Studying abroad is a transformative journey, but planning to study abroad as a Saudi student can be daunting, especially if you need help knowing where to begin. You will be overwhelmed searching for country-specific requirements such as tuition fees, visa requirements, language proficiency, and cultural differences.

However, carefully considering these factors can help students decide which country aligns with their career goals and interests. With that, there’s no need to fret because we have conducted the research for you! Let’s explore the best countries to study abroad for Saudi students!

What factors should Saudi students consider when choosing a study abroad destination?

Are you just starting to research the best destinations for studying abroad? We’d suggest you start with the cost of living and tuition fees. As a Saudi student, budgeting is instrumental, and you should evaluate your tuition, accommodation, and daily costs.

Also, coming from a different culture, you will likely face language barriers. Therefore, proficiency in the local language makes the transition into a foreign culture much easier. Lastly, let’s not forget factors like safety, quality of education, availability of scholarships, and job prospects after graduation, which are essential for Saudi students who wish to study abroad.

Top Countries to Study for Saudi Students

Based on important factors, including the quality of education offered, opportunities for international students, and the cost of living, here is the list of the top countries to study for Saudi students.

1. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom opens up a realm of possibilities for Saudi students, making it a great country to study abroad for Saudi students. The country is home to esteemed institutes, including many elite universities that are ranked among the best universities in the world.

Although tuition fees and costs of living in the UK are high, the country provides numerous grants, financial aid opportunities, and scholarships to aid Saudi students.

The multicultural society and nurturing environment help Saudi students thrive, avail themselves of research opportunities, and participate in academic programs catering to their interests.

The prestigious institutes in the United Kingdom include the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London, with average tuition fees ranging from £11,825 to £13,000 per academic year.

2. Canada

Canada is gaining popularity as one of the top study destinations for Saudi students thanks to its welcoming and inclusive nature and, most importantly, its high-quality education system.

Although Canadian universities are less renowned than UK universities, they consistently rank among the best globally and offer a wide range of programs that cater to the interests of Saudi students. For example, the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, McGill University, and McMaster University are known for their unique curriculum and teaching strategies.

The tuition costs range from C$36,000 to C$40,000 per academic year, which is moderately expensive, but if you’re worried about the tuition costs, Canadian universities have you covered! They provide numerous scholarship opportunities through the Canadian government and individual universities. Besides, students can also use private funding to cover their tuition costs.

3. Germany

Germany is an appealing study destination for Saudi students primarily because of the little to no tuition costs and scholarship opportunities for students. Public universities in Germany offer tuition-free or low tuition fees, making education accessible and affordable for Saudi students.

The cost of studying at a German university starts at a minimum of €11,000 to €12,000 per year. Thanks to the generous scholarship awards for international students, the cost of studying in the country is next to nothing!

One of the perks of living in Germany is the low housing costs. The scholarships and funding options available, including those from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), further lessen the financial burden.

Moreover, Germany is an excellent country for Saudi students seeking admission to technology or science-related careers. German universities such as the Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and Heidelberg University offer attractive programs for Saudi students.

4. Australia

Many Saudi students actively seek to study in Australia, mainly because of the country’s inclusive atmosphere, high-quality education, and diverse cultural experiences. Australian universities are recognized globally for their academic excellence and research opportunities, allowing Saudi students to establish robust careers.

Tuition fees and living costs vary from city to city, but students can alleviate their financial stress through student discounts. The cost of education in Australia starts at A$20,000 and goes up to A$45,000 per year. Australian universities offer generous scholarships to Saudi students, such as the Australia Awards and university-specific scholarships.

Australia is globally recognized for its top-quality education and academic excellence. The University of Melbourne, the Australian National University, and the University of Sydney are renowned universities in the country.

5. United States of America

We can guarantee that when searching for destinations to study abroad, the United States is one of the first locations that pops into your mind! Like the United Kingdom, the USA is home to various Ivy League universities, renowned for their exceptional academic programs and research opportunities, which benefit Saudi students in establishing a robust career. For instance, Harvard University, Stanford University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are among the top 5 universities in the world.

On the downside, the cost of studying in the US is significantly higher compared to other countries, approximately $25,000 to $45,000 a year. Still, many liberal arts colleges relieve most of the financial burden thanks to scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options.

Suppose that doesn’t work out for you. In that case, Saudi students can avail themselves of other opportunities, such as Fullbright scholarships or private funding options, to pursue their academic aspirations without worrying about finances.

 

Studying abroad broadens one’s horizons and equips Saudi students with various life skills they do not acquire when living in their hometowns. It teaches valuable life lessons and equips students with academic and career-related skills to develop professionally. While these are the best countries for Saudi students to study abroad, Saudi students must consider tuition fees, accommodation costs, academic excellence, and related factors when choosing their country of choice. An inclusive, welcoming, and nurturing environment is equally important to make settling abroad easier.

Hopefully, this article on the best countries to study abroad for Saudi students was informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out our Scholarships Page for different information on scholarships and universities across the globe!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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