are there hidden costs to studying in Saudi Arabia

‍ Potential Hidden Costs

1. Visa & Iqama Fees

• Student visa (entry visa) is usually free if you’re on a scholarship.

• But the Iqama (residency permit) may require small processing or renewal fees (sometimes ~SAR 500–700/year), depending on your university’s policy.

2. Medical Tests & Health Checks

• Required for visa/Iqama processing.

• Costs are small (SAR 200–400), and some universities cover it, but not all.

3. Extra Course Materials or Lab Fees

• Some technical or science programs may have lab fees or require specific materials not fully covered by scholarships.

4. Clothing & Cultural Items

• You might need to buy Abaya (for women) or modest clothing, depending on where you're studying.

• Traditional attire may be needed for cultural events or religious purposes.

5. Travel Within the Country

• Intercity travel (e.g., visiting Makkah, Madinah, or Riyadh) is not super expensive, but adds up over time (bus, train, or domestic flights).

6. Internet & Electronics

• Internet at home or in off-campus housing isn’t always included.

• Electronics and tech gear (laptops, accessories) can be pricier than in some countries.

7. Cultural or Religious Costs

• Gifts during Ramadan or Eid, donations, or community participation might come with small expected costs — not mandatory, but culturally appreciated.

How to get scholarship to Study in Saudi Arabia