5 Cheapest Universities in Riyadh for International Students
In Riyadh, there are a handful of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Saudi Arabia without paying a lot, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.
Now, if you’re planning to study in Riyadh, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 14 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Riyadh, make sure to read more!
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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Riyadh for International Students
Here is the list of affordable institutions in Riyadh ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.
| University | Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition | % Cheaper than Average* |
|---|---|---|
| Arab Open University | 6,870 SAR | 88% |
| Al Maarefa University | 50,000 SAR - 70,000 SAR | 8% |
| Al Yamamah University | 65,000 SAR | -20% |
| Alfaisal University | 94,000 SAR | -74% |
* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 54,000 SAR for universities in Riyadh.
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1. Arab Open University
- International Bachelor's Tuition: 6,870 SAR
- Domestic Bachelor's Tuition: 6,870 SAR
- Arab Open University Admissions Pages
- Arab Open University Tuition Pages
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.
2. Al Maarefa University
- International Bachelor's Tuition: 50,000 SAR to 70,000 SAR
- Domestic Bachelor's Tuition: 50,000 SAR to 70,000 SAR
- Al Maarefa University Admissions Pages
- Al Maarefa University Tuition Pages
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.
3. Al Yamamah University
- International Bachelor's Tuition: 65,000 SAR
- Domestic Bachelor's Tuition: 65,000 SAR
- Al Yamamah University Admissions Pages
- Al Yamamah University Tuition Pages
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.
4. Alfaisal University
- International Bachelor's Tuition: 94,000 SAR
- Domestic Bachelor's Tuition: 94,000 SAR
- Alfaisal University Admissions Pages
- Alfaisal University Tuition Pages
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.
Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Riyadh for International Students
Here is the list of affordable institutions in Riyadh ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.
| University | Annual Master's International Tuition | % Cheaper than Average* |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Electronic University | 32,400 SAR - 40,500 SAR | 53% |
| King Saud University | 35,000 SAR - 50,000 SAR | 49% |
| Al Yamamah University | 72,000 SAR - 94,500 SAR | -6% |
| Alfaisal University | 100,000 SAR | -47% |
| Al Maarefa University | 100,000 SAR - 120,000 SAR | -47% |
* Average Master's International Tuition is 67,900 SAR for universities in Riyadh.
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Search through the master's courses that are currently open for international students!
1. Saudi Electronic University
- International Master's Tuition: 32,400 SAR to 40,500 SAR
- Domestic Master's Tuition: 32,400 SAR to 40,500 SAR
- Saudi Electronic University Admissions Pages
- Saudi Electronic University Tuition Pages
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.
If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Saudi Electronic University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 32,400 SAR to 40,500 SAR annually for their master's degree.
2. King Saud University
- International Master's Tuition: 35,000 SAR to 50,000 SAR
- Domestic Master's Tuition: 35,000 SAR to 50,000 SAR
- King Saud University Admissions Pages
- King Saud University Tuition Pages
One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is King Saud University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at King Saud University is 35,000 SAR to 50,000 SAR.
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.
3. Al Yamamah University
- International Master's Tuition: 72,000 SAR to 94,500 SAR
- Domestic Master's Tuition: 72,000 SAR to 94,500 SAR
- Al Yamamah University Admissions Pages
- Al Yamamah University Tuition Pages
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.
The tuition fee at Al Yamamah University for incoming international master’s students is 72,000 SAR to 94,500 SAR. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!
4. Alfaisal University
- International Master's Tuition: 100,000 SAR
- Domestic Master's Tuition: 100,000 SAR
- Alfaisal University Admissions Pages
- Alfaisal University Tuition Pages
Another affordable university to consider in Riyadh is Alfaisal University.
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.
The tuition fee in Alfaisal University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 100,000 SAR.
5. Al Maarefa University
- International Master's Tuition: 100,000 SAR to 120,000 SAR
- Domestic Master's Tuition: 100,000 SAR to 120,000 SAR
- Al Maarefa University Admissions Pages
- Al Maarefa University Tuition Pages
Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Al Maarefa University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 100,000 SAR yearly.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Riyadh?
Applying to cheap universities in Riyadh requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Saudi Arabia for a more comprehensive guide!
2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Riyadh?
International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Riyadh. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Riyadh is the Al Maarefa University, which offers Nursing, Respiratory Care, and Emergency Medical Services to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Al Maarefa University offers Clinical Pharmacy, and Emergency and Disaster Nursing.
It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Riyadh, it can be tough to know where to start looking.
So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Riyadh as well if you're looking for affordable education!
We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Riyadh for international students was helpful!