Higher Education

University Admissions for Expats in Saudi Arabia

Guide to university pathways, admission requirements, and scholarship opportunities for expatriate students in the Kingdom.

Education Pathways

Expatriate students in Saudi Arabia have several options for higher education, ranging from prestigious public universities to specialized private institutions.

Public Universities

Limited Seats for Expats

Often requires scholarships

Private Universities

More Accessible

Wide variety of programs

Popular Fields

  • Medicine & Health
  • Engineering
  • Business & Finance
  • IT & Computer Science

Admission Requirements

High School Cert

Equivalency approval required.

Entrance Exams

SAT, Qudrat, or Tahsili.

English Proficiency

IELTS or TOEFL (if applicable).

Dependent Iqama

Must be valid and active.

Language Requirements

Language of instruction varies by program and university type:

  • Arabic (Common in Public Unis)
  • English (Most International Programs)

Key Rules for Expats

  • • Seats in public universities are extremely competitive and limited for non-Saudis.
  • • Private universities are more accessible but involve tuition fees.
  • • Some universities offer full or partial scholarships for high-achieving expat students.

Frequently Asked Questions

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