Universities in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has expanded its university sector and now recruits international students through a national platform. According to Study in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Education's official application site, the country has more than 50 public and private universities, and international students come from over 170 countries. Universities offer bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, and some run preparatory programmes before degree study.

Higher education is overseen by the Ministry of Education. A separate Ministry of Higher Education was created in 1975, but on 30 January 2015 a royal order merged it with the Ministry of Education into one ministry.

How it works

Universities set their own programmes, language of instruction and admission rules, and applicants must meet the requirements of the institution they choose. Some teach mainly in English; the long-term student visa asks for proof of proficiency in the language of study, except for students of Arabic.

The universities in our directory are private institutions in Riyadh and Jeddah. Al Yamamah University, on King Fahd Road in northern Riyadh, began in 2001 as Al Yamamah College and became a university in 2008. It uses English as the primary language of instruction, holds accreditation from the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, and offers degrees in business, engineering and law, including an MBA and a Master in Cyber Security. It also runs a University Preparatory Program with English orientation courses. The College of Business Administration of the University of Business and Technology is in Jeddah.

Admission

International applicants apply through the Study in Saudi Arabia platform. The application goes to the chosen institution; once the institution approves it, the institution and the Ministry of Education complete the final admission steps. General requirements include being 16 or older, a valid passport, a medical report showing freedom from infectious diseases, and attested certificates as the institution requires.

Universities add their own conditions. At King Saud University, for example, non-resident applicants for an external scholarship need a high school diploma recognised for the programme, an SAT score of at least 1010, and must be between 17 and 25 years old.

Students who are admitted apply for an educational visa:

• Short-term visa: for language study, short programmes and exchanges, up to 6 months and extendable for another 6
• Long-term visa: for bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, valid for 1 year and renewable annually

Both require a passport valid for at least 6 months, admission from a licensed and accredited institution, and proof of funds or a financial guarantee. The long-term visa also needs a medical report, medical insurance and proof of proficiency in the language of study, except for students of Arabic.

Costs and funding

The platform lists three routes: fully funded scholarships, partially funded scholarships covering part of tuition, and self-funded programmes. Scholarships are requested through the admission application to the chosen institution, and a student cannot hold two scholarships for the same degree. Some institutions fund most of their students; King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) states that over 90% of admitted students receive full tuition support, a monthly stipend, housing, medical coverage and relocation assistance. Fees for self-funded study are set by each university.

How to choose

• Language: check whether the programme is taught in English or Arabic
• Funding: compare scholarship places with self-funded programmes and their fees
• Entry route: some programmes require a preparatory or foundation year first
• Deadlines: application windows on the national platform are short; for the second semester of 2026 the window ran from 16 September to 6 October
• Practical rules: check official travel advice and the rules for residents leaving the country

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply to a Saudi university as an international student?

Through the Study in Saudi Arabia platform at studyinsaudi.sa. The chosen institution reviews the application, and the Ministry of Education completes the final admission steps.

Can I study in English in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, at several universities. Al Yamamah University, for example, uses English as the primary language of instruction.

Are there scholarships for international students?

Yes. The national platform lists fully and partially funded scholarships, and some universities, such as King Saud University, offer external scholarships to applicants living outside the country.

What should I know before travelling to Saudi Arabia?

Check your government's travel advice. On 7 October 2026 Spain advised postponing travel to Saudi Arabia unless necessary, and noted that residents need an exit permit to leave the country.