Top Universities in Saudi Arabia for Indian Students: Your 2026 Guide

Thinking about studying in Saudi Arabia? You’re on the right track and in good company. With over 64,000 international students already enrolled, the Kingdom is rapidly becoming a global hub for higher education.

Saudi Arabia isn’t just investing in its skyline; it’s pouring resources into its universities. Institutions like King Abdulaziz University (KAU), King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), and King Saud University (KSU) consistently rank among the top 200 globally in the QS World University Rankings. This means you get a world-class education, often backed by generous scholarships, in one of the fastest-developing countries in the world.

Ready to explore your options? Let’s dive into the top universities in Saudi Arabia, covering everything from rankings and courses to fees and post-study job opportunities.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what you need to know about studying at a Saudi Arabia university for international students.

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1. Study at a Top-Ranked Global University: Saudi Arabia is home to elite institutions like KFUPM, ranked among the top 5 worldwide for Petroleum Engineering, along with KAU and KSU,  all offering world-class research and facilities.

2. Get Fully Funded Scholarships: Most top universities offer full scholarships, covering tuition, housing, and monthly stipends. The KAU Scholarship, for instance, provides around INR 23,500 (SAR 1,000) per month. This is a huge advantage for those looking to study in Saudi Arabia for indian students.

3. Build Career Connections under Vision 2030: With major investments in tech, healthcare, and tourism, Vision 2030 creates huge job opportunities. Students often intern with global leaders like Saudi Aramco and SABIC.

4. Experience Rich Culture and Modern Living: From the ancient sites of Mada’in Saleh to modern Riyadh, Saudi Arabia blends tradition with innovation, offering a safe, diverse, and vibrant lifestyle.

5. Join a Global Student Community: With learners from 160+ countries, Saudi campuses are true international hubs with strong support systems for global students.

Here is a summary of the top 10 institutions based on the QS World University Rankings 2026. Public universities in Saudi Arabia, especially for high-achieving international students, often provide fully-funded scholarships that cover tuition, a monthly stipend, accommodation, and flights. Private university fees are listed where applicable.

(Note: While the nation boasts over 1,000 universities, a select few consistently top the global charts. Here are the top universities in Saudi Arabia for international students.)

Saudi Arabia is emerging as a leading education hub, offering world-class universities and generous scholarships for international students. This overview highlights the top 10 universities in Saudi Arabia for Indian students pursuing higher education.

Established in 1963, KFUPM is the undisputed leader in engineering, science, and business. Its location in Dhahran, the heart of Saudi Arabia's oil industry, gives it unparalleled ties to the energy sector.

Founded in 1957, KSU is the oldest university in the Kingdom and a prestigious research institution. Located in the capital, it offers a huge range of programs and has dedicated support offices for its 2,200+ international students.

KAU is a massive, comprehensive public university with over 6,900 international students. It's known for strong programs in engineering, medicine, and business, as well as excellent distance learning options. The university is highly competitive and offers generous scholarships for admitted international students.

PMU is a top-tier private university, established in 2006. It's known for its modern campus and strong focus on engineering, business, and IT, ranking #13 in the QS Arab Region Rankings 2024. As a private institution, it is primarily fee-based.

IAU is a prominent public university known for its excellence in health sciences, engineering, and business. It's particularly recognised for its contributions to medical research and offers extensive support services for international students.

King Khalid University is a leading public research university in the Asir region. It's a comprehensive institution with a strong reputation in health sciences, engineering, and computer science, offering generous scholarships to international students.

Located in the holy city of Makkah, UQU has a unique specialisation in Islamic studies and Sharia, but also maintains strong and fully accredited colleges in medicine, engineering, and applied sciences. It is a fully-funded public university for admitted international students.

PNU is the largest women's university in the world. It is a state-of-the-art public institution in Riyadh dedicated to the empowerment and education of women, offering a vast array of programs from medicine and engineering to art and design.

Alfaisal is a private, non-profit, research-oriented university founded by the King Faisal Foundation. Located in Riyadh, it is one of the most prestigious private institutions in the kingdom, particularly known for its programs in medicine, engineering, and business.

Qassim University is a major public university in the heart of Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest universities in the kingdom, with numerous colleges covering fields like engineering, medicine, computer science, and agriculture, and it offers scholarship programs for non-Saudi students.

While the nation boasts over 1,000 universities, a select few consistently top the global charts. Here are the top universities in Saudi Arabia for international students.

Applying to study in Saudi Arabia is straightforward; most universities follow a fully online process. Here’s how to get started:

Shortlist universities like KFUPM, KAU, or KSU based on your course, ranking, and scholarship options.

Review GPA, English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL), and supporting documents such as LORs, SOP, and your academic transcripts.

You’ll typically need:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent certificates
• Official transcripts (with English translation if required)
• Passport copy
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
• IELTS/TOEFL score report
• Updated CV or résumé

Visit the university’s official admissions portal and submit your application along with scanned documents. Some universities charge a small non-refundable fee.

Certain programs may require an online interview or entrance test, mainly for research-based courses.

Once shortlisted, you’ll get an official acceptance letter via email. This is essential for your Saudi student visa application.

Submit your visa application at the nearest Saudi Embassy or Consulate, along with your offer letter, medical reports, police clearance, and proof of funds.

This is one of the best reasons to study in Saudi Arabia for indian students, as it will help to manage the cost of living in Saudi Arabia. Financial aid is widely available.

To be eligible, you generally need to:

• Be under 30 for a Master's (35 for PhD).
• Have approval from your home government (India).
• Does not hold any other Saudi scholarship.
• Provide a police clearance certificate.

Thanks to Vision 2030, the job market for skilled graduates is booming. The government aims to create over 1 million new private-sector jobs.

Opportunities are massive in:

• Oil and Gas
• Construction & Infrastructure
• Healthcare
• Education
• IT & Tech
• Tourism & Hospitality

Here are some estimated annual salary ranges for high-demand roles:

• Saudi Aramco
• SABIC
• STC (Saudi Telecom Company)
• Riyadh Bank
• Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia)

Choosing to study at one of the top universities in Saudi Arabia is more than just an academic decision; it's a career move. You're looking at a future where you can get a world-class, highly-ranked education (often for free), live in a safe and diverse environment, and graduate with job offers from some of the biggest companies in the world.

As Saudi Arabia continues its ambitious Vision 2030, the opportunities for international graduates will only grow. This is your chance to be a part of it. Book a free consultation with LeapScholar now and turn your study abroad dreams into reality.