Saudi Arabia, one of the most influential countries in the Middle East for its strong economy and rich culture, is also a favorite location for international students for various reasons. Studying in Saudi Arabia for a degree program is a great option for many students, and since the country has a mission to promote Saudi Arabian universities to be globalized, many universities encourage international student enrollment with numerous scholarship options and low tuition fees.
Consequently, studying in a foreign country can be costly; there are beyond educational expenses like study fees. The cost of accommodation, transportation, food, and other miscellaneous expenditures should be taken into account when deciding to study in Saudi Arabia. If you’re clueless about how much you need to have to study in Saudi Arabia, this article is for you. Read more to learn about the cost of studying and living in Saudi Arabia.
Costs of Studying in Saudi Arabia
Academic Costs / Tuition Fees
Academic costs of Saudi Arabian universities depend on the program, degree, or type of university. Public universities are usually free for Saudi citizens, yet for international students, tuition fees are much lower than in private colleges.
The average tuition fees at public universities in Saudi Arabia are around SAR 9,000 ($2,400) for undergraduates and SAR 4,500 ($1,200) for graduate programs per semester. The fees can be lower or higher at certain universities depending on the degree level or program, yet many public universities also provide fellowship programs such as The King Abdullah Fellowship Program (KAFP), covering the academic costs of the students for the entire program.
Below, we state some of the cheapest and most prestigious universities in Saudi Arabia with their tuition fees.
SAUDI ARABIAN
INSTITUTION |
AVE. UNDERGRADUATE TUITION |
AVE. GRADUATE TUITION |
| Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University |
SAR 9,200 ($2,450)/sem |
SAR 9,200 ($2,450)/sem |
| King Abdullah University of Science and Technology |
n/a |
Free for graduate programs |
| Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University |
SAR 2,500 ($650)/sem |
SAR 2,500 ($650)/sem |
| King Abdulaziz University |
SAR 8,000 ($2,130)/sem |
SAR 22,000 ($5,860) / sem |
Other Academic Costs
Besides tuition fees, there are several other expenses international students in Saudi Arabia need, such as application fees, health insurance fees, university service fees, etc. Such expenses differ at each Saudi Arabian university.
For instance, some universities, like King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, don’t charge any application fee for international students, whereas some universities, like Alfaisal University, charge SAR 600 ($160) per application.
Costs of Living in Saudi Arabia
1. Riyadh
The capital and largest city in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, is the most popular city in Saudi Arabia and has the highest number of international students. Riyadh not only represents the modernity of Saudi Arabia, but it is also the top city with numerous university campuses, such as King Saud University and Alfaisal University.
International students in Riyadh can easily build their student community and attend their classes conveniently with the well-developed public transportation system and student-friendly apartments. The average monthly cost of living in Riyadh is $900 without the rent; for on-campus accommodation options, the monthly rent is about $100, yet for rental apartments, the rent can be about $700. A monthly pass for transportation costs around $125, and a one-way ticket is $3.
2. Jeddah
Jeddah is a port city in the Makkah province, and it is best known for being the commercial center of Saudi Arabia. Jeddah is the second-largest city in the country, and due to its strategic location on the Red Sea and the city of Mecca, the population is higher than in many other cities in Saudi Arabia.
As well as being the heart of international trade and religious tourism, Jeddah is an ideal location for international students. Among 18 universities in Jeddah, including King Abdulaziz University, the city has a high number of international students. Living costs in Jeddah are relatively lower than in Riyadh, which is about $800 per month without accommodation. Rental apartments for a single person cost around $600-$700, a monthly pass is $130, and a one-way ticket costs $5.
Ways to Minimize Academic and Living Costs in Saudi Arabia
1. Scholarships for International Students
Obtaining a scholarship is the most practical way to reduce the cost of living and studying in Saudi Arabia. Fortunately, many world-class Saudi Arabian universities offer generous scholarship programs for international students, which cover their tuition fees as well as a monthly allowance.
Some fully-funded scholarships for international students in Saudi Arabia include the KAUST Fellowship, the King Fahd University Scholarship, and the IsDB Scholarship.
2. Part-time Work for International Students
International students can also work part-time jobs to support their budgets during their study programs in Saudi Arabia. However, it’s essential to prioritize their courses and academic performance before the part-time job in order to balance their time accordingly.
Common part-time jobs in Saudi Arabia are language tutoring, telecommunication, translation, and teaching to children. The salary depends on the responsibilities and qualifications of the student.
With wise planning and thorough research, it is easy to arrange your budget to study in Saudi Arabia. Follow our tips and listen to your inner self to choose the best program and university for you in Saudi Arabia.
Hopefully, this article on the cost of studying and living in Saudi Arabia was informative. You can explore further resources for studying abroad on our KSA Study Guide and like this list of Open Courses for International Students!
