Saudi Arabia, the largest country in the Middle East, is growing in reputation for its educational standards, good exposure to its culture and language, and diversified job market. The country’s economy is also highly stable, and new and innovative projects are initiated annually, making it a technological and architectural pioneer.
From an educational point of view, the country’s universities are highly ranked. Around 30 universities across the kingdom made it to several university rankings. The cost of living in the country is also relatively low, and students can take advantage of several funding opportunities for their education. If that sounds like something you might be interested in, read along until the end of this article to decide if studying in Saudi Arabia might be the best option for you.
Pros / Advantages of the Education System in Saudi Arabia
The advanced economy and Saudi Arabia’s focus on innovation and technology provide an excellent backdrop for skilled individuals to pursue education and put their skills to good use as industry professionals. The Arabian community is diverse and welcoming of all expatriates. Here are some perks of studying in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
1. Ability to Network with a Diverse Community
Saudi Arabia has been welcoming foreign nationals worldwide, mainly due to the country’s recent industrial advancements. Job opportunities, student scholarship opportunities, affordable living, and excellent education standards brought a diverse community to the country. Living in the country would open opportunities to network with friends and locals of different cultural and professional backgrounds.
2. Affordable Study Opportunities with Scholarships, Even for International Students
The Kingdom is increasingly becoming a central hub for higher education, particularly in STEM fields, because of its excellent programs that are offered entirely in English. Many of the country’s universities have made it to the QS World University Rankings. In addition to lower living costs, international students can benefit from the country’s numerous scholarship opportunities, some even offering full tuition.
3. Ability to Remain in the Country and Work
The country’s economy has peaked recently, with industries like IT, healthcare, banking, teaching, petroleum, mining, and construction flourishing. Major companies like Nestlé, Cisco Systems, and Siemens are centered in the country, which has opened up many job opportunities for skilled individuals worldwide. With the right sponsoring, international graduates can work in the country for a fixed number of years after graduation.
4. Recreational Facilities
The country’s geographical location and features are unique and diverse, to say the least. The country has a sophisticated terrain and climate, from mountain ranges and deserts to grasslands and forests. Not only is it home to many beautiful sights and travel destinations, but it’s also in close proximity to other hot spots like Dubai and Oman. The national cuisine is worth every bite, and all this is to say that the country is excellent for people who love traveling.
Cons / Drawbacks of the Education System in Saudi Arabia
Studying in a Middle Eastern country might be drastically different from studying in a Western country. While there are many points from which international students can benefit, there are a few challenges that students need to look forward to before moving into the country.
1. Language and Cultural Barrier
Students who study in the country acknowledge a drastic culture shock upon moving there. It could take a while to accustom yourself to Saudi Arabia’s cultural norms, especially if you come from the West or Europe. The country’s population mostly communicates only in Arabic, and anyone with no basic knowledge of the language could find it challenging to move about or fit in.
2. Social Restrictions
As an extension of the Kingdom’s reverence for culture, public rules and regulations might seem a bit too challenging to abide by, especially in the initial stages. However, the country is making significant leaps in accommodating more elements from Western culture to make expatriates feel at home hopefully. Most social gatherings and public places are, to this day, segregated by gender.
3. Difficulty in Finding a Suitable University
Saudi Arabia is home to many top universities that boast high education standards. However, a common complaint from international students is that some universities, especially in regional areas, need better infrastructure to facilitate appropriate educational programs. This is why it is essential to check the university rankings and make an informed decision about the university you plan to enroll in.
4. Some programs might not be recognized abroad.
Just like some universities in the country might not be in your best interest, some programs within the country, might not be recognized elsewhere. These programs might be a great start for you if you plan to work in a Middle Eastern country. However, moving to a Western country or Europe might require you to take further study programs.
FAQs: Higher Education in Saudi Arabia
How Is the Education System in Saudi Arabia Different from Other Countries?
The government has recently shifted its focus to the education sector, investing heavily in higher educational institutions specifically. Students pick universities in the country for their reputation, welcoming environment, world-class educational facilities, and research opportunities.
Most higher educational programs in the country are industry-led. Programs in STEM fields receive special recognition because the country boasts a quick transition into high-paying jobs. As an international student, you might find that the country’s focus on Islamic culture and class segregation is quite different from elsewhere in the world. There are also other Western-style institutions where higher education programs are taught.
Do International Students Face Extreme Challenges While Studying in Saudi Arabia?
Students already studying in the country vouch for its excellence in education and their novel experiences there. Studying in the country, however, requires students to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture, which might be very different for students of Western origin. For example, in some universities, classes can be segregated for male and female students.
Like most other Middle Eastern countries, it has strict alcohol regulations. Therefore, you might find few bars and recreational facilities with alcohol, especially in sacred cities. A large portion of the population speaks only Arabic, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, so it would be a plus point if you could learn the language before flying into the country.
Studying in Saudi Arabia can be a unique, immersive, and transformative experience for students from across the globe. With its modern amenities, rich cultural heritage, and recognized institutions, the country has become a popular destination for international students to pay attention to if they are seeking opportunities abroad to pursue higher education.
Hopefully, this article will provide important insights into the education system in Saudi Arabia. If you are planning to study abroad, check out our Guide to Studying in KSA and you can also search for Available Programs you can enroll in.
