Saudi Arabia (SA)

Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and the world's leading oil producer — a rapidly transforming absolute monarchy embarking on an ambitious Vision 2030 diversification agenda that has already delivered entertainment venues, mixed-gender events, a booming tourism sector, and the Riyadh Metro.

Capital: Riyadh

Region: Middle East

Language: Arabic

Currency: SAR (ر.س)

Cost of living: Moderate (index 60)

Emergency: 911

Education & Schools

Schools, universities, and language courses in Saudi Arabia.

👶 Childcare & Kindergarten

Private Nursery / Kindergarten SAR 1,500–5,000/month (regular private nurseries); SAR 3,000–8,000/month (international school nurseries)

Age: 6 months – 5 years

Direct application to the nursery. Documentation: child's birth certificate, Iqama (once issued), vaccination records, and Iqama of parents. Waitlists at popular nurseries — apply before arrival.

⏱️ Apply to 2–3 nurseries. Compound-affiliated nurseries fill quickly with compound residents. International school nurseries aligned with your chosen school system (British, American, IB) provide educational continuity.

Domestic Helper / Live-in Nanny SAR 1,000–3,000/month salary + accommodation + flights + CCHI health insurance (employer obligation)

Age: All ages

Recruit via MHRSD-licensed domestic worker recruitment agencies. Domestic helpers primarily from Philippines, Indonesia, Ethiopia, India, and Sri Lanka. Employer must sponsor the helper's Iqama.

⏱️ Using a licensed agency is mandatory — direct recruitment from abroad without agency is not permitted. Budget SAR 5,000–15,000 for recruitment fees plus monthly salary.

🏫 Schools

International School (Expat children) Paid

مدرسة دولية

Ages: 5–11 years (Primary/Elementary) · Language: English (British IGCSE, American, IB systems). Some Indian and Filipino schools in Arabic/English.

Direct application to the school. Requirements: previous school records, vaccination history, child's birth certificate, Iqama or entry visa, parent Iqama. Some schools require entrance assessment.

Public Saudi schools are for Saudi nationals only — expat children cannot attend. All expat education is private and international. Waiting lists at top schools can be 6–18 months. Apply before arriving in Saudi Arabia.

International School (Secondary / High School) Paid

مدرسة دولية — المرحلة الثانوية

Ages: 11–18 years · Language: English (IGCSE/A-Level for British curriculum; AP for American; IB Diploma for IB schools)

Same process as primary — application with academic records, assessment where required, and Iqama documentation. IGCSE and IB Diploma schools provide internationally recognised qualifications for university entry worldwide.

Saudi Arabia has no separate school-leaving certificate for expat children — students graduate with IGCSE/A-Level (British), AP (American), or IB Diploma credentials, all widely accepted at international universities globally. University counselling from good international schools is typically strong.

International Schools

Saudi Arabia's major cities have strong international school networks. In Riyadh: British International School Riyadh (BISR), Riyadh International School (RIS), American International School Riyadh (AISR), GEMS Modern Academy, International Programs School. In Jeddah: British School Jeddah (BSJ), International Indian School Jeddah (IISJ), American School Jeddah, Manarat Jeddah International School. In Khobar/Dammam: Saudi Aramco Schools (for Aramco families only), International Indian School Al-Khobar, British Council School. Annual fees in 2025/26: British and American curriculum schools (BISR, AISR, Riyadh) SAR 60,000–110,000/year; British School Jeddah SAR 95,000–150,000+/year; Indian curriculum schools SAR 15,000–40,000/year. Many employers provide a school fee allowance — negotiate before signing your employment contract.

University

Tuition fee

Public Saudi universities: free for Saudi nationals; fees for expats (rare — most expats study abroad). Private universities: SAR 30,000–100,000/year. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST): full scholarship for Master's and PhD students — highly competitive.

Semester fee

Not applicable (Saudi system differs from European semester fee model).

Student visa

Saudi student visas for expat children (over 18) require a Saudi university acceptance letter. Most expat families' children return to their home country for university.

Health insurance

KAUST provides comprehensive health coverage for scholarship students. Private university students must purchase their own CCHI-compliant health insurance.

Application process

Expat children typically aim for universities in their home country or international universities in the UK, US, Canada, or Australia. Saudi international schools (British IGCSE/A-Level, IB Diploma, or US AP) provide qualifications accepted globally. University counselling is available at major international schools.

🗣️ Language Courses

Arabic Language for Foreign Residents

Provider: British Council Saudi Arabia / King Abdulaziz University · Duration: 12 weeks per level · Levels: Beginner to Advanced (Modern Standard Arabic and Gulf dialect)

SAR 2,000–8,000 per 12-week course

Gulf Arabic Conversation Course

Provider: Al-Bayan Language Centre, local language schools · Duration: 8–16 weeks · Levels: Beginner to Intermediate Gulf dialect

SAR 1,500–5,000 per course

Arabic Online (iTalki / Preply)

Provider: Online tutoring platforms · Duration: Self-paced · Levels: All levels — specify Gulf Arabic when booking

SAR 75–300/hour depending on tutor

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