Study in Saudi Arabia

What makes Saudi Arabia the best study destination for international students?

The education system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the most advanced in the Arab world, providing students with many opportunities to develop skills and pursue higher education in different fields. The system is divided into public and private education, with public education available at low or no cost to Saudi students. International students can study in Saudi Arabia through scholarships or self-financing.

The government provides free education at all levels, including primary, middle, secondary, and university education. There are more than 33,500 schools in most regions of the Kingdom. Higher education can be pursued at public or private universities, vocational institutes, colleges, evening schools, or industrial secondary institutes.

Features and Advantages of Studying in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a great place for international students who want to have an educational experience. The country welcomes students from all over the world and offers them special opportunities. One of these opportunities is the Saudi government's scholarship program for international students who are not from Saudi Arabia.

Studying in Saudi Arabia allows students to learn about Arab culture and become fluent in Arabic. This is especially important for students who are from outside the Middle East or who don't know Arabic very well.

University Requirements for International Students in Saudi Arabia

Each Saudi university's website provides an admissions procedure for prospective students to apply for bachelor's and master's degrees. Once you choose an institution, you may apply and submit your materials there.

These documents may be required for university applications:

1. A scan of high school or bachelor's diploma
2. Previous academic transcripts
3. A copy of the CV
4. English test scores
5. Proof of scholarship or financing
6. Two or three recommendation letters
7. Portfolio/writing samples

Guides to Applying for a Master's Degree in Saudi Arabia

Should you decide to seek a Master's degree from a university in Saudi Arabia, it's essential to gather the required documents to confirm your eligibility based on the university's standards. Provide thorough personal information, previous qualifications, financial records, and a personal statement.

University requirements in Saudi Arabia may require extra documents. You may also need to offer official English or local language translations of your papers.

Required documents:

1. Birth certificate
2. Recent photos
3. Passport or national identity card
4. At least one letter of recommendation from past employers or teachers.
5. Previous diplomas and certificates, including your Bachelor's degree, need to be provided.
6. Academic transcripts
7. Letter of intent
8. Copy of CV
9. Proof of sufficient funds to stay in the country during your studies. Depending on your Master's degree, you might need to provide scores for exams like the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT. Check if any of these tests are required for your program.

English Skills

A language certificate is required for an international English degree. For international students, IELTS, TOEFL, and C1 Advanced Language Certificates are popular. Meeting the university's minimal language requirement and having test results within a year or two are required. An English preparatory course is required if you don't fulfill the basic language requirements.

University Tuition Fees in Saudi Arabia

Each Saudi institution sets its tuition prices; therefore, studying there costs different amounts. Saudi public university tuition varies greatly. Study programs range from free to over 22,000 EUR each academic year. Some schools calculate tuition by credit hours, like in the US. Private universities cost more, like in most countries.

Culture

Young Saudis learn about Islamic and Arab customs through their families and schools. Ramadan, the Hajj, and the national festivals are the year's highlights. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset throughout Ramadan, and on Eid-Al-Fitr, they buy gifts and clothes for children and visit friends and family.

Hajj season, when millions of Muslims from around the world visit Makkah, is another highlight. The Hajj season ends with Eid Al-Adha when families slaughter sheep to honor Abraham's sacrifice of his son.

Arab customs also influence Saudi life. These millennia-old customs are revered. Every Saudi family welcomes visitors, friends, and relatives with charity and hospitality. Coffee, offered in tiny cups with dates and sweets, is the simplest form of hospitality after its elaborate preparation. Lighting incense (oud) to greet guests is another hospitality gesture.

Accommodation for International Students in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is expensive for international students. International student complexes are in high demand, which has raised their prices. Therefore, some students may seek private housing.

International students in Saudi Arabia must rent private housing because there are usually no university dorms. In Riyadh, a tiny flat costs $935 to $1,200 a month. If students live far from the city center, prices may be lower. Students should also budget 50–100 US dollars each day for living and personal expenditures.

In general, the students may have the following accommodations available to them:

1. University Housing: Some Saudi universities house international students on campus. Prices range from $200 to $600 per month, depending on the university and housing.
2. Private Rentals: Off-campus apartments and rooms cost $300 to $800 per month, depending on location and amenities.
3. Hostels and Guesthouses: Some cities provide $20–$50 per night in hostels or guesthouses.

Living Costs for International Students in Saudi Arabia:

Your monthly expenditures will range from $700 to $1,091, depending on your lifestyle and lodging. Some average Saudi Arabian living costs:

1. Private apartments cost $355 to $620 per month (on-campus accommodations are cheaper)
2. Monthly utilities: $130 to $155
3. Electricity, water, and internet may cost $50 to $100 a month.
4. Public transport monthly pass: $38 (no discounts)
5. Mid-range restaurant three-course lunch for two: $25
6. Some foods: Milk: $1.25, bread loaf: $0.71, cappuccino: $2.90

International Student Visa Requirements for Saudi Arabia

Saudi student visa candidates must provide these requirements:

1. Passport: Applicants must have a passport valid for 6 months from the date of travel to Saudi Arabia with two blank pages for official usage facing each other.
2. Personal photographs: 3 recent color images, 2x2 inches, on a white backdrop, natural facial expressions, 80% face, no eyeglasses or headwear, except for religious reasons.
3. Sponsorship: The applicant must be approved and enrolled in a Saudi school.
4. Visa recommendation: The applicant must have a Saudi MOFA visa reference letter containing visa details.
5. Birth Certificate: The applicant must have their original birth certificate and one copy.
6. Diploma: A high school diploma and one copy are required. Diplomas must be Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission-certified.
7. Health report: The applicant must provide three copies of a recent medical report from a licensed physician within three months, including test findings proving disease-free status. Include the doctor's license number and address.
8. Police Report: A report issued at least six months before applying for the Saudi Student Visa must be submitted to verify the applicant's criminal background.
9. Application: Fill out the Saudi study visa application form on the Saudi MOFA webpage and submit the application and relevant documentation by mail or in person at their nearest Saudi embassy or representation office abroad. The Saudi student visa process normally takes 4–5 days but might take longer. You should start your Saudi student visa application early to minimize delays.

The Saudi student visa costs around $80, but it may vary according to the country the embassy is located in. According to recent regulations, you can pay the student visa fee online only; it is not available offline.