Saudi Arabia has both public and private higher education institutions. Private universities may appeal to students seeking particular programs, campus environments, or scholarship opportunities. Students can explore universities in Saudi Arabia and subjects to study in Saudi Arabia before comparing each institution’s official admissions, tuition, and financial aid information.
If you’re considering higher education in Saudi Arabia, the six private universities below are worth researching. Let’s take a look at these top universities in Saudi Arabia!
Top Private Universities in Saudi Arabia
1. Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University
Located in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University was founded in 2006. Its academic offerings include engineering, computer engineering, computer science, and other undergraduate and graduate programs.
New applicants seeking PMU scholarships must first receive an acceptance notice and university ID number. They must also achieve an Advanced level or above on the admissions or placement test and meet the requirements of the specific scholarship or financial aid program.
2. Alfaisal University
Alfaisal University is a private research university in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Founded in 2002, it offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields that include business, medicine, engineering, pharmacy, science, and law. Freshman admissions criteria vary according to the applicant’s school education system, so prospective students should review the requirements that apply to their qualifications before applying.
3. Al Maarefa University
Almaarefa University is a private university in Diriyah, Riyadh. Its undergraduate offerings include Medicine and Surgery, Doctor of Pharmacy, Nursing, Respiratory Care, Emergency Medical Services, Anesthesia Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Health Information Systems, and Industrial Engineering. The university describes its educational approach as combining innovative teaching with modern educational technologies.
4. Dar Al-Hekma University
Situated in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Dar Al-Hekma University is a private, nonprofit higher education institution. The institution admitted its first students in September 1999 and attained university status in 2014. Its academic structure includes the School of Business and Law; the School of Engineering, Computing, and Design; and the School of Education, Health, and Behavioral Sciences.
Tuition fees for undergraduate and graduate programs vary by program and credit load. For the 2026–2027 academic year, the graduate tuition page lists four master’s programs: the Master of Business Administration, Master of International Relations, Master of Educational Leadership, and LLM in Commercial Law.
5. Effat University
Effat University is a private, nonprofit university in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Its current undergraduate offerings include Entrepreneurship, Cinematic Arts, Design, Architecture, Computer Science, Engineering, Business, and humanities programs.
Effat University’s need-based grants are awarded using a combination of calculated financial eligibility and academic merit. Applicants must complete the free Application for Financial Aid Case Study and submit the required documents. Funding is limited, and the university gives priority consideration to eligible applicants with the strongest academic records.
6. Al Yamamah University
Al Yamamah University is a private higher education institution in Riyadh. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs through three colleges: the College of Business, the College of Engineering and Architecture, and the College of Law. Its current engineering and architecture offerings include Architecture, Computer Network Engineering, Software Engineering, and Industrial Engineering.
The university’s current scholarship page lists the Sheikh Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Khudair Scholarship Program and the Distinction Scholarship Program. Applicants should consult the individual scholarship pages for current eligibility requirements and coverage.
The overview above presents six private universities in Saudi Arabia. Other private higher education options are also available, so students should compare programs, costs, admissions requirements, and financial aid opportunities based on their academic and career goals.
We hope that you found this article on the best private universities in Saudi Arabia informative. If you are interested, check out the Saudi Arabia Page and the Available Courses for International Students!
