Study in Saudi Arabia, Academic Requirements, Scholarships and More

Study in Saudi Arabia offers international students high-quality education, affordable fees, and generous scholarships. Learn about leading universities, study costs, visa requirements, and top scholarship opportunities.

Study in Saudi Arabia provides students with the right blend of quality education and cultural experience. The country, with its highly advanced infrastructure and varied study programs, is favored by every section of students from all parts of the world. Many of the courses are offered in both English and Arabic, making it easier for international learners. Thanks to its central location, it opens up travel to several other parts of the Middle East and beyond.

 It is always necessary for foreign students to familiarize themselves with the admission procedures and requirements before applying. Generally included in this process are submission of academic certificates, proof of language proficiency, and valid documents. Tuition fees are generally low when compared to those in the West. Saudi Arabia provides a multitude of scholarships for the support of foreign students. The country is also known to be safe and provides excellent student support services.

Study in Saudi Arabia for International Students

Students from all regions of the world are welcome in public and private universities of Saudi Arabia. Most Saudi universities provide courses in engineering, medicine, business, IT, and Islamic studies. Language courses are taught in Arabic and English, which alleviates language difficulty for most international students. The universities have modern infrastructures, well-equipped labs, and strong linkages with industries.

 The government and the universities regularly hold cultural and academic events for students. Such a beneficial project might give students chances to meet, learn about Saudi culture, and gain some professional exposure.

Feature

Details

Main Language

Arabic & English

Tuition Fees

$2,500–$8,000 (varies); many scholarships

Living Cost

SAR 3,000–5,000/month ($800–1,330/month)

Top Universities

King Saud, KAUST, King Abdulaziz, KFUPM, Umm Al-Qura

Scholarships

Fully funded and partial; by government/universities

Popular Fields

Engg, Science, Medicine, IT, Islamic Studies

Visa

Education visa; offer letter required

 

Admission Requirements for Studying in Saudi Arabia 

Most Saudi universities require a high school certificate for undergraduate admission. For postgraduate programs, you need a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. International students need to prove their English or Arabic language skills. Accepted scores include IELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL 500+.

Applicants must submit academic transcripts and passport copies. Some universities require an entrance exam or interview. Medical fitness and proof of funds are usually needed. All documents must be officially translated into English or Arabic

 

Admission Requirements for Studying in Saudi Arabia

Requirement

Undergraduate

Masters/PhD

Academic Certificate

Yes

Yes

Language Proof (IELTS/TOEFL)

Yes

Yes

Age Limit

17–25 years

≤30/≤35 years

Medical Fitness

Yes

Yes

Passport

Yes

Yes

Entrance Exam/Interview

Sometimes

Sometimes

 

Study in Saudi Arabia with a Scholarship

International students can apply for many scholarships to study in Saudi Arabia. Scholarships are funded by the Saudi Ministry of Education, universities, and global organizations. Some are fully funded, covering tuition, monthly allowance, accommodation, medical insurance, and airfare.

Top Scholarships Include

King Abdullah University Scholarship: Offers full tuition and an annual living allowance up to $30,000. Also includes housing, health insurance, and travel support.

 IsDB Islamic Development Bank Scholarship: Supports undergraduate, master's, and PhD studies. Covers tuition, monthly stipend, books, and travel allowance.

 King Abdulaziz University Scholarship: Provides tuition, accommodation, stipend, insurance, and annual flights for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies.

 The application is usually made through the university or the scholarship portal. Deadlines range from June to October each year.

 

Scholarship Name

Coverage

Eligible Levels

King Abdullah Univ. Scholarship

Full tuition, living, and travel

Masters, PhD

IsDB Scholarship

Tuition, living, books, and flights

UG, Master's, PhD

King Abdulaziz Univ.

Tuition, stipend, and accommodation

UG, Master's, PhD

Study in Saudi Arabia Cost

Compared with many other nations, Saudi Arabia provides affordable education. Public university tuition fees can be low, especially for scholarship awardees. Full-time programs can range between $2,500 and $8,000 per year for an international student. The tuition fees in private universities might be higher.

Cost of Living Comparatively Cheap. The student's average monthly cost of living amounts to SAR 3,000-5,000 ($800-1,330) excluding education cost. This budget covers housing, food, transport, and necessities.

 

Study in Saudi Arabia Cost

Expense

Monthly Cost (SAR)

Monthly Cost (USD)

Accommodation

800–2,000

$215–$530

Food

1,000

$265

Utilities

300

$80

Transport

400

$105

Entertainment

600

$160

Total

3,000–5,000

$800–1,330

 

Top Universities in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia hosts many top-ranked universities for international students. These universities offer degrees in science, engineering, business, and medicine. Below are some leading options:

 

University Name

City

Ranking/Features

King Saud University

Riyadh

Top in Saudi Arabia; global reputation

King Abdullah Univ. of Science

Thuwal

Research-intensive; high scholarships

King Abdulaziz University

Jeddah

Popular for science and engineering

King Fahd University

Dhahran

Strong in engineering and IT

Umm Al-Qura University

Mecca

Prestigious for Islamic studies

Alfaisal University

Riyadh

Modern, strong medical programs

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Applying to study in Saudi Arabia has a simple procedure. Candidates must have to do a lot of research and apply for the respective courses and universities.

Research universities and programs available in Saudi Arabia.

  •  Check if you meet the admission requirements with proper certificates and scores.
  • Prepare translated and certified documents in English or Arabic.

  • Apply through the university’s international student portal or via the scholarship website.

  • Submit proof of English/Arabic language if needed.

  • Track application status and wait for a decision.

  • If selected, pay any required fees and confirm your admission.

 

Visa Process for International Students

International students need a Saudi educational visa to enter and study. You must have a university offer letter, passport, medical test report, and proof of funds. The visa application is usually online through the Saudi embassy in your home country. You must show your acceptance, financial ability, and health insurance.

 Studying in Saudi Arabia is a smart choice for quality education, affordable fees, and excellent scholarships. Plan, apply early, and explore the benefits of a growing global education hub. Saudi Arabia is safe for students, with strict rules for safety and respect. Students join clubs, sports, and cultural festivals. Universities provide dormitories, medical facilities, and help with daily needs. The country is welcoming and has a growing global student community.

 

 

authorImageVaishnavi k Pandhari20 Aug, 2025
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Study in Saudi Arabia

Study in Ireland: Ireland, renowned for its stunning geography, rich culture, and world-class education system, has rapidly become one of the top destinations for international students. Especially for Indian students, Ireland offers academic excellence, post-study work opportunities, and a vibrant lifestyle.

In the section below, we provide a detailed breakdown of everything candidates need to know about study in Ireland, including scholarships, visa processes, living costs, and why a Master's in Ireland for Indian students is a smart investment.

Why Study in Ireland?

Studying in Ireland offers an excellent opportunity to receive a world-class education in a friendly, English-speaking country. Below are the top reasons to choose Ireland:

  • Globally recognized degrees

  • Excellent job opportunities post-study

  • An English-speaking country with easy communication

  • Access to multinational tech and pharma companies

  • Two-year post-study work visa

  • Rich cultural and social life

Top Courses to Study in Ireland

Ireland is especially strong in sectors such as technology, health sciences, and business. Here are some of the most popular programs:

1. Masters Programs:

  • Data Science

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • Computer Science

  • Engineering

  • MBA

  • Finance and Accounting

2. Undergraduate Programs:

  • Nursing

  • Biotechnology

  • Arts and Humanities

  • Business Management

  • Information Technology

3. PhD & Research Areas:

  • Medical Sciences

  • Literature

  • Physics

  • Marine Science

Top Universities in Ireland

Ireland has various top-ranked institutions that offer a wide range of programs. Below are some top universities in Ireland:

University

QS World Rank (2025)

Key Programs

Trinity College Dublin (TCD)

Top 100

Humanities, Law, Engineering, Business

University College Dublin (UCD)

Top 200

Computer Science, Medicine, MBA

National University of Ireland Galway

Top 300

Biomedical Science, Marine Science

University College Cork (UCC)

Top 300

IT, Food Science, Pharmacy

Dublin City University (DCU)

Top 500

Engineering, Business, Education

Technological University Dublin (TUD)

Top 600

Technology, Art and Design, Hospitality

Admission Requirements

Ireland has clear and structured admission criteria that provide for students from diverse educational backgrounds. Whether candidates are applying for undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral programs, understanding the admission requirements is important. Below are the admission requirements for admission to Ireland:

Undergraduate

  • Class 10 and Class 12 certificates with a strong academic record

  • IELTS 6.0 or equivalent in TOEFL or Duolingo

  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)

  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

Masters in Ireland for Indian Students

  • Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 60% aggregate

  • IELTS 6.5 or higher (or TOEFL equivalent)

  • SOP and LORs

  • CV/Resume

  • GRE/GMAT scores (optional for most programs)

PhD

  • Master’s degree in a relevant field

  • Strong research proposal

  • Previous academic publications (preferred)

  • IELTS 6.5+

Tuition Fees for International Students

Studying in Ireland is more affordable compared to countries like the US or UK, but tuition fees vary depending on the university and program. Below is an overview of the annual tuition costs for students:

Program

Annual Tuition Fee

Undergraduate

INR 9 lakh - INR 22 lakh

Masters

INR 10 lakh - INR 27 lakh

MBA

INR 18 lakh - INR 31 lakh

PhD

INR 5 lakh - INR 13 lakh

Ireland Scholarships for International Students 2025

Ireland offers various scholarships for international students, including Indian students, to help reduce the cost of education. These scholarships are offered by the Irish government, individual universities, and international partnerships. Most scholarships are merit-based, and some also consider financial need or specific backgrounds. Below are the major scholarship for international students 2025:

Government-Funded Scholarships

1. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES):

  • Covers full tuition fee

  • INR 9 lakh stipend for one academic year

  • For Master's and PhD students

University-Specific Scholarships

University

Scholarship Name

Value (INR)

TCD

Global Excellence Scholarship

Up to INR 4.5 lakh

UCD

UCD Global Scholarships

INR 2.7 lakh - INR 9 lakh

NUIG

International Merit Scholarships

Varies by tuition fee

UCC

SEFS Scholarships

Up to INR 3.6 lakh

Scholarships for Indian Students

Indian students are eligible for most university-based and government scholarships. Additional cooperative and cultural exchange scholarships may be offered through the Irish Embassy or Education in Ireland. These opportunities make studying in Ireland more accessible and reduce the financial burden on deserving candidates.

Ireland Student Visa: Requirements and Process

Candidates looking to study in Ireland are required to apply for a student visa, which involves a clear set of guidelines and required documentation. Check points below for Ireland students' visa requirements and process:

Visa Type

  • Type D Student Visa (for courses longer than 3 months)

Documents Required

To apply for a student visa to Ireland, you’ll typically need:

  • A valid passport with at least 12 months’ validity

  • An official letter of acceptance from an Irish university

  • Proof of sufficient funds (minimum €10,000 or approx. ₹9,00,000 for one academic year)

  • Private medical insurance coverage

  • Transcripts and certificates of previous academic qualifications

  • Completed visa application form (AV3)

  • Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)

Visa Timeline

  • Standard visa processing takes 4 to 8 weeks

  • It is advisable to apply at least 12 weeks before the course start date to avoid delays

 

Cost of Living in Ireland for Indian Students

Understanding the cost of living is important for budgeting the study abroad experience. Ireland offers a comfortable lifestyle, but costs can vary depending on the city, type of accommodation, and personal spending habits. The table below breaks down the cost of living in Ireland for Indian students:

Expense

Monthly Cost

Accomodation

INR 36,00 - INR 72,000

Food

INR 18,000 - INR 27,000

Transport

INR 4,500 - INR 9,000

Miscellaneous

INR 9,000 - INR 18,000

Best Cities to Study in Ireland

Ireland is the home of various vibrant cities that offer excellent academic institutions, a high-quality life, and a good environment for international students. Below aew the best cities to study in Ireland:

  • Dublin: Tech and education hub; home to TCD, UCD, and TUD.

  • Cork: University College Cork; affordable and student-friendly.

  • Galway: NUI Galway; cultural capital with a scenic coastline.

  • Limerick: University of Limerick; modern and affordable.

  • Maynooth: Peaceful town; home to Maynooth University.

How to Apply to Study in Ireland

Applying to study in Ireland involves a clear, step-by-step process that begins with choosing the course and university and ends with securing the student visa. Indian and international students should make sure all required documents are ready and fall due to the university deadlines. Below are step-by-step process to apply to study in Ireland:

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Research and shortlist universities

  2. Check eligibility and course requirements

  3. Take IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent

  4. Prepare application documents (SOP, LOR, CV)

  5. Apply via the university portal or the Central Applications Office (CAO)

  6. Receive the offer letter

  7. Pay the deposit and accept the offer

  8. Apply for a student visa

  9. Arrange accommodation

  10. Book a flight and arrive in Ireland

Study in Saudi Arabia FAQs

What are the main requirements to study in Saudi Arabia?

You need academic certificates, language proof, and a health check.

Can international students apply for scholarships in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, generous scholarships are open to foreign students and funded by the government.

What is the cost to study in Saudi Arabia for international students?

Tuition ranges from $2,500–$8,000 per year; living costs are about $800–1,330/month.

What languages are programs offered in?

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