Study in Saudi Arabia: 4 ways to know if it’s right for you

Sponsored by Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University    

As the birthplace of Islam and one of the world’s largest oil producers, Saudi Arabia is a unique and interesting study destination for international students.  

Located in the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia, Saudi Arabia is home to many top universities, including 31 that feature in the most recent QS Arab Region University Rankings. 

Among these is Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University (PMU), a non-profit private university in Al-Jhobar, Saudi Arabia. PMU strives to maintain its position as a world-class university for education, research and service, equipping students with the lifelong learning skills and competencies to become successful and responsible leaders in their communities.   

Considering Saudi Arabia as a study destination? Here are four ways to know if it is the right fit for you. 

You’re looking for a study destination that is actively improving its education 

Saudi Arabia is continually improving and developing its education, introducing new, top-of-the-range facilities and achieving consistently high standards of teaching. 

Saudi Arabia invests a lot in education, with its wealth mainly coming from the country’s vast fuel reserves. Government expenditure on education in Saudi Arabia is reported at around eight percent of its GDP, significantly higher than the OECD average of approximately five percent.   

PMU has a highly innovative student-led approach to teaching. Each of the university’s programmes have learning outcomes that are in line with the national and international competencies set by the NCAAA, so students can be sure they are getting an internationally recognised education.  

The university has six designated learning outcomes which address the soft skills graduates need to be successful in their careers in Saudi Arabia: 

• Communication: Communicate effectively in both English and Arabic in professional and social situations 
• Technological competence: Use modern technologies to acquire information, communicate, solve problems and produce results 
• Critical thinking: Make informed and responsible decisions and achieve goals 
• Professional competence: Perform professional responsibilities effectively in both local and international contexts 
• Teamwork: Work effectively with others to accomplish tasks and achieve group goals 
• Leadership: Be informed, effective, and responsible leaders in the community and the Kingdom 

PMU uses the latest technology in education to further enhance the learning experience for students and give them access to university resources from their homes, such as the online courseware application Blackboard, video conferencing, smart boards and an e-library. 

You’re looking to learn about Arab cultural and religious traditions and customs 

In Saudi Arabia, Islam is both a religion and a way of life. Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country with Islamic law strictly enforced. The society is deeply religious and conservative, derived from centuries-old Islamic heritage and Arab cultural traditions.  

Because of this, gender boundaries are very pronounced, with segregation measures in place across the country. Men and women are also expected to dress modestly, in loose fitting clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Alcohol is also strictly forbidden, with cafés instead serving coffee and a selection of non-alcoholic drinks. 

You want access to incredible travel opportunities 

Saudi Arabia’s excellent location makes it a great base if you’re looking to travel. It is in close proximity to some of the world’s most popular Middle Eastern travel destinations, bordering Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait to the north; the Persian Gulf, Qatar, the UAE and Oman to the east, and Yemen to the south.  

Not only is Saudi Arabia close to a variety of interesting locations, but it also has many natural and historical attractions of its own, attracting tourists from around the world. 

It is made up of 13 regions, each offering something different. The Riyadh province, for example, is often referred to as Saudi Arabia’s capital of culture, and is home to some of the tallest skyscrapers, including the Al Faisaliya Tower and the Kingdom Tower. Alternatively, Saudi Arabia’s largest region, the Eastern province, boasts pristine beaches on the Arabian Gulf. 

You want to add value to your CV by gaining international experience 

Getting some international work experience will help your CV stand out, particularly since Middle Eastern business culture is so unique.  

However, it can be difficult to secure a job in Saudi Arabia as an international student. The country’s policy is to only hire foreign nationals who bring in specialist skills or when there is a shortage of workers in that industry. For this reason, popular industries for international graduates in Saudi Arabia include IT, banking, teaching, engineering and tourism. 

Alternatively, students may find it easier to secure jobs with international companies that have offices in Saudi Arabia, such as EY, J.P. Morgan, Nestle or Siemens.  

PMU offers a range of company funded scholarship programmes which are provided through partnerships with companies in the private sector. These scholarships offer an opportunity for students to gain valuable business connections and work experience.