SAUDI ARABIA · RIYADH
King Saud University
public · Founded 1957 · Languages: ar, en
In short
King Saud University, established in 1957, is Saudi Arabia's first and largest public research university located in Riyadh. It is a leading institution in the Arab world, excelling in medicine, engineering, and science research, and offers scholarship programs for international students.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1957
- Students
- 61,412
- International students
- 5,000
- Acceptance rate
- 40%
- Tuition (intl)
- €3–5k/yr
- Languages
- AR, EN
- Location
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
King Saud University is Saudi Arabia's first and largest public research university, established in 1957 in Riyadh. With over 61,000 students and 24 colleges, it is the top-ranked university in the Kingdom and one of the leading institutions in the Arab world. KSU excels in medicine, engineering, science, and technology research, and actively supports Saudi Vision 2030 through talent development and international collaboration.
Why study here
- Study at Saudi Arabia's highest-ranked university (QS #143) with world-class facilities in science, engineering, and medicine.
- Access the KSU Medical City, one of the region's most advanced teaching hospital complexes, for medicine and health sciences students.
- Benefit from fully-funded scholarship programs for outstanding international graduate students and researchers.
- Join a rapidly expanding research environment supported by Vision 2030 investment in STEM, digital transformation, and innovation.
- Experience life in Riyadh, a fast-growing global city with a booming tech sector, low cost of living, and tax-free income for staff.
Student life
King Saud University emphasizes student engagement through various programs and community partnerships. The university's medical city hosts community-focused events like health exhibitions. Students are encouraged to participate in research and academic activities, with opportunities to be involved in ongoing PhD and Master's projects. The campus includes sports facilities, student unions, libraries, and cultural centres. Gender-segregated facilities ensure all students have access to full campus amenities.
Fees
InternationalTuition is generally free or heavily subsidised for Saudi domestic students. International students on scholarship programmes typically pay no tuition. Self-funded international students may pay approximately SAR 10,000–20,000 per year (approx. EUR 2,500–5,000).
HomeFree for Saudi citizens under government sponsorship.
LivingRiyadh living costs are moderate; estimate SAR 2,000–3,500 per month for accommodation, food, and transport.
Specific tuition fees for international students are not standardised. Research project participants may receive monthly stipends of SAR 1,200–8,000 depending on role.
Admissions
Bachelor's DegreeRelevant undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA (varies by program, typically 3.0/4.0 or equivalent)
Language ProficiencyArabic for Arabic-medium programs; TOEFL/IELTS for English-medium graduate programs
Research ProposalRequired for doctoral program applicants; must align with faculty research interests
TOEFL iBT79 minimum for English-medium programs
IELTS6.0 minimum
Rankings
QS World University Rankings143
QS Arab Region3
Times Higher Education World University Rankings351
University scholarships
KSU Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques ScholarshipFull tuition, accommodation, and monthly stipend for international postgraduate students
Research Project Principal Investigator RewardSAR 3,000/month for up to 20 months
Research Project PhD Assistant Reward (Full-time)SAR 8,000/month for up to 24 months
Research Project Master's Assistant Reward (Full-time)SAR 7,000/month for up to 24 months
Accreditation
Accredited by the National Centre for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA) of Saudi Arabia; member of the Association of Arab Universities.
Programs
a selectionKing Saud University · Saudi Arabia
Analytical Study (Foundations of Curricula)
This course focuses on analytical study, which is a fundamental requirement. It aims to apply content analysis principles and provide students with a collective experience towards their final project. Key rules must be followed and will be used for evaluation, along with an analysis form that has been reviewed and agreed upon by the course's teaching committee.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
King Saud University · Saudi Arabia
Applied Remote Sensing
This course aims to introduce students to various applications of remote sensing technology. It provides an overview of a range of applications to equip students with computational skills. Students will learn to use specialized software for processing and analyzing remote sensing imagery.
Diploma
Level
—
Tuition
12 mo
Duration
King Saud University · Saudi Arabia
Case Studies in Marketing
This course aims to develop your knowledge and skills in studying and addressing practical case studies, whether real or hypothetical. You will learn how to analyze situations, interpret phenomena, and think creatively to develop appropriate alternative solutions for overcoming problems or achieving specific objectives. The course focuses on practical cases within various marketing fields to achieve defined goals.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
King Saud University · Saudi Arabia
Crisis Management
This course provides students with fundamental knowledge of crises and essential skills for crisis management. It aims to equip students with an understanding of international crisis experiences, with a specific focus on the Saudi Arabian approach to managing crises. The course covers various aspects of crisis management, from definitions and classifications to the administrative, media, psychological, and social dimensions.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
King Saud University · Saudi Arabia
Digital Control and Robotics (LAB)
This course provides a foundational understanding of digital control system theory through problem-solving and laboratory practice. It covers the mathematical representation of systems, including transfer functions and state-space models, and explores system analysis in the time domain, stability, steady-state error, and root locus techniques. A key focus is on compensator design using pole placement and root locus methods, alongside digital control concepts and stability. The course also introduces the fundamentals of robotics and the control of robotic systems. Upon successful completion, students will be proficient in mathematically representing control systems, modeling dynamic systems, and analyzing, designing, and synthesizing analogue and digital control systems. Proficiency in using MATLAB and SIMULINK for analysis, design, simulation, and real-time implementation of discrete-time control for robotic systems will also be developed.
Master's
Level
€11k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
King Saud University · Saudi Arabia
Field Training in Learning Disabilities
This program focuses on preparing students with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to teach students with learning disabilities. It emphasizes developing skills in creating supportive learning environments, implementing individual education plans, and effectively participating in the educational process. Students will gain experience in classroom management, lesson planning, and utilizing teaching aids relevant to students with learning difficulties.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
42 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Saudi Arabia
partial fundingPrince Sultan University (PSU)
Prince Sultan University Scholarships
Open to both Saudi and international students applying to bachelor's, master's, or PhD programmes at Prince Sultan University in Riyadh. Saudi students need a minimum cumulative GPA of 85 percent; non-Saudi international students need a minimum of 90 percent. Meeting the GPA threshold does not guarantee an award, as scholarships are limited and granted on merit and availability.
partial
Funding
€20k
Max
-17d left
Deadline
full fundingKing Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) Scholarships
Open to international students of all nationalities applying for Master's, PhD or postdoctorate programs at KFUPM in Dhahran. Master's applicants need a four-year Bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, including 3.00 in the major. PhD applicants need an M.S. following a four-year B.S. with a GPA of at least 3.00 in both. MBA applicants need a four-year Bachelor's with a GPA of at least 3.00, a college calculus course, a computing course and usually a year of work experience. English proficiency is required.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Oct 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingKing Abdulaziz University (KAU)
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Scholarships
International (non-Saudi) students. Undergraduate applicants need a high school certificate not older than 3 years and must be aged 17-25; master's applicants must be up to 30 and doctoral applicants up to 35, with a minimum grade of 'Very Good', two recommendation letters and an English proficiency certificate. Arabic proficiency is required for Arabic-language programmes.
full
Funding
€12k
Max
Jun 30, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Prince Mugrin (UPM)
University of Prince Mugrin Scholarships
Open to Saudi and international students of all nationalities applying to undergraduate, Master's, or PhD programmes at the University of Prince Mugrin in Madinah for the 2026/2027 academic year. The full scholarship for Saudi high-school graduates requires a weighted high-school GPA of 97% or above and a maintained cumulative GPA of 3.5/4. Excellence, talented, national, and international-student scholarships are awarded on academic metrics, special skills, or admission merit. Applicants currently enrolled elsewhere must officially withdraw before enrolling at UPM.
partial
Funding
€12k
Max
Aug 31, 2026
Deadline
full fundingIslamic University of Madinah
Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship
Open to international Muslim students from all countries for undergraduate and master's study in Saudi Arabia. Undergraduate applicants must be aged 17 to 25 with 12 years of schooling, while master's applicants need a bachelor's degree (16 years of education) with a minimum GPA of 3.75 out of 5. Master's candidates also face test requirements: a minimum of 65 in the QIYAS aptitude test for Gulf applicants, or a minimum 130 GRE quantitative and 450 TOEFL-PBT for applicants from outside Saudi Arabia. Applicants must be in good health and of good conduct.
full
Funding
—
Max
Jun 30, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is the tuition fee for international students at King Saud University?
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Tuition fees for international students at King Saud University can vary. Many international students on scholarship programs pay no tuition. Self-funded international students can expect to pay approximately SAR 10,000–20,000 per year.
What are the admission requirements for international graduate students?
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International graduate students generally need a relevant bachelor's degree and demonstrate English or Arabic language proficiency. Specific requirements differ by college and program, with most graduate programs requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.
Does King Saud University offer scholarships for international students?
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Yes, King Saud University offers scholarships such as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship, which covers full tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend for postgraduate students. Research assistantships are also available.
What is the ranking of King Saud University?
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King Saud University is the top-ranked university in Saudi Arabia and is among the leading institutions in the Arab world. It is ranked #143 in the QS World University Rankings and #3 in the QS Arab Region.
What are the living costs in Riyadh for students?
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Living costs in Riyadh are considered moderate. Students should estimate approximately SAR 2,000–3,500 per month for accommodation, food, and transportation.
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