Saudi Student visa

Foreign nationals wishing to study in Saudi Arabia can apply for the Saudi student visa, once they have been accepted in a Saudi school or university.

Holders of the Saudi student visa can live and study in Saudi Arabia for the term of their enrollment, the duration of the visa usually limited to 90 days within a 1-year validity period, or longer for study programs that require more than 3 months.

In an effort to make the Kingdom an attractive educational destination, Saudi Arabia offers citizens of 160 countries the “Study in Saudi Arabia” visa scheme, allowing foreign students and educators to live and study in Saudi Arabia for the term of their enrollment, without the need of a Saudi sponsor.

Eligibility

To apply for a Saudi student visa, foreign applicants must, first, be accepted into a Saudi educational institution. The Saudi school or university will then obtain an authorization letter from the Saudi MOFA, which will allow applicant to then apply for a Saudi student visa. To apply for a Saudi study visa, applicants should meet a set of requirements, detailed below.

Saudi Student visa requirements

To apply for a Saudi student visa, applicants must meet the following Saudi study visa requirements:

Passport

Applicant must have a passport valid for 6 months from the date of travel to Saudi Arabia, with 2 blank pages for official use that are facing each other.

Personal photos

Applicant must submit 3 recent color photos; against a white background; 2x2 inches; natural facial expressions; photo 80% face; no eyeglasses; no head wear, except for religious reasons.

Sponsorship

Applicant must be accepted and enrolled in a Saudi Arabian educational institution.

Visa referral note

Applicant must have a visa referral note issued by the Saudi MOFA, complete with visa information.

Birth certificate

Applicant must have their original birth certificate, plus 1 copy

Diploma

Applicant must provide their high school diploma, plus 1 copy. Please note that diplomas must be certified by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission.

Health report

Applicant must submit 3 copies of a recent medical report, issued within the last 3 months by a licensed physician, bearing the doctor’s license number and address, complete with lab results that prove the applicant is disease-free.

Police report

Applicant must submit a recent police report, issued at least 6 months before applying for the Saudi Student visa, that details applicant’s criminal record or lack thereof.

Application

Applicant should apply for their Saudi student visa by filling out the Saudi study visa application form on the Saudi MOFA portal and then submit the application and required documents by mail or in person at their nearest Saudi embassy or representation office abroad.

Please note that foreign applicants may be asked to purchase medical insurance in Saudi Arabia.

Applying for a Saudi Student visa

To apply for a Saudi student visa, applicants must follow these steps:

Enrollment

Apply to a Saudi university or educational program. Once you have been accepted into a Saudi educational program, you can then apply for your Saudi student visa

Online application

Foreign student fills out a Saudi student visa application form on the Saudi MOFA portal, complete with personal data and other requested information. Pay the Saudi student visa fees online on the Saudi MOFA portal, using a valid credit or debit card.

Submitting documents

Submit your Saudi study visa application and required documents by mailing them or visiting your nearest Saudi Arabia embassy or representation office abroad.

Approval

If approved, your Saudi study visa can be retrieved from the Saudi Arabia embassy or representation office where you applied. Check that all the visa information is correct and matches the information on your passport.

Your Saudi student visa should be issued bearing a validity period adequate for the Saudi educational program you are enrolled in.

Processing time

Saudi student visas are usually processed in 4 to 5 days, but can take longer, depending on the individual case. It is always advised to start your Saudi student visa application process early, so as to avoid possible delays.

Saudi Student visa extension

Saudi student visas can be extended under the discretion of the Saudi authorities. If the educational program you are enrolled in requires more time than your Saudi student visa allows, you may request an extension. It is advised to apply for a Saudi student visa extension as early as possible, in order to avoid overstays if your current Saudi student visa expires.

Validity

Saudi visas are normally issued for a maximum of 90 days within a 1-year visa validity period, but the Saudi student visa validity period will depend on the student’s course length. Accordingly, a long-term Saudi student visa will be granted to students enrolled in an educational program that will run longer than 90 days.