Whether it’s health sciences or fine arts, Saudi Arabia is home to several universities that are committed to excellence in various fields. These institutions have astounding records proving they offer exceptional educational experiences. According to the U.S. News & World Report and Shanghai Ranking, holistic reviews of the highest-ranking institutions globally, Saudi universities are among the top both in the Middle East and the world. From location and number of students, to the type of programs and academic majors offered, this guide features the top 5 universities in Saudi Arabia on an international scale (in no particular order). It also provides relevant information about each university to help you identify the perfect match for you and your career goals.
King Abdulaziz University. Image source: https://www.facebook.com/KingAbdulazizUniversity
Location: Jeddah.
Enrollment: 31,869 students.
Programs: Undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate.
Majors: A variety of majors including Medicine, Economics, Fine Arts, Marine Science, English Literature, Chemical Engineering, and more.
Highest-ranking subjects: Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology.
Located in a city known as a hub for creativity and rapid development, King Abdulaziz University (KAU) is one of the first universities established in Saudi Arabia. Since its inauguration in 1968, KAU has been committed to its mission in knowledge development, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This public university is also distinguished by its special majors that are not offered at other local universities, such as meteorology and arid land agriculture.
King Saud University. Image source: https://www.instagram.com/king_saud_university/
Location: Riyadh.
Enrollment: 40,184 students.
Programs: Undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate.
Majors: A variety of majors including Medicine, Economics, Law, English Literature, Chemical Engineering (men's section), Architecture and more.
Highest-ranking subjects: Chemical Engineering, Mathematics, Pharmacology and Toxicology.
King Saud University (KSU) is the first university to be established in Saudi Arabia. After its establishment in 1957, it quickly became a leading institution in education and research in the Gulf. With globally leading research centers, such as the National Center for Youth Studies and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology Innovation Center, KSU is committed to excellence and rigor in its various research endeavors.
King Abdullah University for Science and Technology. Image source: https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/about/photos
Location: Thuwal.
Enrollment: 940 students.
Programs: Graduate and postgraduate.
Majors: A variety of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics majors.
Highest-ranking subjects: Chemistry, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Materials Science.
Located near the Red Sea, King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST) was the first university dedicated entirely to research in STEM in Saudi Arabia. After King Abdullah al-Saud founded KAUST in 2007, this young University quickly became one of the best research universities in the world. For 4 consecutive years (2016-2020), KAUST faculty and students produced research that was ranked among the top 1% of cited works worldwide, surpassing world-renowned institutions like Harvard University and the University of Oxford.
Although KAUST only offers graduate and postgraduate programs, it also presents opportunities for Saudi youth to complete their undergraduate studies abroad and continue their education through the KAUST Gifted Student Program.
King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals. Image source: http://www.kfupm.edu.sa
Location: Dhahran.
Enrollment: 6,948 students.
Programs: Undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate.
Majors: A variety of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics majors, as well as majors in Business Administration and Architecture.
Highest-ranking subjects: Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Energy and Fuels.
King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) was establishment in 1963 in response to the rapid economic growth witnessed in Saudi Arabia as a result of the discovery of oil. Through its various programs and research centers, KFUPM is the leader in petroleum and minerals exploration and research both in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Known for its academic rigor, KFUPM is one of the most selective and competitive universities in student admissions. Although KFUPM is an all-male university, it opened its graduate programs for female students in 2018, with future plans for undergraduate programs as part of Vision 2030.
King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences. Image source: https://www.ksau-hs.edu.sa
Location: Three campuses in Al Ahsa, Jeddah, and Riyadh.
Enrollment: 6,212 students.
Programs: Undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate.
Majors: A variety of health sciences-related majors, including Medicine, Dentistry, and Clinical Laboratory Studies.
Highest-ranking subject: Clinical Medicine.
Established in 2005, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) became one of the first universities dedicated to health sciences in the Middle East. KSAU-HS is a leading and pioneering institution in this field. Its different research centers, such as the King Abdullah Medical City, allow students and faculty alike access to advanced equipment and teaching techniques that distinguish the educational experience at KSAU-HS.
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