Are you thinking about which city to study in Saudi Arabia? Choosing the right study location, living expenses, offered scholarships, and English-taught universities are some of the major considerations for any student planning to pursue a degree in Saudi Arabia. Students must be well aware of these factors; otherwise, they may face challenging circumstances that would affect their studies and overall well-being.
Read on if you are looking for a study location to pursue your future goals in Saudi Arabia. In this article, we will list the top five cities in Saudi Arabia that are suitable and welcoming to international students. Let’s get started!
Top Cities to Study in Saudi Arabia for International Students
We will now cover the top five cities where you can find your ideal universities and pursue your education to build a successful career. We recommend that you read the entire article before deciding which city is ideal for you.
1. Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital and largest city in Saudi Arabia. It is the largest city on the Arabian Peninsula and also serves as the capital of Riyadh Province. This city is the most populous in Saudi Arabia, the 3rd most populous in the Middle East, and the 38th most populous in Asia.
The city is home to several top-ranked universities, including King Saud University and Alfaisal University, providing a technologically advanced environment for students.
King Saud University is one of Saudi Arabia’s largest public universities, with 40,000 male and female students, more than 7% of whom are international candidates. Therefore, you can secure a spot in this famous area by enrolling in one of the ideal universities in Riyadh.
2. Jeddah
Jeddah, a port city in Makkah Province, is a popular destination for international students seeking job opportunities. Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city, with a population of approximately 4 million people. Jeddah’s universities, including Effat University, Umm Al-Qura University, and Prince Sultan Aviation Academy, demonstrate their commitment to high-quality education and research. The average cost of living in Jeddah is $1,100, though this might vary depending on your lifestyle and way of life. This expense comprises your lodging, meals, transportation, and other expenses, excluding personal charges. This is a relatively low cost when compared to cities in wealthy countries.
3. Medina
Medina, also known as Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, is the capital of Medina Province in the Hejaz area of western Saudi Arabia. With a population of about 1.4 million, it is the country’s fifth-most populated city and one of Islam’s most sacred and adored places. International students can pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees at top-rated colleges in Medina. Universities such as Taibah University is among the best for overseas students to complete their degrees. Medina’s average cost of living is $892, ranking in the top 35% of the world’s least costly cities. Therefore, if you want to continue your studies in a less expensive and more relaxing environment, Medina is the best alternative.
4. Abha
Abha is located 2,270 meters above sea level in the fertile Asir Mountains of southwestern Saudi Arabia, next to Asir National Park. Because of its placement above sea level, the city is also known as the “Bride of Mountains.” The Saudi government promotes Abha as a tourist attraction. The city holds activities to attract people to the city and its surroundings, such as the summer Abha Festival, sporting events, shows, exhibitions, and musical performances by poets and singers.
King Khalid University is one famous university located in this city. Thus, as an international student, you can not only study but also enjoy the stunning scenery. Moreover, the university campuses are so gorgeous that anyone can fall in love with their learning environment.
5. Dammam
Dammam, is the capital of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, with a population of over 1.5 million. Dammam has a great number of educational institutions that offer degrees in a variety of languages of instruction. These institutes offer opportunities for learning for both Saudi and international students. Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, formerly known as the University of Dammam, is a leading institution in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Since its inception, it has been one of the oldest and most prestigious medical universities. Currently, the university has over 85,000 students and has the potential to participate in global transformation.
Arab Open University is another popular non-profit university among students. Arab Open University maintains an academic relationship with the Open University of the United Kingdom. The university has the same educational standards as universities in developed countries. Therefore, you can be assured of obtaining an internationally acknowledged degree that will enhance your career prospects.
FAQs: Studying in Saudi Arabia
Which City in Saudi Arabia Has the Highest Number of International Students?
The majority of Saudi Arabia’s popular and top-ranked universities are located in Riyadh and Jeddah. As a result, every year, a large number of students from all over the world relocate to these cities. Furthermore, as the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is a popular and promising city for education and other opportunities. That is the primary reason why most international applicants choose and select Riyadh to further their careers.
Many other students prefer to stay in quieter areas rather than more populated ones. There are other cities where these students could locate their preferred universities to further their education.
The aforementioned cities are intended to motivate you to pursue your goals and take advantage of the facilities offered in Saudi Arabia. You are not limited to these destinations; we have listed the highest-rated and most attractive cities for international applicants. We understand that selecting the right place for you might be a challenging yet crucial decision.
We hope that this article on the best cities to study in Saudi Arabia was helpful. The Saudi Arabia Page has more informative resources like scholarship opportunities and Open Courses to explore your study options.
