or
Looking to list your Masters courses? Log in here.
Written by Hannah Slack
Saudi Arabia has one of the fastest growing higher education systems in the Middle East. Well known for its mineral resources, the country has become a hub of research for oil and fuel engineering. Home to Mecca and the origins of the Islamic faith, Saudi Arabia also offers excellent opportunities for those interested in history and religious studies.
As Saudi Arabia follows Islamic laws and beliefs, studying here can provide a rich and interesting cultural experience. With recent investment from the government in schooling and universities, its institutions are increasingly visible in the global rankings.
This page explains what its like to study a Masters in Saudi Arabia, the opportunities available, how to secure funding and how to apply for postgraduate courses.
Saudi Arabia’s rich economy and rapidly developing higher education system makes it an excellent place to study a Masters.
Whether you’re interested in cultural studies, fuel engineering, or anything else, there are plenty of courses available to help aid your career goals.
Here are just a few more reasons why you might want to consider studying a Masters in Saudi Arabia this year:
Masters Study in Saudi Arabia - Key Details for 2025 | |
---|---|
Universities | 43 |
Oldest University | King Saud University (1957) |
International Students | 64,800 |
Course Length | 1-2 years |
Typical Fees | 0-200,000 SAR (USD $0-$53,320) |
Academic Year | August/September to June |
There are lots of choices, let us help you to make the right one. Sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest advice and guidance from our team of experts.
Similar to the UK higher education system, students are required to have completed a Bachelors degree in order to apply for a Masters.
There are three different types of Saudi Arabian universities:
Be aware that when you are searching for your Masters in Saudi Arabia some universities and Government websites will use the Hijri Islamic Calendar.
As Saudi Arabia adheres to Islamic law and tradition, men and women are not taught in the same classes at all universities. Where this is the case, women view lectures given by male professors through a monitor.
36 Saudi higher education institutes enrol women, three of which are women only. The Princess Nora bint Abdul Rahman University is famous for being the largest women’s only university in the world.
Make sure to check directly with your chosen university as to whether female applicants are accepted and how the course is organised.
Increased funding has enabled Saudi Arabian universities to rank consistently higher in all three major university league tables.
University | THE 2025 | QS 2025 | ARWU 2024 |
---|---|---|---|
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals | =176 | 101 | 701-800 |
King Abdulaziz University | 351-400 | 149 | 201-300 |
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University | 601-800 | 901-950 | - |
King Saud University | 251-300 | =200 | 90 |
Prince Sultan University (PSU) | 401-500 | 681-690 | - |
Information in this table is based on the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings and Academic Ranking of World Universities. Visit their websites for more information. |
International rankings use all sorts of metrics to assess universities and they aren't all equally relevant to postgraduate study. That's why we've put together a guide to university rankings for Masters students.
Saudi Arabia has three main university cities, each known for its own character.
Other prominent university cities include Medina, Mecca and Thuwal.
Saudi Masters programmes are made up of modules worth 36 credits. Students are required to take a mix of core and elective modules to make up their degree. Many courses will also require you to complete a Masters thesis, though sometimes this is optional.
Most Masters in Saudi Arabia are taught degrees and usually take between two years. Usually institutions only run for two semesters, from late August to June. But many Masters courses (usually those one year in length) require students to also study during the summer semester.
Assessments for taught modules will be set by the institution and could include a mix of coursework and exams.
If your course involves a research element you may be required to complete a thesis, worth on average 12 credits. As with a PhD (but unlike some other Masters degrees) you will then have to complete an oral defence in front of a small panel of academics and faculty members.
For some courses you will not have to complete a thesis and instead may be offered additional taught courses or a research-based internship. Make sure to check the course structure and examination process with your faculty.
Many Saudi Arabian Masters degrees automatically come with a full or partial scholarship, coving tuition, housing, healthcare, and sometimes travel for international students. This makes Saudi Arabia particularly appealing for both home and abroad students.
Tuition fees are set individually by the universities and will often range between 22,000- 200,000 SAR (USD £5,862-53,300). Both the government and private institutions offer a considerable amount of funding incentives.
With a few exceptions, most Saudi Arabian universities do not have student halls and so unless accommodation is included with part of a scholarship you will have to rent privately. Some universities allow you to organise your accommodation through them. Make sure to check if your chosen institution has any guidance for renting.
Saudi Arabia is a relatively affordable place to live, with the average person spending around 3,011 SAR (USD $802) per month (excluding rent) according to crowdsourced data from Numbeo. The average rent for a one-bedroom, city-centre apartment in Saudi Arabia is around 1,681 SAR (USD $448).
Scholarships are offered as either full or partial benefits. Partial scholarships will usually cover tuition or living costs. The amount offered will range depending on your institution and course. Most scholarships are secured through the institution of application.
It is also possible for Saudi Arabian studens to obtain funding through a Research Assistantship. Some universities may offer research assistantships to students working at an exceptional level. These will often cover tuition fees, free accommodation and a monthly stipend for living costs. In return you will be expected to complete teaching and research work for the university.
There are two types of government scholarships available for international students:
To apply for a government scholarship, you must be between the ages of 17 and 30, have no other scholarship from within Saudi Arabia, pass a medical examination and hold a letter of recommendation. Applications are submitted through your chosen university. For more information visit the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Education website.
To apply for a Masters degree you have to go directly to the individual universities. International students should note, however, that you are not able to apply for health and medical specialties (places on these programmes are currently reserved for Saudi citizens).
Requirements will vary depending on the course. Some key documents you may be asked to supply are:
Some universities have no deadline for Masters applications and so you are able to apply all year round. Others will have deadlines in either June-July or January-February.
To obtain a study visa, applicants must have a scholarship offer from a Saudi Arabian university.
Further documentation required will be:
Make sure to check the dates on your student visa as they will follow the calendar
Upon arrival students may obtain a free residence permit from the embassy by submitting a letter from the passport department in their university of admittance. This will cover you for the duration of your studies.
Because of Saudi Arabia’s fuel resources there are many postgraduate employment opportunities in oil and engineering fields. If you have been accepted for employment you will be able to obtain a work permit and new residence permit. Unlike other countries, the working week in Saudi Arabia is Saturday-Wednesday, with Thursday and Friday being the weekend.
Additionally, you might want to consider PhD study which is offered on full scholarships. More information can be found in our guide to PhD study in Saudi Arabia.
As the country abides by Islamic traditions and laws it is important to know some key points about life in Saudi Arabia.
For further information we recommend that you check the advice issued by the UK Government or your home country.
Ready to start looking for your ideal study abroad opportunity? Browse and compare Masters degrees in Saudi Arabia on FindAMasters.com.
What's it like to live in Saudi Arabia as a Masters student? Read a detailed guide to postgraduate accommodation, living costs and working whilst studying.
Read moreHannah worked at FindAMasters as a Content Writer from 2020 to 2023. She started with us part-time whilst studying for her PhD, giving her personal experience with balancing work responsibilities with academia. Hannah has a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of East Anglia, and both a Masters in Early Modern History and a PhD on Early Modern English seafarers from the University of Sheffield.