King Saud University
Riyadh, 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia Public
#1 National #143 QS World
#1 National #143 QS World #251 THE #90 ARWU
Founded 1957 40,000 students 7% international Urban $5k - $18k/yr
About King Saud University
King Saud University (KSU), established in 1957, is Saudi Arabia's first university and a prominent public research institution located in Riyadh. It has grown into a comprehensive university offering a wide array of programs across various disciplines and is recognized for its commitment to innovation, research, and scholarship. KSU consistently ranks among the top universities in the Arab world and globally.
KSU offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs in natural sciences, humanities, and professional studies, with many courses being tuition-free. The university's academic offerings span fields such as engineering, medicine, science, business, and humanities. The medium of instruction for undergraduate programs is a mix of English and Arabic, depending on the chosen major. KSU is at the forefront of research in Saudi Arabia, with numerous research centers and institutes dedicated to scientific and technological disciplines, emphasizing research that aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative.
King Saud University actively welcomes international students, who comprise about 7% of its student body. The university provides a range of support services, including academic advising, career services, health services, and counseling. On-campus housing options are available and often fully furnished, ensuring a comfortable living environment. While many programs are taught in Arabic, there are several bachelor's and master's programs available in English, particularly in fields like Accounting, Computer Science, Physics, and Engineering.
KSU boasts a sprawling, urban campus covering 2,224 acres in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. The campus features modern classrooms, laboratories, research centers, extensive libraries, and state-of-the-art sports facilities, including a multi-purpose hall that can seat up to 9,400 spectators. Riyadh offers a dynamic city life with numerous cultural experiences, shopping, and dining options. The university also has a dedicated female campus with its own colleges, administrative buildings, and recreational facilities.
Graduating from King Saud University enhances global employability, with its alumni recognized across various industries worldwide. The university has strong industry connections and offers career services, including a Career Counselors' Certification Program in partnership with the National Career Development Association (NCDA). Notable alumni include influential figures in government, business, and science, such as ministers and successful entrepreneurs, reflecting the institution's role in producing global leaders. KSU's research focus on advanced technologies and strategic industries also contributes to a vibrant startup culture, with the university incubating startups and registering numerous patents.
Academics
KSU offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs in natural sciences, humanities, and professional studies, with many courses being tuition-free. The university's academic offerings span fields such as engineering, medicine, science, business, and humanities. The medium of instruction for undergraduate programs is a mix of English and Arabic, depending on the chosen major. KSU is at the forefront of research in Saudi Arabia, with numerous research centers and institutes dedicated to scientific and technological disciplines, emphasizing research that aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative.
International Students
King Saud University actively welcomes international students, who comprise about 7% of its student body. The university provides a range of support services, including academic advising, career services, health services, and counseling. On-campus housing options are available and often fully furnished, ensuring a comfortable living environment. While many programs are taught in Arabic, there are several bachelor's and master's programs available in English, particularly in fields like Accounting, Computer Science, Physics, and Engineering.
Campus & Location
KSU boasts a sprawling, urban campus covering 2,224 acres in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. The campus features modern classrooms, laboratories, research centers, extensive libraries, and state-of-the-art sports facilities, including a multi-purpose hall that can seat up to 9,400 spectators. Riyadh offers a dynamic city life with numerous cultural experiences, shopping, and dining options. The university also has a dedicated female campus with its own colleges, administrative buildings, and recreational facilities.
Career Outcomes
Graduating from King Saud University enhances global employability, with its alumni recognized across various industries worldwide. The university has strong industry connections and offers career services, including a Career Counselors' Certification Program in partnership with the National Career Development Association (NCDA). Notable alumni include influential figures in government, business, and science, such as ministers and successful entrepreneurs, reflecting the institution's role in producing global leaders. KSU's research focus on advanced technologies and strategic industries also contributes to a vibrant startup culture, with the university incubating startups and registering numerous patents.
Highlights
- Saudi Arabia's first university
- Leading research institution
- Diverse academic programs
- Welcomes international students
- Sprawling Riyadh campus
Subject Areas
EngineeringMedicineScienceHumanitiesPharmacy
Student Life & Support
Visa Support Campus Housing Work on Campus Work Placements Sports Facilities Disability Support Scholarships Available
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Offers programs in:
Arts & Design Business & Management Computer Science Engineering Linguistics & Literature Medicine & Health Physics & Chemistry
Bachelor Programs (10)
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Accounting
Accounting & Finance
48 months English Full-time
Bachelor of Science in Architecture
STEM
Architecture
Architecture
60 months English Full-time
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
STEM
Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
48 months English Full-time
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
STEM
Computer Science
General Computer Science
48 months English Full-time
Bachelor of Science in Dentistry
STEM
Dentistry
Dentistry
72 months English Full-time
Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature
English Language and Literature
Languages
48 months English Full-time
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
STEM
Mathematics
48 months English Full-time
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
STEM
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
48 months English Full-time
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
STEM
Medicine
Medicine
84 months English Full-time
Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy
STEM
Pharmacy
Pharmacy
60 months English Full-time
Master Programs (5)
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering
STEM
Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
24 months English Full-time
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Business Administration
Business Administration
24 months English Full-time
Master of Science in Civil Engineering
STEM
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering
24 months English Full-time
Master of Science in Environmental Engineering
STEM
Environmental Engineering
Energy & Environmental Engineering
24 months English Full-time
Master of Science in Information Technology
STEM
Information Technology
General Computer Science
24 months English Full-time
PhD Programs (5)
PhD in Arabic Language and Literature
Arabic Language and Literature
Languages
36 months Arabic Full-time
PhD in Chemistry
STEM
Chemistry
Chemistry
36 months English Full-time
PhD in Electrical Engineering
STEM
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
36 months English Full-time
PhD in Management
Management
Leadership & Management
36 months English Full-time
PhD in Physics
STEM
Physics
Physics
36 months English Full-time
6+ IELTS
61+ TOEFL
2.8+ GPA
Acceptance Rate Moderate (40-60%)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Application Deadline October 31, 2026
Tuition (per year) $5k - $18k/yr
Teaching Language English, Arabic
Accreditation
Global Standardization and Accreditation Agency (GSAAA) Silver AccreditationAACSB (for College of Business Administration)Saudi central board for accreditation of healthcare institutions (CBAHI)College of American Pathologists (CAP)Accreditation Canada (AC)National Accreditation (NCAAA)International Accreditation (ASIIN)Administrative Accreditation (ISO)Education and Training Evaluation Commission
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