12 Best Universities In Riyadh For International Students 2026

Riyadh is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Saudi Arabia. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 12 universities and colleges in Riyadh, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 12 universities in Riyadh, King Saud University and Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University are the top-performing schools in Riyadh. This list covers both public and private institutions in Riyadh.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Riyadh. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Riyadh.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Riyadh?

Applying to the universities in Riyadh involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Riyadh to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Riyadh?

Tuition fees at Riyadh’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 6,870 SAR to 94,000 SAR , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 32,400 SAR to 120,000 SAR. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Riyadh!

As we cover the best universities in Riyadh for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Riyadh for International Students

King Saud University is one of the most reputable educational institutions in the country. It is known for its excellence in areas of instruction, research, and professional training, which leads to the creation of new knowledge for outstanding future experts in society. As a large public university, it offers a lot of academic opportunities that allow students to gain experience in and out of Saudi Arabia.

Considered the world’s largest university for women, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University is globally recognized for its academic excellence and strong commitment to empowering the women of Saudi Arabia and beyond. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs designed to educate, train, and prepare women to excel in various industries. The university also provides several opportunities for mobility and international exposure.

Saudi Electronic University is notable for the blended learning it offers to international students, bridging the gap between traditional and online education. The university highlights the importance of integrating technology in the academe today in order to maximize the knowledge and learning experience of the students. It collaborates with numerous international institutions to ensure that it maintains global standards that nurture talented individuals.

Founded in 2002 by the King Faisal Foundation, Alfaisal University is a private non-profit institution in Riyadh with five colleges. While it is a small university compared to the large public universities present in Saudi Arabia, it is still immensely prestigious and among the top universities in the Kingdom. According to Times Higher Education, it is ranked 9th among the world’s best small universities and is known for adopting global best practices in its teaching methods and curricula.

Prince Sultan University was the first private university to be established in Saudi Arabia as well as to receive full institutional accreditation from NCAAA (National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment). It was initially founded as a private college and was upgraded to a university in 2003. The school offers 22 study programs in various fields.

With its main campus in Riyadh and its other two campuses in Jeddah and Al-Ahsa, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences is a public university committed to nurturing skillful health professionals. The university has 14 campuses spread across its three campuses allowing students to receive first-rate medical or health training at a favorable location. Present at all campuses is a nursing and an applied medical sciences college, ensuring all regions in the Kingdom have the necessary professionals readily available.

Institute of Public Administration is a research-driven institution that prides itself in the preparation of administrative leaders by providing its students with a comprehensive education that involves cutting-edge research. It offers programs in the field of law, human resources, business and money, digital transformations, and administration and public policies. The university aims to help in the development of human resources through its training programs and propel its students into a promising future.

Founded in 2009, Almareefa University is a private institution known across the Arab region for its innovative and practice-oriented education in different fields of applied and medical sciences. It aims to train a highly qualified workforce who can contribute to the economic and social development of Saudi Arabia. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs that align with the current industry trends.

Al Yamamah University provides a warm environment for students to study and cultivate their talents. The university applies practical learning in its educational programs in order to produce well-rounded professionals according to the highest standards. Its mission is to instill leadership skills and critical thinking among its students through research and experience-based learning.

Dar Al Uloom University is a coeducational institution that offers undergraduate and postgraduate study programs across several fields, including law, business administration, computer engineering and IT, education and human development, architectural engineering, and digital design, among others. Like many universities in the region, it aspired to be a regional leader in education and contribute to the development of society.

Arab Open University was established in 2002 as part of the Arab Open University system, a renowned network of universities in the region. A firm believer that education is a powerful instrument in achieving national development, AOU strives to facilitate a dynamic and stimulating learning environment for its students. It currently has three faculties and an applied college for students who wish to enhance their professional skills.

Al-Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University is a public research institution in Riyadh founded by the first Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Mohammad ibn Ibrahim ash-Sheikh. The university envisions itself as a home of impactful research, innovative ideas, and constructive education. Its goal is to train competent leaders and skilled professionals capable of influencing both Saudi Arabian and global labor markets.