International students planning to pursue higher education in Saudi Arabia can choose from a broad range of subject areas. These include engineering, medicine and health sciences, business and management, and computer science. However, program availability and eligibility for international students vary by university, degree level, and scholarship route.
Saudi Arabia offers a distinctive study environment shaped by its cultural and religious heritage. The country also has several well-established higher education institutions offering programs in a variety of disciplines. International applicants should use the official Study in Saudi Arabia platform and the relevant university’s admissions pages to confirm whether a particular program is currently available to them. Keep reading to learn more about five notable subject areas offered by Saudi universities.
Top Courses to Study in Saudi Arabia
1. Engineering
Engineering is widely offered at universities in Saudi Arabia. Students can find programs in disciplines such as civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and petroleum engineering. The field is also relevant to the country’s continuing investment in infrastructure, energy, industry, and technology under Saudi Vision 2030.
Universities offering engineering programs include King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University, and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. Specialized scholarship opportunities may also be available. For example, the IsDB-KAUST PhD Scholarship supports eligible citizens of Islamic Development Bank member countries undertaking a full-time, four-year PhD at KAUST. It has specific age, employment, nomination, and admission requirements and should not be presented as a general undergraduate engineering scholarship. Admission requirements for other engineering programs vary, so applicants should consult the current university and Study in Saudi Arabia listings.
2. Medicine and Healthcare
Medicine and healthcare encompass the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, as well as medical research and the management of health services. Saudi universities operate medical and health-science colleges with academic, clinical, and research components.
However, international students must check eligibility carefully. The Saudi Ministry of Education states that international scholarship students at public universities may apply for available specializations except health and medical specialties at the postsecondary level. Medicine should therefore not be presented as generally available through Saudi public-university international scholarship routes. Applicants should confirm current eligibility through the official Study in Saudi Arabia platform and the university before applying.
Universities with established medical colleges include King Abdulaziz University and King Saud University. Their medical curricula combine foundational medical sciences with clinical education and practical training. Medical degrees principally prepare students to become physicians, while nursing, pharmacy, medical research, and healthcare administration are separate academic and professional pathways.
3. Business and Management
Business and management programs focus on areas such as organizational leadership, finance, marketing, human resources, entrepreneurship, and operations. The exact majors and concentrations available differ among universities.
Effat University’s College of Business offers undergraduate programs in accounting and finance, marketing, human resources management, operations and supply chain management, and entrepreneurship. Umm Al-Qura University’s Department of Business Administration offers bachelor’s study in business administration and marketing. These subjects can prepare graduates for a variety of business functions, but internship arrangements, professional outcomes, and employment opportunities depend on the individual program and employer.
4. Computer Science and Information Technology
Computer science and information technology focus on the design, development, management, and application of software, computer systems, data, and digital infrastructure. These fields are particularly relevant to Saudi Arabia’s expanding digital economy and information and communications technology sector.
Universities offering computing programs include King Saud University and King Abdulaziz University. King Saud University offers undergraduate programs in computer science and information technology, including specialized information technology pathways. King Abdulaziz University’s Faculty of Computing and Information Technology includes departments in computer science, information systems, information technology, and cybersecurity. Entry requirements vary by program and applicant category, so students should check the current admissions information rather than relying on a general GPA or entrance-exam requirement.
5. Islamic Studies and Arabic Language
Islamic studies and Arabic-language programs cover areas such as Sharia, Quranic studies, Islamic jurisprudence, Arabic linguistics, and Arabic instruction for non-native speakers. Saudi Arabia’s religious and linguistic setting gives students opportunities to study these subjects in an Arabic-speaking environment.
Program structures and entry requirements vary considerably. Some degree programs may require a secondary-school qualification and sufficient Arabic ability for Arabic-medium study. Other programs are specifically designed for applicants who do not already speak Arabic. Examples include the Bachelor’s in Sharia at Umm Al-Qura University, Arabic-language and Islamic-science programs at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, and King Saud University’s Arabic proficiency diploma for non-native speakers. Applicants should review the language, academic, and applicant-category requirements for the specific program they wish to enter.
The country’s universities, cultural heritage, and range of career opportunities may make it an appealing study-abroad destination, depending on a student’s academic goals and eligibility.
We hope that you found this article on the best subjects to study in Saudi Arabia helpful. To learn more about studying abroad, start by exploring this list of Available Programs for International Students.
