Universities in Saudi Arabia

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2008 (chartered by King Faisal Foundation; named after KING FAISAL; partnership with multiple international universities). Major Saudi private university. Chartered 2008 by KING FAISAL FOUNDATION (philanthropic foundation established by sons of King Faisal). Named after KING FAISAL BIN ABDULAZIZ. ~3,500 students. Strong medicine + engineering + business programmes. ENGLISH-MEDIUM. International university partnerships.

SubjectsMedicine & Health Sciences · Natural Sciences · Pharmacy

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2000 (chartered as private medical college by Batterjee Family; major Pakistani + Indian + Egyptian MBBS destination in Saudi Arabia). Major Saudi private medical college. Chartered 2000 by BATTERJEE FAMILY (prominent Jeddah business family). ~3,000+ students. MAJOR PAKISTANI + INDIAN + EGYPTIAN + Arab international MBBS DESTINATION — among Saudi Arabia's most international medical colleges. ENGLISH-MEDIUM MBBS programme. Pakistani MBBS context: verify PMC recognition status as Saudi medical qualifications have specific Pakistani recognition requirements.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Architecture & Design

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1999 (chartered as Saudi Arabia's SECOND private women's university; Lebanese-American educational partnership; "Dar Al-Hekma" = "House of Wisdom"). Major Saudi private women's university. Chartered 1999. "DAR AL-HEKMA" = "HOUSE OF WISDOM" in Arabic — name evoking 9th-century Abbasid Baghdad's famous translation institute. Lebanese-American educational partnership. ENGLISH-MEDIUM. ~3,000+ female students. Strong design + architecture + business programmes.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Architecture & Design

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1999 (chartered as Saudi Arabia's FIRST private women's university; named after QUEEN EFFAT AL-THUNAYAN — wife of King Faisal, education reform pioneer). SAUDI ARABIA'S FIRST PRIVATE WOMEN'S UNIVERSITY. Chartered 1999. Named after QUEEN EFFAT AL-THUNAYAN AL-SAUD (1916-2000) — wife of King Faisal, OTTOMAN TURKISH-EDUCATED Saudi princess who championed Saudi women's education from 1950s onwards. She founded Saudi Arabia's first private girls' school in 1955 (Dar Al Hanan). ENGLISH-MEDIUM. ~3,000+ female students. Strong architecture, design, business, engineering programmes. Historic significance for Saudi women's HE.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2006 (chartered as Hail region public university). Northern Saudi Arabia regional university. Chartered 2006. ~30,000 students. Hail is historic Rashidi Dynasty seat (1836-1921), Saudi-Hail historical rivalry.

SubjectsMedicine & Health Sciences · Natural Sciences · Pharmacy

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2004 (chartered as private medical college; named after IBN SINA (Avicenna) — Persian polymath, father of modern medicine c. 980-1037 CE). Major Saudi private medical college. Chartered 2004. Named after IBN SINA (AVICENNA, 980-1037 CE) — Persian polymath, FATHER OF MODERN MEDICINE, author of "The Canon of Medicine" used in European universities until 17th century. Pakistani + Arab MBBS context. ~2,500 students.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences · Pharmacy

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1975 (chartered as University of Dammam; renamed Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University 2016 after IMAM ABDULRAHMAN BIN FAISAL — King Abdulaziz's father). Major Eastern Saudi Arabia regional university. Chartered 1975 as UNIVERSITY OF DAMMAM. Renamed IMAM ABDULRAHMAN BIN FAISAL UNIVERSITY 2016 honoring IMAM ABDULRAHMAN BIN FAISAL AL SAUD (1850-1928) — King Abdulaziz's father, last Imam of Second Saudi State 1889-1891 before exile. Located in Dammam, Eastern Province (Aramco area). ~40,000+ students.

SubjectsTheology & Religious Studies · Languages & Linguistics · Law · Arts & Humanities · Engineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1974 (chartered as comprehensive Islamic studies university; heritage to 1953 College of Sharia in Riyadh; named after IMAM MUHAMMAD IBN SAUD — founder of First Saudi State 1744 with Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab). Saudi Arabia's major comprehensive Islamic + secular university. Chartered 1974. Heritage to 1953 COLLEGE OF SHARIA in Riyadh. Named after IMAM MUHAMMAD IBN SAUD (1687-1765) — founder of FIRST SAUDI STATE (Emirate of Diriyah 1744-1818) in alliance with IMAM MUHAMMAD IBN ABD AL-WAHHAB (Wahhabi religious reform movement founder). ~60,000+ students. 14 colleges combining Sharia + Arabic language + Islamic studies with engineering + business + social sciences + computer sciences. ARABIC-medium primary (English for STEM). WAHHABI/SALAFI Islamic scholarly tradition primary.

SubjectsTheology & Religious Studies · Languages & Linguistics · Law · Arts & Humanities

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1961 (chartered by King Saud as global Sunni Islamic university serving Muslim ummah; located in MADINAH — second holiest city of Islam; ~85% international students from 165+ countries). ONE OF THE WORLD'S PREMIER SUNNI ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES. Chartered 1961 by King Saud as global Islamic university serving Muslim ummah. Located in MADINAH — PROPHET'S CITY (PBUH), second holiest city of Islam, where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ migrated to from Makkah 622 CE (Hijra). ~22,000+ students. UNIQUE: ~85% of students are INTERNATIONAL from 165+ COUNTRIES — Saudi government provides full scholarships including tuition + housing + monthly stipend + return ticket annually. CRITICAL Pakistani context: thousands of Pakistani religious scholars + imams trained here; major pipeline for Pakistani madrasahs + mosques globally. Programmes: Sharia, Quran + Sunnah, Da'wah + Usul-ud-Din, Arabic Language, Hadith Sciences. ARABIC-MEDIUM. PURELY SUNNI orthodoxy (Wahhabi/Salafi-leaning but mainstream Sunni acceptance globally).

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2006 (chartered as southwestern Saudi Arabia regional public university; Yemen border region). Southwestern Saudi Arabia regional university. Chartered 2006. Located in Jazan — Saudi Arabia's Yemen border region. ~35,000 students. CONTEXT: Jazan region directly borders Yemen — 2015-onwards Yemen war has affected border security + civilian context.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences · Pharmacy · Marine Sciences

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1967 (chartered as private university; nationalised 1971; named after KING ABDULAZIZ IBN SAUD — founder of modern Saudi Arabia 1932; SAUDI'S LARGEST university by enrolment). SAUDI ARABIA'S LARGEST UNIVERSITY by enrolment. Chartered 1967 as private university; nationalised 1971. Named after KING ABDULAZIZ IBN SAUD (1875-1953) — FOUNDER OF MODERN SAUDI ARABIA (proclaimed Kingdom 1932 after unifying Najd + Hejaz + Asir). Located in Jeddah — Saudi Arabia's commercial capital, Red Sea port city, gateway to Makkah. ~80,000+ students. 23 colleges. KAU Medical College affiliated with King Abdulaziz University Hospital. ENGLISH-MEDIUM for STEM. Massive Pakistani + Indian + Sudanese + Egyptian + Yemeni international community. Strong scientific research output (consistently top Arab university in rankings).

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Computer Science & IT · Natural Sciences · Mathematics & Statistics · Marine Sciences · Bioengineering

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2009 (chartered by KING ABDULLAH royal endowment as Saudi Arabia's premier research university; $20B+ endowment — among world's largest university endowments; LOCATED OUTSIDE Ministry of Education jurisdiction). SAUDI ARABIA'S PREMIER RESEARCH UNIVERSITY. Chartered 2009 by KING ABDULLAH BIN ABDULAZIZ (ruled 2005-2015) royal endowment. ~$20 BILLION+ ENDOWMENT — among world's LARGEST university endowments (rivals Yale, Princeton). Located on Red Sea coast in Thuwal, ~80km north of Jeddah. ~1,500 graduate-only students (no undergraduates). EXCLUSIVELY MS + PhD STEM research. ENGLISH-MEDIUM. UNIQUE: COEDUCATIONAL CAMPUS — Saudi Arabia's first major coed institution, women drove on campus before 2017 national ban lifted, international faculty + students, no abaya/hijab enforcement on campus, alcohol-free but otherwise Western-style research environment. LOCATED OUTSIDE Ministry of Education jurisdiction (independent governance). Pakistan + India + Western + Asian international researchers + students. Among most internationally-ranked Arab universities.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Computer Science & IT · Natural Sciences · Mathematics & Statistics · Mining & Geology · Business & Management

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1963 (chartered as College of Petroleum and Minerals by King Faisal; renamed KFUPM 1986 after King Fahd; PREMIER Saudi STEM university). SAUDI ARABIA'S PREMIER STEM UNIVERSITY. Chartered 1963 as College of Petroleum and Minerals during King Faisal era. Located in DHAHRAN — Saudi Aramco headquarters area, Eastern Province. Renamed KFUPM 1986 after King Fahd (ruled 1982-2005). ~9,000+ students. ENGLISH-MEDIUM. 9 colleges focused on engineering, computer science, petroleum geology, science, management. STRONG Aramco industry partnerships — direct pipeline to Saudi petroleum + petrochemical industry. Pakistani + Indian + Arab international student community.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences · Agriculture & Environmental Studies

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1975 (chartered by King Faisal; serves Eastern Province + Al-Ahsa Oasis — Saudi Arabia's largest oasis + UNESCO World Heritage 2018). Major Eastern Saudi Arabia regional university. Chartered 1975 by KING FAISAL BIN ABDULAZIZ (ruled 1964-1975, assassinated by nephew Prince Faisal bin Musaid 25 March 1975). Located in Al-Ahsa (Hofuf) — Saudi Arabia's LARGEST OASIS, UNESCO World Heritage 2018 ("Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape"). ~35,000+ students. Comprehensive programmes. Pakistani diaspora students in Eastern Province context.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1998 (chartered by King Fahd; serves Asir mountain region; named after KING KHALID — Saudi king 1975-1982). Major Asir region public university. Chartered 1998. Named after KING KHALID BIN ABDULAZIZ (1913-1982, ruled 1975-1982 — succeeded assassinated brother King Faisal). Located in Abha — Asir mountain region capital, cooler highland city in southwestern Saudi Arabia. ~50,000+ students. CONTEXT: Asir region borders Yemen — 2015-onwards Yemen war proximity context.

SubjectsMedicine · Nursing · Pharmacy · Public Health · Dentistry · Applied Medical Sciences

Accreditation

Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) — National Center for Academic Accreditation (NCAAA). Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-10.

Affiliated with the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs. Premier health-sciences institution in KSA. Strong nursing and medical programs.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences · Pharmacy · Architecture & Design

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1957 (chartered as Riyadh University by King Saud bin Abdulaziz; renamed King Saud University 1982; SAUDI ARABIA'S OLDEST modern university). SAUDI ARABIA'S OLDEST AND PREMIER NATIONAL UNIVERSITY. Chartered 1957 as RIYADH UNIVERSITY by KING SAUD BIN ABDULAZIZ (ruled 1953-1964, son of founder King Abdulaziz). Renamed King Saud University 1982. ~50,000+ students. 26 colleges covering all major disciplines. KSU Medical City affiliated. ENGLISH-MEDIUM for STEM/medicine (Arabic for humanities/Islamic studies). Pakistani + Indian + Egyptian + Sudanese + Yemeni international student community. CONTEXT: King Saud was deposed 1964 by family due to financial mismanagement; university kept his name. Multiple Saudi cabinet ministers + crown princes are KSU alumni.

SubjectsBusiness & Management

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2018 (chartered by KAUST as Saudi Arabia's elite entrepreneurship + leadership business school; named after Crown Prince MBS — architect of Vision 2030). Saudi Arabia's elite entrepreneurship and leadership business school. Chartered 2018 by KAUST. Named after CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN (MBS) — architect of Vision 2030. Located at KAUST campus Thuwal. ~300 students. MBA + executive programmes. ENGLISH-MEDIUM. Symbol of Vision 2030 economic diversification + entrepreneurship culture in Saudi Arabia.

SubjectsLaw · Social Sciences

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1980 (chartered as ARAB LEAGUE'S specialised security + counter-terrorism studies university; named after PRINCE NAIF BIN ABDULAZIZ — longtime Interior Minister). Arab League's specialised security and counter-terrorism studies university in Riyadh. Chartered 1980. Named after PRINCE NAIF BIN ABDULAZIZ (1934-2012) — King Abdulaziz's son, longtime Saudi Interior Minister 1975-2012, founder of Saudi counter-terrorism infrastructure. ~1,500 students from 22 Arab League countries. Premier Arabic-language criminology + counter-terrorism + security training in Arab world.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2006 (chartered as southern Saudi Arabia regional university; Yemen border region). Southern Saudi Arabia regional university. Chartered 2006. Yemen border region. ~20,000 students. Yemen war proximity context.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2006 (chartered as Eastern Province private university; named after PRINCE MOHAMMAD BIN FAHD — King Fahd's son). Major Eastern Province private university. Chartered 2006. Named after PRINCE MOHAMMAD BIN FAHD BIN ABDULAZIZ — King Fahd's son, longtime Eastern Province governor. ENGLISH-MEDIUM. ~5,000+ students.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1999 (chartered as Saudi Arabia's FIRST private university; named after CROWN PRINCE SULTAN BIN ABDULAZIZ — died 2011 before becoming king). SAUDI ARABIA'S FIRST PRIVATE UNIVERSITY. Chartered 1999. Named after CROWN PRINCE SULTAN BIN ABDULAZIZ (1928-2011) — King Abdulaziz's son, Crown Prince 2005-2011 (died before becoming king). ENGLISH-MEDIUM. ~5,000+ students. Strong business + engineering + computer science. Coeducational with separate men + women campuses.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences · Pharmacy

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2007 (chartered by King Abdullah as WORLD'S LARGEST ALL-WOMEN'S UNIVERSITY; named after PRINCESS NOURAH BINT ABDULRAHMAN — sister of King Abdulaziz, beloved Saudi royal woman; massive campus). WORLD'S LARGEST ALL-WOMEN'S UNIVERSITY. Chartered 2007 by KING ABDULLAH BIN ABDULAZIZ. Named after PRINCESS NOURAH BINT ABDULRAHMAN (1875-1950) — beloved sister of King Abdulaziz (founder of modern Saudi Arabia), instrumental in Abdulaziz's 1902 reconquest of Riyadh. ~60,000+ FEMALE-ONLY students. 14 colleges covering medicine, engineering, business, computing, arts, education. MASSIVE PURPOSE-BUILT CAMPUS in Riyadh (8 sq km — one of world's largest single-campus universities). Pre-Vision-2030 era construction symbolising Saudi women's HE expansion. Female faculty + female-only access (in-Kingdom men cannot enter campus except specific approved zones).

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences · Agriculture & Environmental Studies

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2004 (chartered as Qassim region public university). Major central Saudi Arabia regional university. Chartered 2004. Located in Buraydah — Qassim region capital, agricultural heartland. ~45,000+ students. Qassim region is traditionally conservative Saudi heartland.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Computer Science & IT

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2011 (chartered as Saudi Arabia's FIRST DISTANCE LEARNING university; multi-campus network across Kingdom; serves working adults + women + remote regions). SAUDI ARABIA'S FIRST DISTANCE-LEARNING NATIONAL UNIVERSITY. Chartered 2011. Multi-campus network across Saudi Arabia's major cities. ~25,000+ students. Critical for working adults + women in conservative regions where physical campus attendance challenging. Vision 2030 alignment for technology-enabled education.

SubjectsMedicine & Health Sciences · Natural Sciences · Pharmacy

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2010 (chartered as private medical university by SULAIMAN ABDUL AZIZ AL RAJHI — Saudi Islamic banking pioneer, billionaire philanthropist). Saudi private medical university. Chartered 2010 by SULAIMAN ABDUL AZIZ AL RAJHI (1929-2024) — Saudi Islamic banking pioneer, founder of Al Rajhi Bank (world's largest Islamic bank), billionaire philanthropist who pledged $5.4+ billion to charitable foundations. ~1,500 students. SR University represents Saudi Islamic-finance-funded education philanthropy model.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Engineering & Technology

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2006 (chartered as northwestern Saudi Arabia regional public university; NEOM development area). Northwestern Saudi Arabia regional university. Chartered 2006. Located near NEOM $500B futuristic city project development zone. ~25,000 students. Strategic for NEOM workforce development under Vision 2030.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2003 (chartered as Madinah's second major university — comprehensive secular complement to Islamic University; "Taibah" = ancient name for Madinah). Major Madinah comprehensive secular university. Founded 2003. Complements Islamic University of Madinah's religious focus with secular disciplines. "TAIBAH" (طيبة) = ancient name for Madinah meaning "the good" — the city was called Yathrib pre-Islam, renamed Madinah-tun-Nabi (City of the Prophet) + Taibah after Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Hijra 622 CE. ~40,000+ students.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2003 (chartered as Hejaz region public university; located in TAIF — historic mountain summer capital where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ migrated 619 CE). Major Hejaz region public university. Chartered 2003. Located in TAIF — historic mountain summer capital, ~80km southeast of Makkah at 1,879m elevation. RELIGIOUS CONTEXT: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ migrated to Taif 619 CE (Year of Sorrow) seeking sanctuary from Makkah persecution after deaths of wife Khadija + uncle Abu Talib — but was rejected by Taif tribes and returned to Makkah. ~40,000+ students.

SubjectsTheology & Religious Studies · Languages & Linguistics · Law · Arts & Humanities · Engineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1981 (chartered as comprehensive university; HERITAGE TO 1949 COLLEGE OF SHARIA IN MAKKAH — among OLDEST modern Saudi HE institutions; named "Umm Al-Qura" = "Mother of Cities" — Quranic name for Makkah). MAJOR MAKKAH-BASED UNIVERSITY with HISTORIC HERITAGE. Chartered 1981 as Umm Al-Qura University. HERITAGE TO 1949 COLLEGE OF SHARIA in Makkah — among OLDEST modern Saudi HE institutions (pre-dating King Saud University 1957 by 8 years!). Named "UMM AL-QURA" = "MOTHER OF CITIES" — Quranic name for MAKKAH (Surah Al-An'am 6:92). Located in MAKKAH — HOLIEST CITY OF ISLAM, birthplace of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, location of Ka'aba + Masjid al-Haram. ~80,000+ students. 22 colleges combining Islamic studies (Sharia, Da'wah, Quranic Sciences) + secular fields (engineering, medicine, business). UNIQUE: ONLY non-Muslims barred from campus given Makkah's Haram boundaries. Major hub for Hajj + Umrah operations training.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences

Accreditation

Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (وزارة التعليم) plus Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC / هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب) for quality assurance — apex regulators for Saudi HEIs. Saudi HE classifications: (1) PUBLIC NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — ~30 universities including 5 oldest (King Saud 1957, Islamic University Madinah 1961, KFUPM 1963, King Abdulaziz 1967, IMSIU 1974) + regional comprehensives + Vision 2030 newer institutions; (2) ROYAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH — KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 founded by King Abdullah's royal endowment, $20B+ endowment, independent of Ministry); (3) HARAMAIN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES — Umm Al-Qura Makkah (1981, heritage to 1949 College of Sharia) + Islamic University Madinah (1961) — premier Sunni Islamic studies institutions for entire Muslim world; (4) PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES — ~10 including Prince Sultan, Effat (first women's private), Alfaisal, Dar Al Hekma, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd; (5) SPECIALISED — Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, medical specialty colleges. Plus Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu industrial colleges. Arabic is national language + HE primary medium for Islamic studies + humanities; ENGLISH primary for STEM/medicine/business/research universities. Vision 2030 launched 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reshaping HE for diversification beyond oil economy.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2014 (chartered as separate university from King Abdulaziz University; Jeddah's second major public university). Jeddah's second major public university. Chartered 2014 by separation from King Abdulaziz University. ~80,000+ students. Comprehensive programmes.