Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has one of the fastest-growing and most impressive higher education systems in the Middle East. Thus, it is hardly surprising that thousands of international students choose to enrol at Saudi Arabian universities and colleges every year.
With a colourful blend of modern architecture, ancient sites, and the beautiful Red Sea coast, it’s easy to understand why many want to study and live in this kingdom, at least for a while.
In Saudi Arabia, education is taken very seriously. Over 20% of the annual budget is invested in developing, improving, and maintaining a high standard of teaching at all education levels.
This is also reflected in the large number of higher education institutions: there are over 25 public universities and more than 65 private colleges where students can enrol.
Saudi Arabian universities offer scholarships to all international students, regardless of their country of origin. Usually, the scholarship application is included in the university application process.
The most substantial scholarships cover full tuition fees and a large part of the monthly living costs.
Students enjoy state-of-the-art resources and facilities, both in terms of studying and living. Universities have the latest technologies necessary for lab work and advanced research.
As for on-campus accommodation, at some universities, students even benefit from air conditioning, gyms, swimming pools, and restaurants.
It’s no secret that oil is the key asset that has transformed Saudi Arabia into one of the top 20 economies in the entire world. This has allowed the beautiful Arab country to build an impressive infrastructure, a stable financial system, and to position itself as an attraction for tourists with money to spend.
As an international student, it’s a bit harder to find a job after graduating from a Saudi Arabian university. But this doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Students with specialist skills can find work in fields like IT, banking, telecommunications, or the oil industry.
In 2018, for example, the average salary was around 7,250 EUR per month, making Saudi Arabia the highest paying country among the five Gulf Cooperation Council states.
One aspect noticed by all internationals is the different culture and system of values. Gender segregation is widespread, so girls and boys will study at different universities and live in campuses that are far apart. In terms of infrastructure, you can expect modern facilities and resources.
Most extra-curricular activities take place in schools or on school grounds. You’ll also observe various limitations; for example, all forms of public performances, like theatre plays or concerts, are prohibited.
International students can enrol in various English-taught degrees. The following are only some of the most popular study options:
These are some of the top-ranked universities in Saudi Arabia:
Each university in Saudi Arabia has its own admission system on their website that allows future students to apply for and enrol in their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programmes. So, once you select the university of your choice, you can go through their application and submit your materials there.
Here are some documents you might need to submit during your university application:
This kind of courses enables degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.
Try a pre-MBA, pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.
If you’re attending a degree programme in Saudi Arabia, you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.
To study in Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to provide proof of your English language proficiency. The certificates generally accepted by Saudi Arabian universities are:
Still, you should always check your university’s website to be sure what the exact requirements are.
Let’s take a closer look at the tuition and living expenses in Saudi Arabia:
Tuition ranges wildly at public universities in Saudi Arabia. Study programmes can cost anywhere from 0 (yes, completely free!) to over 22,000 EUR per academic year. At some institutions, tuition is calculated using the total number of credit hours — very similar to the American education system.
Like in most other countries, private universities are more expensive.
Depending on the type of accommodation and your lifestyle, you will need anywhere between 650 and 1,000 EUR to cover your monthly expenses. Here are some of the average costs of living in Saudi Arabia:
Check out other living expenses in Saudi Arabia.
Study a master programme from the comfort of your own home. The Studyportals platform offers the largest overview of online and blended study opportunities from all over the world. You now have the possibility to follow your dream study programme at one of the best universities in the world without having to relocate.
Distance education is the perfect solution for professionals looking to further their career. It offers the possibility for additional qualification while keeping the current job. With flexible schedule and resources available online, distance study programmes can be the key to your career development and a job promotion.
Online study is also a money saver, as the student does not have to spend money on moving or on a possibly expensive day to day life in a new country. So if you are in search for the best education, but do not want to relocate, give up your current life style or disrupt the comfort of your family, distance learning is the solution for you.
Looking at a growing demand for these study opportunities, combined with a lack of transparency in this quickly growing and exciting study mode, we decided to open up our portals and to also offer you information about these education options offered globally.
Please note, that for the time being this section does not yet include any on campus programmes offered in these parts of the world.
Learn below about the different countries and choose your online study from a growing selection of online studies offered by accredited institutions.
Distance learning is a mode of study that allows the student to study most or all of a course without attending at a campus-based institution. The distance can refer to both material and interaction. Distance learning provides access to learning when the source of information and the learners are separated by time and distance, or both.
The programmes often include a computer-based training system and tools to produce a virtual classroom. The tuition fees for distance learning vary from institution to programme to country. It is certain that the student saves expenses related to accommodation and transportation, because you can maintain the current living expenses. Distance learning is also a great solution for people that already have a job, and still want or need further education.
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