Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Pursuing higher education abroad in Saudi Arabia is attracting a growing number of international students, particularly due to the relatively rare combination of highly-ranked universities, extremely generous full scholarships, and a cost of living lower than in many Western countries. All within an environment deeply rooted in Arab and Islamic culture, yet committed to rapid modernization through Vision 2030.
To study in Saudi Arabia, you need to understand its university system, available scholarships, cost of living, admission and visa procedures. Daily life, healthcare access, housing options, and career prospects after graduation are also essential aspects to consider.
Why Choose Saudi Arabia for Higher Education
Saudi Arabia is now one of the fastest-rising academic hubs in the Middle East. With over 25 public universities, more than 65 private institutions, massive investments in higher education (over 20% of the national budget), and a clear strategy with Vision 2030, the entire system is being elevated.
The country offers several advantages for studying abroad: increasingly recognized universities in international rankings (oil, engineering, computer science, religious studies, Arabic), a very generous scholarship policy (tuition fees, housing, monthly stipend, health insurance, and often fully funded round-trip airfare), and a cost of living and rent significantly lower than many classic student destinations, while offering infrastructure comparable to Western countries.
The country is also culturally distinct: the birthplace of the Arabic language and Islamic civilization, it is home to Mecca and Medina, the holy cities of Islam. For a student interested in the Arabic language, Islamic sciences, or a deep understanding of the contemporary Arab world, Saudi Arabia offers a unique immersion context, with specialized programs for non-Arabic speakers.
A Rising Academic Landscape
Higher education in Saudi Arabia is based on three types of institutions: public universities, private universities, and semi-private institutions. Together, they form a network of about 43 universities and over 50 recognized institutions in various global rankings.
Four Saudi universities stand out in international rankings, including three in the QS World Top 100.
The country has set an explicit goal in Vision 2030: to have at least five universities in the global Top 200. This ambition translates into continuously increasing budgets dedicated to research, recruitment of international professors, creation of innovation centers, and welcoming foreign students.
The major academic hubs are Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran, as well as Medina and Mecca for universities with a strong Islamic and linguistic focus. There are also specialized institutions like Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, the world’s largest women’s university, or research structures like King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).
Scholarships: One of the Most Generous Systems in the World
The main argument for pursuing higher education in Saudi Arabia remains the possibility of obtaining a full scholarship. The country has built one of the most massive scholarship program collections in the region: over 25 major fully-funded programs for international students, thousands of beneficiaries each year, and a cumulative annual funding exceeding two billion dollars.
Scholarships fall into two main categories. Government programs, managed by the Ministry of Education and bodies like the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission or the “Study in Saudi” platform, which offer internal scholarships (for non-Saudi legal residents) and external scholarships (for applicants abroad). Then, specific scholarships offered by many universities, notably KAUST, KFUPM, King Abdulaziz University, King Saud University, Alfaisal University, as well as regional universities (Taif, Qassim, Jazan, Najran, Tabuk, etc.).
Generally, a Saudi full scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees, university housing or a housing allowance, a monthly stipend for living expenses, health insurance, books, at least one round-trip flight per year, and often arrival setup and departure relocation allowances. In some cases, research funding, paid internships, or research assistant positions complete the package.
The following table illustrates the typical structure of a full scholarship offered by a public university for an international student. It generally covers full tuition, on-campus housing, a meal allowance, textbooks, and sometimes health insurance, providing complete financial support for the duration of the study program.
| Scholarship Component | Example of Typical Coverage |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Full exemption (100%) |
| Housing | On-campus room or studio, free or heavily subsidized |
| Monthly Stipend | Approx. 850 to 2,500 SAR depending on level and university |
| Setup Allowance | Equivalent of 2 months’ stipend upon arrival |
| Relocation Allowance after graduation | Equivalent of 3 months’ stipend |
| Annual Flight | Round-trip to home country |
| Books & Academic Material | Free books or complete digital library |
| Health Insurance | Full coverage in university and public hospitals |
These amounts vary from one institution to another, but the logic remains the same: to minimize costs borne by the student. In flagship programs like those at KAUST or KFUPM, living allowances can reach the equivalent of several tens of thousands of dollars per year when adding up the different components of the package.
Fields of Study and Available Program Types
The training offerings for international students are very broad. You can find Arabic as a foreign language diplomas, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees, certificates, and short programs. Saudi Arabia is notably renowned in certain specialties: oil and gas engineering, chemical engineering, civil and mechanical engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, but also Islamic studies, Arabic language, Islamic law (Sharia), social sciences, and management.
For French-speaking students, several major Saudi universities offer structured Arabic learning programs, with levels aligned with international frameworks.
Located in Jeddah, it has a specially designed institute for non-Arabic speakers with structured programs by level.
University of Mecca offering Arabic programs calibrated according to international reference frameworks like the CEFR.
Institution in Riyadh offering Arabic courses for non-Arabic speakers with progression by level.
In Riyadh, this university has an institute with structured programs for learning Arabic.
Offers Arabic programs for non-Arabic speakers, often aligned with international standards (CEFR, ACTFL).
Arabic programs for foreigners are designed to develop all language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, as well as the use of Arabic in real-life and academic contexts. Some include preparation for Islamic studies, using specialized teaching materials like the series “Al‑Arabiyyatu bayna yadayk”.
In terms of general academics, Saudi master’s degrees generally last between one and two years. Many combine lectures, tutorials, projects, and a thesis, possibly with an oral defense. Some programs offer a one-year accelerated track, often including a mandatory summer semester. At the doctoral level, the structure varies by discipline but always relies heavily on research.
Admission Requirements: What You Need to Know
Admission requirements combine academic, administrative, linguistic, and sometimes religious or age criteria. For a bachelor’s degree, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, with a grade level considered “good” or higher (often a minimum GPA system, e.g., 3.0/5.0 or equivalent). For a master’s, a relevant bachelor’s degree is essential, and for a doctorate, a completed master’s with a good record.
All diplomas and transcripts must be translated into Arabic or English, certified by authorities in the home country, and sometimes legalized by the Saudi representation. You must also provide a clean criminal record, a certificate of good conduct, and a medical certificate attesting to the absence of infectious diseases.
Universities also set age limits: typically 17 to 25 years old for undergraduate studies, under 30 for a master’s, under 35 for a doctorate, although some private institutions may be more flexible. For very specific programs, like the Islamic University of Madinah, Muslim faith may be required.
This is the minimum IELTS score required to enter a university program taught in English.
The table below summarizes the typical requirements for an international student applying to a degree program:
| Study Level | Required Diploma | Indicative Age Limit | Common Language Requirement (English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | High School Diploma | 17–25 years | IELTS ≥ 6.0 / TOEFL iBT ≥ 79 |
| Master’s | Relevant Bachelor’s Degree | < 30 years | IELTS ≥ 6.5 / TOEFL iBT ≥ 90 |
| Doctorate | Relevant Master’s Degree | < 35 years | IELTS ≥ 7.0 / TOEFL iBT ≥ 100 |
To these criteria are often added two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose or a research proposal for advanced levels, a detailed CV, and, for some fields (management, engineering, computer science), additional tests like the GRE or GMAT.
Application Process and Timeline
Most applications are made online via university portals or the centralized “Study in Saudi” platform. The latter allows you to apply to several public institutions without multiplying applications and fees, greatly simplifying the process for foreign students.
The student must create an account on the platform, select their programs and universities, then upload their documents to track their application status. Complete applications are evaluated by admission committees and, if necessary, submitted for approval by the Ministry of Education for government scholarships. If accepted, the university issues an admission letter and a scholarship certificate (if applicable), essential documents for the student visa application.
Application periods vary from one university to another, but some trends emerge: calls for applications for the fall intake are often open between January and April of the previous year, sometimes until June for bachelor’s degrees. For master’s and doctoral degrees, application sessions may also open in the fall for spring semester intakes.
The entire process, from university application to obtaining the visa, can take several months. It is prudent to start at least 3 to 4 months before the intended start date to ensure time for translations, legalizations, medical exams, and consular procedures.
Student Visa: Conditions, Procedures, and Duration
Studying in Saudi Arabia requires a specific student visa. This is not a simple tourist visa, but a residency permit linked to enrollment in a recognized institution. The university admitting the student acts as a sponsor, in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
To apply for the visa, you must first have an official admission letter, often accompanied by proof of scholarship or sufficient financial means. The university then requests authorization from the Ministry, which issues a “reference note” allowing the applicant to complete their visa application online on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. The applicant then submits their file, usually to the Kingdom’s embassy or an authorized center.
Student Visa Application Procedure for the Kingdom
The document list is extensive: a valid passport for at least six months with blank pages, completed application form, admission letter, reference note, financial proofs (bank statements, scholarship or sponsorship certificate), legalized degree certificates, birth certificate, recent criminal record, detailed medical reports confirming the absence of contagious diseases like HIV/AIDS or certain hepatitis, several passport-sized photos meeting precise standards, and possibly a study plan or CV.
Visa processing can vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the time of year and the country involved. Therefore, it is recommended to initiate the procedure as soon as you receive the admission letter, without delay, to avoid any unforeseen delays.
Once in the country, the student must obtain a residence card (Iqama) for the duration of their studies. This card, generally free for scholarship holders, is essential for many procedures: opening a bank account, renting off-campus housing, getting a phone subscription, etc.
It is important to note that the student visa does not authorize paid employment. Saudi law prohibits scholarship students from working for companies or individuals during their studies. Any paid activity must go through formal arrangements like research or teaching assistantships provided by some universities, strictly within the student status framework.
Cost of Living: A Major Competitive Advantage
Financially, Saudi Arabia offers an interesting balance: a modern standard of living and infrastructure, but an overall cost significantly lower than countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or the United Arab Emirates. According to recent comparative data, the cost of living is about 35 to 45% lower than in the UK, with rents on average 65 to 70% cheaper.
Estimates for an international student indicate a monthly budget (excluding tuition) between 2,500 and 4,500 SAR, depending on the city, type of housing, and lifestyle. For the first month, it is often recommended to budget 5,000 to 8,000 SAR, to cover setup costs (deposit, small supplies purchases, administrative travel, etc.).
Typical range of main monthly expenses for a student, allowing for a budget forecast.
Rent, utilities, and home insurance. Variable cost depending on the city and type of housing (university residence, shared apartment, studio).
Groceries, eating out, and breakfast. An essential expense to anticipate.
Public transport pass, gas, vehicle maintenance, or bicycle costs. Depends on the chosen mode of transport.
Registration fees, book purchases, school supplies, and photocopying costs.
Mobile and internet subscriptions, essential for communication and academic work.
Outings, culture, sports, clothing, and unforeseen personal expenses.
| Expense Item | Average Monthly Range (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Housing (on campus) | 700 – 1,200 |
| Housing (off-campus shared) | 900 – 1,500 |
| Food / Groceries | 400 – 700 |
| Transportation | 120 – 200 |
| Utilities (water, electricity, gas) | 200 – 300 |
| High-speed Internet | 70 – 120 |
| Mobile Phone | 30 – 60 |
| Health Insurance (if not included) | 60 – 100 |
| Books / Study Materials | 100 – 150 |
Prices for basic goods are generally affordable. For example, a liter of milk costs about 5 SAR, a kilo of rice 7 to 9 SAR, a kilo of chicken 12 to 16 SAR, and vegetables 4 to 7 SAR per kilo. A fast-food meal costs around 15 to 20 SAR, while a meal in a regular restaurant costs 25 to 35 SAR.
Regarding transportation, major cities have city buses, developing metro lines, and ride-hailing services via apps like Uber or Careem. A metro ride costs a few riyals, a monthly pass about 100 to 150 SAR, and taxis remain relatively affordable, even though distances can be significant in very spread-out cities like Riyadh.
Housing generally represents the largest expense, but choices are numerous. Most public universities offer on-campus student residences, often separated by gender. These dorms often include essential services (water, electricity, internet, air conditioning, basic furniture) and can be free for scholarship holders or offered at a heavily subsidized rate.
For those who prefer to live in the city, private apartments, shared housing, furnished or semi-furnished studios, or even homestays with families are available. Major urban centers like Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam/Khobar also offer “compounds”, secure residential complexes very popular with expatriates, with pools, gyms, green spaces, and often a more liberal environment.
The minimum monthly price for a shared room in a major Saudi Arabian city.
The following table provides a summary overview of some housing types and their average costs:
| Housing Type | Main Features | Monthly Rent Range (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| University Residence | On campus, services included, men/women separation | 800 – 2,500 |
| Off-campus Shared | Shared apartment, utilities sometimes separate | 1,200 – 3,000 |
| Private Apartment (studio/1‑2 bedrooms) | Independent housing, often unfurnished | 2,500 – 6,000 |
| Homestay with a family | Cultural immersion, meals often included | 1,500 – 3,500 |
| Compound / Secure Residence | Complete facilities, enhanced security | Higher, depending on standard |
The rental procedure off-campus goes through the official Ejar platform, managed by the Ministry of Housing. All contracts must be registered there under the tenant’s Iqama number. You generally need to provide a passport, visa or Iqama, university enrollment letter, and sometimes proof of income or scholarship. Deposits often correspond to one or several months’ rent, with quarterly or annual payment.
Health and Insurance: A High-Performing but Mandatory System
The Saudi healthcare system is considered modern and well-equipped, integrating a significant public sector (over 240 public hospitals and 2,000 primary care centers) and a rapidly expanding private sector. The World Health Organization has ranked the country among the best equipped in the region for medical treatments, especially for advanced interventions like cardiac surgery or oncology.
For international students, health insurance is mandatory. All foreigners who are not nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council countries must have valid medical insurance to obtain and renew their Iqama. This requirement is supervised by the Council for Health Insurance, which regulates insurance companies and minimum coverage levels.
The annual cost in SAR for basic private health insurance plans for students in Saudi Arabia.
Students must always keep their insurance card, essential for the direct coverage of care. Many private clinics and hospitals employ doctors trained in Europe or North America, and English is widely used, facilitating communication for non-Arabic speakers.
Student Life and Living Environment: Between Tradition and Modernization
Living and studying in Saudi Arabia means evolving in a context deeply marked by Islam and local traditions. Prayer five times a day structures daily life, and it is common for shops and services to close temporarily at these times. Alcohol and pork are prohibited, clothing must remain modest, and many public spaces remain organized according to gender separation principles.
Campuses offer an open environment, especially in major scientific universities. Some, like KAUST, are co-ed, while others separate instruction by gender. Student life is dynamic, with clubs, associations, cultural or sporting events, and modern facilities (libraries, computer rooms, laboratories, sports complexes).
Saudi cities offer many leisure possibilities: highly developed shopping malls, restaurants, cafes (without alcohol but with a strong coffee and tea culture), beaches on the Red Sea in the west, diving, desert hikes, quad or 4×4 outings, visits to historical sites like the Nabatean city of Mada’in Saleh, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Meals are another central aspect of daily life. The national dish, “kabsa”, mixes rice and meat with spices, but the country’s demographic diversity is reflected in its cuisine: Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, or Turkish restaurants abound, especially in major cities.
Adaptation Challenges for International Students
Despite its many advantages, Saudi Arabia is not a culturally neutral destination, and studying there requires real adaptability. Research conducted among international scholarship holders at universities like Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University or other institutions shows recurring challenges.
The language barrier, particularly not mastering Arabic upon arrival, constitutes the main obstacle. It goes beyond simple vocabulary and includes non-verbal codes, gestures, and expressions of politeness, which are sources of misunderstandings. Learning Arabic writing also requires specific effort for students accustomed to the Latin alphabet.
Culture shock can be felt on several levels: strict dress codes, men/women separation in many spaces, prohibition of public displays of affection, strong importance of religion in the public sphere. Some students mention feelings of loneliness, homesickness, and sometimes depression during the first months, especially when family distance combines with the constraints of the social context.
In case of overflow in university housing, students without full scholarships may be forced into more expensive and distant private rentals, increasing their expenses with transportation costs.
Research, however, highlights the importance of support systems implemented by universities: student life services for scholarship holders, administrative assistance, housing support, psychological support, social activities, international clubs. Students who engage in extra-academic activities, connect with Saudi and foreign peers, and participate in intercultural events tend to adapt better.
Strategies for Successful Integration
Several studies and student testimonies highlight some effective strategies for successful academic and social integration in Saudi Arabia.
Learning Arabic, even at a functional level, is consistently cited as a key factor. It’s not just about taking classes, but practicing daily: exchanging with Saudi peers, interacting with administrative staff, reading signs, watching local programs. Many universities offer language centers and courses dedicated to non-Arabic speakers, often funded by special scholarships.
To facilitate integration, it is advisable to step outside the circle of compatriots and frequent authorized public places like libraries, sports or cultural clubs. Participating in university-organized excursions and building a network of friends, even a small one, helps reduce loneliness and better understand local customs.
The third aspect is to use existing support resources without hesitation: psychological counseling services, guidance cells, academic tutors, student life officers for scholarship holders. These services are often specifically designed to help overcome linguistic, administrative, or personal obstacles.
Finally, preparation beforehand plays a role: informing yourself about laws and customs, dress requirements, the course of Ramadan and religious holidays, behavioral rules in public spaces, procedures to follow in case of problems. Arriving with realistic expectations and an open attitude allows you to approach sometimes marked differences with your home country more serenely.
After Graduation: Career Prospects
The job market in Saudi Arabia is evolving rapidly. On one hand, the country is striving to diversify its economy beyond oil, betting on renewable energy, tourism, defense, information technology, fintech, or creative industries. On the other hand, a “Saudization” policy aims to favor the employment of Saudi citizens, which mechanically limits opportunities for foreigners in certain positions.
For international graduates of Saudi universities, the best professional opportunities lie in sectors with high skills shortages. These sectors include specialized engineering, advanced computing (AI, cybersecurity, data science), healthcare, major project construction, water resource or transportation infrastructure management, as well as audit and consulting in the context of the country’s economic reforms.
Major national companies like Saudi Aramco (oil and energy), SABIC (chemical industry), STC and Mobily (telecommunications), or Saudi Electricity Company recruit highly qualified profiles. To this are added many multinationals established in the Kingdom (consulting firms, major industrial groups, technology companies), which can be a natural outlet for locally trained graduates, especially those who master both Arabic and English.
To work in Saudi Arabia after a degree, an employer-sponsored work visa is required, distinct from the student visa. Foreign graduates generally achieve this either through direct recruitment by a local company or through an internal transfer from their home country.
Even if the student does not stay in the Kingdom, a degree from a major Saudi university can be an asset on a CV, particularly in fields related to energy, engineering, Arabic language, or Islamic studies. The linguistic, intercultural, and technical skills acquired in this very specific context are valued in many sectors: diplomacy, NGOs, international organizations, education, companies operating in the Middle East, etc.
Saudi Arabia as a Higher Education Destination: For Whom is it Relevant?
Pursuing higher education abroad in Saudi Arabia is not a “standardized” option like going to Canada, France, or Australia. It is a choice that combines significant academic and financial advantages with a particular cultural and legal environment, strongly marked by Islam and conservative social norms.
This destination is particularly relevant for engineering students (hydrocarbons, chemical, engineering sciences, computer science, cybersecurity), attracted by well-positioned universities, close to industry players, and benefiting from significant research funding. It also suits students wishing to deepen their knowledge of the Arabic language, Islamic studies, Islamic law, or the history of Muslim civilization, thanks to a rare cultural and academic immersion.
Candidates from countries where the cost of a master’s degree at a major Western university is prohibitive may also see it as a credible alternative: full scholarship, moderate cost of living, modern infrastructure, recognized degrees, all without needing to take out a massive loan. For female students, the existence of very high-level women’s universities (Princess Nourah University, Effat University, etc.) also opens interesting possibilities, within a framework adapted to the local context.
Students seeking a very liberal social environment, lively nightlife, or total gender mixing in all spaces might find certain local constraints difficult. Moreover, a very present religious environment in daily life requires adaptation from those who do not wish to be exposed to it.
Conclusion: A High Value-Added Opportunity for a Well-Prepared Profile
Bringing together the different elements — the rise of Saudi universities in rankings, massive investments in higher education, extremely competitive full scholarships, relatively low cost of living, modern academic environment, and solid medical infrastructure — Saudi Arabia clearly appears as a higher education abroad destination worth serious consideration.
Pursuing studies in Saudi Arabia is not a universal destination. It requires meticulous preparation, an ability to adapt to local cultural and religious norms, and a genuine interest in the region, its language, and its culture. For students who meet these conditions, the experience can be academically, personally, and professionally very rich, with solid career prospects in the Kingdom or internationally.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
