There are more and more reasons to study in Saudi Arabia with the recent advancements in the country’s economy and education. Saudi Arabia offers excellent teaching and a diverse cultural environment for international students to excel at their academics while enjoying the unique lifestyle at the heart of the Arabian Gulf.
The reasons to study in Saudi Arabia as an international student are more than one can think of, yet one of the main reasons is the low tuition fees. In Saudi Arabia, despite the country’s high cost of living, many public universities have low tuition fees for international students. In some universities, it can even be possible to study for free with scholarship opportunities at Saudi Arabian universities.
Read more to find out the top seven public universities in Saudi Arabia offering degree programs for international students.
Can International Students Enroll in Public Universities in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, public universities are more demanding among international students in Saudi Arabia in that they provide high-quality education and plenty of scholarships as well as requiring lower tuition fees, and many public universities in the country encourage international student enrollment by offering numerous English-taught programs with international faculty staff.
Two of the most recognized public universities in Saudi Arabia are King Saud University and King Abdulaziz University, each having a significant international student population and a wide variety of degree programs. Besides, there are many other public university options for international students located in many cities, such as Riyadh, Dhahran, Jeddah, Abha, and many more.
Top Public Universities in Saudi Arabia for International Students
Saudi Arabia is one of the leading countries for commerce, science, and technology, and for the last couple of decades, it has also been the center of higher education thanks to the long-term plan of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Higher Education by bringing academics better quality and equity. Below, we state the seven best public universities in Saudi Arabia for international students.
1. King Saud University
King Saud University was founded in 1957 due to the emergence of Saudi Arabia’s skilled worker needs by King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. It is the first and one of the largest universities in the country, operating as a non-profit public university with four main colleges of science, health, humanities, and community.
The international student body consists of over 3,600 students, with an overall population of 61,412 students. International students graduating from King Saud often work as chemical engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians, health specialists, and electronic engineers.
2. King Abdulaziz University
King Abdulaziz University was founded in 1967 as a private school and converted into a public university in 1974. The university is considered to be the largest higher education institution, with more than 117,000 students, and is ranked as one of the top universities in the world in various lists, including #65 in U.S. News & World Report in 2023.
With 24 faculties, King Abdulaziz University operates as one of the leading institutions for teaching and research, and some of its best programs include chemistry, computer science, chemical science, and mechanical engineering. Over 8,000 international students study in various programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
3. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals is a highly prestigious public research university recognized for its unique vision towards education, science, and technology. Founded in 1963, King Fahd operates as a global university by collaborating with many world-class universities and managing a diverse population of international students and faculty members.
International students at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals can benefit from free accommodation on campus to enjoy the freedom of movement and socialize with diverse student communities during their study program. The tuition fee for studying at King Fahd is around $5,300 (SR 20,000) per year for international students.
4. King Khalid University
- Admissions
- Location: Abha | Medium of Instruction: English, Arabic
Named after King Khalid bin Abdulaziz, former king of Saudi Arabia between 1975 and 1982, King Khalid University is a pioneering public higher education institution operating with 29 colleges offering degree programs in various fields such as engineering, computer science, education, and medicine.
King Khalid University has a student body of more than 60,000 students, and the university visions expanding the international student rate by offering more English-medium courses and scholarship opportunities. About 70% of the faculty staff consists of overseas professors.
5. Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University
Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University is a globally recognized school for higher education with the title of being the world’s largest women’s university, with more than 33,000 students. Since its foundation in 1970, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University has been continuously inspiring both Saudi and overseas women to be confident toward achieving their goals and expertise in many fields.
Although undergraduate programs are usually for Saudi students, international students can enroll in postgraduate programs in colleges of nursing and business administration. Besides, the university offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities for both domestic and international students.
6. Umm Al-Qura University
- Admissions
- Location: Mecca | Medium of Instruction: English, Arabic
Established in 1949, Umm Al-Qura University is a public school located in Mecca. The university was originally founded to offer courses in Islamic Law and Arabic language courses, yet it now offers a variety of courses in fields such as economy, business, medicine, education, technology, and architecture.
The majority of the undergraduate and postgraduate courses at Umm Al-Qura University are taught in English, which leads to a high number of international students. International students graduating from Umm Al-Qura University often have high rates of employment both in Saudi Arabia and abroad.
7. Qassim University
- Admissions
- Location: Buraidah | Medium of Instruction: English, Arabic
Qassim University is a public research university with a body of over 75,000 students. It has 38 colleges, offering over 100 postgraduate and 120 undergraduate diploma degrees. Qassim University is often ranked among the top universities in Saudi Arabia and is recognized as a world-renowned university with its College of Engineering.
International students are welcomed at Qassim University by offering generous scholarship programs depending on their needs and skills. After completing a degree at Qassim University, international students can find employment as computer scientists, engineers, architects, and so on.
Saudi Arabia’s vision of becoming the center of education is valid for numerous reasons, considering the improving opportunities for not only domestic but also international students. It is time to apply for the best study programs at Saudi Arabian universities and pursue your academic goals.
We hope that you found this article on the best public universities in Saudi Arabia informative. Please also check out this list of Available Programs for International Students for more study options.
