Universities in Saudi Arabia 2027: Rankings, Admissions, Tuition & Scholarships

Study in Saudi Arabia 2027 | Best Universities, Fees, Scholarships, Visa & International Student Guide

Saudi Arabia has become one of the most important higher-education and research destinations in the Arab world, combining major public universities, internationally ranked private institutions, specialist health universities, technology centres and research-intensive graduate institutions.

For international students, the Kingdom now offers a much more structured study pathway than older university directories suggest. The Saudi Ministry of Education maintains the national higher-education framework, while the official Study in Saudi Arabia platform brings together university opportunities, scholarships, applications and educational-visa information for international and local students.

Saudi universities have also strengthened their international ranking position.

In the QS World University Rankings 2027, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals — KFUPM — ranks No. 63 globally, King Saud University ranks No. 107, and King Abdulaziz University ranks No. 200. QS lists 22 Saudi institutions in the 2027 world ranking.

Saudi Arabia is even more prominent in the Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings 2026. KAUST ranks No. 1, KFUPM No. 2, King Saud University No. 4, and King Khalid University No. 8. Saudi Arabia has nine universities in the Arab Top 20 and 34 institutions in the overall THE Arab University Rankings 2026.

For students, however, rankings are only the discovery stage.

The more important questions are:

• Which Saudi university is strongest for the intended subject?
• Is the exact program recognised?
• Is the degree taught in Arabic, English or both?
• What admission requirements apply?
• Is a full or partial scholarship available?
• What tuition applies to self-funded students?
• Which educational visa is required?
• What work or training rights apply?
• Will the qualification be recognised in the country where the graduate intends to work?

This guide brings those questions together for students planning to study in Saudi Arabia in 2027.

Saudi Arabia universities

Saudi Arabia Higher Education at a Glance

The ranking figures retain their actual editions. QS 2027 is 2027 ranking evidence; THE Arab Rankings 2026 remains 2026 evidence and should not be cosmetically relabelled as 2027.

Saudi Arabia university exhibition

Top Universities in Saudi Arabia for 2027

There is no ranking-independent answer to the question “What is the best university in Saudi Arabia?”

Different ranking systems measure different characteristics.

QS currently places KFUPM highest among Saudi institutions in its global ranking, while THE’s regional ranking places KAUST first in Saudi Arabia and first across the Arab region. These results are not contradictory because the two rankings use different methodologies, and KAUST itself has a specialised graduate research model rather than a conventional undergraduate university structure.

Top 10 Universities in Saudi Arabia — QS World University Rankings 2027

Ranking provider: QS World University Rankings 2027.

These are QS positions, not an independent Universityi ranking.

Other Saudi Universities in QS 2027

Saudi representation extends well beyond the first ten institutions.

Other Saudi universities appearing in QS World University Rankings 2027 include:

• Qassim University — 781–790
• Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University — 791–800
• Alfaisal University — 801–850
• Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University — 801–850
• Taif University — 851–900
• Effat University — 901–950
• Jouf University — 951–1000
• Islamic University of Madinah — 1001–1200
• Northern Borders University — 1001–1200
• University of Ha’il — 1001–1200
• University of Tabuk — 1001–1200
• Taibah University — 1201–1400.

This broader representation matters because students should not restrict their search to three internationally famous institutions when the Kingdom has a much larger range of universities serving different subjects, cities and student profiles.

What Is the No. 1 University in Saudi Arabia?

It depends on the ranking.

According to QS World University Rankings 2027

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals — No. 63 globally.

According to THE Arab University Rankings 2026

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology — KAUST — No. 1 in the Arab region.

The useful question is therefore:

Which Saudi university is strongest according to which ranking, for which subject and for which type of student?

1. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals — KFUPM

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals is Saudi Arabia’s highest-ranked university in QS World University Rankings 2027 at No. 63 globally.

Times Higher Education places KFUPM at =184 globally in its World University Rankings 2026. Its current THE subject positions include:

• =97 — Engineering
• 126–150 — Computer Science
• 101–125 — Physical Sciences
• 151–175 — Business and Economics.

KFUPM remains strongly associated with engineering, petroleum, energy and earth sciences, but its modern academic portfolio has expanded into areas including:

• artificial intelligence;
• machine learning;
• cybersecurity;
• blockchain;
• robotics;
• autonomous systems;
• big-data analytics;
• business analytics;
• quantum computing;
• advanced materials;
• renewable energy;
• supply-chain technologies.

For students interested in engineering, energy, computing or advanced technology, KFUPM deserves serious consideration.

2. King Saud University

King Saud University — KSU ranks No. 107 globally in QS 2027 and 251–300 in THE World University Rankings 2026.

THE’s 2026 subject results place KSU at:

• 151–175 — Computer Science
• 151–175 — Engineering
• 126–150 — Life Sciences
• 126–150 — Physical Sciences
• 201–250 — Medical and Health.

Located in Riyadh, KSU is a large comprehensive university with study across areas including:

• science;
• engineering;
• computing;
• medicine;
• health sciences;
• business;
• economics;
• law;
• humanities;
• languages;
• social sciences.

Students seeking a broad research university in Saudi Arabia’s capital should normally include KSU in their comparison.

3. King Abdulaziz University

King Abdulaziz University — KAU ranks No. 200 globally in QS World University Rankings 2027.

Based in Jeddah, KAU is a major comprehensive public institution with academic coverage that includes:

• medicine;
• science;
• engineering;
• computing;
• business;
• economics;
• humanities;
• languages;
• marine sciences;
• earth sciences;
• health-related disciplines.

For students looking for a large multidisciplinary university in Jeddah, KAU is one of the country’s principal options.

4. Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University

Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University — PMU ranks No. 421 globally in QS 2027 and No. 11 in THE Arab University Rankings 2026.

Located in Al Khobar, PMU demonstrates that Saudi Arabia’s internationally visible higher-education sector is not limited to government universities.

Students comparing institutions in the Eastern Province may evaluate PMU alongside KFUPM in Dhahran and Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in Dammam.

5. Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University

Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University — IAU ranks =474 globally in QS 2027.

The university is based in Dammam and offers a major public-university option in the Eastern Province.

Its location can be attractive to students interested in a region strongly connected with energy, industry, healthcare and business.

6. Prince Sultan University

Prince Sultan University — PSU ranks =488 globally in QS 2027 and No. 18 in THE Arab University Rankings 2026.

Located in Riyadh, PSU is a private university with study across areas including:

• engineering;
• computer and information sciences;
• business;
• law;
• architecture;
• professional graduate programs.

Its private fee structure should be compared carefully with scholarship-supported public-university options.

7. King Khalid University

King Khalid University in Abha ranks No. 514 in QS 2027 and No. 8 in THE Arab University Rankings 2026.

Its Top-10 Arab position makes it one of the strongest current regional ranking performers among Saudi universities outside Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province.

8. King Faisal University

King Faisal University, located in Al Ahsa, ranks =567 in QS 2027.

Depending on the program, students may investigate it for fields including sciences, health-related disciplines, agriculture, business and other professional areas.

9. Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University

Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University ranks =677 in QS 2027 and No. 16 in THE Arab University Rankings 2026.

Located in Al-Kharj, it offers another major public-university option in the wider Riyadh region.

10. Umm Al-Qura University

Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah ranks 741–750 in QS 2027 and No. 22 in THE Arab University Rankings 2026.

Its academic profile extends beyond Islamic and Arabic studies into areas including:

• medicine;
• nursing;
• pharmacy;
• computing;
• engineering;
• science;
• business.

Students should therefore not treat Umm Al-Qura as solely a specialist religious institution.

KAUST: Saudi Arabia’s Graduate Research Powerhouse

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology — KAUST requires separate treatment because it is fundamentally a graduate-level science and technology research university, rather than a conventional undergraduate institution.

KAUST offers master’s and doctoral study across fields including:

• computer science;
• electrical and computer engineering;
• applied mathematics;
• statistics;
• bioengineering;
• bioscience;
• environmental science;
• marine science;
• plant science;
• chemical engineering;
• chemistry;
• earth-system science;
• materials science;
• mechanical engineering.

THE places KAUST No. 1 in the Arab University Rankings 2026 for the third consecutive edition.

For a student seeking research-intensive graduate study in science, engineering, computing, energy, environment or bioscience, KAUST should be compared differently from a large bachelor’s-level comprehensive university.

Saudi Arabia in THE Arab University Rankings 2026

Saudi Arabia’s regional ranking position is particularly strong.

THE’s 2026 Arab Top 20 includes:

Saudi Arabia therefore holds nine of the Arab Top 20 positions. THE reports 34 Saudi universities in the full 2026 Arab ranking.

That is stronger evidence of regional university performance than a vague claim that Saudi universities are simply “improving.”

Public Universities in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia maintains a large government university sector under the national higher-education framework.

Major public institutions include universities such as:

• Umm Al-Qura University;
• Islamic University of Madinah;
• Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University;
• King Saud University;
• King Abdulaziz University;
• King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals;
• King Faisal University;
• King Khalid University;
• Qassim University;
• Taibah University;
• Taif University;
• University of Ha’il;
• Jazan University;
• Jouf University;
• University of Tabuk;
• Najran University;
• Northern Border University;
• Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University;
• Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University;
• Shaqra University;
• Majmaah University;
• Saudi Electronic University;
• University of Jeddah;
• University of Bisha;
• King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences;
• Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.

The Ministry of Education remains the appropriate authority for checking current institutional status rather than relying on historical university directories.

Private Universities and Colleges in Saudi Arabia

Private higher education is also an important part of the Saudi system.

Internationally visible private institutions include examples such as:

• Prince Sultan University;
• Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University;
• Alfaisal University;
• Effat University;
• Dar Al-Hekma University;
• Al Yamamah University;
• University of Business and Technology;
• Sulaiman Al Rajhi University;
• other licensed private universities and colleges.

The strong ranking positions of PMU, PSU, Alfaisal and Effat demonstrate that international visibility is no longer confined to government universities.

Best Universities in Saudi Arabia by Student Goal

This is a subject-based starting point, not a separate ranking.

Best Universities in Saudi Arabia for Engineering

Engineering is one of Saudi Arabia’s most internationally visible academic strengths.

Students should investigate institutions including:

• KFUPM;
• KAUST;
• King Saud University;
• King Abdulaziz University;
• Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University;
• Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University;
• Prince Sultan University.

KFUPM deserves particular attention because it combines a QS global rank of No. 63 in 2027 with a THE Engineering rank of =97 in 2026.

Engineering applicants should still compare the exact discipline, accreditation, laboratories, industry relationships, internships and professional recognition.

Best Universities in Saudi Arabia for Computer Science and AI

Saudi Arabia is expanding strongly in computing and advanced technology.

Potential institutions include:

• KFUPM;
• KAUST;
• King Saud University;
• King Abdulaziz University;
• Prince Sultan University;
• Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University.

KFUPM’s current academic development includes AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, blockchain, robotics, big-data analytics and quantum-related technology. KAUST provides graduate research in computer science, electrical and computer engineering, applied mathematics and statistics.

For computing students, the strongest comparison should include curriculum depth, mathematics, laboratories, research groups, industry projects and teaching language.

Best Universities in Saudi Arabia for Medicine

Saudi Arabia has comprehensive universities with medical colleges as well as specialist health institutions.

Students may investigate institutions including:

• King Saud University;
• King Abdulaziz University;
• King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences;
• Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University;
• Umm Al-Qura University;
• King Faisal University;
• Alfaisal University;
• Sulaiman Al Rajhi University;
• appropriately recognised medical colleges.

Medical applicants should perform additional verification.

Before enrolling, confirm:

1. institutional recognition;
2. exact medical qualification;
3. program accreditation;
4. clinical training;
5. language used in clinical environments;
6. internship structure;
7. licensing requirements in the country where the student plans to practise.

For medicine, professional recognition may matter more than an institution’s overall QS position.

Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University

Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University — PNU is one of Saudi Arabia’s most significant institutions focused on women’s higher education.

It ranks 801–850 in QS World University Rankings 2027 and No. 20 in THE Arab University Rankings 2026.

Women specifically researching a large university environment in Riyadh should compare PNU’s current program portfolio, teaching language, admission requirements and scholarship options.

Saudi Arabia Degree Structure

Saudi higher education includes undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, with universities offering bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional routes.

Program length varies significantly by discipline and institution. Professional programs such as medicine can require substantially longer study and clinical training than conventional undergraduate degrees.

Students should verify four things for every program:

exact qualification

duration

credit structure

professional status

A university name alone is not enough to determine how a qualification will be recognised.

Can International Students Study in Saudi Arabia?

Yes.

The official Study in Saudi Arabia platform is designed to provide study opportunities, scholarship information and application guidance to international as well as local students.

Current official guidance lists general requirements that can include:

• applicant aged at least 16;
• valid passport;
• medical evidence showing freedom from infectious disease;
• authenticated academic certificates and supporting documents as required;
• admission from an appropriately licensed and accredited institution;
• additional university-specific academic or language requirements.

How to Apply to Universities in Saudi Arabia

Step 1 — Choose the Subject

Begin with the academic objective.

Possible fields include:

• engineering;
• medicine;
• artificial intelligence;
• computer science;
• sciences;
• business;
• economics;
• Islamic studies;
• humanities;
• health sciences;
• other professional disciplines.

Step 2 — Compare Universities

Check:

• institutional status;
• subject strength;
• international rankings where useful;
• teaching language;
• tuition;
• scholarship availability;
• city;
• professional recognition.

Step 3 — Select the Funding Route

The official Study in Saudi framework distinguishes between:

full scholarships

partial scholarships

paid/self-funded study.

Step 4 — Prepare Documents

Depending on the university and program, applicants may need:

• passport;
• academic certificates;
• transcripts;
• authenticated documents;
• medical documentation;
• language evidence;
• recommendations;
• other program-specific records.

Step 5 — Submit the Application

International applicants can use the Study in Saudi Arabia platform for opportunities covered by that system.

Step 6 — University and Ministry Review

For scholarship applications, the official FAQ states that the application first goes to the university selected by the student. After university approval, it is processed by the Ministry of Education.

Step 7 — Complete Visa Requirements

Students requiring immigration permission proceed through the applicable educational-visa process after obtaining the necessary admission.

Saudi University Admissions for 2027

Saudi universities do not all use one identical international admission deadline.

Requirements can vary according to:

• university;
• program;
• degree level;
• scholarship route;
• self-funded route;
• nationality;
• academic background.

Applicants may be asked for:

• secondary-school certificate;
• previous bachelor’s or master’s degree;
• minimum GPA;
• aptitude or achievement tests;
• English-language evidence;
• Arabic-language competence;
• academic references;
• interview;
• statement of purpose;
• research proposal;
• prerequisite subjects.

Students planning for 2027 should use the latest available cycle to prepare but should not convert an older deadline into a 2027 date unless the university has officially published the new intake calendar.

A particularly useful current example is KAUST. Its admissions page states that applications for 2026 are closed and applications for 2027 entry are expected to open in mid-August 2026. KAUST currently requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 81 or IELTS 6.5 unless an exemption applies, and it does not require the GRE, although it says strong GRE performance may strengthen an application.

Scholarships in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia provides several funding models for international students.

The official Study in Saudi system distinguishes between:

• full scholarships
• partial scholarships
• paid study.

Scholarships are competitive and subject to the rules of the relevant institution and the Ministry process.

Full Scholarships in Saudi Arabia

The official Study in Saudi guidance states that full scholarships for foreign students can cover tuition and university services and may provide additional financial support.

Possible benefits identified by the official platform include:

• healthcare for the student and, where regulations permit, accompanying family members;
• an arrival allowance;
• housing;
• benefits comparable with relevant students at the institution;
• annual travel tickets under applicable regulations.

Students should verify the actual award letter because the precise package can depend on the university and scholarship.

Partial Scholarships

Partial scholarships reduce the cost of study without necessarily covering every expense.

Applicants should verify:

• tuition percentage covered;
• scholarship duration;
• renewal requirements;
• academic-performance conditions;
• housing;
• health coverage;
• travel support;
• other exclusions.

The official Study in Saudi platform recognises partial-scholarship routes separately from full scholarships and paid study.

Self-Funded Study

Saudi Arabia also supports paid study for foreign students.

The official platform states that tuition varies by university and that VAT may apply under the relevant rules.

This is important because the existence of major scholarship programs does not mean every international student studies free of charge.

KAUST Fellowship

KAUST provides one of the most substantial graduate funding packages in Saudi Arabia.

Its current funding information states that the KAUST Fellowship includes:

• full tuition and bench-fee coverage, valued at up to US$35,000 per year;
• stipend worth approximately US$20,000 per year for M.S. students;
• approximately US$25,000–US$30,000 per year for Ph.D. students, depending on qualifications and academic progress;
• base accommodation;
• health insurance for students and eligible dependants living on campus;
• relocation support.

KAUST estimates the total annual value of the fellowship at approximately:

US$70,000–US$80,000 per year

depending on the student’s circumstances.

Some externally sponsored or funded students may not be eligible for the standard KAUST Fellowship package.

Tuition Fees in Saudi Arabia

There is no useful single national tuition figure for Saudi universities.

Cost depends on:

• public or private institution;
• scholarship status;
• study level;
• program;
• credit load;
• nationality;
• applicable VAT treatment.

The official Study in Saudi system itself distinguishes between fully funded, partially funded and paid study.

The correct approach is to obtain the fee for the exact university + exact program + exact intake.

Alfaisal University Tuition Example

Alfaisal University’s current published tuition provides a useful example of private-university costs.

It lists:

Undergraduate tuition — SAR 94,000 per year

and also publishes:

Preparatory program — SAR 60,000 per year

Graduate master’s programs — SAR 200,000 total

Doctoral programs — SAR 400,000 total

under the university’s current fee structure.

These are Alfaisal University fees, not national Saudi tuition rates.

Prince Sultan University Tuition Example

Prince Sultan University’s current financial rules state that undergraduate students enrolled from 2025 onward are charged:

SAR 3,000 per credit hour

with a minimum semester tuition equivalent to 12 credit hours.

Master’s and doctoral tuition is currently:

SAR 5,000 per credit hour.

The university also states that 15% VAT applies to non-Saudi students under its current tuition rules.

This reinforces an important rule:

Never estimate one Saudi university’s tuition from another institution’s fee.

What Does It Really Cost to Study in Saudi Arabia?

International students should budget beyond tuition.

A complete calculation can include:

• tuition;
• housing;
• food;
• local transport;
• health insurance;
• books and equipment;
• visa-related costs;
• personal expenses;
• travel.

Then subtract confirmed support such as:

• tuition scholarship;
• stipend;
• university accommodation;
• health coverage;
• travel allowance.

A fully funded KAUST graduate student and a self-funded undergraduate at a private university can therefore have completely different financial profiles.

Can You Study in Saudi Arabia in English?

Yes.

English is widely used in selected Saudi science, engineering, technology, medicine, business and graduate-research programs.

KAUST is an international graduate research environment, while KFUPM and other universities provide extensive science and technology education in an internationally oriented academic setting.

However:

English-medium programs exist in Saudi Arabia.

does not mean:

Every program at every Saudi university is taught in English.

Applicants should verify the exact degree.

The educational-visa rules also require evidence of competence in the language of study, except for applicants coming specifically to study Arabic.

Educational Visa for Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia operates a dedicated educational visa system for international study.

The official Study in Saudi platform identifies short-term and long-term routes.

Short-Term Educational Visa

The short-term educational visa is intended for activities such as:

• study;
• training;
• exchange;
• language programs;
• other short academic programs.

The current visa duration is:

6 months

and it can be extended for:

an additional 6 months under the applicable rules.

Long-Term Educational Visa

The long-term visa is intended for study, research and other eligible education-related purposes lasting more than one year, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral study.

The current visa is issued for:

1 year

and can be:

renewed annually.

Advantages of the Saudi Educational Visa

The official Study in Saudi platform currently identifies benefits including:

• no sponsor requirement;
• ability to bring dependants under applicable conditions;
• part-time work during study;
• full-time work during vacations;
• practical training for up to two years after graduation;
• family visitor-visa provisions under applicable rules.

These provisions can materially affect Saudi Arabia’s attractiveness to international students, but they should always be rechecked before travel because immigration rules can change.

Long-Term Educational Visa Requirements

Current official requirements include:

• applicant aged at least 16;
• passport valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry;
• admission from a licensed and accredited educational institution;
• evidence of financial ability to cover tuition and living expenses, or a financial guarantee;
• written guardian approval for applicants under 18;
• medical report showing freedom from infectious disease;
• medical insurance;
• evidence of proficiency in the language of study, except for students specifically studying Arabic.

Applicants should use the live official system when applying because documentary requirements can change.

Can International Students Work While Studying?

Under current Study in Saudi educational-visa guidance:

part-time work during study is permitted

and

full-time work during vacations is permitted.

The platform also identifies practical training for up to two years after graduation.

These provisions should not be interpreted as unrestricted employment. Students remain subject to the conditions of their educational visa and applicable Saudi regulations.

Best Cities to Study in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s capital has one of the country’s largest concentrations of higher-education institutions.

Major universities include:

• King Saud University;
• Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University;
• Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University;
• Prince Sultan University;
• Alfaisal University;
• Al Yamamah University;
• Saudi Electronic University.

Riyadh provides strong options across engineering, medicine, business, computing, humanities and public-policy-related fields.

Best suited to: broad academic choice, major-city opportunities, business, health, technology and government-related study.

Jeddah

Jeddah is another major higher-education centre.

Institutions include:

• King Abdulaziz University;
• University of Jeddah;
• Effat University;
• University of Business and Technology;
• Dar Al-Hekma University;
• specialist health and professional colleges.

King Abdulaziz University ranks No. 200 in QS 2027, while Effat University appears in the 901–950 band.

Best suited to: comprehensive university study, private education, medicine, business and Red Sea metropolitan life.

Dhahran, Dammam and Al Khobar

The Eastern Province has an unusually concentrated cluster of major universities:

• KFUPM — Dhahran
• Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University — Dammam
• Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University — Al Khobar

All three appear prominently in QS 2027.

The region is particularly relevant to students interested in:

• engineering;
• energy;
• technology;
• industry;
• healthcare;
• business.

Thuwal

KAUST is based in Thuwal on the Red Sea coast.

It operates as an international graduate-level science and technology research university with extensive research infrastructure.

Best suited to: funded master’s and doctoral research in science and technology.

Makkah

Makkah is home to Umm Al-Qura University, ranked 741–750 in QS 2027 and No. 22 in THE Arab University Rankings 2026.

Its portfolio extends from Islamic and Arabic studies into medicine, computing, engineering, science, business and health.

Madinah

Madinah includes major institutions such as:

• Islamic University of Madinah;
• Taibah University.

Both appear in QS World University Rankings 2027.

Abha

Abha is home to King Khalid University, ranked No. 514 in QS 2027 and No. 8 in THE Arab University Rankings 2026.

It is one of Saudi Arabia’s strongest currently ranked regional universities.

Accreditation and Recognition

Ranking and recognition are different issues.

Before applying, students should check several layers.

Institutional Recognition

Confirm that the university is properly recognised within the Saudi higher-education system.

Program Recognition

Verify the exact qualification rather than assuming every program at a recognised institution has identical professional status.

Professional Accreditation

This is especially important for:

• medicine;
• dentistry;
• nursing;
• pharmacy;
• engineering;
• architecture;
• law;
• other regulated professions.

Recognition Outside Saudi Arabia

Students who plan to work in another country should check the intended qualification with the appropriate regulator before enrolment.

For example:

QS ranking ≠ automatic medical licence abroad.

Is Saudi Arabia Good for International Students?

Saudi Arabia now offers a much more developed international-study proposition than older directories suggest.

Potential advantages include:

• universities with strong global rankings;
• the top two universities in THE’s Arab ranking;
• major engineering and technology strength;
• significant AI and research development;
• public and private study options;
• full scholarships;
• partial scholarships;
• fully funded graduate research;
• selected English-medium programs;
• a central international application platform;
• a dedicated educational visa;
• current student-work provisions;
• post-study practical-training provisions.

Students should still consider:

• teaching language;
• tuition;
• scholarship competitiveness;
• housing;
• climate;
• city;
• cultural environment;
• professional recognition;
• long-term career goals.

Saudi Arabia can be an excellent destination for one student and a poor fit for another.

How to Choose the Best University in Saudi Arabia

1. Choose the Subject First

A university with the highest overall ranking is not automatically strongest for every discipline.

2. Identify the Study Level

Determine whether the student needs:

• bachelor’s;
• master’s;
• Ph.D.;
• professional degree.

KAUST, for example, is a graduate research institution rather than a conventional undergraduate university.

3. Verify Recognition

Confirm both the university and the exact program.

4. Compare Subject Strength

Engineering, medicine, AI, business, health and Islamic studies have different institutional leaders.

5. Confirm the Teaching Language

Check whether the program is:

• Arabic;
• English;
• bilingual;
• another arrangement.

6. Test Admission Eligibility

Compare:

• grades;
• previous qualifications;
• prerequisite subjects;
• language scores;
• interviews;
• portfolio or research requirements.

7. Decide the Funding Route

Determine whether the application is for:

• full scholarship;
• partial scholarship;
• paid study.

8. Obtain the Exact Tuition

Do not use another university’s fee as an estimate.

9. Calculate Total Cost

Include:

• tuition;
• accommodation;
• food;
• transport;
• insurance;
• books;
• travel;
• personal expenses.

10. Check Educational-Visa Eligibility

Confirm whether a short- or long-term educational visa applies.

11. Understand Work and Training Rights

Use current official visa conditions rather than assuming general employment rights.

12. Verify Professional Recognition

Do this before enrolment in a regulated profession.

Practical Saudi University Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best universities in Saudi Arabia for 2027?

Current internationally prominent institutions include KFUPM, King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University, KAUST, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Prince Sultan University and King Khalid University.

The ordering depends on the ranking provider and academic subject.

What is the No. 1 university in Saudi Arabia?

There is no ranking-independent No. 1.

KFUPM is the highest-ranked Saudi institution in QS World University Rankings 2027 at No. 63 globally.

KAUST is No. 1 in THE Arab University Rankings 2026.

How many Saudi universities are in QS 2027?

QS World University Rankings 2027 lists 22 Saudi institutions.

How many Saudi universities are in THE Arab University Rankings 2026?

THE reports 34 Saudi institutions.

How many Saudi universities are in the Arab Top 20?

Saudi Arabia has nine universities in THE’s Arab Top 20 for 2026.

Is KAUST a bachelor’s university?

No. KAUST is a graduate-level science and technology research university focused on master’s and doctoral study.

Is KAUST fully funded?

Eligible admitted students receive the KAUST Fellowship, which currently includes full tuition and bench fees, stipend, base accommodation, health insurance and relocation support. Certain externally sponsored students may be exceptions.

When will KAUST applications for 2027 open?

KAUST’s current admissions page states that 2027 entry applications will open in mid-August 2026.

Can international students study in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. The Study in Saudi Arabia platform specifically provides international study opportunities, scholarship information and application guidance.

Are fully funded scholarships available?

Yes. The official Study in Saudi system offers full-scholarship pathways and identifies possible benefits including tuition, financial assistance, housing, healthcare and annual travel support under applicable conditions.

Are partial scholarships available?

Yes. Partial-scholarship routes are separately recognised on the official platform.

Can students study without a scholarship?

Yes. Paid/self-funded study is part of the official international-study framework.

How much does university cost in Saudi Arabia?

There is no single national tuition rate.

For example, Alfaisal University currently publishes SAR 94,000 per year for undergraduate degrees, while Prince Sultan University uses a credit-hour system.

Can international students study in English?

Yes. English-medium or substantially English-taught study exists particularly in science, technology, engineering and graduate research, but the exact language must be checked at program level.

Is there a Saudi educational visa?

Yes. Saudi Arabia has short- and long-term educational visas.

Does the educational visa require a sponsor?

Current official Study in Saudi guidance lists no sponsor requirement as an educational-visa benefit.

Can international students work while studying?

Current educational-visa guidance states that students may work part-time during study and full-time during vacations, subject to applicable rules.

Can graduates undertake practical training after study?

The current educational-visa framework identifies practical training for up to two years after graduation.

Which Saudi university is strongest for engineering?

KFUPM is a major starting point. It ranks No. 63 overall in QS 2027 and =97 in THE Engineering 2026.

Which Saudi university is strongest for graduate science research?

KAUST is particularly important for research-intensive master’s and doctoral study and ranks No. 1 in THE Arab University Rankings 2026.

Final Guide to Studying in Saudi Arabia in 2027

Saudi Arabia’s higher-education sector is now much more diverse and internationally visible than a traditional government-university directory suggests.

The Kingdom currently has:

• KFUPM at No. 63 globally in QS 2027
• 22 Saudi institutions in QS World University Rankings 2027
• KAUST at No. 1 in THE Arab University Rankings 2026
• KFUPM at No. 2 in THE Arab University Rankings 2026
• nine Saudi universities in the Arab Top 20
• 34 Saudi institutions represented in THE Arab University Rankings 2026
• public and private higher-education options;
• full and partial scholarship routes;
• fully funded graduate research opportunities;
• a central Study in Saudi Arabia platform;
• dedicated educational visas with current study, work and training provisions.

But ranking is only the beginning of a decision.

An engineering student may prioritise KFUPM.

A graduate researcher in computing, energy, environment, bioscience or advanced engineering may focus on KAUST.

A student wanting a large comprehensive public university in Riyadh may investigate King Saud University.

A student targeting Jeddah may compare King Abdulaziz University with the city’s private institutions.

A student seeking a private Riyadh university may compare Prince Sultan University and Alfaisal University.

A woman seeking a major university environment dedicated to women’s higher education may investigate Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.

A medical applicant should place accreditation, clinical training and home-country licensing ahead of general ranking position.

The strongest decision sequence is:

Choose the subject.

Verify the university.

Verify the exact program.

Check the study level.

Confirm the teaching language.

Check current admission requirements.

Compare rankings and subject evidence where useful.

Determine whether a full or partial scholarship is available.

Obtain the exact tuition if self-funded.

Calculate the complete study budget.

Check educational-visa eligibility.

Understand current work and training rights.

Verify professional recognition where the qualification will ultimately be used.

Then shortlist.

Then apply.

That is how Saudi university rankings become a useful education decision rather than merely a number.

Knowledge is power. Education for everyone. Wisdom for all.