King Saud University | Tuition Fees | Scholarships | Admission
General Information
Overview
King Saud University (KSU) is a leading public university in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and is considered the first university established in the Kingdom. Founded in 1957, KSU has over six decades of history and has grown into a comprehensive institution offering a wide array of academic disciplines, research opportunities, and modern educational facilities. Today, KSU is recognized for its academic excellence, robust research output, and significant contribution to higher education and national development in Saudi Arabia. The university combines both traditional fields such as medicine, engineering, humanities, and Islamic studies, with modern disciplines like computer science, environmental sciences, social sciences, and business administration.
As part of its commitment to becoming a world-class research institution, KSU invests heavily in infrastructure, recruits distinguished international researchers, and maintains a broad portfolio of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Its large campus in urban Riyadh provides students with access to libraries, research centers, laboratories, and various student services — creating an environment conducive to intellectual growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. The multicultural character of the student body and the dual language of instruction (Arabic and English, depending on major) further enhance its appeal to both local and international students.
Contact Informations
Address: King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Phone Number: As a large public institution, contact numbers vary by department; prospective students are typically directed to central admissions or international admissions office.
E-mail Address: General and admissions inquiries are managed by official university email channels provided by the administration.
School Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | King Saud University (KSU) |
| Type | Public University |
| Founded | 1957 (November 6) |
| Motto / Slogan | Leadership and Excellence |
| Campus Setting | Urban (Riyadh, large campus area) |
| Language(s) of Instruction | Arabic and English (depending on major) |
King Saud University Rankings
| Scope / Rank Type | Ranking / Status |
|---|---|
| National (Saudi Arabia) | Regarded among the top public universities in the country |
| QS World University Ranking (Global) | Ranked #143 (as of latest QS update) |
| ARWU Global Ranking (Research-based) | Positioned among the 101–150 band globally in recent ARWU assessments |
| Subject-Specific Global Strengths | Highly ranked in subjects like Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences (global ~20), Textile Science & Engineering (~22), Agricultural Sciences (~25), Computer Science & Engineering (~50) |
King Saud University Academics
Faculties / Departments
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences
- College of Engineering (various engineering disciplines)
- College of Sciences
- College of Computer and Information Sciences
- College of Business and Management
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- College of Islamic Studies and Arabic Language
- School/Colleges of Graduate Studies and Research
- Other specialized faculties covering agriculture, environment, arts, education, and interdisciplinary areas
Courses and Programs / Majors
King Saud University offers a broad and diverse suite of academic programs across undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels including but not limited to: medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering (civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical, environmental, etc.), computer science and IT, business administration, economics, humanities, social sciences, Islamic studies, natural sciences, agricultural and environmental sciences, communications, and other professional and academic disciplines. The university also provides advanced postgraduate degrees (master’s, PhD) in many of these fields, along with opportunities for research and specialization.
Online Learning
KSU supports digital education platforms and provides online services for academic administration, e-learning modules, digital libraries, and remote learning support — especially important for international students and those requiring flexible study options. The institution’s infrastructure and academic services are designed to accommodate a mix of traditional in-person instruction and modern online or blended learning approaches through its e-services, LMS, and digital library platforms.
Average Test Scores
| Standardized Test | Typical / Reported Requirement or Use |
|---|---|
| SAT / ACT | Not generally required — admission depends on national criteria / entrance exams rather than international standardized tests |
| GRE | May be required for certain graduate programs (depending on department) |
| National Entrance / Admission Exams | Primary basis for undergraduate admission evaluation |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Publicly available data does not show consistent, up-to-date retention or graduation rate percentages for KSU. Instead, success is often measured by its high enrollment numbers, breadth of academic offerings, and considerable number of graduate and postgraduate completions across diverse disciplines. The institutional emphasis on academic support, research, and professional preparation suggests that a significant proportion of students complete their programs and proceed to careers or further studies.
King Saud University Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
King Saud University admission does not typically depend on international GPA scales or SAT/ACT scores for domestic applicants. Admission criteria are based on national secondary education credentials and performance on national or institution-specific assessments for selection. International applicants may have additional requirements depending on their credentials and program of study.
King Saud University Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Estimate / Data |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Reported estimate ranges between 70% and 79% for general admissions |
King Saud University Application Requirements
Applicants to KSU must meet secondary school graduation requirements as mandated by Saudi national regulations or equivalent credentials if international. For undergraduate admission, they must fulfill relevant subject prerequisites depending on the intended major (for example, science courses for engineering or medicine, humanities for social sciences). International or non-Saudi applicants may need to submit proof of prior education equivalence, language proficiency (Arabic and/or English depending on program), personal identification, and other required documents.
For graduate programs, applicants need to submit prior degree transcripts, possibly recommendation letters, and meet department-specific criteria. The process is structured to ensure students are academically prepared to succeed in their chosen field of study, aligning with KSU’s standards for academic excellence.
Application Process
- Submit university application form (online or via the admissions office)
- Provide required academic credentials or equivalent certificates
- For international applicants, include proofs of equivalency and language proficiency if required
- Undergo national or institution-specific selection examinations or screening (as applicable)
- Wait for admission decision based on credentials and exam results
- Upon acceptance, complete registration and enrollment procedures
King Saud University Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Admission Period or Cycle | Typical Timing or Note |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Admission | Aligned with national academic calendar; timing varies by program and nationality |
| Graduate Admission | Dependent on faculty and program; often begins after undergraduate admission windows |
Essay Prompt
There is no publicly documented evidence that a general admissions essay is required for undergraduate applications to KSU. Admission relies primarily on academic credentials and examination performance. Graduate applications may require statement of purpose or department-specific documents depending on the program.
King Saud University Scholarships
KSU offers generous scholarships and financial support for both Saudi and international students, particularly at postgraduate level. The university provides tuition waivers, stipends, and support for research-based programs. Financial aid and scholarship schemes aim to support academic excellence, foster research initiatives, and promote access to higher education for qualified students.
King Saud University Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Type | Estimated Tuition Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Programs (Saudi Students) | 0 SAR | Tuition fully covered by government for Saudi nationals. |
| Undergraduate Programs (International Students) | 8,000 – 15,000 SAR per year | Fees vary by college and major; science and engineering programs may cost more. |
| Master’s Programs | 10,000 – 25,000 SAR per year | Research-heavy programs may include additional lab or project fees. |
| PhD Programs | Free to 20,000 SAR per year | Often subsidized; some programs offer stipends or full scholarships. |
| Medical & Health Sciences Programs | 15,000 – 40,000 SAR per year | Among the most expensive programs for non-scholarship students. |
| Engineering Programs | 12,000 – 25,000 SAR per year | Costs vary depending on specialization and lab usage. |
| Distance / Online Learning | 5,000 – 12,000 SAR per year | Applies to continuing education or professional certificate courses. |
| Miscellaneous Fees | 500 – 2,000 SAR per year | Covers ID cards, lab fees, student services, exam fees, etc. |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
King Saud University serves a diverse student body comprising both male and female students. Gender-specific administrative provisions exist: female students have their own disciplinary and support structures while academic instruction and services are provided in compliance with national regulations regarding gender. Age demographics span typical undergraduate age groups (late teens to early twenties) as well as mature students enrolled in graduate and postgraduate studies. The majority of students are Saudi nationals, though the university hosts a presence of international students from various countries, enriching the cultural and academic milieu.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
There is limited public data on the exact proportion of low-income students or students with disabilities at KSU. However, the availability of scholarships, financial aid, and institutional support suggests efforts to provide access to education for students from various economic backgrounds. Support services and student affairs channels likely address needs for disabled students, though specific statistics are not broadly published.
Student Body
| Category | Approximate Figures / Status |
|---|---|
| Total Students (All Levels) | ~61,400 (as per available data) |
| Undergraduate Students | Majority portion of total enrollment |
| Graduate / Postgraduate Students | Smaller proportion compared to undergraduates, across various postgraduate programs |
| International Students | Several thousand, representing a significant international presence and diversity within campus |
University Diversity
King Saud University boasts a multifaceted academic community shaped by a mix of Saudi and international students, a broad set of disciplines, and a dual-language instructional approach (Arabic and English depending on program). This diversity enriches campus life: students from different cultural and national backgrounds engage in cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural dialogue, fostering broad worldviews. The variety of academic tracks — from engineering, medicine, natural sciences, humanities, business, to social sciences and Islamic studies — attracts individuals with diverse intellectual interests and career aspirations.
The presence of international students introduces global perspectives while Saudis maintain strong national representation. Additionally, as a public university with scholarship and financial aid systems, KSU promotes accessibility which may draw students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Through its research centers, graduate programs, and international collaborations, the university provides a cosmopolitan academic environment, enabling students to benefit from both local heritage and global academic standards.
Average Earnings
Comprehensive public data on average earnings of KSU graduates is not widely published. However, due to its reputation — especially in fields such as medicine, engineering, business, and natural sciences — many graduates are positioned for competitive careers. The strong professional licensing outcomes, academic reputation, and industry connections through internships and research partnerships suggest that graduates have favorable employment prospects.
Alumni employed in medicine, engineering, IT, business, and other in-demand fields often secure positions in governmental agencies, private sector companies, healthcare institutions, or international organizations. Given the demand for qualified professionals in Saudi Arabia and abroad, KSU graduates likely enjoy above-average entry-level salary potential, especially compared to general national labor averages. The combination of rigorous education, accreditation, and broad disciplinary training helps equip graduates with skills attractive to employers in local and international job markets.
King Saud University Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
King Saud University is staffed by a large and diverse academic and administrative workforce. The number of full-time academic and administrative staff runs into several thousands, supporting the institution’s large student body, extensive academic programs, and multiple research centers. Faculty members include professors, researchers, lecturers, and practitioners across disciplines such as medicine, engineering, sciences, humanities, business, and more. Administrative staff oversee student affairs, admissions, international student services, academic records, research support, and campus operations.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at KSU are known for their expertise across scientific, technical, medical, social science, and humanities domains. The university invests in recruiting accomplished researchers, including international scholars, as part of its aim to elevate research quality and global academic standing. Their achievements include publication in international journals, participation in global research collaborations, supervision of graduate research, and contributions to national development projects. Through its research excellence centers and partnerships, KSU faculty engage in advanced research, innovation, and knowledge dissemination. The institution’s track record of research output, accreditation standards, and broad program offerings reflect a faculty committed to high-quality teaching, scholarly activity, and professional development.
King Saud University Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The campus of King Saud University is located in urban Riyadh and spans a large area, offering modern academic buildings, research centers, laboratories, libraries, lecture halls, student services, and recreational facilities. Student life at KSU is active and vibrant: there are numerous student clubs, cultural and social organizations, sports facilities, and extracurricular activities that allow students to engage beyond academics. For international and non-local students, the university provides housing options or facilitates access to student housing facilities, ensuring comfortable accommodation. The campus environment supports community building, peer interaction, cultural exchange, and holistic student development — blending academic rigor with social life.
Transportation
Given its urban location in Riyadh, KSU benefits from the city’s public transportation infrastructure, making campus accessible via buses, taxis, or other local transport options. Students commuting from various parts of Riyadh or nearby areas can access the campus conveniently. Within campus, mobility between faculties, lecture halls, labs, libraries, and student services is manageable on foot given the campus layout. For those living off-campus, local transport and city infrastructure support regular commuting. The urban setting and accessibility make it feasible for both local and international students to navigate academic and social life comfortably.