Arab Open University
Accessible knowledge for a brighter Saudi future.
📍 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
🏆 #48 in Saudi Arabia
Quick Facts about Arab Open University
- Type: Private Non-Profit
- Students: 62,612
- Campus: Multiple Campuses
- Tuition: $4,000 – $12,000/year
- Language: English, Arabic
- Intakes: Fall, Spring
About Arab Open University
Academics
AOU Riyadh offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties, including Business Studies, Computer Studies, and Language Studies. Popular programs include Bachelor's degrees in Business Administration, Information Technology, and English Language and Literature. The teaching approach is a blended learning model, combining online education with periodic on-site tutorials and self-study packages. This model emphasizes independent learning skills and a student-centered approach, with academic programs often validated in partnership with the Open University in the United Kingdom.
International Students
AOU Riyadh provides several support services for its students, including academic advising, access to digital library resources, and online student services for course registration and academic records. While specific diversity statistics are not readily available, the university's mission emphasizes providing equal opportunity and respecting diversity for those seeking higher education across the Arab region. The university's blended learning model can be beneficial for international students, allowing them to complete a significant portion of their coursework remotely. International applicants need to provide academic transcripts, identification documents, and potentially English proficiency test scores like TOEFL or IELTS.
Campus & Location
The Riyadh campus serves as a central hub for academic activities in Saudi Arabia, offering a supportive academic community. While detailed information about campus features and nearby attractions is not extensively provided, the campus does offer facilities such as a cafeteria, a theater for events, and health and psychological supervision services. Riyadh, as the capital city, offers a dynamic urban environment with various amenities and cultural experiences.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Arab Open University are reported to have good employment opportunities in the Saudi market, with official recognition of their degrees and the quality of education. The university offers career counseling services to assist students with post-graduation job placements. Graduates in Information Technology, Business Administration, and English Language and Literature find opportunities in both governmental and private sectors, including roles as software developers, cybersecurity analysts, accountants, HR specialists, and teachers. The university's partnerships with various organizations and its focus on market-driven programs contribute to connecting students with industry needs.
Information for International Students at Arab Open University
Arab Open University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia welcomes international students.
- No visa support offered
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available (~$400/month)
- Teaching languages: English, Arabic
Admissions Requirements for Arab Open University
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Arab Open University:
- IELTS minimum: 6
- TOEFL minimum: 80
- GPA minimum: 2
- GMAT required
- Application fee: $444
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
- Application deadline: 24 February 2026
Programs at Arab Open University (4 programs)
Arab Open University offers 4 programs across Bachelor levels.
Bachelor Programs (4)
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Computing - Software Development (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program focuses on the principles of software engineering, programming languages, and system design, preparing students for careers in software development and IT.
Field: Information Technology
Career outcomes: Software Developer, Systems Analyst, Web Developer, Database Administrator - Bachelor of Education in English Language Teaching (BA) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for a career in teaching English as a foreign language, covering pedagogical theories, language acquisition, and teaching methodologies.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: English Language Teacher, Curriculum Developer, Educational Consultant, Language Instructor - Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication (BA) — 48 months · English
Students learn about various aspects of media, including journalism, public relations, digital media, and communication theories, preparing them for diverse media careers.
Field: Media and Communication
Career outcomes: Journalist, Public Relations Specialist, Content Creator, Social Media Manager - Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Computing - Web Technologies (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
This specialization covers the development and deployment of web applications, including front-end and back-end technologies, user experience design, and web security.
Field: Information Technology
Career outcomes: Web Developer, Front-end Developer, Back-end Developer, UI/UX Designer
Scholarships & Tuition at Arab Open University
Annual tuition for international students: $4,000 – $12,000/year
✅ Arab Open University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Arab Open University
- National Ranking: #48 in Saudi Arabia
- Ranking tier: Unranked
- Research output: Medium
Campus & Facilities at Arab Open University
- Student housing available
- No sports facilities
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Multiple Campuses
- Average class size: 25
- Housing cost: ~$400/month
Key Highlights
- Flexible, accessible higher education
- Blended learning model
- Validated by UK Open University
- Diverse undergraduate, postgraduate programs
- Supports working professionals, lifelong learning
Accreditation
- Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia
- Open University in the United Kingdom
Fields of Study at Arab Open University
- Business
- Computer Science
- Education
- Literature
- Law
Notable Alumni
- Dr. Muna Al-Otaibi
- Khaled Al-Faisal
- Fatima Al-Zahrani
- Omar Al-Shehri
- Dr. Layla Al-Mansour
Frequently Asked Questions about Arab Open University
What is Arab Open University?
Arab Open University is a private non-profit university located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It has approximately 62,612 students.
How much does it cost to study at Arab Open University?
Tuition fees at Arab Open University for international students range from $4,000 – $12,000/year. Student housing costs approximately $400/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Arab Open University?
IELTS minimum: 6. TOEFL minimum: 80. GPA minimum: 2. GMAT required. Application fee: $444. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: 24 February 2026.
What language are courses taught in at Arab Open University?
Courses at Arab Open University are taught in English and Arabic. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.
How many programs does Arab Open University offer?
Arab Open University offers 4 programs: 4 Bachelor's, 0 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Arab Open University ranked?
#48 in Saudi Arabia.
Does Arab Open University offer scholarships?
Yes, Arab Open University offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
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