8 Best Public Universities in Riyadh for International Students
Riyadh is one of the cities in Saudi Arabia you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Riyadh can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.
There are 14 universities you can find in Riyadh, and 8 of them are public universities. Having these many choices makes Riyadh a great place for international students.
In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Riyadh, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!
| Rank | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| 2 | Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| 3 | Saudi Electronic University | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| 4 | King Saud University | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| 5 | Al-Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| 6 | King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| 7 | Princess Nora bint Abdulrahman University | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| 8 | Institute of Public Administration – Saudi Arabia | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
Public Universities in Riyadh
1. Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University
Founded in 1954 and gained its university status in 1974, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University has earned its place among the leading institutions for Islamic education in Saudi Arabia. IMISIU strives to facilitate a dynamic learning environment that promotes a combination of academic excellence and Islamic values. The university also has a rich history of achievements and recognition for its strong commitment to impactful research and community development.
2. Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University
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.
3. Saudi Electronic University
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.
4. King Saud University
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.
5. Al-Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University
Al-Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University is a public research institution in Riyadh founded by the first Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Muhammad 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.
6. King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences
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.
7. Princess Nora bint Abdulrahman University
Princess Nora bint Abdulrahman University is a testament to the efforts of the Saudi Arabian government to elevate women’s education in the Kingdom. The university is an all-female public research institution in Riyadh. Its vision is to empower women by ensuring they receive an effective and superior education that will enable them to excel in all fields of endeavor.
8. Institute of Public Administration – Saudi Arabia
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Riyadh?
Absolutely! International students in public universities in Riyadh can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.
As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others.
I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Riyadh. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.