Ibrahim Gardner
Saudi Arabia has one of the fastest-growing higher education systems in the Middle East, with a growing focus on internationalisation. The country has unveiled a new initiative aimed at promoting global education and fostering cultural exchange, with 25 universities offering scholarships to international students. Saudi Arabia's universities have a strong presence in the QS University Rankings: Arab Region, with 29 institutions in the top 100 and four in the global top 250 for engineering and technology. International students can enrol in various English-taught degrees, with generous scholarships on offer, including full tuition waivers and living stipends. Living expenses in Saudi Arabia are also lower than in many Western countries, and the country is in close proximity to some of the world's most beautiful sights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students | Thousands of international students choose to enrol at Saudi Arabian universities and colleges every year |
| Scholarships | Saudi Arabia offers scholarships to international students, including full tuition waivers and living stipends |
| Cost of living | 37% lower than in the US as of June 2016 |
| Job opportunities | Graduates with specialist skills in high-demand fields such as IT, engineering, banking, telecommunications, or the oil and gas industry can find opportunities |
| Courses offered | Economics, Business Management, Educational Specialties, Law, Politics, Media, Religion, Linguistics, Agriculture, Computer Science, and Engineering |
| Rankings | 29 Saudi Arabian universities ranked in the top 100 of the QS University Rankings: Arab Region 2021 |
| Culture | Saudi Arabia has a rich cultural scene, with international concerts, theatre productions, and film festivals |
| Social life | Social clubs and an expat community |
| Food | Shawarmas, Saudi Arabia's national sandwich |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships and funding opportunities
Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a global hub for higher education, offering a wide range of fully funded scholarships to international students across various disciplines. These scholarships provide an excellent opportunity for students worldwide to pursue undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees in the Kingdom's prestigious universities. The Saudi Ministry of Education, through its official platform "Study in Saudi Arabia", offers a range of fully funded scholarships to attract international talent. These scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipends, health insurance, and travel expenses, ensuring a comprehensive support system for students.
One such scholarship is the King Abdulaziz University Scholarship, which is offered to international students for undergraduate, master's, and PhD studies. This scholarship will cover all expenses during the studies, including tuition, accommodation, and travel expenses. King Fahd University also offers a fully funded scholarship for international students, providing full tuition support, a monthly living allowance, on-campus housing, medical coverage, and relocation support.
The Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship is another option for international students seeking a fully funded opportunity. This scholarship is available for undergraduate or master's programs and provides a monthly allowance, free furnished accommodation, and quality health care.
Additionally, the King Abdullah Scholarship Program, supported by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission, offers fully funded scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies in a wide range of disciplines. This program covers tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and round-trip airfare. Similarly, the King Salman International Scholarship Program provides scholarships for the same levels of study and covers the same expenses.
Other notable scholarships and funding opportunities for international students in Saudi Arabia include the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships, the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship, and the Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program. These scholarships are typically open for master's and PhD studies and offer varying levels of financial support.
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Employment prospects after graduation
Saudi Arabia has a rapidly growing and impressive higher education system, with a large number of higher education institutions. The country has unveiled a new initiative aimed at promoting global education and fostering cultural exchange, with 25 universities offering scholarships to international students.
The availability of jobs for international graduates depends on the field of study and the demand for specialist skills. International students with specialist skills in high-demand fields such as IT, engineering, banking, telecommunications, or the oil and gas industry can find opportunities. Some promising emerging industries are cybersecurity, data science and renewable energy.
However, finding a job as an international graduate can be challenging due to the country's policy of prioritizing hiring local citizens. Graduates may need to find an employer willing to sponsor a work visa, but some universities offer internships or job placement assistance to help graduates.
The average salary for graduates in Saudi Arabia in 2018 was around 7,250 EUR per month, making it the highest-paying country among the five Gulf Cooperation Council states. The cost of living in Saudi Arabia is relatively low compared to many parts of the world, with living costs around 37% lower than in the US as of June 2016, according to Numbeo.com. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in a city centre will cost around US$400 per month, a litre of gasoline costs roughly US$0.16 and a cappuccino about US$2.57.
International students can increase their chances of finding employment by improving their Arabic language skills. King Saud University offers a preparatory year program that includes Arabic language classes for international students.
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Travel opportunities
Saudi Arabia is a great destination for international students, with a growing focus on internationalisation and a thriving oil industry. The country has one of the fastest-growing and most impressive higher education systems in the Middle East, with a blend of modern architecture, ancient sites, and the beautiful Red Sea coast.
Saudi Arabia is an ideal destination for students who want to travel and explore the world. The country is in close proximity to some of the world's most beautiful sights and top travel destinations.
Firstly, Saudi Arabia is just a short drive from the Red Sea, offering students the opportunity to enjoy the stunning coastline and explore the rich marine life. The Red Sea is known for its crystal clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, making it an ideal destination for swimming, diving, and snorkelling.
In addition to the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia is also within easy reach of other popular travel destinations. Dubai and Oman are just an hour and a half's flight away, offering even more opportunities for exploration and cultural experiences.
For those who want to explore the ancient sites and historical treasures, Saudi Arabia itself boasts a deep Islamic heritage and a wealth of cultural experiences. Students can immerse themselves in the local culture, traditions, and cuisine, such as the famous Saudi shawarmas, and explore the modern architecture and ancient sites that the country has to offer.
The country also has a growing entertainment sector, with international concerts, theatre productions, film festivals, and public performances now commonly held in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. Cinemas have also reopened, adding to the diverse entertainment options available to students.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia's location in the Middle East makes it a great base for exploring the region. With relatively low living costs compared to many parts of the world, students can easily plan affordable trips to neighbouring countries during their studies.
Overall, studying in Saudi Arabia offers a unique opportunity for international students to not only gain a quality education but also to explore and immerse themselves in a diverse range of cultural, historical, and natural destinations. The country's strategic location and growing focus on internationalisation make it an ideal choice for students who want to broaden their horizons and gain valuable travel experiences during their academic journey.
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Student life and socialising
Saudi Arabia has one of the fastest-growing and most impressive higher education systems in the Middle East, with a steady increase in government spending on higher education. The country has unveiled a new initiative aimed at promoting global education and fostering cultural exchange, with 25 esteemed universities offering scholarships to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Universities in Saudi Arabia offer generous scholarships to international students, with some covering full tuition fees and a large part of the monthly living costs. The Saudi government also provides scholarships that sometimes include healthcare, accommodation, annual travel tickets, and a living stipend. Most international students receive either partial or full scholarships, so the cost of studying is quite low.
The country has a lot to offer in terms of student life and socialising. Firstly, Saudi Arabia has a growing focus on internationalisation, with many institutions offering courses taught in English. This makes it easier for international students to adapt to their new academic environment. Additionally, Saudi universities have state-of-the-art resources and facilities, both in terms of studying and living. On-campus accommodation at some universities offers amenities such as air conditioning, gyms, swimming pools, and restaurants.
Saudi Arabia is also known for its rich culture and history, with a blend of modern architecture and ancient sites. 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. Public performances have become an important part of the country's cultural scene.
In terms of socialising and building a community, a good place to start is with other international students on your university campus. There are also opportunities to connect with people through social clubs, neighbours, or within the expat community.
Saudi Arabia is also an excellent base for travelling to other nearby destinations. It is a short drive from the Red Sea and just an hour and a half's flight from Dubai or Oman. This makes it easy to explore some of the world's most beautiful sights and top travel destinations during your time as a student.
Overall, while Saudi Arabia is a conservative country with unique social and religious realities, it is possible to find friendship and fun as a student and enjoy a rich cultural experience.
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Course options and specialisations
Saudi Arabia has one of the fastest-growing and most impressive higher education systems in the Middle East. The country's universities offer a wide range of courses and degree programmes, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. While Arabic is the official language, many universities offer programmes taught entirely in English to cater to international students.
Some of the top universities in Saudi Arabia include King Fahd University, King Saud University, and King Abdulaziz University. These universities offer courses in various fields, including traditional disciplines, engineering, science, business, and life sciences. For example, King Fahd University offers a broad range of subjects while performing well in engineering and science. Meanwhile, King Saud University focuses more on life sciences alongside engineering.
Other universities, such as King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, provide study exchange options like the Visiting Student Research Program, a funded multi-month internship. Additionally, pre-MBA, pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programmes are available as foundation or preparation courses for students who want to boost their qualifications before enrolling in their degree programmes of choice.
English-taught degrees are available in various fields, including engineering, business, medicine, and computer science. International students can enrol in these programmes without language barriers, although basic Arabic language skills can be beneficial for daily life and cultural integration. Universities may also require international students to take Arabic language courses as part of their curriculum.
Saudi Arabia's universities are committed to attracting international talent and offer various scholarships and financial incentives. These include the King Abdullah University Scholarship, the King Fahd University Scholarship, and the Saudi Cultural Bureau Scholarship, which cover tuition fees and provide additional benefits such as accommodation and travel allowances. The affordability of Saudi Arabian universities, coupled with the availability of scholarships, makes the country an attractive option for students seeking high-quality education at a lower cost compared to other popular study destinations.
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Frequently asked questions
Saudi Arabia has one of the fastest-growing and most impressive higher education systems in the Middle East. The country is committed to fostering academic growth and cultural exchange, with generous scholarships available to international students. The cost of living in Saudi Arabia is also relatively low compared to many parts of the world.
Some of the top universities in Saudi Arabia for international students include Alfaisal University, King Saud University, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and King Khalid University.
One challenge is finding a job after graduation, as the country prioritises hiring local citizens. However, graduates with specialist skills in high-demand fields such as IT, engineering, banking, and telecommunications may still find opportunities. Additionally, adjusting to the social and religious realities of living in a conservative country can be challenging, but it is possible to find friendship and fun as a student.
