Are you deciding which city to study in Saudi Arabia? The study location, living expenses, available scholarships, and English-taught universities are some of the major considerations for students planning to pursue a degree in Saudi Arabia. Students should research these factors carefully because they can affect their studies, finances, and overall well-being.
Read on if you are looking for a study location that supports your future goals in Saudi Arabia. This article introduces five cities that international students may wish to consider.
Top Cities to Study in Saudi Arabia for International Students
1. Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia and the administrative center of Riyadh Province. As the national capital, it offers access to universities, government services, transportation networks, businesses, and cultural facilities.
The city is home to King Saud University and Alfaisal University. King Saud University, established in 1957, was Saudi Arabia’s first public university. Alfaisal University is a private university located in Riyadh and offers undergraduate and graduate programs through several colleges.
International applicants should consult the universities’ current admissions pages and Saudi Arabia’s official Study in Saudi platform to confirm which programs are open to international students. This is especially important because availability, funding options, and application procedures can vary by program and admission cycle.
2. Jeddah
Jeddah is a major Red Sea city in Makkah Province and a commercial and cultural center. It may appeal to international students who prefer a large coastal city with access to universities, businesses, transportation, and potential career opportunities.
Educational institutions in the city include Effat University and the University of Jeddah. Prince Sultan Aviation Academy, which is based in Jeddah, provides professional aviation training rather than a traditional range of university degrees.
Living expenses in Jeddah vary considerably according to accommodation, location, transportation, and personal spending. Students should obtain current housing and cost information directly from their institution instead of relying on a single citywide estimate.
3. Medina
Medina, also known as Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, is the capital of Medina Province and is renowned for its Islamic heritage and historic sites, including the Prophet’s Mosque and Quba Mosque.
Taibah University is headquartered in Medina. It offers programs at the diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels across health, scientific, applied, and humanities-related disciplines. International availability differs by program, so applicants should review the university’s current listings and eligibility rules.
Living expenses depend on the type and location of accommodation, transportation needs, and personal spending. Students seeking a quieter environment than Riyadh or Jeddah may consider Medina, but they should compare specific programs and practical living arrangements before applying.
4. Abha
Abha is located in the mountainous Asir region of southwestern Saudi Arabia. Its landscape and setting distinguish it from the country’s larger desert and coastal cities, making it an option for students who prefer a mountain-city environment.
King Khalid University is located in Abha and offers programs in a wide range of fields. The official Study in Saudi platform lists resident and international study opportunities at the university, including paid, partially funded, and fully funded options for selected programs. Availability and scholarship coverage must be checked for each individual program.
5. Dammam
Dammam is a coastal city in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. The surrounding metropolitan area provides access to education, business, health care, and other services in Dammam and neighboring cities.
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University traces its history to a King Faisal University branch established in Dammam in 1975. It became the independent University of Dammam in 2009 and was renamed Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in 2016.
Arab Open University also operates a branch in Dammam. The university combines classroom instruction with online learning and maintains academic and institutional accreditation arrangements with the Open University in the United Kingdom. Applicants should verify whether their chosen program is offered at the Dammam branch and how its degree is awarded or validated.
Some students prefer large cities with broad transportation, business, and entertainment options, while others prefer quieter or less densely developed locations. Your decision should be based on your chosen academic program, eligibility, funding, accommodation, and personal preferences,
The cities above are intended to help you explore study options in Saudi Arabia. You are not limited to these destinations, and other cities may offer programs that better match your academic and financial needs. Selecting the right location can be challenging, so compare official program information carefully before applying.
We hope this article on the best cities to study in Saudi Arabia was helpful. If you are interested, check out the available courses for international students!
