The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), commonly called Saudi Arabia, is a country in Western Asia. Its population was estimated at 35.3 million in mid-2024. Saudi Arabia also hosted an estimated 13.7 million international migrants in 2024, the third-highest total in the world. Arabic is the official language of the Kingdom.
Saudi universities offer programs taught in Arabic and English. The language of instruction and the required proof of proficiency vary by university, degree level, and program. International students should therefore review the current requirements for the specific program to which they plan to apply.
Let’s take a closer look below!
Language Tests in Saudi Arabia for International Students
Depending on the program’s language of instruction, applicants may need to demonstrate proficiency in Arabic or English. There is no single test or minimum score that applies to every Saudi university or program.
Arabic Language Tests Needed for International Students
There is no single Arabic-language test required for every international student in Saudi Arabia. The private Arabic Language Proficiency Test, or ALPT, described in some older guidance is not a nationwide Saudi university admission requirement. Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language administers the Hamza Academic Test, which assesses listening, reading, writing, and speaking and reports proficiency from A2 to C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Some Arabic-taught programs listed on the official Study in Saudi portal require non-native Arabic speakers to submit a Hamza score. The required result is program-specific. For example, one undergraduate Arabic program requires at least B2, while one master’s program in Arabic language and literature requires 60 out of 100. Applicants should check the relevant program page for the exact test and score required.
English Language Tests for International Students
Applicants to English-language programs may need to submit an approved English-language score, although some universities grant waivers based on an applicant’s previous education. Accepted tests and minimum scores differ by institution and program. IELTS, TOEFL iBT, STEP, and, at some universities, the Duolingo English Test are among the options currently listed by Saudi institutions.
1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
One common way to demonstrate English proficiency is through the IELTS test, which assesses reading, writing, speaking, and listening. There is no nationwide Saudi IELTS minimum. For example, Prince Sultan University’s graduate admissions page lists IELTS 6.0 for several master’s programs, while King Abdullah University of Science and Technology requires an overall score of 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each section.
Requirements can also differ among programs at the same university. King Saud University programs publish different minimum scores, while Arab Open University uses language placement testing and may use recent IELTS, TOEFL, or STEP results to grant placement exemptions. IELTS recommends that results be treated as valid for two years, although each institution may set its own validity policy.
2. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
The Test of English as a Foreign Language, commonly known as the TOEFL iBT, measures academic reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. Test takers can register online through an ETS account or by phone using the contact information for their country.
Saudi Arabia does not impose a national TOEFL minimum. Each institution and program sets its own requirement. For example, Prince Sultan University’s listed master’s programs generally require a TOEFL iBT score of 70, while King Abdullah University of Science and Technology requires an overall score of 81 with at least 17 in each section. TOEFL iBT scores are valid for two years.
Because requirements differ, applicants should not assume that a score accepted by one university will be accepted by another. They should confirm the test type, minimum overall score, section minimums, score-validity period, and waiver rules on the official program page before registering.
3. Duolingo
International students can also consider the Duolingo English Test, an online, computer-adaptive examination that assesses English-language skills. Acceptance is institution- and program-specific. For example, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals currently accepts minimum Duolingo scores of 105 for its listed master’s programs and 120 for its PhD programs. Other universities may accept the test only for certain degree levels or may not accept it at all.
The Duolingo English Test takes about one hour. Standard results are normally available within two days, while an optional faster-results service provides results within 12 hours. Results remain valid for two years. Because test prices can change, applicants should check the current fee on the official Duolingo English Test website rather than relying on an older fixed amount.
Saudi Arabia promotes international study opportunities through the official Study in Saudi platform, which lists programs and scholarship opportunities at participating educational institutions. Because language policies are set by individual universities and programs, applicants should rely on the latest official admissions page rather than a general national cutoff.
In summary, Saudi universities do not use one universal B2 requirement or one standard list of accepted tests. Students should choose a test only after confirming that their intended university and program accept it and that the score will remain valid through enrollment.
We hope that this article on language tests needed in Saudi Arabia for international students was helpful. For more information, check out the KSA Study Guide and Available Programs for International Students!
