Higher education is the cornerstone of building a knowledge society and achieving sustainable development. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, universities are of great importance as they are the main drivers of innovation and development.
Since the establishment of the first Saudi university, the higher education sector has witnessed rapid growth and remarkable development. Today, Saudi universities compete for advanced positions locally and globally, which reflects the Kingdom’s tireless efforts to improve the quality of education and enhance its position on the global academic map.
Standards for classifying universities locally and internationally
The international rankings of the best universities in Saudi Arabia are based on a set of precise and comprehensive criteria. The most prominent of these rankings are the QS World University Rankings, the Times Higher Education Rankings, and the Shanghai Academic Rankings of World Universities.
These rankings focus on several main axes, including: quality of teaching, scientific research, academic citations, and international reputation. Special attention is also given to the proportion of foreign students and international faculty, which reflects the university's openness to the world.
Local standards for evaluation
At the local level, the best universities in Saudi Arabia adopt special standards to evaluate their universities. These criteria include: the quality of academic programs, the competence of the teaching staff, educational infrastructure and facilities, and graduate employment rates. Special attention is also paid to scientific research and innovation, and the extent of the university’s contribution to serving society and achieving national development goals. These various criteria ensure a comprehensive and accurate assessment of the performance of Saudi universities.
The best universities in Saudi Arabia in order
- King Abdulaziz University
- King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
- King Saud University
- Prince Mohammed bin Fahd University
- Al-Faisal University
- Hael University
- Imam Muhammad Bin Saud Islamic University
- Imam Abdul Rahman bin Faisal University
- Tabouk university
- Gazan University
- Umm Al Qura University
- جامعة الاميرة نورة
- King Khalid University
- Al-Jouf University
- King Faisal University
- Al Qussaim university
- Northern Border University
- Islamic University of Medina
- Imam Muhammad bin Saud University
- Taibah University
- Al-Farabi College
- Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University
- University of Hafar Al-Batin
- University of Jeddah
- Najran university
- Bisha University
- Saudi Management Institute
- University collected
- Al-Asala University
- the Saudi electronic university
- Taif University
- Shaqra University
- Al Baha university
- Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz University
- Naif Arab University for Security Sciences
King Abdulaziz University
King Abdulaziz University is the best Saudi university in Saudi higher education, topping the local and regional rankings. It was founded in 1967 in Jeddah, and was distinguished by the diversity of its academic programs and the quality of its scientific research. The university is known for its cutting-edge research centres, especially in the fields of medicine, engineering and science. It plays a pivotal role in achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 through its contribution to the knowledge economy and the graduation of qualified cadres.
- Local ranking: 1
- World ranking: 143
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals is considered the best Saudi university in the world for excellence in the fields of engineering and applied sciences. It was founded in 1963 in Dhahran, and specializes in petroleum and mineral sciences and advanced technology. The university is distinguished by its strong partnerships with the industrial sector, especially Saudi Aramco. It is known for the quality of its scientific research and advanced laboratories, making it a favorite destination for students and researchers in technical fields.
- Local ranking: 2
- World ranking: 180
King Saud University
King Saud University is the oldest university in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the best university in Saudi Arabia. It was founded in 1957 in Riyadh. It is distinguished by the diversity of its colleges and academic programs that cover most scientific and humanities fields. The university is known for its advanced university hospital and distinguished research centers. It plays a major role in developing scientific research and serving the Saudi community through its various initiatives.
- Local ranking: 3
- World ranking: 203
Prince Mohammed bin Fahd University
Prince Mohammed bin Fahd University was established in 2006 in Al-Khobar as a private, non-profit university. It is distinguished by its focus on high-quality education in accordance with international standards. The university provides an advanced educational environment that combines theory and practical application. It is known for its programs in business, engineering and information technology, with an emphasis on developing leadership and innovation skills in its students.
- Local ranking: 4
- World ranking: 590
Imam Abdul Rahman bin Faisal University
Imam Abdul Rahman bin Faisal University (formerly known as the University of Dammam) was established in 1975 in Dammam. The best universities in Saudi Arabia are distinguished by their diverse specializations, especially in the fields of medicine, health sciences, and engineering. The university is known for the quality of its academic programs and its research contributions in multiple fields. It plays an important role in serving the local community through its various educational and training programs.
- Local ranking: 5
- World ranking: 595
Umm Al Qura University
Umm Al-Qura University was founded in 1949 in Mecca, and is considered one of the oldest universities in the Kingdom. It is distinguished by its unique location in the heart of Mecca, which makes it an important center for Islamic and Arab studies. The university provides a wide range of academic programs in forensic sciences, applied sciences, and humanities. It is famous for its research in the field of serving the Two Holy Mosques, Hajj and Umrah.
- Local ranking: 6
- World ranking: 610
جامعة الاميرة نورة
Princess Noura bint Abdulrahman University is the largest women's university in the world, founded in 2010 in Riyadh. It is distinguished by its focus on empowering Saudi women through high-quality education. The university offers a wide range of academic programmes, with a focus on the fields of science, technology and health. It is known for its modern facilities and advanced educational environment that supports creativity and innovation.
- Local ranking: 7
- World ranking: 670
Al-Faisal University
Alfaisal University was established in 2002 in Riyadh as a private, non-profit university. It is distinguished by its focus on scientific research and innovation, especially in the fields of science, technology and medicine. The university provides an international learning environment with faculty from around the world. It is known for its distinguished programs in medicine, engineering and business administration, with an emphasis on experiential learning and research projects.
- Local ranking: 8
- World ranking: 740
King Khalid University
King Khalid University was established in 1999 in Abha, in the south of the Kingdom, and it is one of the best universities in Saudi Arabia. It is considered an important educational and cultural center in the southern region. The university provides a wide range of academic programs in various disciplines. It is distinguished by its contributions to local development and scientific research, especially in the fields of agriculture, tourism, and cultural heritage of the southern region.
- Local ranking: 9
- World ranking: 770
Al-Jouf University
Al-Jouf University was established in 2005 in the Al-Jouf region in the north of the Kingdom. It is one of the best universities in Saudi Arabia and plays an important role in the economic and social development of the northern region. The university provides various academic programs that meet the needs of the local and national labor market. It is distinguished by its focus on applied research, especially in the fields of agriculture, natural resources, and renewable energy.
- Local ranking: 10
- World ranking: 850
King Faisal University
King Faisal University was established in 1975 in Al-Ahsa in the Eastern Province. It is distinguished by the diversity of its academic programs, which include agricultural sciences and veterinary medicine, in addition to traditional majors. The university is known for its research contributions in the field of agriculture and livestock. It plays an important role in the sustainable development of the Eastern Region through its specialized programs and research.
- Local ranking: 11
- World ranking: 900
Al Qussaim university
Qassim University was established in 2004 in the city of Buraidah in the Qassim region. It is considered an important educational center in the center of the Kingdom. The university provides a wide range of academic programs with a special focus on agricultural and medical sciences. It is distinguished by its contributions to agricultural research and rural development, which reflects the importance of the region in the Kingdom’s agricultural production.
- Local ranking: 12
- World ranking: 950
Northern Border University
Northern Border University was established in 2007 in the city of Arar in the north of the Kingdom. It plays a vital role in the development of the northern border regions. The university offers diverse academic programs that meet the needs of the region, with a special focus on health and engineering sciences. She is distinguished for her contributions to environmental research and frontier studies.
- Local ranking: 13
- World ranking: 950
Islamic University of Medina
The Islamic University of Medina was established in 1961 and is considered a global center for Islamic studies. It attracts students from various parts of the Islamic world. It is distinguished by its specialized programs in Sharia sciences and the Arabic language. It plays an important role in spreading moderation and moderation in Islamic thought at the global level.
- Local ranking: 14
- World ranking: 951
Imam Muhammad bin Saud University
Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University was established in 1974 in Riyadh. It is one of the largest and most comprehensive Saudi universities in its specializations. It is distinguished by the strength of its programs in Sharia and Arabic sciences, in addition to offering a wide range of scientific and humanities specializations. It plays an important role in preparing preachers and scholars and qualifying national cadres in various fields.
- Local ranking: 15
- World ranking: 1001
Taibah University
Taibah University was established in 2003 in Medina. It is distinguished by its strategic location in the Prophet’s City, which makes it an important center for Islamic and historical studies. The university offers a variety of academic programs in the natural sciences and humanities. It is famous for its research in the field of serving the Two Holy Mosques and religious tourism.
- Local ranking: 16
- World ranking: 1200
Al-Farabi College
Al-Farabi College is a private educational institution established in Riyadh. It specializes in providing academic programs in the fields of medicine and health sciences. It is distinguished by its emphasis on practical education and clinical training. It aims to prepare qualified medical personnel to meet the needs of the health sector in the Kingdom.
- Local ranking: 17
- World ranking: 1300
Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University
Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University was established in 2009 in Al-Kharj Governorate. It serves the central region of the Kingdom and provides a variety of academic programs. It is distinguished by its focus on sustainable development and innovation in the fields of agriculture and engineering. It plays an important role in supporting economic and social development in the surrounding areas.
- Local ranking: 18
- World ranking: 1300
Gazan University
Jazan University was established in 2006 in the Jazan region, southwest of the Kingdom. It plays a vital role in the economic and social development of the southern region. It offers diverse academic programs with a special focus on marine and agricultural sciences. It is distinguished by its research in the fields of coastal development and fisheries, taking advantage of its strategic location on the Red Sea coast.
- Local ranking: 19
- World ranking: 1300
Tabouk university
The University of Tabuk was established in 2006 in the city of Tabuk, northwest of the Kingdom. Serving the Northwest region and offering a wide range of academic programs. It is distinguished by its focus on disciplines that serve local development, such as tourism, archeology, and environmental sciences. It plays an important role in preserving the cultural and natural heritage of the region.
- Local ranking: 20
- World ranking: 1300
The role of Saudi universities in achieving Vision 2030
It can be said that the best universities in Saudi Arabia play a pivotal role in achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. By focusing on the quality of education, promoting scientific research, and supporting innovation, these universities contribute to building a diverse and sustainable knowledge economy. The remarkable progress made by Saudi universities in international rankings reflects the great efforts made to develop the higher education sector.
