How Much Does King Saud University Cost?

16/02/2025 by Nadine Mohamed

Explore King Saud University's tuition costs for undergraduate and postgraduate programs, additional expenses, and scholarship opportunities.

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King Saud University (KSU), one of the most prestigious universities in the Middle East, offers world-class education across a wide range of disciplines. However, pursuing higher education at such a renowned institution comes with financial considerations. Understanding the cost of tuition and other expenses is crucial for prospective students and their families. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the tuition fees and associated costs at King Saud University, helping you plan your academic journey effectively.

Why King Saud University?

Before diving into the costs, it’s important to highlight why KSU is a top choice for students:

1. Academic Excellence: KSU is consistently ranked among the top universities in the Arab world and globally.
2. Diverse Programs: The university offers over 100 undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields like medicine, engineering, business, and humanities.
3. Research Opportunities: KSU is a leader in research and innovation, providing students with access to state-of-the-art facilities.
4. Cultural Diversity: With students and faculty from over 100 countries, KSU offers a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.
5. Strategic Location: Located in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, KSU provides access to a dynamic city with numerous professional and cultural opportunities.

Tuition Fees at King Saud University

The cost of studying at KSU varies depending on the level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate) and the specific program. Below is a detailed breakdown of the tuition fees and other associated costs.

1. Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate programs at KSU are designed for students who have completed their secondary education. The tuition fees for these programs vary based on the field of study.

A. Tuition Fees

• Saudi Nationals: For Saudi nationals, undergraduate education at KSU is heavily subsidized by the government. The annual tuition fee ranges from SAR 10,000 to SAR 20,000 (approximately 2,670 to 5,340), depending on the program.
• International Students: International students typically pay higher tuition fees. The annual cost ranges from SAR 25,000 to SAR 50,000 (approximately 6,670 to 13,340), depending on the program.

B. Program-Specific Fees

• Medicine and Health Sciences: These programs are among the most expensive, with annual fees ranging from SAR 30,000 to SAR 50,000 (approximately 8,000 to 13,340) for international students.
• Engineering and Technology: Annual fees for engineering programs range from SAR 20,000 to SAR 40,000 (approximately 5,340 to 10,670) for international students.
• Business and Humanities: These programs are generally less expensive, with annual fees ranging from SAR 15,000 to SAR 30,000 (approximately 4,000 to 8,000) for international students.

2. Postgraduate Programs

Postgraduate programs at KSU include master’s and doctoral degrees. The tuition fees for these programs are higher than undergraduate fees and vary based on the field of study.

A. Tuition Fees

• Saudi Nationals: For Saudi nationals, the annual tuition fee for postgraduate programs ranges from SAR 15,000 to SAR 30,000 (approximately 4,000 to 8,000), depending on the program.
• International Students: International students typically pay higher tuition fees. The annual cost ranges from SAR 30,000 to SAR 60,000 (approximately 8,000 to 16,000), depending on the program.

B. Program-Specific Fees

• MBA: The MBA program is one of the most expensive postgraduate programs, with annual fees ranging from SAR 40,000 to SAR 60,000 (approximately 10,670 to 16,000) for international students.
• Engineering and Technology: Annual fees for engineering postgraduate programs range from SAR 30,000 to SAR 50,000 (approximately 8,000 to 13,340) for international students.
• Health Sciences: Postgraduate programs in health sciences, such as public health or pharmacy, have annual fees ranging from SAR 35,000 to SAR 55,000 (approximately 9,340 to 14,670) for international students.

Additional Costs to Consider

In addition to tuition fees, students should budget for other expenses associated with studying at KSU. These include:

1. Accommodation

• On-Campus Housing: KSU offers on-campus housing options for students. The cost ranges from SAR 5,000 to SAR 10,000 (approximately 1,330 to 2,670) per year, depending on the type of accommodation.
• Off-Campus Housing: For students who prefer to live off-campus, the cost of renting an apartment in Riyadh can range from SAR 12,000 to SAR 24,000 (approximately 3,200 to 6,400) per year.

2. Books and Supplies

The cost of books and supplies varies depending on the program. On average, students should budget SAR 2,000 to SAR 5,000 (approximately 530 to 1,330) per year.

3. Transportation

• Public Transportation: Riyadh has a growing public transportation system, and students can expect to spend SAR 1,000 to SAR 2,000 (approximately 270 to 530) per year on transportation.
• Private Transportation: For students who own a car, the cost of fuel and maintenance can range from SAR 3,000 to SAR 6,000 (approximately 800 to 1,600) per year.

4. Health Insurance

• Health insurance is mandatory for all students. The cost of health insurance ranges from SAR 1,000 to SAR 3,000 (approximately 270 to 800) per year.

5. Personal Expenses

• Personal expenses, including food, entertainment, and miscellaneous costs, can vary widely. On average, students should budget SAR 6,000 to SAR 12,000 (approximately 1,600 to 3,200) per year.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

KSU offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help students manage the cost of education. These include:

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

Awarded to students with outstanding academic achievements. These scholarships can cover up to 100% of tuition fees.

2. Need-Based Scholarships

Designed for students who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships can cover a significant portion of tuition fees and living expenses.

3. Research Assistantships

Available for postgraduate students involved in research projects. These assistantships provide a stipend and may cover tuition fees.

4. Government Sponsorships

Saudi nationals may be eligible for government-funded scholarships, which cover tuition fees and provide a monthly stipend.

Studying at King Saud University is a valuable investment in your future. While the cost of tuition and associated expenses can be significant, the quality of education and the opportunities available at KSU make it a worthwhile endeavor. By understanding the tuition fees and additional costs, you can better plan your finances and explore scholarship opportunities to make your academic journey more affordable.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your educational journey, start by signing up with Educatly to explore more than 100,000 programs and financial aid options available. With careful planning and preparation, you can turn your dream of studying at King Saud University into a reality