Douglas Olsen
Saudi Arabia has one of the fastest-growing higher education systems in the Middle East, attracting thousands of international students each year. The Kingdom has unveiled a new initiative to promote global education and cultural exchange, with 25 universities welcoming international students from all over the world. In this paragraph, we will explore the steps and requirements for international students to apply to universities in Saudi Arabia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application Deadlines | Vary from university to university. For example, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals has two intake periods: autumn intake (apply before February) and spring intake (apply before September). |
| Language of Instruction | English or Arabic. International students applying for an English-taught degree need to prove their level of language proficiency by passing tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. |
| Age Limit | Some universities may set age limits for their degrees. For example, students should be under 25 for undergraduate studies and under 30 for graduate/postgraduate studies. |
| Scholarships | Many Saudi Arabian universities offer scholarships to international students, which may include full tuition fees, monthly stipends, accommodation charges, health insurance, and travel allowance. |
| Student Visa Requirements | A valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and two blank facing pages for official use. |
| Health Insurance | International students are required to have health insurance coverage of at least INR 320,000 per year for basic medical expenses. |
| Culture and Values | Saudi Arabia has a conservative culture, and international students are expected to respect local customs, traditions, and dress codes. Universities usually provide guidance and orientation programs to help students understand these cultural considerations. |
| Job Prospects | International graduates may find it challenging to secure jobs due to the country's priority in hiring local citizens. However, opportunities may exist in fields like IT, engineering, banking, telecommunications, or the oil and gas industry. |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships and fees
The Saudi Ministry of Education, through its official platform Study in Saudi Arabia, offers a range of fully funded scholarships for international students. These scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipends, health insurance, and travel expenses. The application process for these scholarships is centralised through the Study in Saudi platform, where applicants can select their desired university from a list of participating institutions. There are approximately 50 public and private universities in Saudi Arabia, most of which are part of the Study in Saudi programme.
The specific scholarships available include the IsDB Scholarship, the Islamic University Madinah Scholarship, and the King Abdulaziz Scholarship. These scholarships are open to undergraduate, master's, and PhD students, covering various disciplines. The IsDB Scholarship and the Islamic University Madinah Scholarship provide a monthly stipend, while the latter also offers free furnished accommodation and quality health care. The King Abdulaziz Scholarships include a monthly bursary, accommodation, healthcare, and two-way airfare tickets.
Other notable scholarships include the King Fahd University Scholarship, which is available for master's and PhD studies at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). This scholarship provides full tuition support, a monthly living allowance, on-campus housing, medical coverage, and relocation assistance. The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships are also available for master's and PhD studies but are not applicable to universities in several countries, including the UK, Germany, Sweden, and Austria.
Additionally, the IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program offers fully funded PhD scholarships for international students, covering tuition fees, accommodation, travel, and living expenses up to USD 10,000 per year.
It is important to note that application deadlines for scholarships may vary by university, typically ranging from June to October. Interested applicants should review the specific requirements and deadlines for each scholarship and university before submitting their applications.
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Student visas
To study in Saudi Arabia, international students must obtain a student visa. The first step in this process is to gain acceptance into a Saudi educational institution. Once enrolled, you will receive an acceptance letter from your institution, outlining your course of study and its duration. This is essential for your student visa application.
The next step is to gather all the necessary documentation. This includes:
- A valid passport, with two blank pages facing each other for official use, and valid for at least six months from the date of travel to Saudi Arabia.
- Three recent colour photos against a white background, 2x2 inches, showing a natural facial expression with no eyeglasses or headwear, except for religious reasons.
- A visa referral note issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
- Your original birth certificate, plus one copy.
- Your high school diploma, plus one copy, certified by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission.
- A recent medical report from a licensed physician, issued within the last three months, bearing the doctor's license number.
- A recent police report, issued at least six months before applying for the visa, detailing your criminal record or lack thereof.
- Evidence of financial means to sustain your time in the country.
Once you have gathered all the required documents, you must fill out the Saudi study visa application form on the Saudi MOFA portal. You will then need to pay the Saudi student visa fees online, using a valid credit or debit card. Finally, submit your application and all the required documents by mail or in person at your nearest Saudi embassy or representation office abroad. It is recommended to apply for your student visa well in advance of your intended travel date to avoid any delays or complications.
Please note that the duration of your student visa will depend on the length of your course or program. Short-term visas are granted for short-term courses or programs, while long-term visas are for those pursuing degree programs lasting longer than three months. Overstaying your student visa can result in severe consequences, including fines, deportation, and even imprisonment. Therefore, it is essential to renew your visa before it expires and apply for an extension if necessary.
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English-language requirements
English is the main language of instruction in Saudi Arabia. As an international student, you will need to prove your English language proficiency to enrol in an English-taught degree. This can be done by taking standardised English tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some universities in Saudi Arabia also accept Duolingo English Test scores.
Each university in Saudi Arabia has its own admission system, and the specific admission process may vary depending on the university. You can usually find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university or on a dedicated language requirements page for international students.
Some universities may require you to meet the appropriate score before applying for a course, while others may give conditional offers subject to achieving their general entry requirement level of English language proficiency before starting the course. For example, the University of Manchester offers pre-sessional English language courses for students who have nearly met their English language requirements.
To maximise your chances of a successful application, it is important to gather all the information you need for the admission process. In addition to language proficiency, universities in Saudi Arabia may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program.
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Application deadlines
King Abdulaziz University
This university accepts applications all year round, and most study programmes begin in September.
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals
This university has two intake periods:
- Autumn intake: Apply before February for courses starting in September of the same year.
- Spring intake: Apply before September for courses starting in January of the next year.
Alfaisal University
It is advisable to apply before July, as most study programmes start in August.
Islamic University of Madinah
The Islamic University of Madinah offers a fully funded scholarship for international students pursuing undergraduate or master's programs. However, the deadline for applications is not specified.
King Fahd University Scholarship
The King Fahd University Scholarship is another fully funded scholarship for international students pursuing master's or PhD studies. While the scholarship provides full tuition support and other benefits, the application deadline is not explicitly stated.
It is important to note that the information provided is not exhaustive, and application deadlines may change annually. Therefore, prospective international students are advised to check the official websites of their chosen universities in Saudi Arabia for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, some universities, like King Saud University, may have specific admission criteria for non-Saudi students, so it is essential to review the admission requirements carefully.
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$10
Life as an international student
Education System
Saudi Arabia's higher education system is one of the fastest-growing and most impressive in the Middle East. The country invests over 20% of its annual budget into education, ensuring a high standard of teaching at all levels. There are over 25 public universities and more than 65 private colleges, offering numerous higher education opportunities with state-of-the-art facilities and resources.
Scholarships
Saudi Arabian universities offer scholarships to international students, regardless of their country of origin. These scholarships can cover full tuition fees and a portion of monthly living costs.
Culture and Lifestyle
Studying in Saudi Arabia means immersing yourself in Arabic and Islamic culture, which may be very different from what you are used to, especially if you come from a Western country. Islam plays a significant role in Saudi life, and religious rules and customs are strictly followed. Alcohol is prohibited, and gender boundaries are more pronounced, with separate areas for men and women in some locations. However, the country has recently opened up its entertainment sector, with international concerts, theatre productions, film festivals, and cinemas now common in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.
Employment Opportunities
As an international student, finding a job in Saudi Arabia after graduation can be challenging due to the country's focus on hiring local citizens. However, graduates with specialist skills in high-demand fields such as IT, engineering, banking, telecommunications, or the oil and gas industry may find opportunities. The country's rapid economic growth and transformation have led to emerging industries such as cybersecurity, data science, and renewable energy. While finding an employer willing to sponsor a work visa may be necessary, some universities offer internships or job placement assistance to help graduates.
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Frequently asked questions
Aside from the usual academic requirements, international students applying to Saudi universities may need to provide proof of language proficiency if they are enrolling in an English-taught degree. Female international students may also need to provide additional documentation or approvals, such as a guardian's consent or a no-objection certificate, depending on the university's policies.
There are a number of scholarships available for international students in Saudi Arabia, including the IsDB Scholarship, the Islamic Development Bank Scholarship, and the King Fahd University Scholarship. These scholarships often cover tuition fees, medical support, travel allowance, and monthly stipends.
Each university in Saudi Arabia has its own admission system and application deadlines, so it is important to review the specific requirements for your chosen university and programme. Once you have been accepted, you will need to apply for a student visa. The Saudi Arabian embassy or consulate in your home country will provide a detailed guide on the visa application process and requirements.
