Saudi Arabia is a major economy in the Middle East, and its growing technology and innovation ecosystem makes it an attractive destination for students interested in computer science. With how influential computer science is in our everyday lives, there is no better time than today to join the field of programmers, software developers, and computing researchers.
Computer science exists in all corners of the world, albeit in different cultural contexts. Saudi Arabia provides a distinctive cultural experience on top of its global education.
Indulge in scrumptious shawarma and an endless view of date trees while earning your degree! We gathered the following universities offering strong computer science programs in Saudi Arabia. Read on to know which university for computer science works for you!
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in Saudi Arabia
1. King Abdulaziz University
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) comes first on our list. Located in Jeddah, this public university offers computer science through the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology. Its current academic programs include a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, a Master of Science in Computer Science, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is one of the faculty’s main academic programs and has ABET accreditation. The program offers approved specialization tracks in areas such as high-performance computing, network computing, advanced computer programming, intelligent systems, software engineering, and information security.
King Abdulaziz University is an excellent institution for computer science in Saudi Arabia for students who want undergraduate or graduate study. Its graduate options help students build advanced computing, research, and professional skills, while the faculty also lists professional master’s options in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
2. King Saud University
While it comes second on the list, King Saud University is no less prestigious. King Saud University (KSU), located in Riyadh, is the first government university established in Saudi Arabia. International students should check the current admissions route carefully, as KSU lists scholarship pathways as well as fee-based options for some non-Saudi applicants.
The Department of Computer Science at King Saud University offers academic programs in computer science at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Its listed programs include the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Master of Science in Computer Science, Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence, and Ph.D. Program in Computer Science.
The department aims to produce employable and globally competent programming professionals and software developers. Its Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is accredited by the National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment and by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
3. King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) is well known for engineering, science, management, and business. For computer science, the Information and Computer Science Department offers undergraduate and graduate programs in computing, including a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and graduate study options in computer science and related fields.
The Information and Computer Science Department takes the lead in molding competent and versatile computing graduates. The department states that it offers two four-year undergraduate programs, leading to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering.
Computer science is offered in undergraduate and graduate programs. Students can pursue undergraduate concentrations in artificial intelligence and machine learning, and cybersecurity and blockchain. Graduate options include programs such as the Master of Science in Computer Science, Master of Science in Security and Information Assurance, Master of Science in Software Engineering, professional master’s degrees in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, and a Ph.D. in Computer Science. The undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
4. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Next on the list, we have the first mixed-gender university campus in Saudi Arabia. The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a graduate-level science and technology research university that focuses on advanced research and graduate training.
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology offers master’s and Ph.D. degrees across STEM disciplines, including computer science. Its graduate computer science program prepares students to lead and innovate in industry, academia, and government by developing computational infrastructure, applying computational methods across disciplines, and advancing computer science research.
The computer science program’s current research areas include artificial intelligence and machine learning, resilient computing and cybersecurity, computational biosciences and bioinformatics, visual computing and computational imaging, high-performance computing and big data, computing systems and databases, and theoretical computer science.
5. Umm Al-Qura University
Situated in the holy city of Mecca, Umm Al-Qura University provides higher education across a wide range of fields. For computer science, the university offers programs through the Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence in the College of Computing.
The Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence offers study plans for a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and master’s degrees in Computer Science and Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence). These programs support students who want to build skills in computing, programming, artificial intelligence, and related areas.
Undergraduate and graduate computer science students can develop creative thinking and computing skills for solving real-world problems efficiently. Umm Al-Qura University also encourages multidisciplinary approaches in students’ use of computing skills; after all, computer science is among the most adaptable fields and domains of knowledge.
6. Effat University
Concluding our list for today is Effat University. Effat University is a private tertiary education institution in Jeddah with undergraduate and graduate programs across several fields. Its current undergraduate admissions page lists the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science under Effat College of Engineering.
Effat University’s computer science program gives students a foundation in computing and prepares them to study areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and game development. The university lists computer science, cyber security, artificial intelligence, and game development concentrations under its Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
Effat’s computer science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. Current program listings also show that computer science-related study is available to both male and female students, so applicants should review the latest admissions page before applying.
We hope that this article on the Best Universities for Computer Science in Saudi Arabia was helpful. If you’re looking to study Computer Science or other programs abroad, feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students. For valuable tips and more insightful articles, visit our KSA Study Guide!
