6 Best Private Universities in Riyadh for International Students
There are a lot of great countries and cities that need to be visited and discovered in your lifetime, and one of the main locations that need to be visited for your studies is Riyadh, which is one of the cities in Saudi Arabia. When visiting Riyadh, in addition to developing your skills and academic knowledge, you will become part of a new system and society that will open and enrich your cultural horizons.
Private institutions are a great way to reach your academic goals and get that well-deserved degree. To help you out, check out the list below if you’re looking to study in a private university in Riyadh. Each university page provides you with specific details on tuition, admission, language requirements, available courses, and more. So, make sure to check the university pages! Let’s dig in!
| Rank | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arab Open University | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| 2 | Al Maarefa University | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| 3 | Alfaisal University | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| 4 | Prince Sultan University | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| 5 | Al Yamamah University | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| 6 | Dar Al Uloom University | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
Private Universities in Riyadh
1. Arab Open University
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
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. 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.
4. Prince Sultan University
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.
5. Al Yamamah University
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.
6. Dar Al Uloom University
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does Private Universities in Riyadh Cost?
There are 6 private universities in Riyadh, out of which, we have tuition fee of 4 private universities available.
As you plan your studies abroad, we hope that this article will help you in choosing a good private university.
We know that attending a private university can be expensive, given its benefits and added perks. But remember that public universities are always an option, too, as they're affordable and can provide you with the same high-quality education. With that, feel free to check out our list of public universities in Riyadh to learn more about your options for your next academic destination.