Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has one of the fastest-growing and most impressive higher education systems in the Middle East. The higher education system of Saudi Arabia is represented by 52 universities with 718 study programs. In addition 321 Bachelor programs at 52 universities, 321 Master programs at 52 universities, and 76 PhD programs at 16 universities. The country is rapidly developing into a modern country. Thus, it is hardly surprising that thousands of international students choose to enroll at Saudi Arabian universities and colleges every year.

With a colorful blend of modern architecture, ancient sites, and the beautiful Red Sea coast, it’s easy to understand why many want to study and live in this kingdom, at least for a while.

Benefits of Studying in Saudi Arabia 

Affordable Education

Many universities in Saudi Arabia want to attract more international students, and the best way to do that is to provide more funding opportunities. Most universities will provide you with a scholarship to lessen your educational costs. In addition, Saudi Arabia's living costs are relatively low compared to many parts of the world (around 37% lower than in the US as of June 2016, according to Numbeo.com). Renting a one-bedroom apartment in a city center will cost you around US$400 per month, a liter of gasoline roughly US$0.16, and a cappuccino about US$2.57.

Excellent Academic and Cultural Environment

In Saudi Arabia, higher education institutions have an environment for studying and carrying out research. There are many advanced research centers. Also, the professors and teachers in universities in Saudi Arabia are from different regions of the world. There is a varied cultural and academic environment for international pupils in higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia. 

Various Study Opportunities

Saudi Arabia's higher education institutions offer a wide range of study programs. For students who want to go for Islamic studies, this is the best place. Also, the institutions offer courses in science, education, agriculture, arts, engineering, medicine, and computers. Many of the study programs are offered in English. 

Cultural and Language Immersion

Studying in Saudi Arabia provides complete Arabic cultural and language immersion for international pupils. Arabic is the language of instruction here. International students get to learn a new language and experience the country’s culture first-hand by studying here.  

Modern infrastructure and facilities

Students enjoy state-of-the-art resources and facilities, both in terms of studying and living. Universities have the latest technologies necessary for lab work and advanced research.

As for on-campus accommodation, at some universities, students even benefit from air conditioning, gyms, swimming pools, and restaurants.

Strong education in STEM

Saudi Arabia is known for its prominent STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)  education as the government has been increasing spending on higher education. This past year, four universities from Saudi Arabia — including KAUST — have made it onto the QS World University Rankings for Engineering and Technology.

If you’re interested in pursuing a STEM degree, then Saudi Arabia may be a great place for you to study! Saudi Arabia is becoming a strong hub for research and STEM, so you’ll find plenty of opportunities for you to explore your interests. You could work towards solving global water and food supply challenges and environmental crises with your STEM degree at universities like KAUST.

Large and diverse international community

With many institutions offering generous scholarships to international students (in some cases even full tuition waivers) and most courses taught in English, many Saudi Arabian universities have large numbers of international students already enrolled – as well as catering to the many expat families living in the country. If you study abroad in Saudi Arabia, you’ll have the chance to make friends with both locals and students from all over the world. And, if you decide to work in Saudi Arabia after your studies, you’ll most likely cross paths with young professionals from a host of different cultural backgrounds.

Opportunities to stay and work in Saudi Arabia

Developments in the Saudi economy have opened up opportunities for international graduates to work for a fixed number of years in finance and manufacturing, particularly in the oil, IT, healthcare, banking, teaching, telecommunications, and construction industries. Major companies based in Saudi Arabia include AE Systems, Cisco Systems, Procter & Gamble, Schlumberger, Nestlé and Siemens. Note that you will need a sponsor to help you secure your employment Visa, though this will typically be your employer.

Boost your resume

A great way to enhance your resumé and make yourself more desirable in the job market is by pursuing an education abroad. When you study abroad, you gain valuable soft skills like confidence, independence, flexibility, resourcefulness, and more. On top of earning soft skills, you also gain a global outlook. You’ll understand professional and cultural contexts in your field of study that other applicants most likely won’t have.

Top Universities in Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Higher Education is responsible for establishing, administering, and supervising the higher education system in the country. There are around 24 private universities in Saudi Arabia. For the public universities in Saudi Arabia, the count is around 21. According to the QS World University Ranking of 2021, these are the top universities in Saudi Arabia. 

 
 | Universities | QS Ranking
 | King Abdulaziz University (KAU) | 143
 | King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals | 186
 | King Saud University  | 287
 | Umm Al-Qura University  | 474
 | Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) (formerly UNIVERSITY OF DAMMAM) | 521-530
 | King Khalid University | 601-650
 | Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University | 751-800
 | Islamic University of Madinah  | 801-1000
 | King Faisal University | 801-1000
 | Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University | 801-1000

List of Available Scholarships in Saudi Arabia for 2023-24 Session

Here are some fully funded scholarships in Saudi Arabia for the academic year 2023-24

Fully Funded Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship in Saudi Arabia 2024

The Fully Funded Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship in Saudi Arabia is open to all international students. The University of Madinah offers scholarship opportunities for non-Saudi citizens who are residing outside Saudi Arabia. The scholarship will help you to pursue a fully funded bachelor’s degree program in Saudi Arabia with other perks and benefits, which we will mention in this post. The scholarships are granted by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The undergraduate programs are available in various academic majors, including Engineering, Computer Science, Science, and Shariah Islamic law. The University of Madinah is a Global Saudi institute with students from more than 170 countries joining the institute. Students from more than 140 countries are enrolled in different degree programs.

For more information, click here

Fully Funded KAUST Scholarship in Saudi Arabia 2024

The Fully Funded KAUST Scholarship in Saudi Arabia is open to students of all nationalities. It Accepts Applications for the Spring and Fall of 2024. Students who want to undertake their Masters, MS/PhD, or PhD Doctorate degrees are encouraged to apply.

Every year, almost 100+ awards are provided by KAUST to students from all over the world. KAUST offers a wide range of academic fields, which consists of Natural Sciences, Engineering, Computer, Physical Sciences & many more subjects.

For more information, click here

Fully Funded Dar Al Hekma University Scholarship in Saudi Arabia

The Fully Funded Dar Al Hekma University Scholarship in Saudi Arabia is available for all international students who have to apply for an undergraduate degree program. Dar Al-Hekma University is a private, non-profit institution of higher education for women in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Classes are taught in English. The university was established in September 1999, with the approval of the Saudi Ministry of Education. It gained university status in January 2014.

For more information, apply here

Fully Funded King AbdulAziz University Scholarships 2023-24 in Saudi Arabia

King Abdulaziz University Scholarships are a great opportunity for international students to pursue higher education in Saudi Arabia. The university offers fully funded scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. With a wide range of programs available, students can choose from various fields of study and advance their academic and career goals. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about King AbdulAziz University Scholarships, including eligibility requirements, application process, benefits, and frequently asked questions. Don't miss this chance to enhance your education and career prospects - apply for a King Abdulaziz University Scholarship today!

For more information, click here 

Frequently Asked Questions about Saudi Arabian Scholarships for the 2023-24 Session 

Is Saudi Arabia good for education?
Saudi Arabia is emerging as a strong hub for higher education, particularly in STEM.

Which course is best in Saudi Arabia?
MBA in Saudi Arabia.
Science in Saudi Arabia.
Arts in Saudi Arabia.
Management in Saudi Arabia.
Education and training in Saudi Arabia.
Information Technology (IT) in Saudi Arabia.
Medicine and Health in Saudi Arabia.
Engineering in Saudi Arabia.

Is Saudi Arabia good for Masters?
Students seeking a Master's in Saudi Arabia can choose from a variety of top-notch programs. Some of the more popular Master in Saudi Arabia programs are in the fields of finance, marketing, management, communication, and information technology, among many others.

How much is the Saudi student visa fee?
The Saudi Arabia student visa fee is SAR 50, along with the payment of VAT at the applicable rates.

What is the age limit for Masters in Saudi Arabia?
For a master's degree, the age should not exceed 30

Conclusion

With one of the fastest-growing higher education systems in the Middle East and a flourishing economy that boasts exciting career prospects for international graduates, Saudi Arabia has plenty to recommend as a study-abroad destination. Many top universities in the country are providing scholarships for various programs to both domestic and international students. With a colorful blend of modern architecture, ancient sites, and the beautiful Red Sea coast, it’s easy to understand why many want to study and live in this kingdom, at least for a while. So, don't miss the opportunities provided by different universities. Grab them and live your dream.