Saudi Arabia offers several advantages for students interested in engineering, and its universities attract both local and international students. The country’s investments in higher education, research, industrial development, and major infrastructure projects have expanded opportunities for engineering education and applied research.
Saudi Arabia invests considerably in higher education and research, giving many universities access to modern laboratories, research centers, and experienced faculty. The Kingdom’s industrial diversification and large development projects also make it a unique location to study fields such as energy, civil, electrical, mechanical, computer, and environmental engineering. This article presents seven notable universities in Saudi Arabia that offer engineering programs. The list is an editorial selection rather than an official national ranking.
Top Schools Offering Engineering Programs in Saudi Arabia
1. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
Founded by royal decree in 1963 in Dhahran as the College of Petroleum and Minerals, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) is a Saudi university with a strong focus on science, engineering, technology, and research. Its current academic offerings include bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. pathways.
In addition to petroleum engineering and geosciences, KFUPM has departments covering aerospace, mechanical, electrical, control and instrumentation, chemical, bioengineering, civil and environmental engineering, computer engineering, industrial and systems engineering, materials science and engineering, and architectural engineering and construction management. Program availability varies by degree level.
2. King Abdulaziz University
King Abdulaziz University is a public university in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It was founded in 1967 as a private institution and became a public university in 1391 AH, corresponding to 1971–1972. The language of instruction at King Abdulaziz University varies by college and program.
King Abdulaziz University’s Faculty of Engineering offers undergraduate programs in fields such as chemical, civil, industrial, nuclear, mechanical, and aeronautical engineering. Its electrical engineering offerings include computer and biomedical tracks. The university also offers engineering programs at the master’s and Ph.D. levels, although availability varies by department.
3. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a graduate research university in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. Established in 2009, it offers master’s and Ph.D. programs in science, engineering, and related interdisciplinary fields.
KAUST programs include Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Earth Science and Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering, Environmental Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. All admitted master’s and Ph.D. students receive the fully funded KAUST Fellowship, which includes tuition support, a living stipend, base accommodation, health insurance, and relocation support, subject to the university’s current terms.
4. King Khalid University
King Khalid University is a public university established in 1998 through the merger of two university branches in Saudi Arabia’s Asir region. Its main campus is in Abha.
King Khalid University’s College of Engineering currently lists five bachelor’s programs, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and civil engineering. The university also offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in computer engineering through its College of Computer Science.
5. Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University is a university in Dammam whose history dates to 1975, when it was established as a branch of King Faisal University. It later operated as the University of Dammam and received its current name in 2016.
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University’s College of Engineering offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in fields related to civil and construction engineering, environmental engineering, biomedical engineering, transportation and traffic engineering, mechanical and energy engineering, and engineering management. Availability can differ by program and student category; for example, the bachelor’s program in Energy Engineering is currently listed for male students.
6. Alfaisal University
Founded in 2002 by the King Faisal Foundation, Alfaisal University is a private, nonprofit university in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Current admissions information states that the university has more than 4,800 students representing over 51 nations.
Alfaisal University’s College of Engineering & Advanced Computing offers undergraduate programs including architectural engineering, mechanical engineering, and software engineering, along with graduate programs in engineering and advanced computing. Current tuition fees are listed at SAR 94,000 per year for undergraduate programs, equivalent to approximately US$25,067, and SAR 200,000 in total for master’s programs, equivalent to approximately US$53,333. Value-added tax and other fees may apply.
7. Prince Sultan University
Prince Sultan University is a private, nonprofit university in Riyadh. It was founded as Prince Sultan College in 1998 and later obtained university status. The university describes itself as Saudi Arabia’s first private university.
Prince Sultan University’s College of Engineering offers five undergraduate programs: Construction Engineering Management, Production and Manufacturing Engineering Management, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Communications and Networks Engineering, and Electrical Engineering. It also offers a master’s program in Engineering Management.
This article has outlined the advantages of studying engineering in Saudi Arabia and introduced seven universities offering relevant programs. Prospective students should review each university’s current program pages, admission requirements, costs, and funding opportunities before applying.
We hope that this article on the top engineering schools in Saudi Arabia was helpful. You can find more educational resources for studying abroad by visiting our Study in Saudi Arabia Page. If you are interested, you can also check this list of available courses for international students.
