Studying in Saudi Arabia: How to Proceed
With constant growth and recent investment for improvement, Saudi Arabia’s educational institutions are slowly becoming a popular place for international students. Individuals are coming to this country from all parts of the world to access the best educational facilities.
On top of that, Saudi Arabia’s government has also designed a global education initiative like Vision 2030 that is directed at improving the educational sector and attracting international students to improve their career through.
Well, if you want to benefit from this advancement of science and technology, then you will have to enroll yourself in one of the best universities of Saudi Arabia. Other than that, you will also have to carry out the offline or online visa application for Saudi Arabia. However, all these things require your understanding and the use of a proper plan. So, it is important to start your journey by getting a clear idea of what you are supposed to do.
Understanding Admission Requirements
Well, before you proceed to apply in any university of Saudi Arabia, you will be required to understand the correct process for this application. There are quite a few things that you will have to arrange for before you are even allowed to fill out the admission form for any university.
Eligibility Criteria for International Students
Many people might wish to improve their careers in Saudi Arabia’s universities. But keep in mind that all students are qualified to study in these universities. For this, you will be required to meet a few eligibility criteria, some of which include:
Minimum academic qualifications
Any individual who wishes to study at a Saudi university as an international student will need a high school diploma, this is for undergraduate studies. On the other hand, one will need a bachelor's degree if they want to study for a postgraduate degree. Other than that, they will also need a minimum GPA of 3 (ranging from 75% to 100%) to apply for most of the universities.
Language proficiency
All individuals planning to enroll in one of Saudi Arabia’s universities will need standardized test scores or evidence of English language proficiency. Other than that, they should also learn some Arabic to simplify their studying experience in the country.
Age and other general requirements
The Saudi Arabian universities do have a few age limits, however, it is quite easy to meet. The limit is generally set at 17-25 for bachelor's degrees. It can be 30 or 35 for master's or doctoral studies.
Documents Required for Application
Well, you will have to provide a few documents if you plan to study in Saudi Arabia as an international student. Some of these documents include:
- Valid passport which has at least two blank pages and will stay valid while you study in the country.
- Academic transcripts & certificates validated by your previous institution
- Letter of recommendation from someone in a state of authority.
- Statement of purpose only if it is required.
- Proof of language proficiency like TOEFL/IELTS for English programs and Arabic proficiency for Islamic studies
Applying for a Student Visa
Well, studying in Saudi Arabia’s top universities will require you to first enter the country. And for that you will be required to apply for a travel permit, similar to all other types of visit purposes. In this case, you will be required to apply for a Student visa, which will be more than enough for you to study in the country.
Visa Requirements
The online visa application for Saudi Arabia requires you to match a few requirements. Some of these include:
- A passport with 2 blank pages and 180 days validity beyond your stay.
- Recent passport-sized photograph where all your features are clearly visible.
- Some proof of financial support like recent bank statements or scholarship confirmation.
- Medical certificate and police clearance that proves you are fit to enter the country.
- Transfer certificate from your previous institute.
Step-by-Step Visa Application Process
Applying for an electronic visa for KSA as an International student is easy if you know the right process to do it. Some of the steps that you will be required to follow are:
- Visit the online portal and check your eligibility.
- Fill the application form with accurate details related to yourself and your visit purpose.
- Add scanned copies of all the necessary documents as discussed above. Check the requirements before arranging all the documents
- Pay the fee required for the application of an electronic visa for KSA.
Wait for around 3 to 7 days for visa approval. Once it gets approved, you will just have to get a few printed copies of it and bring it with you to the airport. However, if you end up facing some delays, then you will be required to contact the Helpdesk.
This visa will stay valid for 5 years/duration of the course, whichever is shorter.
Choosing the Right University in Saudi Arabia
Well, just getting an electronic visa for KSA and enrolling in a university will not guarantee a successful career for you. For that, you will also be required to make the right choice in choosing the university. Other than that, you should also make a careful selection of the course that you want to pursue.
Top Universities in Saudi Arabia for International Students
Despite their impressive stature, not all the Saudi Arabian universities will be the right fit for international students. You must choose an institute that promotes diversity and inclusivity.. Some of our top picks for this are:
King Saud University (KSU)
Founded by King Saud bin Abdulaziz in 1957, this prominent institution offers engineering, biochemistry, humanities, and others.
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)
Established in 1967, this has been effectively helping students in shaping their future. On top of that, it has also been ranked in the world’s top 120 universities for mechanical engineering, agriculture, and other things.
Islamic University of Madinah
Well, if you are filling out the online visa application for Saudi Arabia, solely for religious studies, then this should definitely be your pick. This was established in 1961 and focuses on studies like Sharia, Hadith, the Quran, and Usul al-din. However, this university only accepts male students.
Princess Norah Bint Abdulrahman University
This was established in 1970 and is the largest women’s only university in the entire world. The university offers programs in health sciences like medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and others. Other than that, it also has courses for humanities, computer science, and engineering.
Life as a Student in Saudi Arabia
Shifting bases and starting your life as an international student in Saudi Arabia can feel a little overwhelming at first. This is why you need to remember a few things on your mind when you plan to study in this country.
Accommodation: Arrange for accommodation before arriving or immediately after you enter the country. You can choose on-campus housing or private rentals, depending on your budget, as the latter can be more expensive than the other. Other than that, you must also take into account the cost of living in major cities.
Cultural norms: As a student, you will be required to follow the dress code and cultural norms of the country. Make sure you do not wear clothes that reveal your shoulders and elbows, and cover all parts of your body. Also, wear loose-fitting clothes.
Socialize: Become a part of student organizations and take part in extracurricular activities. This will help you maintain a good social life and make good friends.
Medical issues: Get health insurance so that you are covered in case of any uncertainties. Stay aware of the medical facilities near you and keep the emergency contacts saved in your phone.
Feeling confident to improve your career at a Saudi Arabian University?
Securing your place in a Saudi Arabian university as an international student is not tough if you are aware of how you should do it. This process requires you to arrange documents like academic transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and others that play an important role in the process. Other than that, you will be required to choose the right institute and pick a course that matches your career plan. First, carry out the online visa application in Saudi Arabia.
You can contact the Helpdesk if you end up facing some issues during the visa application process.