King Saud University Admission 2026: Requirements, Deadlines & How to Apply

King Saud University (KSU), established in 1957 as Saudi Arabia’s first public university, stands as a pillar of academic excellence in the Middle East. Located in Riyadh, KSU offers a vast array of undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programmes across disciplines like engineering, medicine, sciences, business, and humanities. With a commitment to research innovation and Saudi Vision 2030, the university attracts thousands of students annually, including international students through the “Study in Saudi” platform. Admission for the 2026 academic year (1448 AH in the Islamic calendar) is competitive, emphasising academic merit, standardised tests, and programme-specific criteria. Applications are electronic and annual, primarily for the fall semester starting September 2026, with limited winter intake in January 2026 for select graduate programmes.

Below is a comprehensive guide to requirements and deadlines, distinguishing between Saudi nationals and international applicants.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

KSU’s undergraduate programmes target high school graduates, with a minimum GPA equivalent of 70% for competitive entry. Saudi nationals apply via the Ministry of Education’s unified portal, while internationals use the Study in Saudi platform—no separate application fee applies.

For Saudi Nationals:

• High school diploma (scientific or literary stream) with a minimum 70% average.
• General Aptitude Test (GAT) score: At least 60% (verbal and quantitative sections).
• Achievement/Ability Test (Qiyas) for relevant streams (e.g., health or sciences).
• Age limit: Typically 17–25 years.
• Medical fitness certificate and good conduct record.
• Personal interview for competitive programmes like medicine or engineering.

For International Students:

• Equivalent high school diploma (e.g., IB, A-Levels, or SAT with scores above 1200/1600).
• English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 70+ or IELTS 6.0+ (Arabic programmes may waive this).
• Equivalency certificate from the Saudi Ministry of Education for foreign qualifications.
• Valid passport and proof of financial stability (e.g., SAR 20,000+ in savings).
• No criminal record; eligible for a student visa.

Programmes like civil engineering or computer science require strong STEM backgrounds. Tuition is subsidised for Saudis (around SAR 20,000/year for some programmes) but is higher for internationals, often covered by scholarships.

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Graduate Admission Requirements (Master’s and PhD)

Graduate admissions fall under the Deanship of Graduate Studies, with electronic applications via KSU’s portal. Requirements align with the Unified Law of Graduate Studies in Saudi Arabia, focusing on research potential.

General Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (for master’s) or master’s (for PhD) with a “Very Good” GPA (3.75/5.0 or equivalent).
• English proficiency: TOEFL 61+ or IELTS 5.5+; some programmes require Arabic.
• GRE or GMAT for select fields (e.g., business or sciences).
• Recommendation letters (2–3), statement of purpose, and CV.
• Interview for shortlisted candidates.

Master’s Specifics:

• Relevant bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.5/5.0 GPA.
• Work experience is preferred for professional programmes.

PhD Specifics:

• Master’s with thesis and 3.75/5.0 GPA.
• Research proposal aligned with KSU priorities (e.g., AI, renewable energy).
• Publications or prior research experience boost chances.

Internationals must secure equivalency for degrees and apply for educational visas. The KSU Initiative offers fully funded PhD spots for top talents, covering tuition, a SAR 1,200 monthly stipend, housing, health insurance, and relocation—open to all nationalities.

Key Deadlines for 2026 Intake

KSU’s academic year runs from September to June, with annual admissions at the start—no mid-year entry for undergraduates. Deadlines are tied to the Hijri calendar but approximated in Gregorian for clarity. Monitor official portals for exact dates, as they may shift.

For the PhD Initiative, early applicants (by May 15, 2025) can start in January 2026 if documentation is complete. Late applications risk deferral to 2027.

Application Process

1. Choose Program: Browse offerings on ksu.edu.sa (English/Arabic versions available).
2. Prepare Documents: Scan passports, transcripts, test scores, and medical reports.
3. Apply Online: Saudis use admissions.ksu.edu.sa; internationals via studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa.
4. Submit & Track: Pay no fee; track status via portal. Interviews via Zoom for globals.
5. Visa & Arrival: Approved internationals receive e-visa support and arrive 2 weeks early for orientation.

Tips for Success

• Start early: Secure tests (GAT/TOEFL) 6 months prior.
• Highlight fit: Tailor statements to KSU’s research strengths.
• Scholarships: Apply concurrently for full funding—over 80% of internationals receive aid.
• Challenges: Arabic proficiency aids integration; women’s campuses offer gender-segregated facilities.

KSU’s 2026 intake promises transformative opportunities amid Saudi Arabia’s educational boom. For updates, visit ksu.edu.sa/en or email admissions@ksu.edu.sa. With preparation, your path to Riyadh’s academic hub awaits.