With one of the fastest growing higher education systems in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is home to some of the best universities in the world. Their top ranked universities take their rightful place next to some of the biggest international universities we have all heard of.
The KSA’s universities, colleges, engineering schools, medical schools and law schools are highly respected and renowned in the education and academic sectors, and they endeavor to offer prestigious Bachelor’s, Master’s and Ph.D programmes to smart, driven and ambitious students.
Saudi’s universities strive to project the best possible results, and overall image in order to make it into the top rankings lists and AboutHer.com have put together the 10 universities worth knowing about whether you are looking to go back to school or looking to further your studies.
10. Majmaah University
It is recognized by the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia and is a coeducational insititution which was formally affiliated with the Islamic religion.
Majmaah University (MU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as Bachelor’s degrees in several areas of study.
9. Al-Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University
Founded in 1974, Al-Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Riyadh and has an enrolment rate of 40,000-44,999 students.
This 43 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 70-80% making this Saudi Arabian higher education organization a somewhat elite institution.
8. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology 
With a minimal enrolment rate of up to 499 students, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) offers courses and programs. It has only been around for 8 years and offers students several academic and non-academic facilities and services including a library, housing, sport facilities and/or activities, financial aids and/or scholarships, as well as administrative services
7. Umm Al-Qura University
Ranking at number 7 is Umm Al-Qura University, one of Saudi’s oldest instututions, which specializes in Shari'a, Arabic Language, Education, Social and Applied Sciences, Medicine and Engineering. Home to approximately 30,000 students, the university is expanding and inaugurating new departments to meet the needs of society and provide qualified students to serve in developmental plans across all fields.
6. King Khalid University
Established in 1998, and based in the Saudi region of Asir, King Khalid University strives for a leading role with regional roots, international dimensions, knowledge and research excellence and effective community contribution.
The university prides itself on providing relevant academic environments for high-quality education.
5. Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University opened its doors to women and men in 1975 with two pioneering colleges, the College of Medicine and the College of Architecture. Almost four decades later this academic institution has grown into a leading research university with 21 colleges spread throughout the Eastern Province and a student population of over 45,000.
4. King Faisal University
In support of the Vision 2030 plan for Saudi Arabia, King Faisal University is one of the oldest and admirable higher education establishments in the nation. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, research centers, e-Learning and distance education. Covering a large genre of important specialties, KFU offers a total of 86 academic programs. 59 of these programs are undergraduate and 27 are graduate programs.
3. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) was officially established in September 1963. On 23 September 1964, when 67 young men enrolled in what was then the College of Petroleum & Minerals (CPM). Since that time, the University enrollment has grown to more than 8,000 students.
2. King AbdulAziz University
King AbdulAziz University was founded in 1967 as a national institution aiming at spreading higher education in the western area of Saudi Arabia. It endeavors to establish the number of scientific and theoretical fields of study, and prides itself on the exclusiveness of certain specializations such as Seas Sciences, Geology, Nuclear Engineering, Medical Engineering, Meteorology and Aviation and Mineralization.
King Abdulaziz University is also considered to be a pioneer in offering higher education to the Saudi women.
1. King Saud University
Ranking 1st is King Saud University, which is the premier institution of higher education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and was established in 1957 to enhance the nation’s growth and well-being.
Through strong government support and many highly-qualified professionals and administrators, KSU has served as a traditional source of skilled professionals and academics needed to meet the nation’s growing needs in the areas of medicine, engineering, agriculture, science and development, the humanities and language.
King Saud University extends its academic functions to the development of Saudi health care and the needs of the private sector.
