Checkout the Study in Saudi Arabia for Indian Students after 12th Science....
Apr 09, 2025 04:20:45
Specialties: Engineering, Computer Science, Sciences, Business
Why it's great: One of the most prestigious technical universities in the region. Known for research and industry ties.
Note: Mainly for boys/men; very competitive admissions.
Specialties: Medicine, Engineering, Sciences, Pharmacy, Arts
Why it's great: Oldest university in Saudi Arabia with a strong academic reputation and international programs.
Bonus: Offers scholarships to international students.
Specialties: Engineering, Medicine, IT, Business, Arts
Why it's great: Ranked highly in international rankings (Times Higher Ed), with a large and diverse student body.
Scholarships: Fully funded scholarships available for international students.
Specialties: Engineering, Business, IT, Law
Why it's great: Private university with American-style education; modern campus; offers English-taught programs.
More relaxed admission criteria than public universities.
Specialties: Medicine, Engineering, Business, Science
Why it's great: Private, research-focused, international faculty, strong ties with industry. English is the language of instruction.
High acceptance of international students, especially from South Asia.
MBBS / BDS (Medicine/Dentistry)
B.E. / B.Tech (Engineering fields like Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, etc.)
BSc in Computer Science / IT
Pharmacy / Nursing
Environmental / Industrial / Petroleum Engineering
Language: Many top universities offer programs in English, especially in science and engineering.
Documents: You’ll usually need:
12th-grade marksheet (with equivalency, sometimes)
Passport
English proficiency test (like IELTS/TOEFL, though some may waive it)
Recommendation letters (for scholarships)
Scholarships: Saudi Arabia offers generous scholarships to international students (especially in public universities like KAU and KSU).
Application Timeline: Varies by university, but most begin around March–May for September intakes.
Research universities that offer your desired program (Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, etc.).
Make sure the program is open to international students and taught in English (most science/engineering programs are).
Most universities open applications between March and June for September intake.
Always check the official university website for exact dates.
Document |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
12th-grade mark sheet (Science) |
Preferably with high grades |
|
Passport copy |
Valid for at least 6 months |
|
Birth certificate |
Sometimes required |
|
English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL) |
Required for English-taught programs (some universities waive this) |
|
Recommendation letters |
For scholarship applicants |
|
Medical certificate |
Proving you’re in good health |
|
Recent passport-sized photos |
Standard requirement |
|
Police clearance certificate |
Sometimes needed for visa |
Most universities have online application portals.
You’ll create an account, upload all the documents, and select your program.
Some universities charge an application fee, while others (especially public universities) do not.
Tuition fees
Free accommodation
Health insurance
Monthly stipend
Return air ticket (in some cases)
If accepted, you’ll receive an Admission Letter.
This is required for visa processing.
Some universities conduct interviews or request additional documents.
You’ll need:
Admission letter
Passport
Medical tests (may include blood tests, chest X-ray)
Visa application form
Police clearance certificate (if requested)
Once you land:
Go to the university’s international student office for orientation.
Register for your courses.
Get your Iqama (residency ID) – mandatory for all foreigners in Saudi Arabia.
Covers tuition, living expenses, accommodation, health insurance, and more.
Open for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD degrees.
Applicants must meet academic requirements and often need to apply through Saudi embassies or directly to universities.
Fully funded for undergraduate Islamic studies and science programs.
Includes monthly stipend, accommodation, and healthcare.
Male students only (as of current structure).
Offers merit-based scholarships.
Programs in sciences, engineering, and Arabic language.
Fully funded graduate programs with scholarships.
Includes tuition, airfare, housing, monthly stipend.
Offers scholarships for Master’s and PhD programs.
Fully funded: tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and more.
Sometimes Indian community organizations in Saudi offer small scholarships or support.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh or Consulate in Jeddah may share updates on scholarships or educational programs.
Valid passport and academic records.
Good academic performance (usually 75%+).
Proof of English or Arabic proficiency (depending on program).
Health clearance.
King Saud University (Riyadh)
King Abdulaziz University (Jeddah)
Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University (Riyadh)
Islamic University of Madinah (for Islamic & Arabic studies)
You must have completed 12th grade with good academic performance.
Age typically should be between 17 and 25 years.
You may need proficiency in Arabic (for Arabic-medium programs) or English (for international/science/engineering programs).
Some universities may require a medical certificate.
12th-grade mark sheets and certificates
Passport (valid for at least 1 year)
Passport-size photographs
Medical certificate (including vaccination records)
Police clearance certificate (if required)
Recommendation letters (optional but helpful)
Language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL for English programs, or Arabic certificate for Islamic programs)
Many Saudi universities allow direct application online.
You fill out an application form, upload your documents, and wait for approval.
You can also apply through the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in New Delhi.
Submit your documents to the Cultural Attaché Office.
They verify your documents and forward your application to Saudi universities.
Once you apply:
The university or embassy will process your application.
If accepted, you will receive an admission letter (Offer of Admission).
After receiving the offer:
Take your admission letter and other documents to the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in India.
Apply for a student visa (education visa).
Once your visa is approved:
Book your flight and prepare to travel.
Make sure you’ve arranged accommodation, either provided by the university or separately.
Which is the Cheapest University in Saudi Arabia for International Students
Quality of Education: Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in education, especially in science, engineering, and technology fields. Universities like King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), King Saud University (KSU), and KAUST are internationally recognized.
Scholarships: Many Indian students are on full scholarships, especially for postgraduate studies, covering tuition, accommodation, healthcare, and even monthly stipends.
Language: Courses are often taught in English, especially in STEM fields. However, learning some Arabic helps in daily life and social integration.
Conservative Society: Saudi Arabia is a deeply religious country, and Islamic practices shape everyday life. There are dress codes, gender segregation in some places, and strict rules about public behavior.
Prayer Times & Holidays: Everything—from classes to store hours—aligns with Islamic prayer times and holidays like Ramadan and Eid. Many students find this a good opportunity to learn more about Islamic culture.
Expats & International Students: There’s a growing number of international students, including many Indians, which creates a support network. Indian student communities or cultural associations often organize events, especially around Diwali, Holi, and Independence Day.
Gender Dynamics: While social interaction between genders is still conservative, it has been gradually opening up, especially in university environments and major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Indian Food: Easily available in most cities. You’ll find Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and even mess services catering to students.
Accommodation: Most universities provide separate hostels for male and female students. Off-campus housing is available but often limited due to legal and cultural restrictions.
Cost of Living: With a scholarship, students usually manage well. Essentials are affordable, but imported goods can be pricey.
Cultural Adjustment: For some, adjusting to strict rules and gender segregation can be challenging.
Limited Social Freedom: Social norms are more controlled compared to India or Western countries.
Language Barrier: While English is used in academics, Arabic is essential for dealing with local services, especially in smaller towns.
Safety: Saudi Arabia is generally very safe with low crime rates.
Networking: Opportunities to connect with peers from across the Islamic and Arab world.
Career Opportunities: Especially in sectors like engineering, IT, petroleum, and academia.
