Applying To Saudi Universities: A Guide For International Students

Saudi Arabia has unveiled a new initiative to promote global education and cultural exchange, welcoming international students to study at its universities. With a range of scholarships available, international students can pursue bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programmes in various disciplines. To apply, students must meet the specific admission requirements and application deadlines of their chosen university, which may include providing proof of English language proficiency and adhering to age limits. Once accepted, students must obtain a student visa, which requires valid health insurance and a passport with at least six months' validity. With a conservative culture, Saudi Arabia offers a unique student experience, and universities provide guidance to help international students navigate local customs and traditions.

Application requirements and deadlines

Saudi Arabia has unveiled an initiative to promote global education and cultural exchange, welcoming international students to study at its universities. The application process and requirements vary across institutions, so it is important to check the specific details for your chosen university. Here is a general overview of the application requirements and deadlines for international students aspiring to study in Saudi Arabia.

Application Requirements:

• International students must apply for admission to a chosen university and then apply for a student visa from the Saudi government.
• A valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and two blank facing pages for official use is required for the visa application.
• A student visa requirement is receiving either a partial or full scholarship from the university. Most universities offering admission to international students provide some level of financial aid.
• Health insurance coverage of at least INR 320,000 per year for basic medical expenses is mandatory for international students at most Saudi universities.
• Proof of English language proficiency is required for international students whose native language is not English. This can be demonstrated through tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.
• Female international students may need to provide additional documentation, such as a guardian's consent or a no-objection certificate, depending on the university's policies.
• Some universities may have age limits for their degrees. For example, students should be under 25 for undergraduate studies and under 30 for postgraduate studies.

Deadlines:

• University application deadlines vary, so it is crucial to refer to the official website of your chosen institution for accurate intake timelines.
• For the fall semester, the best time to start studies in Saudi Arabia is typically September or October, while January or February is ideal for the spring semester.
• It is recommended to apply for a student visa 3-4 months before the commencement of the semester.

It is important to note that visa requirements and processes may differ based on your nationality, so ensure you check the guidelines provided by the Saudi embassy or consulate in your home country.

English language proficiency tests

International students applying to Saudi universities are often required to submit proof of English language proficiency if their native language is not English. There are several English language tests that are recognised by Saudi universities, each with its own unique structure and benefits. Here is an overview of some of the most popular English language proficiency tests:

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

The IELTS is a widely recognised English language test, accepted by over 11,500 organisations worldwide, including universities and educational institutions. It assesses an individual's proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The IELTS Academic test is designed for those wishing to study at a university, while the IELTS General Training test evaluates English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context. The test can be taken on a computer or on paper, and there are over 4,000 test locations available.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

The TOEFL is an independent standardised exam used to evaluate the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. It is approved by the majority of Saudi Arabian universities and is also useful for immigration purposes. The TOEFL iBT has a minimum score requirement of 70 and 79 in Saudi Arabia.

Cambridge English Exams

The Cambridge English tests are a set of English certification examinations that follow the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference). These tests do not have an expiration date, and there are various levels, including A2 Key, B1 Preliminary for Schools, B2 First for Schools, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency.

Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test is a more affordable option that evaluates reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. It is equivalent to the TOEFL and IELTS, but it is not as widely preferred by educational institutions. The test is 60 minutes long, and results are available within 2-3 days.

Pearson Test of English (PTE)

The PTE, also known as the Pearson English Language Test, is another option for demonstrating English proficiency. While it has been recognised for immigration purposes, it is not clear how widely it is accepted by Saudi universities.

It is important to note that each university in Saudi Arabia may have its own specific requirements and preferred tests for English language proficiency. Therefore, it is advisable to check with the chosen university before selecting an English language proficiency test.

Scholarships and fees

There are a variety of scholarships available for international students looking to study in Saudi Arabia. These scholarships are designed to provide financial aid, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and other benefits to help students achieve their academic goals.

One such scholarship is the IsDB Scholarship, which is open to undergraduate, masters, PhD, and postdoctoral students. This scholarship covers monthly stipends, tuition fees, medical support, and travel allowance. The Islamic University Madinah Scholarship is another option for undergraduate and masters students, providing a monthly allowance, free furnished accommodation, and quality healthcare.

The King Abdulaziz Scholarships are also available for undergraduate, masters, and PhD students, offering a monthly bursary, accommodation, healthcare, and two-way airfare tickets. Additionally, the King Fahd University Scholarship is tailored for masters and PhD studies, covering tuition fees, monthly living allowance, on-campus housing, medical coverage, and relocation support.

For those pursuing a PhD, the IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program offers scholarships of up to USD 10,000 per year, covering tuition fees, accommodation, travel expenses, and living expenses.

It is important to note that some universities in Saudi Arabia may have age limits for their degrees. For example, students should be under 25 for undergraduate studies and under 30 for graduate or postgraduate studies. Additionally, international students applying for English-taught degrees will need to provide proof of their language proficiency.

With these scholarships, international students can access world-class education and pursue their academic dreams in Saudi Arabia.

Student visas

To study in Saudi Arabia as an international student, you will need to obtain a student visa. Here is a comprehensive guide on the student visa process for Saudi Arabia.

Visa Requirements and Eligibility

Before initiating the visa application process, it is essential to understand the eligibility criteria. To be eligible for a student visa in Saudi Arabia, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must have a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months beyond your intended period of stay in Saudi Arabia.
• You should have received an acceptance letter from a recognized Saudi university or educational institution. This implies that you have applied and been accepted into a

Culture and customs

Saudi Arabia is the heartland of Islam, and Islamic influence is felt throughout Saudi society, including in business. It is a good idea for international students to familiarize themselves with some of the basic principles and tenets of Islam to avoid causing offence or misunderstandings. For example, Islamic dietary customs are closely observed; pork is not consumed, wine is not drunk, and even ritually licit animals such as lambs must be slaughtered in a prescribed fashion. A traditional national favourite dish is khūzī, a stuffed lamb dish. Kebabs and shāwarmah (a marinated meat dish of lamb, mutton, or chicken that is grilled on a spit) are also popular, as are flat, unleavened bread and fresh fruit.

Saudi society is largely patriarchal, and women may be taken less seriously than their male counterparts. Men generally greet each other with a handshake, along with eye contact and a warm smile. When greeting women, wait for them to initiate the greeting. It is customary to use honorifics while addressing individuals, and a simple 'As-Salamu Alaykum' (peace be upon you) is a universally appreciated way to initiate conversations. Although the official language is Arabic, many people in the business world speak very good English, and it is expected that meetings with foreigners will take place in English. However, it is still polite to learn some basic Arabic phrases.

Saudi Arabians are more flexible about punctuality and being on time, so do not be surprised or offended if your Saudi counterparts are running late or if meetings start late. As a foreign visitor, you should still arrive on time as a sign of respect for your hosts. Saudi Arabian society places a high value on hierarchy and respect for elders and authority figures. Decisions come from the top down, with the highest-ranking individuals holding the decision-making power. Even if they are not the highest-ranking, elders should be shown the utmost respect and deference. When engaging in business discussions, address or greet senior members of the delegation first.

In Saudi Arabia, the workweek lasts from Monday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday being the weekend days. It is common in Saudi business culture for workers to take a long midday break from noon to 4:00 pm to relax during the heat of the day. This does mean that the workday can extend up to 8:00 pm, however. Meals are a time to grow relationships, and it is customary to share food from a communal dish as a symbol of unity. Ask more personal questions about things like sports, your colleague's families, hobbies, and other more general topics.

Frequently asked questions