Study and find schools in Saudi Arabia

Studying in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has expanded its universities quickly and now actively recruits international students. According to Study in Saudi Arabia, the official application platform of the Saudi Ministry of Education, the country has more than 50 public and private universities, and students from over 170 countries study there. Arabic is the official language, but some universities, such as private Al Yamamah University and the graduate research university KAUST, teach mainly in English.

Before applying, check your government's travel advice. In its advice valid on 7 October 2026, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends postponing travel to Saudi Arabia unless necessary, because of the conflict affecting the region.

The education system in Saudi Arabia

Higher education is overseen by the Ministry of Education, which since January 2015 combines the former ministries of education and higher education. Universities award bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Many universities run a preparatory year or programme before the bachelor's degree; check the length of each programme with the university.

The higher-education sector includes:

• Public universities, such as King Saud University, which offers scholarships for international students
• Private universities and colleges, such as Al Yamamah University, where students pay tuition fees
• Graduate research universities such as King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, which offers master's and PhD programmes taught in English

National accreditation is granted by the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC). Some programmes also hold international accreditation, for example ABET for engineering. Dates in Saudi Arabia, including visa validity, may be calculated according to the Islamic calendar.

Admission and recognition

International students apply through the Study in Saudi Arabia platform (studyinsaudi.sa). The application goes to the chosen university, and once the university approves it, the university and the Ministry of Education complete the admission. The platform lists application windows by semester; for the second semester of 2026, applications were open from 16 September to 6 October.

Requirements are set by each university. As an example, King Saud University in Riyadh asks applicants living outside Saudi Arabia who apply for an external scholarship to:

• Hold a recognised high-school diploma obtained within the last five years
• Have an SAT score of at least 1010
• Be between 17 and 25 years old
• Have attested certificates and pass a medical examination

Residents of Saudi Arabia usually need scores from the national Qiyas tests (General Aptitude Test and Achievement Test), and certificates obtained abroad must be accredited by the Ministry of Education. For English-taught programmes, universities ask for a language test; KAUST, for instance, requires IELTS 7 overall or an equivalent score.

Student visa and residence

International students need an educational visa, which is linked to admission at a licensed and accredited institution. According to the Study in Saudi Arabia platform, there are two types:

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

For the long-term visa you need a passport valid for at least 6 months, an admission letter, proof that you can cover tuition and living costs (or a financial guarantee), a medical report confirming freedom from infectious diseases, medical insurance and proof of proficiency in the language of study (except for students of Arabic). Applicants must be at least 16; minors need written consent from a guardian. The Spanish travel advice notes that residents of Saudi Arabia need an exit visa to leave the country.

Costs and scholarships

Saudi Arabia is one of the few countries where many international students study on a full scholarship. The Study in Saudi Arabia platform offers three routes:

• Fully funded scholarships at Saudi universities in various fields
• Partially funded scholarships, covering part of the tuition
• Self-funded programmes, where the student pays tuition

You apply for a scholarship by applying for admission to the university, and you cannot hold two scholarships for the same degree. At KAUST, over 90% of admitted students receive full tuition support, a monthly stipend, housing, medical coverage and relocation assistance, according to the university. Fees for self-funded and private programmes vary widely; check each university's fee page.

Where to study in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh, the capital, is home to King Saud University and to private institutions such as Al Yamamah University. Al Yamamah began in 2001 as Al Yamamah College and became a university in 2008; it is in northern Riyadh, teaches mainly in English and offers business programmes in accounting, finance, management, marketing and management information systems, as well as engineering and law.

Jeddah, on the Red Sea coast, is home to the University of Business and Technology (UBT), whose College of Business Administration is listed in our directory. KAUST is in Thuwal, also on the Red Sea coast.

Practical life

Health: medical insurance is required for the long-term educational visa. Scholarship packages, such as KAUST's, may include medical coverage.

Customs and law: according to the Spanish Foreign Ministry, drinking alcohol in public is strictly prohibited and is a criminal offence. Women are not required to wear the abaya in public, but modest dress is advisable for everyone, and during Ramadan you should not eat, drink or smoke in public during the day.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in Saudi Arabia in English?

Yes. Some universities, such as Al Yamamah University and KAUST, teach mainly in English. Other programmes are taught in Arabic, so check the language of each programme.

Are there scholarships for international students in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. The Ministry of Education's Study in Saudi Arabia platform offers fully funded and partially funded scholarships, and universities such as King Saud University offer external scholarships for students living abroad.

How do I apply to a Saudi university?

Through the Study in Saudi Arabia platform (studyinsaudi.sa). The university reviews your application and, once approved, completes the admission with the Ministry of Education.

Do I need a visa to study in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Degree students need a long-term educational visa, valid for 1 year and renewable annually; short courses and exchanges use a short-term educational visa of up to 6 months.