King Saud University
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia • Founded 1957 • World Rank #111
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1957, the King Saud University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of Riyadh (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants).
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Saudi Arabia, King Saud University (KSU) is a very large-sized coeducational Saudi Arabian higher education institution. King Saud University (KSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 67-year-old Saudi Arabian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. The acceptance rate range is 70-79% making this Saudi Arabian higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
KSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Address book entry for King Saud University: location, phone, email, web, and social channels. The press or media office handles institutional inquiries; admissions handles student-specific queries.
Academic Details
A snapshot of King Saud University's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and the bodies recognising its work. Useful as a benchmark when comparing against peer institutions or national leaders.
Academic Structures
King Saud University's internal academic units — faculties, schools, and institutes — are grouped below. The breakdown helps when navigating departmental websites and specific contact points.
Unit 24 items
- Arabic Language Institute
- College of Applied Medical Sciences
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, AlKharj
- College of Applied Studies and Community Service
- College of Architecture and Planning
- College of Arts
- College of Arts and Science in Wady Addwaser
- College of Business Administration
- College of Computer and Information Sciences
- College of Dentistry
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- College of Engineering in AlKharj
- College of Foods and Agriculture
- College of Languages and Translation
- College of Law and Political Science
- College of Medicine
- College of Nursing
- College of Pharmacy
- College of Science
- College of Science in AlKharj
- College of Teaching
- College of Tourism and Archaeology
- Community College in Al Riyadh
Degrees
Also Intermediate Teaching Diploma, 1 yr; Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA), Health Administration, Governance and Public Policies
Associate 16 programs
Associate-level programmes deliver applied, career-ready training across vocational and technical fields.
- Accountancy
- Banking
- Business Administration
- Computer Engineering
- Education
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Health Sciences
- Insurance
- Laboratory Techniques
- Law
- Medicine
- Multimedia
- Radio and Television Broadcasting
- Secretarial Studies
- Special Education
- Treatment Techniques
Bachelor's 78 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Architecture and Planning
- Art Education
- Biochemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
- Botany
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Community Health
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Networks
- Computer Science
- Curriculum
- Dental Hygiene
- Dental Technology
- Dentistry
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Technology
- Electrical Engineering
- English
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- Food Science
- Geography (Human)
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Heritage Preservation
- History
- Horticulture
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Management
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Islamic Studies
- Koran
- Law
- Literature
- Management
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Media Studies
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Modern Languages
- Natural Sciences
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Operations Research
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Physical Education
- Physical Therapy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Psychology
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
- Social Studies
- Software Engineering
- Special Education
- Sports
- Surgery
- Surveying and Mapping
- Tourism
- Town Planning
- Translation and Interpretation
- Zoology
Master's 63 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Arabic
- Architecture
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Business Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Community Health
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Dentistry
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering
- English
- Finance
- Food Science
- Geography (Human)
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Health Administration
- History
- Horticulture
- Human Resources
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Literature
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Media Studies
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Nutrition
- Operations Research
- Optometry
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Polymer and Plastics Technology
- Private Law
- Psychotherapy
- Public Administration
- Public Law
- Radiology
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
- Social Studies
- Software Engineering
- Soil Science
- Town Planning
- Toxicology
- Zoology
Doctoral 43 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Accountancy
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Arabic
- Architecture
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Business Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- English
- Food Science
- Geography (Human)
- History
- Horticulture
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Media Studies
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Nutrition
- Optometry
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Physics
- Plant and Crop Protection
- Radiology
- Social Studies
- Software Engineering
- Soil Science
- Statistics
- Town Planning
- Toxicology
- Zoology
Diploma & Certificate 3 programs
Diploma and certificate routes deliver focused, applied training for fast entry into skilled occupations.
- Education
- Foreign Languages Education
- Safety Engineering
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education of Saudi Arabia.
University Level Studies for Women Students (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Applied Medical Sciences (College) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Community Health
- Dental Hygiene
- Laboratory Techniques
- Optometry
- Radiology
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine and Therapy
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Applied Studies and Community Service (College) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Administration
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Welfare and Protective Services
Architecture and Planning (College) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture and Planning
- Town Planning
- Urban Studies
Common Career Paths
- Architect
- Urban Planner
- Interior Designer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arts (College) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
- Arts and Humanities
- English
- Geography
- History
- Library Science
- Mass Communication
- Social Studies
Community (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Natural Sciences
Community (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Natural Sciences
Community (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Natural Sciences
Community (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Natural Sciences
Computer and Information Science (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
Common Career Paths
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Systems Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Dentistry (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
Common Career Paths
- Dentist
- Oral Surgeon
- Dental Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (College) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art Education
- Curriculum
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Technology
- Islamic Studies
- Physical Education
- Psychology
- Special Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (College) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Food and Agricultural Sciences (College) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Food Science
- Nutrition
- Plant and Crop Protection
- Soil Science
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health Sciences (College) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Administration
- Laboratory Techniques
- Nutrition
- Pharmacy
- Radiology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Languages and Translation (College) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- European Languages
- Modern Languages
- South and Southeast Asian Languages
- Translation and Interpretation
Common Career Paths
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Language Teacher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law and Political Science (College) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civil Law
- Commercial Law
- Criminal Law
- Political Sciences
- Public Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Nursing (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nursing
Common Career Paths
- Registered Nurse
- Clinical Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Pharmacy (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Physical Education and Sports (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physical Education
- Sports
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (College) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Natural Sciences
- Physics
- Statistics
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (College) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Physics
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Teachers (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Teacher Training
Tourism and Antiquities (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Archaeology
- Heritage Preservation
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Tour Operator
- Hospitality Manager
- Travel Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arabic Language (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
Environmental Research, Water and Desert (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arid Land Studies
- Environmental Studies
- Water Management
Common Career Paths
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Officer
- Climate Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Research and Consulting Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Programs Offered
King Saud University's programme finder filters by name across all degree levels. Departmental admissions criteria sometimes differ from institutional minimums — verify against the programme page before relying on either.
253 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Saudi Arabia
Bachelor's Degree 58 programmes
Showing 10 of 58.
Master's Degree 123 programmes
Showing 10 of 123.
Doctorate 68 programmes
Showing 10 of 68.
Higher Diploma 4 programmes
How to apply to King Saud University
A short guide to applying to King Saud University — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
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1
Research programmes at King Saud University
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. King Saud University runs 253 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Before applying to King Saud University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Saudi Arabia.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with King Saud University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Lodge your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.ksu.edu.sa). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +966 (1) 467 0000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about King Saud University
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting King Saud University as a study destination.
In what year was King Saud University established?
King Saud University was founded in 1957 (approximately 69 years ago).
Where can I find King Saud University?
The institution is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
What is King Saud University's control type?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students does King Saud University have?
The institution has a student body of 35,000-39,999.
How is King Saud University ranked?
It ranks #111 globally and #1 in Saudi Arabia.
What qualification levels does King Saud University offer?
King Saud University delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
How is King Saud University organised academically?
King Saud University is organised into 24 academic units across its disciplines.
Who recognises King Saud University?
The institution holds recognition from Ministry of Education.
What is King Saud University's official website?
You can find King Saud University online at www.ksu.edu.sa.
Members of Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW)
Below: Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW) member institutions alongside King Saud University, useful for shortlists weighted toward partnerships. Partnership-driven shortlisting works well when post-graduate mobility is part of your plan.
Faculties at nearby universities
Climate and seasonal factors apply consistently across universities near King Saud University, but campus altitude or coastline exposure can shift the experience meaningfully even within a cluster.
Where Else to Study Biological Sciences
Below: institutions across Saudi Arabia that offer Biological Sciences, providing comparison points for King Saud University's programme. Variations in elective range, placement support, and credential portability are worth examining carefully.
Universities Compared with King Saud University
Endowment and financial peer comparison signals institutional resources and scholarship depth. Universities comparable to King Saud University in this dimension often offer similar aid packages.
Studying in Saudi Arabia: guides and resources
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