Saudi Arabia : Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

Higher education in Saudi Arabia is available through universities (both public and private), teachers’ colleges and an Institute of Public Administration. Some institutions, such as the University of Petroleum and Minerals, are exclusive to men, although the majority are open to both males and females. The Higher Education Council oversees HE policy and each university has a university council.

What courses are available?

As in the UK, a range of Masters degrees and PhDs are offered in a variety of disciplines, including engineering, humanities, languages and agriculture. The courses take approximately the same time to complete as those studied in the UK, with a Masters lasting two years and a PhD three to four years.

There are a large number of courses taught in English but this does vary across institutions, so check with each one to find out what is available. 

Where can I study?

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Kaust) is a relatively new university, and had its first student intake in September 2009. It focuses on science, engineering and computer science subjects at Masters and PhD level. It is an international university accepting applicants from overseas students with classes taught in English.

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) offers science and engineering postgraduate and undergraduate courses (admits men only). Classes are taught in English and applications from overseas students are accepted.

Alfaisal University is a new university in Riyadh and has just launched its first postgraduate course which is the Alfaisal MBA for Executives. It plans to offer more postgraduate courses in the future.

A full list of the universities in Saudi Arabia can be found on the Ministry of Higher Education Saudi Arabia website.

Applying for postgraduate study

Both the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals recognise UK degrees for acceptance onto postgraduate courses. Individual institutions should be contacted directly for detailed entry requirements and application closing dates. 

Applications are made directly to the individual universities and can be made online. Universities usually ask for three references or letters of recommendation while other specific requirements differ depending on the institution. You will also need a valid visa, which you are advised to apply for well in advance.

Fees and scholarships

The fee levels for postgraduate courses are set by individual universities and they should be contacted directly for up-to-date information.

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology runs a KAUST fellowship bursary, which is a scholarship programme open to non-Saudi students who are studying a postgraduate qualification and who have a first degree in a related subject. These bursaries offer full tuition cover, a monthly living allowance, free housing and private healthcare.

Are there any exchange programmes?

Although many Saudi citizens study overseas, there are no known exchange programmes for UK students to study in Saudi Arabia.

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

Postgraduate qualifications from a university in Saudi Arabia should be recognised in the UK. The UK National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) provides information about the comparison of qualifications and skills from overseas to the UK’s national qualifications framework.