Saudi Arabia has expanded its higher education opportunities for international students. Through the official Study in Saudi platform, students can explore academic programs, research opportunities, student services, and information about the educational visa.
One reason international students consider studying in Saudi Arabia is the availability of different funding options. Depending on the university, program, and applicant’s eligibility, students may receive a fully funded scholarship, a partial scholarship, or a self-funded place. Fully funded awards may make it possible to study for free, while other students may benefit from scholarship opportunities or comparatively low tuition fees. Applicants should confirm the current fees and scholarship conditions directly with each university.
Read more to learn about seven top Saudi universities that offer degree programs or scholarship opportunities for international students.
Top Public Universities in Saudi Arabia
| INSTITUTION NAME | SELECTED ACADEMIC AREAS |
|---|
| King Saud University | Clinical Medicine, Computer Science, and Biology |
| King Abdulaziz University | Engineering, Pharmacy, and Biochemistry |
| King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals | Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering |
| King Khalid University | Engineering, Science, and Medicine |
| Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University | Nursing and Business Administration |
| Umm Al-Qura University | Business and Economics, Medicine, Education, and Engineering and Architecture |
| Qassim University | Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Engineering |
1. King Saud University
King Saud University was established by royal decree on November 12, 1957, and was the first public university established in Saudi Arabia. The university offers programs across the humanities, sciences, engineering, computing, business, and health disciplines.
In 2023, King Saud University transitioned into an independent nonprofit academic institution under the umbrella of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. The university offers scholarships for eligible international students at several levels of study. Depending on the scholarship, benefits may include tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, healthcare, and travel support.
2. King Abdulaziz University
King Abdulaziz University was established in 1967 as a private university and later became a public institution. Its current official statistics report more than 100,000 students, 33 faculties and institutes, and 419 academic programs.
King Abdulaziz University offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in numerous disciplines, including engineering, sciences, medicine, pharmacy, computing, and business. Its international scholarship page reports more than 1,386 enrolled scholarship students across bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and Arabic-language diploma programs.
3. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals was established by royal decree in 1963 as the College of Petroleum and Minerals. It has since developed into a specialized nonprofit university with seven colleges offering programs in engineering, science, computing, business, design, and related disciplines.
KFUPM’s current international-student funding page states that international students applying from outside Saudi Arabia receive a full scholarship and have their tuition fees waived. Scholarship benefits may also include free on-campus housing, course materials, a monthly stipend, and medical services. Separate fee-based graduate and professional programs may have different tuition and scholarship arrangements, so applicants should check the specific program page.
4. King Khalid University
King Khalid University was established in 1998 through the merger of branches of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University and King Saud University in Saudi Arabia’s southern region. It is a public university based in Abha and offers programs across health, engineering, science, computing, education, business, and the humanities.
The university’s current statistics list 26 colleges and 61,708 students. Its international-student office reports a community of more than 2,000 students from 73 countries. International applicants can apply through the relevant university portal, and scholarship or fee arrangements depend on the student’s admission category and program.
5. Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University
Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University describes itself as the world’s largest women’s university. Its history traces back to 1970, when the first educational college for women was established in Riyadh. The institution later developed into the present university, which offers programs across health sciences, engineering, computing, business, science, law, education, languages, and the arts.
Eligible non-Saudi female students may apply for internal or external undergraduate scholarships. The university’s current external-scholarship rules allow students from Arab countries to apply to available bachelor’s programs, although health specialties are excluded and additional conditions apply to some science, engineering, computing, and business programs. Postgraduate programs have separate admissions requirements, deadlines, and tuition arrangements.
6. Umm Al-Qura University
Umm Al-Qura University’s origins date to 1949, when the College of Sharia was established in Makkah. Umm Al-Qura University in its current form was established by royal decree in 1981. It now includes colleges in medicine and health sciences, science, engineering and architecture, computing, business and economics, education, Sharia, Arabic language, and other humanities disciplines.
The language of instruction varies by college and program. Non-Saudi students may apply through scholarship programs where places are available. Applicants should verify the language, eligibility requirements, and application route for their chosen program.
7. Qassim University
Qassim University is a public university established in 2004 in Buraydah. At the beginning of the 2025–2026 academic year, the university reported more than 66,000 enrolled students across 17 colleges. Its official website currently lists 261 academic programs and approximately 3,000 international students.
Qassim University provides dedicated admissions information for international students and offers programs at the diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Scholarship availability depends on the program and admission cycle. The university has also advertised competitive full scholarships for outstanding applicants to certain postgraduate programs.
Saudi Arabia continues to develop its international higher education system through university scholarships, academic partnerships, student-support services, and the educational visa. Students should compare programs carefully and rely on the latest university and government admissions information before applying.
We hope that you found this article on the best public universities in Saudi Arabia informative. Explore the many program possibilities available for international students in Saudi Arabia through our available courses for international students. You can also find more helpful information for planning your international academic journey on our Study in Saudi Arabia Page.
