Choosing to study outside Saudi Arabia requires more than comparing a country’s name or a university’s reputation. Tuition fees, living costs, the language of instruction, admission requirements, and the university’s status with the Saudi Ministry of Education are all important factors to review before making any payment or confirming your seat.
This guide provides a concise comparison of the best countries to study abroad for Saudis in 2026, with greater focus on Turkey and the options it offers Saudi students in terms of universities, majors, and costs. If Turkey is part of your study plan, the Directly team can help you find options that match your preferred major and budget.
What Are the Best Countries to Study Abroad for Saudis in 2026?
The right country depends on your major, budget, language of study, and career plans after graduation. Some students look for a strong medical university, while others prioritize Computer Engineering, Business Administration, or an English-taught program with manageable costs.
| Country | Main Advantages | Cost Level |
| Turkey | Wide range of universities and majors, programs in English and Turkish, close to Saudi Arabia | Low to moderate for most non-medical programs |
| United Kingdom | Universities with strong global presence and a wide range of academic programs | High |
| United States | Large selection of universities and strong research and technical programs | High |
| Germany | Limited tuition fees at most public universities | Low tuition costs and moderate living expenses |
| Malaysia | English-taught programs and affordable costs compared with many Western destinations | Low to moderate |
For Saudi students, it is not enough to choose a country first and then select any university within it. It is better to check the university, major, and degree level through the Recommended Universities service of the Saudi Ministry of Education before confirming registration.
Why Is Turkey a Good Study Option for Saudis?
Turkey gives Saudi students a wide range of choices between private and public universities, as well as programs taught in Turkish or English. Tuition fees also vary significantly from one university to another, allowing students to build a list of universities that matches their budget instead of being limited to one expensive option.
Some of the reasons Saudi students consider studying in Turkey include:
- Turkey’s geographical proximity to Saudi Arabia and convenient travel between the two countries.
- Availability of English-taught programs in Engineering, Business, Health Sciences, and other fields.
- Private universities that accept international students based on their high school diploma.
- A wide range of tuition fees between universities and programs.
- Availability of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Engineering, and Business Administration programs.
- The ability to compare several universities within Istanbul alone.
- Availability of student dormitories and shared apartments in major university cities.
Recognition remains one of the most important steps when choosing a university. Students should check the university name, major, and degree level with the Saudi Ministry of Education before registration, as the status of individual programs may differ even within the same university.
How Much Does Studying Abroad Cost for Saudi Students?
The cost of studying abroad for Saudi students depends on the country, major, and type of university. The differences become more noticeable in health-related fields, especially Medicine and Dentistry.
| Country | General Overview of Tuition and Costs |
| Turkey | Some private non-medical programs start from around $4,200 per year, while Medicine at private universities can exceed $20,000 and may cost more than $40,000 |
| United Kingdom | International undergraduate tuition ranges from around £11,400 to £38,000 per year |
| United States | Published average tuition reaches around $31,880 at public universities for out-of-state students and $45,000 at private nonprofit universities |
| Germany | Most public universities do not charge tuition for bachelor’s and most master’s programs, although semester fees and living costs apply |
| Malaysia | Public and private universities generally offer lower costs than many Western destinations, with fees varying by institution and major |
In Germany, students should plan for living expenses of approximately €900 to €1,200 per month, in addition to semester fees. In the United Kingdom, living costs in London are higher than in other cities, so accommodation, food, and transportation should be calculated alongside university tuition.
In Turkey, the required budget varies significantly depending on the city and type of accommodation. Istanbul offers a wider selection of universities, but living costs are higher than in some other Turkish cities.
Read also: What Are the Benefits of Studying in Turkey? Key Advantages
Turkish Universities for Saudi Students
Saudi students have many university options in Turkey, especially those looking for English-taught programs or health and engineering majors. The following list can help you begin your comparison, but it does not mean that every program at these universities has the same status with Saudi authorities. Students should verify the specific major and degree level before registration.
| University | Fields Worth Comparing | 2026–2027 Tuition Examples |
| Üsküdar University | Medicine, Engineering, Psychology, Media, and Health Sciences | Many programs start from $4,200, while Medicine starts from $18,000 |
| Istinye University | Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Engineering | Medicine costs $23,000 in Turkish and $29,000 in English |
| Istanbul Medipol University | Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Engineering | Medicine ranges from $34,000 to $44,000 depending on the program and language |
| Bahçeşehir University | Engineering, Business, Architecture, Medicine, and Pharmacy | Engineering costs $9,000 and Medicine costs $28,000 |
| Other Private Universities in Istanbul | Business, Engineering, Media, Social Sciences, and Health Sciences | Tuition varies depending on the major and language of instruction |
Do not choose a university based on tuition fees alone. Compare the program language, curriculum, accreditation related to the field, university location, accommodation, and admission requirements. Then verify its status with the Saudi Ministry of Education.
Start Your Study Journey in Turkey With Directly
If studying in Turkey for Saudi students is among your options, the Directly team can help you narrow down your university choices based on your academic qualifications, preferred program, and study budget.
- Review your academic certificate and grade before choosing a university.
- Identify universities offering your preferred major in the right language.
- Compare tuition fees, scholarships, and payment options.
- Help you verify university and program information before registration.
- Explain admission requirements and required documents.
- Submit your admission application and follow up on the result.
- Follow up on seat confirmation and final registration steps.
Contact the Directly team via WhatsApp and send us your preferred major, grade, and budget. We will help you compare Turkish universities and find a study option that suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best country to study abroad for Saudis?
The right choice depends on the major, budget, and language of instruction. Turkey offers a wide range of options at lower costs than the United Kingdom and the United States for many programs, while Germany may suit students looking for public universities with limited tuition fees.
Is Turkey a good destination for Saudi students?
Yes. Turkey offers a wide range of universities and programs in both Turkish and English, with different tuition fees and majors. Students should verify the university and program with the Saudi Ministry of Education before registration.
How much does it cost for Saudis to study in Turkey?
Some non-medical bachelor’s programs at private universities start from around $4,200 per year, while tuition fees for Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy increase depending on the university and language of instruction.
What is the cheapest suitable country for Saudi students?
Germany is one of the leading options in terms of tuition fees because most public universities do not charge tuition for bachelor’s and most master’s programs. However, students still need a sufficient budget for accommodation and living expenses.
How do I choose a university recognized in Saudi Arabia?
Search for the university through the Recommended Universities service of the Saudi Ministry of Education, then select the country, university, major, and degree level. Make sure to verify the specific program before paying tuition fees or confirming your seat.
