Are you curious about the English language competency requirements for Saudi university applicants? When applying to universities overseas, international students are particularly concerned about their English language proficiency. The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is the world’s most widely used English language competency test for higher education and international migration. A high IELTS score may make it easier to get accepted into any Saudi Arabian university and be awarded an excellent scholarship.

If you are looking for universities that accept IELTS in Saudi Arabia, continue reading to find out more!

Minimum IELTS Band Requirements for Universities in Saudi Arabia

We’ll now discuss the English language proficiency levels for seven Saudi universities. In this section, you will learn about seven different universities and the required IELTS score required by those universities. We’ll talk about the minimum IELTS score required by these top universities to be qualified for any degree. Let’s start!

INSTITUTION NAME MIN. SCORE (UNDERGRADUATE) MIN. SCORE (GRADUATE)
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University 5.0 5.0
Alfaisal University n/a 5.5 (Ph.D.)
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology 6.5 6.5
Saudi Electronic University n/a 5.0 (Master’s)
Almaarefa University 4.0 4.0
University of Business and Technology 5.0 5.0
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals 5.5 5.5

 1. Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University

One of Saudi Arabia’s premier universities, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, requires an IELTS Academic score of 5 for admission. However, to be accepted for an MBA, you must score at least 5.5 listed on the institution’s MBA admissions page. MBA is available in three different specializations: Corporate Finance, Risk Management, and Project Management. The majority of overseas students admitted in recent years have band scores ranging from 6 to 6.5. To maximize your chances of admission, your score should be equivalent or a better score.

2. Alfaisal University

Alfaisal University, a Saudi educational institution, also recognizes IELTS as proof of English ability. The institution has been in operation since 2002, serving more than 2,500 students. The university includes almost 200 academic faculty members, including educators from 31 nations. A band score of 5.5 on the IELTS is frequently necessary for admission to the master’s level. International students pursuing a PhD degree must have a minimum score of 6.5. If you want to stand out among the other students, you must score 7 or above.

3. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, located in Thuwal, is a prestigious educational institution in Saudi Arabia. The university has about 1,000 postgraduate students, the majority of whom are overseas students. For individuals interested in pursuing master’s degrees, the university requires an IELTS Academic score of at least 6.5. Thus, for applicants pursuing a postgraduate level, we recommend a band of 7.0 or higher to increase their chances of acceptance.

4. Saudi Electronic University

Founded in 2011, Saudi Electronic University aims to be one of Saudi Arabia’s leading universities. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees to students worldwide. International master’s program applicants are typically required to demonstrate advanced English proficiency through an international exam such as the TOEFL, IELTS, and so on. Applicants must have a minimum IELTS score of 5.0. Therefore, if you want to attend Saudi Electronic University, you should aim for a 6.5 or higher grade.

5. Almaarefa University

Almaarefa University was founded to prepare high-achieving participants in the knowledge-based economy while also encouraging creativity and excellence in education, research, and community service. An IELTS score of at least band 4 is required for international students seeking admission. However, institutions usually value the potential associated with a better score. The university requires an IELTS Academic score of at least 4.0 for those pursuing bachelor’s degrees and 4.5 for those pursuing master’s degrees.

6. University of Business and Technology

Another Saudi educational institution that accepts IELTS as proof of English proficiency is the University of Business and Technology. It is a private institution that provides undergraduate, graduate, and executive degrees in business, engineering, and advertising. UBT aims to establish an international learning atmosphere that benefits staff, students, research, and curriculum development. The institution is committed to being a national and international leader in teaching and research for societal advancement. A band of 5.0 on the IELTS is usually necessary for admission. If you wish to stand out among the other students, you must score higher than 6.0.

7. King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals

The King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals is an internationally renowned research institution. It is a public research university based in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the most prestigious academic institutions in Saudi Arabia, with highly recognized scientific, engineering, business, and management programs in the country and Gulf Cooperation Council member states. You must apply with an IELTS band score of 5.5 to be considered. To secure admission at KFUPM, we recommend that you study hard and achieve a better score—roughly a 6 or 6.5.

FAQs: IELTS Acceptance in Saudi Arabia

Do Universities in Saudi Arabia Consider Students Who Have Not Passed the IELTS Exam?

Applicants must be aware of the course requirements for English language proficiency, as universities worldwide have factor standards for scores at different levels and disciplines. To study in Saudi Arabia, international students must achieve at least band four on the IELTS language proficiency test. In the case of highly regarded universities, the score requirements may be higher. If, on the other hand, you are from an English-speaking country or your previous education was conducted in English, you must show documentation, such as a certificate, certifying your completion of an English-taught course. Saudi Arabian education institutions also accept scores from various English proficiency tests, such as the TOEFL.

 

IELTS can open doors for you, whether you wish to study, boost your career, or relocate to Saudi Arabia. Discover more about Saudi Arabia on our KSA Study Guide and sample some of the Available Programs for International Students for more study options.

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hi! I am Hyun, and I am the founder at Global Scholarships. I've received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College and a $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for my undergraduate degree and was offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. You can read more about my scholarship journey here. If you are interested, you can follow me on Linkedin where I regularly write about scholarships.

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