5 Reasons You Should Study in Saudi Arabia

Discover why an education in Saudi Arabia might be the best choice for you!

If you’re considering studying abroad, you need to add Saudi Arabia to the top of your list. Not only will you get the experience of a lifetime, but there’s also many benefits to studying in Saudi Arabia that you may not have known about.

Discover the top five reasons you should study abroad in Saudi Arabia:

1. Plenty of funding for your education

Many universities in Saudi Arabia want to attract more international students, and the best way to do that is to provide more funding opportunities. Most universities will provide you with a scholarship to lesson your educational costs.

For example, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), a graduate school, goes above and beyond and provides every student with a KAUST Fellowship. This fellowship includes:

• Full free tuition support
• On-campus housing
• Medical and dental coverage
• Relocation support
• Monthly living allowance ($20,000-$30,000 annually depending on qualifications and degree progress)

KAUST and other schools in Saudi Arabia help make your decision to study abroad easy when you don’t have to worry about paying full tuition.

2. Affordable cost of living

Did you know that the cost of living in Saudi Arabia is approximately 23% lower than in Canada? So, not only will you be saving money on your education, but you’ll also be more likely to maintain your current lifestyle — especially if schools like KAUST are providing you with on-campus housing and a monthly allowance. Even if the school you choose doesn’t offer on-campus housing, rent is 64% cheaper in Saudi Arabia than in Canada. Think of what you could put your money towards instead!

3. Travel opportunities

With the money you’re saving on your education by studying in Saudi Arabia, you can choose to explore more of the world around you! Check out these popular destinations you could visit if you studied in Saudi Arabia:

• Red Sea — a superb scuba diving and snorkeling destination
• King Fahd’s fountain — the world’s tallest fountain
• Al-Rahmah Mosque — also known as the Floating Mosque
• Al Marjan Island — where you can get sun, sand, and sea all year around
• Jabal Alfil — also known as Elephant Rock

4. Strong education in STEM

Saudi Arabia is known for its prominent STEM education as the government has been increasing spending on higher education. This past year, four universities from Saudi Arabia — including KAUST — have made it onto the QS World University Rankings for Engineering and Technology.

If you’re interested in pursuing a STEM degree, then Saudi Arabia may be a great place for you to study! Saudi Arabia is becoming a strong hub for research and STEM, so you’ll find plenty of opportunities for you to explore your interests. You could work towards solving global water and food supply challenges and environmental crises with your STEM degree at universities like KAUST.

5. Boost your resumé

A great way to enhance your resumé and make yourself more desirable in the job market is by pursuing an education abroad. When you study abroad, you gain valuable soft skills like confidence, independence, flexibility, resourcefulness, and more. On top of earning soft skills, you also gain a global outlook. You’ll understand professional and cultural contexts in your field of study that other applicants most likely won’t have.

Start your adventure today! Consider studying abroad in Saudi Arabia for an exciting and unique education.

At the time of writing this post, the Government of Canada has issued an advisory concerning this country. You’ll find further information on the Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories website. This article was written on October 6, 2022.