Alfaisal University

Key facts

Checked against the sources listed at the bottom of this page on 6 November 2026.

About Alfaisal University

Alfaisal University is a private non-profit university in Riyadh, set up by the King Faisal Foundation. Wikipedia gives 2002 as its founding year and says the first students were admitted in 2008; the university’s admissions page also gives 2002.^[1][3] Its address is P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533.^[2]

The university lists six colleges and, for 2024–2025, 35 undergraduate and 45 graduate programmes.^[2][3] Student figures differ between pages: the homepage says 5,900+ students without a date, the admissions page says about 5,900 in 2024–2025 on one line and over 6,800 on another, and Wikipedia gives 7,124 for 2025–2026.^[2][3][1] The admissions page also lists 362 faculty members and 5,310 alumni.^[3]

How is Alfaisal University ranked?

We could not confirm Alfaisal’s position in the QS World University Rankings 2027. A Saudi press report on the 2027 edition names Alfaisal among the Saudi universities in the ranking but gives no position for it.^[6] Wikipedia lists the 801–850 band for the QS edition of 2026 and the 501–600 band for the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.^[1] QS publishes its ranking at topuniversities.com, which blocks automated access. How we compile rankings.

What can you study at Alfaisal University?

The six colleges are Business, Engineering and Advanced Computing, Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and General Studies, and Law and International Relations.^[2] The admissions page lists these entry routes: freshman, transfer, visiting student (up to 30 credit hours), international, non-degree, and a high school summer route.^[3]

A preparatory programme exists; the FAQ lists it at SR 60,000 plus 5% tax for international students.^[5] The pages we read do not describe its content or who must take it.

How much does Alfaisal University cost?

These figures come from the university’s fee pages, which state no academic year.^[4][7] The FAQ adds 5% tax for international students on the undergraduate and preparatory fees, while the catalog says VAT is applicable and names 15% in the summer line; we cannot tell you which rate applies to you, so ask Alfaisal.^[5][7] The seat reservation and first tuition instalment is SR 20,000, paid before the academic year starts.^[4]

Costs for international applicants

The international admission page asks for proof of a bank balance of at least SR 150,000 (about US$40,000) that covers first-year tuition, or a financial guarantee from a recognised organisation, and a deposit of SR 100,000 after the acceptance letter, credited toward first-year tuition. It also requires medical insurance, which the university can arrange after admission.^[8] The seat reservation of SR 20,000 on the fee page and the SR 100,000 deposit on the international page are different payments; ask which applies to you. Alfaisal does not offer student accommodation.^[5]

Scholarships

Merit-based and need-based scholarships each cover 20% of tuition for bachelor’s students. Merit awards go to the highest standardized test scores and need no application; need-based awards require proof of financial need.^[9] The FAQ says international students can apply for merit-based scholarships but not for need-based ones unless they have standardized test scores.^[5] The Distinguished Science Scholarship covers 50% of tuition for selected students in the College of Science and General Studies, and the Dean’s List gives 20%. Students sponsored by a third party are not eligible.^[9]

How do you apply to Alfaisal University as an international student?

Create an account with a valid email address, complete the online application and upload the required documents. The university reviews the application and emails you about missing items.^[8] The checklist includes the high school certificate and transcript, a passport, a photo, a medical insurance card for non-Saudi students, TOEFL or IELTS scores and previous college transcripts where relevant.^[10] The passport needs at least one year of validity.^[8]

Alfaisal treats anyone who is not a Saudi citizen and has no valid Iqama as an international student, and emails the student visa once it is approved. All international students need health insurance.^[5] The high school must be accredited by the Ministry of Education or equivalent; standardized test results (SAT, ACT) improve the chance of admission.^[5] We give no deadlines, because they change every year; use the dates on the admissions site.

Which English level do you need for Alfaisal University?

International applicants submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores, with exemptions for certain prior education in a native English-speaking country.^[8] The FAQ recommends a minimum TOEFL score of 70 or an IELTS overall band of at least 5.5, and also accepts the Oxford Placement Test with a recommended minimum of C2.^[5] The language of teaching is English.^[1]

More about studying in Saudi Arabia

• Saudi Arabia: best universities
• Cost of Studying Abroad
• International Student Scholarships
• University Ranking Methodology

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