Saudi Arabia – Education and Schools

How good is the education system in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia’s schools have been through a period of substantial transformation, driven primarily by the Vision 2030 framework — the Kingdom’s wide-ranging plan for social and economic modernisation. Education commands the second-largest share of government expenditure in the country, with Saudi Arabia dedicating roughly 8.8% of its gross domestic product to the sector, a proportion nearly double the global average of 4.6%.

Vision 2030 has prompted sweeping curricular reforms. A particular emphasis has been placed on embedding science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects throughout schooling, while simultaneously fostering skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving — all seen as essential for developing a workforce equipped for the modern economy.

On the international stage, Saudi Arabia joined the PISA assessment programme for the first time in 2018. In the 2022 cycle, the Kingdom recorded a mathematics score of 389 — representing a gain of 16 points compared to its 2018 results. However, OECD analysis makes clear that Saudi schools, while improving, continue to perform below the international benchmark. To put the figures in perspective, the OECD average mathematics score sat at around 472, while top-performing Singapore achieved 575. For up-to-date country comparisons and data, the OECD PISA website is the authoritative source.

Trends from other international studies are similarly encouraging. Average reading attainment among Grade 4 pupils rose by the equivalent of close to one year of schooling between 2016 and 2021. Mathematics and science performance at Grade 4 level improved by the equivalent of almost two school years between 2015 and 2023. Even so, a meaningful share of students have yet to achieve basic proficiency thresholds, and the gap relative to leading education systems remains substantial.

The Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) sits at the centre of quality assurance efforts, carrying responsibility for establishing standards and overseeing the assessment, evaluation, and accreditation of educational and training institutions across all levels of the system. Readers seeking independent analysis should consult both the World Bank and OECD Education GPS for the most current comparative data.

At what ages is education compulsory in Saudi Arabia?

In Saudi Arabia, school attendance is compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 15. This obligation spans Grades 1 to 9, covering both the primary stage (Grades 1–6) and the intermediate stage (Grades 7–9). The system is administered centrally by the Ministry of Education, and there is no regional variation in compulsory schooling requirements of the kind found in, for example, the Swiss cantonal system.

State schooling from the primary through to the secondary level is free of charge and open to all Saudi nationals. Expatriate children are not legally obliged to attend Saudi public schools, and the large majority of expat families choose private international schools instead. Those who do wish to explore public school enrolment for their children should review the current regulations set out by the Ministry of Education, as the rules applicable to non-nationals can shift over time and should be confirmed before any decisions are made.

What types of schools are available in Saudi Arabia, and how is education structured by age?

The Saudi school system is organised into three principal stages: primary, intermediate, and secondary. Pre-school provision, locally referred to as Riyad al-Atfal, is available for children roughly between the ages of 3 and 5, though attendance is optional. Notably, the proportion of three-year-olds enrolled in pre-primary education in Saudi Arabia is among the lowest recorded across OECD and partner countries, standing at just 1.4% as of 2022.

The structure by level is broadly as follows:

• Kindergarten (Riyad al-Atfal): Ages 3–5 (optional, 2 years)
• Primary (Ibtidai): Ages 6–11, Grades 1–6 (compulsory)
• Intermediate (Mutawassit): Ages 12–14, Grades 7–9 (compulsory)
• Secondary (Thanawi): Ages 15–17, Grades 10–12 (not compulsory, but widely attended)

One element of the public school system that frequently strikes expat families is its single-sex structure: state schools separate boys and girls at all stages except kindergarten and nursery. Most international schools, by contrast, operate as co-educational institutions and are therefore a more familiar environment for families arriving from countries where mixed schooling is the norm. At secondary level, students in the national system generally choose between a science or a literary track, and Islamic studies form a compulsory element of the curriculum across all stages of schooling.

Governance of the system is highly centralised, with the Ministry of Education determining national curricula and standards. Some reform efforts have included granting a portion of public schools a degree of fiscal and administrative independence, with the aim of reducing bureaucratic constraints and encouraging innovation.

What curriculum and qualifications do schools in Saudi Arabia follow?

Islamic faith is woven into the fabric of Saudi society, and this is reflected directly in the education system. Islamic studies are a core component at every level, sitting alongside other subjects including Arabic language, mathematics, sciences, social studies, and English — which is compulsory from the primary stage onwards in national public schools. The full national curriculum is set and overseen by the Ministry of Education.

Students completing Grade 12 sit for the General Secondary Education Certificate — known as the Tawjihi, or formally as the Shahada al-Thanawiyya al-Amma. This certificate serves as the principal gateway for admission to Saudi universities and is, in some instances, accepted by universities abroad, though international recognition varies significantly. Families whose children may eventually apply to overseas universities should confirm requirements with the relevant institutions well in advance, as some will require additional qualifications or foundation programmes alongside the Saudi secondary certificate.

Private and international schools are permitted to deliver a foreign curriculum, but must incorporate components relating to Arabic language, Islamic civilisation, and Saudi history and geography as mandated by the Ministry of Education. In practice, this means that schools following British, American, or IB frameworks retain their internationally recognised core programmes while satisfying local content requirements. The broader national reform agenda continues to place particular weight on STEM integration and on developing higher-order thinking skills such as creativity and analytical reasoning.

It is worth noting that in 2022, 18.1% of degree-level graduates in Saudi Arabia specialised in STEM fields — a figure substantially above the OECD average of 2.0%, underscoring the Kingdom’s strong institutional emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at tertiary level.

What are typical school hours, term dates, and holidays in Saudi Arabia?

The Saudi academic year runs from September through to June — broadly comparable in overall length to systems such as France or Australia — but is divided into two semesters rather than three terms. The first semester typically covers September to January, followed by a break of several weeks, with the second semester running from February to June.

School hours are generally earlier than those found in many Western European systems. Most schools open between 7:00 and 7:30 am and close between 1:30 and 2:30 pm, making for a relatively compact school day. A more significant adjustment for newly arrived expat families is the working week: in Saudi Arabia, Friday and Saturday form the weekend, so the school week runs from Sunday to Thursday rather than the Monday-to-Friday pattern familiar in most Western countries.

The public holiday calendar has a direct bearing on school terms. National Day falls on 23 September, and the two Eid celebrations — Eid al-Fitr, which marks the conclusion of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha — each bring extended school breaks of approximately one to two weeks. Since both Eid dates are determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, they fall on different Gregorian calendar dates each year. During Ramadan itself, school hours are customarily reduced. International schools frequently operate on slightly varied term calendars and may observe different holiday schedules; families should always confirm precise dates with their child’s school at the beginning of each academic year.

How do you enrol a child in school in Saudi Arabia?

The enrolment process differs depending on whether a family is pursuing a public school or private international school place. Since the overwhelming majority of expatriate families use international schools, the steps below describe that route.

1. Research schools early: Riyadh and Jeddah have the widest choice of international schools, but places at popular schools fill quickly. Begin researching before you relocate, ideally six to twelve months in advance.
2. Contact the school’s admissions office: Most international schools in Saudi Arabia have an online admissions enquiry form. Submit this as early as possible to register your interest and find out about current availability.
3. Prepare required documents: You will typically need the child’s birth certificate, copies of the family’s passports and residency permits (Iqama), proof of current address, the child’s most recent school reports and academic transcripts, vaccination and immunisation records, and any special educational needs assessments if applicable.
4. Attend an assessment or interview: Many schools carry out an informal assessment of the child’s current level in literacy and numeracy before confirming a place, particularly at secondary level.
5. Receive and accept an offer: If a place is offered, you will be asked to pay a registration or enrolment fee to secure it. One-off registration and enrolment fees can be SAR 5,000–15,000 or more.
6. Complete medical and visa checks: Schools may require proof of the child’s residency status (Iqama) before formally admitting them.
7. Pay the first instalment of fees: Fees are typically invoiced on a semester basis. School fees are set by the board and are an annual fee, divided into two payments and invoiced on a semester basis at many schools.

Enrolment in a public school is handled through the Ministry of Education. Non-Saudi children may be admitted subject to available places and prevailing Ministry policy; all instruction is delivered in Arabic and Islamic studies are a mandatory part of the curriculum. A solid command of Arabic would be necessary, and any family considering this option is advised to consult the Ministry directly, as the applicable rules for non-nationals can change.

Demand for places at the most sought-after international schools in Riyadh and Jeddah can be intense. Families planning a move to Saudi Arabia should begin the admissions process as far in advance as practicable and contact schools directly to confirm current documentation requirements and waiting list situations, as both vary and can change with little notice.

What international schools are available in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is home to more than 142 international schools spread across eight cities, serving the Kingdom’s large and diverse expatriate population. Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam offer the greatest concentration of options, with schools ranging from more affordable community institutions to well-resourced premium establishments following British, American, or IB frameworks.

Among the most established schools are:

• British International School Riyadh (BISR) — offers British curriculum (EYFS through to A Levels and IB) for ages 3–18. BISR has been named in the Top 100 Independent Schools in the World list in the 2025 Spear’s Schools Index. Website: bisr.com.sa
• The British International School of Jeddah (BISJ) — a long-established British curriculum school serving the Jeddah expatriate community. As a designated British Community School authorised by the Saudi Ministry of Education, priority for admissions is given to British passport holders, though the school also welcomes applications from non-British families. Website: bis-jeddah.com
• American International School Riyadh (AIS-R) — follows the American curriculum and serves a wide expatriate community in the capital.
• Dhahran British Grammar School (DBGS) — a well-regarded British curriculum school serving the Eastern Province.
• International Programs School (IPS), Riyadh — offers the IB curriculum. Website: ipsksa.com

In terms of fees for the 2025/26 academic year, the market divides broadly into three tiers:

Fees at secondary level and for examination years are generally higher than those quoted for primary. Families should request a comprehensive fee schedule from each school they consider, as charges are reviewed annually. A full directory of international schools can be found at the International Schools Database, and all accredited IB World Schools in the Kingdom are listed on the IB’s official Saudi Arabia page.

What are the options for higher education in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia’s tertiary sector has expanded at a rapid pace, now encompassing 60 universities, as well as hundreds of community colleges, women’s colleges, and a range of technical and vocational training institutions. Approximately 70% of universities were publicly operated as of 2022, and around 95% of higher education students were enrolled in public institutions.

A landmark development came in 2009 with the founding of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) — the Kingdom’s first fully independent research university — which topped the 2023 Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings. King Saud University, established in 1957 as the first university in the Gulf region to offer non-religious degree programmes, remains among the most prominent and widely respected institutions in the Arab world.

As of November 2024, Saudi Arabia had 18 private universities, seven of which were based in Riyadh. Tertiary programmes broadly follow the internationally standard structure of bachelor’s degrees (typically four years in duration; six years for medicine, pharmacy, and engineering programmes), master’s degrees, and doctoral qualifications. The Ministry of Education exercises overarching oversight of higher education, with authority over curricula, admissions requirements, intake quotas, and academic appointments.

Tuition at public universities is free for Saudi nationals. Expatriate residents and international students wishing to pursue study at Saudi institutions should contact each university individually for current admissions criteria and any applicable fee arrangements, as these differ from the domestic system and vary between institutions. Many postgraduate programmes — particularly those in STEM disciplines and business — are delivered in English. For the most current information, consult individual university websites or the Ministry of Education portal.

What should expat families know about education costs in Saudi Arabia?

State schooling is free at all levels for students in the public system, but access to public schools for expatriate children is restricted and all teaching is conducted in Arabic. In practice, the vast majority of expat families plan for the cost of private or international school tuition, which constitutes one of the more substantial household expenses in the Kingdom.

Beyond annual tuition, families should be prepared for a range of additional costs. One-off registration and enrolment fees are payable on admission and typically amount to SAR 5,000–15,000 or more. English as an Additional Language (EAL) or other language support services, where a child needs them, are routinely charged as a separate item and can add SAR 15,000–40,000 or more to the annual bill. Examination fees for IGCSE, IB Diploma, or A Level assessments are not normally bundled into the base tuition and should be budgeted separately, at roughly SAR 8,000–25,000 or more per sitting (as of 2025/26).

School uniforms, transport, and extracurricular activities represent further expenditure. School bus services are widely available but are typically invoiced separately, and optional programmes such as music tuition, sports clubs, and school excursions can add meaningfully to the total annual outlay. Families are best served by establishing a realistic budget, requesting itemised fee schedules — including all one-off and recurring additional charges — from each school under consideration, comparing total projected costs across a three-to-five-year horizon, and seeking clarity on exactly which items are covered by tuition and which carry a separate price tag.

All fee figures in this article reflect the 2025/26 academic year. Costs are subject to annual revision, and families should verify current figures directly with individual schools. The Saudi Ministry of Education is the appropriate authority for queries relating to any regulations governing fees at private and international schools.

Are there any language considerations or support available for expat children in Saudi Arabia?

Arabic is the sole official language of Saudi Arabia and the medium of instruction throughout the public school system. Islamic studies, history, and social studies are all taught entirely in Arabic. English is included as a compulsory subject from primary level in state schools, though the quality and consistency of English language teaching can differ considerably between individual schools and between regions. The shortage of highly qualified teachers — particularly in less densely populated areas — contributes to this variability.

For children with no prior Arabic, attending a public school in Saudi Arabia would present formidable obstacles. Unlike some European systems — Switzerland or Luxembourg, for instance — where dedicated language integration programmes are embedded within the state structure, Saudi public schools have no equivalent pathway for non-Arabic-speaking pupils. The absence of formal immersion provision means the public school route is generally impractical for expatriate children without existing Arabic fluency.

International schools operating British, American, or other English-medium curricula are the natural choice for most expat families. Many IB World Schools also maintain a multilingual learning environment. EAL support is available at a number of international schools, though it is nearly always priced as an add-on rather than included within standard tuition. Families whose children may need this provision should ask prospective schools specifically about the scope and structure of their EAL programme, how it is delivered during the school day, and what the associated costs are.

As a condition of their operating licence, international schools are required by the Ministry of Education to include Arabic language instruction, together with elements of Islamic civilisation and Saudi history and geography, regardless of their primary curriculum. While this requirement may seem like an imposition, it does mean that expatriate children gain meaningful exposure to Arabic over the course of their schooling — an advantage that can prove valuable well beyond their time in the Kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my child’s foreign school qualifications be recognised when applying to Saudi universities?

Qualifications such as the IB Diploma, British A Levels, and the American High School Diploma are accepted for entry to Saudi universities in a number of cases, but recognition is not uniform across all institutions or programmes. The Ministry of Education administers the equivalency process for overseas qualifications. Families should confirm requirements with the specific university to which their child intends to apply and consult the Ministry of Education for up-to-date equivalency procedures, as these are subject to revision.

How do I find a good international school in a specific city in Saudi Arabia?

Riyadh and Jeddah offer the broadest selection of international schools, though Dammam, Khobar, and several other cities also have well-established institutions. The International Schools Database provides a searchable listing of all 142+ international schools in the Kingdom, including details on curriculum, fees, and contact information. All IB-accredited schools in Saudi Arabia are listed on the IBO’s official Saudi Arabia page.

Do children need to speak Arabic to attend a public school in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. All teaching in state schools is delivered in Arabic, and children without adequate fluency would face severe difficulties. There are no government-run Arabic immersion programmes designed to support non-Arabic-speaking entrants — a contrast with the structured language integration pathways available in some European public school systems. As a result, the overwhelming majority of expatriate families choose private international schools, where English or another language is the primary medium of instruction.

How long does it take to secure a school place in Saudi Arabia?

The timeline varies considerably depending on the school and location. In-demand international schools in Riyadh and Jeddah routinely carry waiting lists, and some families begin the process six to twelve months before their intended move date. Starting the application process as early as possible is strongly advised. Schools in smaller cities or those with lower profiles may have places available at considerably shorter notice. Contacting schools directly to gauge current availability is always the best first step.

What happens to my child’s education if the family moves mid-year?

Most international schools are willing to accept students outside the standard September intake, provided space exists in the relevant year group. Schools will generally request transcripts and academic reports from the child’s previous institution to determine correct year placement. The standardised nature of the British and IB curricula in particular tends to make cross-school transitions relatively straightforward at an international level. Families should approach prospective schools as early as possible, enquire specifically about mid-year intake availability, and clarify the school’s policy before finalising relocation dates.

Are there schools in Saudi Arabia that follow the Indian (CBSE) curriculum?

Yes. Schools offering the Indian Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum are present in several major Saudi cities and are particularly popular among the substantial South Asian expatriate community in the Kingdom. Fees at CBSE schools tend to be appreciably lower than those charged by British or IB institutions. A listing of CBSE and other curriculum schools can be found through directories such as Edarabia. Families should verify the current accreditation status of any school directly before enrolling.

Is there provision for children with special educational needs in Saudi Arabia?

The Kingdom operates specialist facilities for pupils with severe disabilities and autism. Within the international school sector, the quality and extent of special educational needs provision varies markedly from school to school. Larger, more established institutions are more likely to have dedicated learning support departments staffed by qualified specialists, while smaller schools may have significantly more limited capacity. Families of children who require additional support should make direct contact with shortlisted schools well in advance, request comprehensive information about their SEND offer, and budget carefully for any additional support costs that may apply.

Can expat children attend Saudi public schools free of charge?

Free public education from the primary through to the post-secondary level is available to all Saudi citizens. Non-Saudi children may be able to enrol in public schools in certain circumstances, but admission is not guaranteed and is contingent on Ministry of Education policy, the availability of places, and the child’s proficiency in Arabic. Instruction is entirely in Arabic and includes mandatory Islamic studies. Any family considering this route should contact the Ministry of Education directly to establish the current rules applicable to non-citizen residents, as the position can change.