Consider the Middle Eastern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia if you are seeking a less conventional study destination. Known for its extensive desert landscapes, major energy sector, and deep Islamic heritage, the country offers a growing range of higher education and research opportunities. International students interested in engineering, technology, medicine, business, and a rich cultural experience may find relevant study options in Saudi Arabia.
This article examines some of the best universities in Saudi Arabia for international students, so make sure to read the information below carefully. All five institutions listed below appear in the QS World University Rankings 2027: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals ranks 63rd, King Saud University ranks 107th, King Abdulaziz University ranks 200th, King Khalid University ranks 514th, and Alfaisal University is in the 801–850 band. Rankings are only one comparison tool, so students should also consider program availability, admission requirements, tuition, scholarships, and language of instruction.
Top Universities in Saudi Arabia for International Students
| INSTITUTION NAME | NOTABLE ACADEMIC AREAS |
|---|
| King Abdulaziz University | Engineering, Pharmacy, and Biochemistry |
| Alfaisal University | Business Administration, Medicine, and Engineering |
| King Saud University | Medicine, Computer Science, and Biological Sciences |
| King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals | Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering |
| King Khalid University | Engineering, Sciences, and Medicine |
1. King Abdulaziz University
Located in Jeddah, King Abdulaziz University is one of Saudi Arabia’s public universities. It bears the name of the country’s founder, King Abdulaziz Al Saud. The university opened in 1967, while the Faculty of Economics and Administration was established during the following academic year. It has since expanded to include faculties and programs in fields such as law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, computing, communication and media, arts and humanities, engineering, and the sciences.
International students can pursue eligible undergraduate and graduate programs at King Abdulaziz University, although availability depends on the program and admission route. The university’s current international scholarship information states that eligible benefits may include a monthly stipend, healthcare services, and accommodation subject to availability. Applicants should consult the latest admission and scholarship conditions before applying.
2. Alfaisal University
Situated in Saudi Arabia’s capital city, Alfaisal University is a private, not-for-profit institution in Riyadh. It welcomed its first cohort of students in 2008 and now operates six colleges covering business, engineering and advanced computing, medicine, pharmacy, law and international relations, and science. Its current admissions website reports 2,155 international students and representation from 53 countries.
Alfaisal University offers several scholarships and discounts, but eligibility and coverage depend on the specific award. For example, its current Distinguished Science Scholarship provides a 50% tuition reduction to selected high-achieving domestic and international students in the College of Science and General Studies, subject to academic and enrollment conditions. Students should not assume that all scholarships are available regardless of program or personal circumstances. Alfaisal University also states that it does not provide on-campus housing, so international and local students must arrange accommodation off campus.
3. King Saud University
King Saud University was founded in Riyadh in 1957 and is recognized as Saudi Arabia’s first university. Today, it offers programs through numerous colleges and academic departments covering medicine, computer and information sciences, natural sciences, engineering, business, humanities, languages, and other fields.
Programs are available at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, but admission eligibility and language requirements vary. King Saud University’s Common First Year includes an English Language Skills Department that supports students who need academic English preparation. However, international applicants should verify whether their chosen degree is taught in Arabic, English, or a combination of both rather than assuming that the same language arrangements apply to every program.
4. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
- Admissions | Scholarships
- Notable Academic Areas: Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals is a public university in Dhahran known particularly for engineering, science, computing, and business. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, KFUPM ranks 63rd globally. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, it ranks fourth globally for petroleum engineering. The university also reports that it ranked fifth worldwide among universities for US patents granted in 2024.
KFUPM was established to support education and research related to the country’s petroleum and mineral resources, but its academic scope is now considerably broader. Its current structure includes the College of Engineering and Physics, College of Computing and Mathematics, College of Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences, College of Chemicals and Materials, College of Design and Built Environment, KFUPM Business School, and College of General Studies.
5. King Khalid University
King Khalid University was established in 1998 through the merger of university branches in southern Saudi Arabia, including branches of King Saud University and Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University. It now offers programs in fields that include medicine, engineering, education, humanities, computer science, business, and the natural sciences, serving students in the Aseer region and beyond.
FAQs: Studying in Saudi Arabian Universities
Is Saudi Arabia a Good Place for International Students to Study?
Saudi Arabian universities have a visible presence in major international university rankings. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, KFUPM, King Saud University, and King Abdulaziz University are all within the global top 200. Continued investment in higher education has expanded the range of academic and research options available. The country offers particularly notable opportunities in engineering, computer science and technology, medicine, and other STEM fields, although strengths vary by university and program.
Students can also find programs in business, education, tourism, architecture, law, and the humanities. The language of instruction is not uniform across Saudi universities. Alfaisal University uses English as its language of instruction, while KFUPM states that its courses are taught in English. Other universities may offer programs in Arabic, English, or both. Students seeking English-taught programs should confirm the language listed on the official page for their chosen degree.
Can International Students Work in Saudi Arabia While Studying?
International students should not assume that they have an unrestricted right to work in Saudi Arabia. National labor rules state that non-Saudis may work only after obtaining the required work authorization, being legally authorized to work, and entering into a contract with an employer. University-specific arrangements may also apply. For example, Alfaisal University states that its international students may work inside the university for no more than 15 hours per week, while employment outside the university is not permitted under its student visa guidance. Students should obtain written confirmation from their university and the relevant Saudi authorities before accepting any paid work.
Can International Students Stay in Saudi Arabia After Graduation?
Graduating from a Saudi university does not automatically give an international student the right to remain in the country or begin working. Graduates who receive a suitable job offer generally need an employer-sponsored work visa or other appropriate work authorization, a valid work permit, and the required residency status. Available work opportunities depend on the graduate’s qualifications, employer demand, professional licensing rules, and Saudi labor and nationalization policies.
If you want to pursue a degree in Saudi Arabia, especially in engineering, technology, business, or medicine, there are many universities you can consider. We have listed several prominent institutions in this article, but you should compare their current programs, admission requirements, tuition fees, scholarship conditions, and language policies before deciding which one suits you best. You can find more information about the universities through the links provided.
We hope this article on the best universities in Saudi Arabia for international students was helpful. To learn more about studying abroad, check out our Study in Saudi Arabia and Available Programs for International Students!
