If you're planning to study at a university in Saudi Arabia, you'll usually need a student visa to enter the country and complete your studies.
Saudi Arabia offers short-term and long-term educational visas. The right visa depends on your course and how long you'll be studying. Most international students taking a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree will use the long-term educational visa.
You can apply for university admission and begin the visa process through the Study in Saudi Arabia platform. Your university will also help you understand the visa arrangements for your studies.
Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries generally don't need a student visa to enter Saudi Arabia, although universities may have separate admission and registration requirements.
Saudi Arabia student visa application process
The application process usually involves these steps:
- Apply to a university: Find a program at a licensed and accredited Saudi university. You can apply through the Study in Saudi Arabia platform, which offers university programs and scholarship opportunities
- Receive your admission approval: Your university will review your application. Once you're accepted, the university and Ministry of Education complete the relevant admission approval procedures
- Prepare your visa application: After final acceptance, complete the educational visa information requested through the platform. You'll need your passport details and supporting documents
- Complete the visa application: Follow the instructions provided through the platform and the Saudi Visa service. Depending on where you apply, you may need to submit additional documents or attend an appointment
- Pay the required fees: Pay the visa fee and any applicable charges for medical examinations, insurance, or document services. Keep your payment confirmation
- Complete any required checks: You may need to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints, or complete a medical examination before your visa is approved
- Receive your visa and prepare to travel: Once your visa is issued, review its validity dates and entry conditions before arranging your journey
The Saudi embassy or consulate responsible for visa applications in your country of residence may require additional documents or appointments. Find its application instructions before submitting your visa information, as these requirements can differ depending on where you apply.
Types of Saudi Arabia student visas
Saudi Arabia has two main educational visa options.
Long-term educational visa
The long-term educational visa is designed for students completing degree programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
It is generally issued for one year and can be renewed annually with the recommendation of your educational institution. This means that even if your degree lasts several years, you may need to renew your immigration permission during your studies.
Short-term educational visa
The short-term educational visa is intended for shorter periods of study, including language courses, training programs, and student exchanges.
It allows a stay of up to six months and may be extended for another six months if the extension is approved.
Saudi Arabia student visa requirements
To apply for a Saudi Arabia educational visa, you'll normally need:
- Minimum age: You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a Saudi Arabia educational visa
- Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia
- University admission: Confirmation that you've been accepted by a licensed and accredited educational institution
- Proof of financial support: Evidence that you can pay your tuition fees and living expenses, or a financial guarantee from an approved sponsor
- Academic documents: Certificates, transcripts, and other qualifications requested by your university
- Language proficiency: For long-term study, you may need evidence that you meet the language requirements for your program. Students studying Arabic at approved language institutes may be exempt from this requirement
- Medical report: Long-term educational visa applicants must provide a medical report confirming they are free from infectious diseases
- Medical insurance: Long-term applicants need medical insurance documentation covering themselves and any accompanying dependents
- Parental or guardian consent: Applicants under 18 need the required consent from a parent or legal guardian
Short-term educational visa applicants must also have a return flight reservation under the published national requirements.
Additional documents
Depending on your university, nationality, and where you apply, you may also need passport photographs, police certificates, or additional evidence supporting your application.
Some educational documents may need to be translated or officially authenticated. Authentication confirms that a document or signature is genuine. This may involve certification by the issuing authority and legalization by a relevant government office or embassy.
Before arranging translations, medical examinations, or document authentication, ask your university and the Saudi embassy or consulate handling applications in your country which documents they require and how those documents must be prepared. This can help you avoid paying for certificates or services that won't be accepted.
Saudi Arabia student visa cost
Saudi Arabia's published educational visa fees are:
| Visa type | Published fee |
|---|---|
| Long-term educational visa | SAR 800 |
| Short-term educational visa | SAR 550 |
These fees don't include every possible cost of applying for a visa. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to pay for medical examinations, health insurance, document translation, authentication, or visa application services.
If you receive a scholarship, some study-related or immigration costs may be covered, depending on the scholarship conditions.
Before paying, view the current amount shown in your visa application and confirm any additional charges with the office handling your application. Fees and payment arrangements can change.
Saudi Arabia student visa processing time
The time it takes to receive a Saudi Arabia student visa can vary depending on your application, university approval, nationality, and whether additional checks are required.
The process includes several stages, such as university admission, Ministry of Education approval, visa processing, and any required medical or biometric checks.
It's sensible to begin preparing your application several months before your course starts, particularly if you need to collect academic certificates or arrange medical examinations. Your university can advise when to begin the process and whether there are any important deadlines.
You can also track a visa application through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Avoid booking non-refundable flights until your visa has been approved and you've confirmed when you're allowed to enter Saudi Arabia.
Can you bring family members to Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia's educational visa program allows eligible family members to accompany international students, subject to visa requirements.
Family members may be able to join you through a family visit visa or another suitable immigration arrangement. For long-term educational visas, medical insurance is required for both the student and accompanying dependents.
If you want your family to join you, contact your university before applying. Ask which visa arrangements are available for your family, what documents they'll need, and whether you must show that you can cover their living expenses.
Can you work while studying in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia's educational visa program offers opportunities for students to work part-time during their studies and full-time during vacations.
However, your ability to work may depend on your visa, residence status, and whether you need additional authorization. Working-hour limits may also apply.
Before accepting a job or paid internship, ask your university whether you're allowed to do the work, whether you need approval, and how many hours you can work.
What happens if your Saudi Arabia student visa is refused?
If your visa application is refused, the next steps will depend on the reason for the decision and the stage at which your application was rejected.
A refusal may involve missing or incorrect documents, an eligibility problem, or concerns identified during the application process.
You should:
- Read the decision carefully: Look for any explanation of why your application was refused and whether further action is possible
- Contact your university: Its international admissions team may be able to explain whether the issue relates to your admission or visa documents
- Find out whether you can apply again: Ask the authority handling your application whether a new application is possible, what needs to change, and whether any deadlines or additional fees apply
If the refusal affects your course start date, contact your university to discuss whether you can defer your admission.
Arriving in Saudi Arabia
Once your visa has been issued, review its conditions carefully before traveling.
Make sure you understand when you can enter the country, how long your permission lasts, and whether you need to complete any additional procedures after arrival.
Your university may help you complete student registration, arrange accommodation, and find out whether you need a residence permit.
Some international students, particularly those entering through university scholarship arrangements, may receive a residence permit known as an Iqama. The exact arrangements depend on your immigration route and university.
Keep copies of your passport, visa, admission confirmation, insurance documents, and any residence permission issued to you.
Can you stay in Saudi Arabia after graduation?
Completing a degree in Saudi Arabia doesn't automatically give you permission to stay in the country or take a permanent job.
Saudi Arabia's educational visa program offers opportunities for up to two years of practical training after graduation. However, this isn't an automatic right to stay or work, and you may need additional immigration permission.
If you're interested in staying after graduation, speak to your university before your course ends. Ask about the training opportunities available, whether you're eligible, and what permission you'll need to remain in Saudi Arabia.
Get official Saudi Arabia student visa guidance
For the latest information about studying in Saudi Arabia and applying for an educational visa, use these official resources:
- Study in Saudi Arabia – Find university programs, scholarships, and educational visa information.
- Study in Saudi Arabia – Visa options – Compare long-term and short-term educational visas and their requirements.
- Saudi government – Educational Visa Journey – View the national eligibility requirements and published visa fees.
- Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Educational Visa – Understand the application process and how university approval connects to visa issuance.
- Saudi Visa platform – Access visa services and follow the relevant application instructions.