Admission to Saudi Universities: Key Admission Requirements for

Thousands of students search annually forImportant conditions for admission to Saudi universitiesBefore starting the application period, given the importance of this step in ensuring admission to the desired major. The admission criteria in Saudi government universitiesvary by university and major, and include essential elements such as the cumulative high school average, standardized test scores (aptitude and achievement), in addition tothe weighted percentage in Saudi universities.There are also

admission conditionsforSaudiuniversitiesfor non-Saudis

Which Are Regulated by the Ministry of Education, and Include Special Criteria for International Students and Those Wishing to Study Through Internal or External Scholarships. in This Article, We Will Provide You With a Comprehensive Guide Explaining Admission Requirements, Required Percentages, Registration Steps Through the Unified Admission Portal, Requirements for Health Specializations, With Practical Tips to Increase Your Chances of Admission for the Year 2025.

Overview of Admission in Saudi Universities

Admission criteria in Saudi government universities

• Government universities rely on a set of basic criteria to admit students to their academic programs, with the most important being:Cumulative high school average:

• Represents an important percentage of the admission equation, and its importance varies depending on the major.Standardized test scores:

• Includes the General Aptitude Test (Qudurat) and the Academic Achievement Test (Tahsili), which are conducted by the Education and Training Evaluation Commission.Weighted percentage:

This Is the Percentage Calculated by Combining High School Averages and Standardized Test Scores According to Specific Weights Determined by Each University.

1. Admission requirements in Saudi universities for high school students

2. Obtaining a high school certificate or its equivalent from within the Kingdom or abroad.

3. Not more than five years should have passed since obtaining the qualification, with some majors requiring a shorter period.

4. Passing any tests or personal interviews specified by the university for majors that require them.

Meeting Health Requirements for Some Programs, Especially in the Medical and Health Fields.

Weighted Percentage in Saudi Universities

What is the required weighted percentage for admission to Saudi universities?The weighted percentage inSaudiuniversitiesis one of the most important admission criteria, and it is the percentage calculated based on the student’s total score in high school, the aptitude test, and the achievement test, according to specific weights that vary from one university to another and from one major to another.

Common example of calculation method in scientific majors:

• 30%of the high school average.

• 30%of the General Aptitude Test score.

• 40%of the Achievement Test score.

As for theoretical majors, the weighted percentage might be, for example:

• 50%of the high school average.

• 50%of the General Aptitude Test score.

💡Note:Some universities may exclude the Achievement Test from some programs, or increase the percentage of the high school average in certain majors.

Differences in Percentages According to Majors

1. Health and Medical Specializations:Often require high weighted percentages reaching 90% or more.

2. Engineering and Scientific Specializations:Weighted percentages range between 80% and 85% depending on the university.

3. Theoretical and Humanities Specializations:Weighted percentages may start from 70% or higher.

Admission Requirements for Saudi Universities for Non-saudis

Saudi universities offernon-Saudi studentsthe opportunity to enroll in their academic programs, either throughexternal scholarshipsorinternal scholarships, in accordance with specific regulations and criteria set by the Ministry of Education.

Admission Requirements for Non-saudis in Saudi Universities

• Academic Qualification:Obtaining a high school certificate or its equivalent, with an average not less than the percentage specified by the university.

• Age:It is often required that the applicant’s age be not less than 17 years and not more than 25 years for the bachelor’s degree stage, with exceptions for some programs.

• Legal Residence:For students residing within the Kingdom, a valid residence permit is required.

• Required Documents:Copy of passport or residence, translated certificate of qualification (if required), personal photos, and any additional language or standardized test certificates.

Admission Requirements for International Students

• Application is usually made throughthe external scholarships portallaunched by universities or the Ministry of Education.

• Proof of Language Proficiency:Some programs require passing language tests such as IELTS or TOEFL for English programs, or Arabic language proficiency tests for non-native speakers.

• Full dedication to studies, as international students are not allowed to work during the scholarship period except within the university campus.

Admission Requirements for Health Specializations in Saudi Universities

Health and medical specializations are among the most competitive programs in Saudi universities, due to their high academic requirements and importance in the job market. These specializations include human medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, and applied medical sciences.

Average and Weighted Percentage

• Most universities require a high weighted percentage of90% or morefor admission to human medicine and dentistry programs.

• Pharmacy and applied medical sciences specializations may require a weighted percentage starting from85% or higher.

Required Tests

• General Aptitude TestandAchievement Testare mandatory, with greater weight given to the Achievement Test in these specializations.

• Passing university-specific admission tests (if any).

Additional Requirements

• Passingthe personal interviewto ensure the student’s suitability for the specialization.

• PassingMedical examinationwhich proves health fitness to practice the profession in the future.

• Provides basic skills in the English language, as most medical curricula are taught in English.

Steps for Application and Admission to Saudi Universities 2025

With the digital transformation in the education sector, applying to Saudi universities is now done entirely online throughUnified Admission Portalor the private portals of each university.

How to Register in Saudi Universities Through the Unified Admission Portal

1. Enter the Unified Admission Portal(for regions that support the system) or the official university website.

2. Create a new accountby entering personal data and ID or residence number.

3. Choose the desired specializationsand arrange them according to priority.

4. Enter gradesin high school and aptitude and achievement tests (automatically retrieved in some portals from the Measurement Center).

5. Upload required documentsin PDF or JPG format (high school certificate, ID card, personal photos).

6. Confirm the applicationand track admission status through the control panel.

Follow up on Admission Results and Nomination Confirmation

• Results are usually announced within two weeks of closing the application deadline.

• The student mustConfirm acceptancewithin the specified period, otherwise the nomination will be automatically canceled.

• Some universities allow the option torequest a transferto another specialization or university within a specified period.

Tips to Increase Admission Chances

Admission to Saudi universities, especially in prestigious specializations, can be highly competitive, so it’s important for the student to plan well and prepare in advance. Here are the main guidelines:

1. Early Preparation for Standardized Tests

• Dedicate sufficient time to prepare for the general aptitude and achievement tests.

• Benefit from the sample tests and training courses offered byMeasurement Center.

2. Choosing Specializations Suitable for Admission Rates

• Review the admission rates for the previous year in the target universities.

• Consider that health and engineering specializations often require higher rates, while some theoretical specializations may be less competitive.

3. Applying to More Than One University

• Don’t rely on just one university, apply to several universities to increase admission chances.

• Compare programs, fees, and geographical location before making the final decision.

4. Preparing Documents Early

• Ensure all documents (high school certificate, ID card, photos) are ready and updated before registration opens.

5. Following Final Deadlines

• Record the opening and closing application deadlines for each university so you don’t miss the opportunity.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Understandingthe most important admission requirements for Saudi universitiesis a fundamental step to ensure admission to the right specialization and university, especially given the high competition for study seats. Admission depends on several main criteria, the most important being the cumulative high school average, standardized test scores, andthe weighted percentagewhich each university determines. They also differAdmission standards in Saudi public universitiesfrom private universities, with special requirements for international andnon-Saudi students.

Practical Recommendations for Students

• Start preparing early for aptitude and achievement tests to increase your admission chances.

• Reviewadmission requirements for health sciences majorsif you are targeting fields like medicine, pharmacy, or nursing.

• Make sure to review each university’s admission guide for 2025 before applying.

• Don’t rely on just one university, distribute your applications across multiple educational institutions to increase your chances.

• Ensure you meet the deadlines and confirm your admission as soon as results are announced.

In conclusion:Success in university admission begins with advance planning, understanding requirements, and smart application that balances your ambitions with realistic opportunities.