Saudi Arabia is becoming a popular destination for international students due to its high-ranking universities, cutting-edge research facilities, and fully funded scholarship programs. The country offers a mix of modern education and rich cultural heritage, with many universities collaborating with international institutions. Fields such as engineering, medicine, Islamic studies, and business are highly sought after. With tax-free education in public universities and financial support from the government, Saudi Arabia provides a cost-effective option for students worldwide.
Annual Intakes in Saudi Arabia
Saudi universities typically follow a semester-based academic system, with two primary intakes:
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Fall Intake (September – October)
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Main intake with the highest number of courses available.
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Application deadlines: March to June (varies by university).
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Spring Intake (January – February)
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Limited course availability.
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Application deadlines: August to November.
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Some universities also offer rolling admissions, particularly for postgraduate and Ph.D. programs.
Top 10 Universities in Saudi Arabia
| Rank | University | Location | Notable Programs | Global Rank (QS 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | King Abdulaziz University (KAU) | Jeddah | Engineering, Business, Medicine | #143 |
| 2 | King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) | Dhahran | Petroleum Engineering, Science, AI | #160 |
| 3 | King Saud University (KSU) | Riyadh | Medicine, Engineering, Business | #203 |
| 4 | Alfaisal University | Riyadh | Medicine, Business, Engineering | #260 |
| 5 | Islamic University of Madinah | Madinah | Islamic Studies, Arabic, Sciences | N/A |
| 6 | Prince Sultan University (PSU) | Riyadh | Business, IT, Engineering | N/A |
| 7 | Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) | Dammam | Medicine, Engineering, IT | N/A |
| 8 | King Khalid University (KKU) | Abha | Computer Science, Business, Education | N/A |
| 9 | Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) | Makkah | Islamic Studies, Arabic, Medicine | N/A |
| 10 | Taibah University | Madinah | Business, Medicine, Sciences | N/A |
Average Course Fees in Saudi Arabia
| Program Level | Annual Tuition Fees (SAR) | Annual Tuition Fees (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) | 8,000 – 20,000 SAR | 2,100 – 5,300 USD |
| Postgraduate (Master’s) | 12,000 – 25,000 SAR | 3,200 – 6,600 USD |
| PhD | 15,000 – 30,000 SAR | 4,000 – 8,000 USD |
Note: Medical and engineering programs may have higher fees.
Scholarships for International Students
Saudi Arabia provides fully funded and partially funded scholarships for international students. These include:
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King Abdulaziz University Scholarship – Covers tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and monthly stipend.
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King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) Scholarship – For Master’s and Ph.D. students, covering full tuition and living expenses.
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Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship – Covers all expenses for Islamic studies students.
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Saudi Government Scholarships – Available for students worldwide, including airfare, living allowance, and health insurance.
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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Education Scholarships – Various funding programs for top-performing students.
Special Benefits for Students from OIC Countries (Islamic Countries)
Students from OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) member countries receive exclusive advantages when applying to study in Saudi Arabia. These benefits include fully funded scholarships, priority admissions, lower visa fees, and easier eligibility criteria.
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Fully Funded Scholarships – Covers tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and stipends. Examples include scholarships from King Abdulaziz University and the Islamic University of Madinah.
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Easier Admissions – No application fees, priority selection, and relaxed language requirements.
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Exclusive Islamic Studies & Arabic Programs – Fully funded courses for Quranic studies, Islamic theology, and Arabic.
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Lower Visa Fees & Faster Processing – Reduced costs and priority approvals for OIC students.
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Special Student Benefits – Halal food, Islamic lifestyle, and subsidized Hajj & Umrah access.
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Better Post-Graduation Opportunities – Easier work visas and job placement in Saudi Arabia.
Types of Saudi Arabia Student Visas
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Student Visa (D Visa) – For full-time degree programs.
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Short-Term Study Visa – For language courses, exchange programs, and diploma courses.
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Research Visa – For Ph.D. students and researchers working with Saudi institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
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University Acceptance Letter from a recognized Saudi institution.
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Proof of Financial Support (if not on a scholarship).
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Medical Certificate showing good health.
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Police Clearance Certificate for background verification.
Required Documents
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Valid Passport (minimum six months validity).
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Admission Letter from the university.
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Academic Transcripts and Certificates.
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Proof of Tuition Payment or Scholarship Award.
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Medical Report.
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Police Clearance Certificate.
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Recent Passport-Sized Photos.
How to Apply
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Secure Admission – Apply to a university and receive an acceptance letter.
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Prepare Documents – Gather all required paperwork.
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Apply for Visa – Submit your visa application at a Saudi embassy or consulate.
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Visa Interview – If required, attend an interview and answer questions about your study plans.
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Receive Visa Approval – Once approved, travel to Saudi Arabia and register with the university.
Cost of Saudi Arabia Study Visas
| Visa Type | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Student Visa | $100 – $150 |
| Short-Term Study Visa | $50 – $100 |
| Research Visa | $150 – $200 |
Visa Processing Time
| Visa Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Student Visa | 4 – 6 weeks |
| Short-Term Study Visa | 2 – 4 weeks |
| Research Visa | 6 – 8 weeks |
Visa Interview
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Some students may need to attend an interview at the Saudi consulate.
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Questions may include:
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Why do you want to study in Saudi Arabia?
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How will you finance your education?
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What are your plans after graduation?
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Be honest and provide clear, confident answers.
Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia
| Expense | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared apartment) | $300 – $600 |
| Food | $200 – $400 |
| Transportation | $50 – $150 |
| Health Insurance | $50 – $100 |
| Miscellaneous | $100 – $300 |
| Total | $700 – $1,550 |
On-campus housing is available at lower costs, often covered in scholarships.
Final Tips
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Apply early to secure admission and scholarships.
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Learn basic Arabic to ease daily communication.
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Respect local culture and dress modestly.
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Consider university accommodation for convenience and affordability.
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Keep up-to-date with visa rules via the Saudi embassy.
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Related FAQs
Can international students work in Saudi Arabia?
- No, student visa holders cannot work in Saudi Arabia.
Are there English-taught programs in Saudi universities?
- Yes, many universities offer STEM and business programs in English.
Is Saudi Arabia safe for international students?
- Yes, Saudi Arabia has strict laws ensuring a safe environment for students.
Can I bring my family while studying in Saudi Arabia?
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Generally, student visa holders cannot sponsor family members.
Disclaimer
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Note: The information provided in this article is general, subject to frequent change and does not constitute any legal advice. For any specific study visa and legal advice you can rely on, please contact the consultants/advisors, lawyers and members of our expert team.


