Information for prospective students from Saudi Arabia

Students from Saudi Arabia

Contact us

We are happy to help with any questions you might have about studying at SOAS.

You can contact the International Office (study@soas.ac.uk) or email Laura Connaway, International Recruitment Manager (MENAT & Europe): lc62@soas.ac.uk

Information about upcoming visits and virtual events taking place in the Middle East region can be found on our listings for events in your country.

Minimum entry requirements

These are guidelines only and do not guarantee entry. Each application will be judged on its own merits.

Undergraduate study

Students who have completed recognised international qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate, A-Levels or AP examinations, will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate programmes. For more information, please view our undergraduate entry requirements.

Applicants from Saudi Arabia who have completed the General Secondary Education Certificate will be required to complete a Foundation Year before applying for undergraduate study.

Graduate study

SOAS will consider all applicants holding the equivalent of UK Lower Second-Class Honours undergraduate degree. For more information, please view our postgraduate entry requirements.

In addition, you should check the individual programme of study for any specific academic requirements.

Research applicants would normally be expected to have completed a Masters qualification from a good university.

English language proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English will normally have to provide evidence of their English language proficiency. Please check our English language requirements for detailed information. SOAS offers English pre-sessional summer courses which allow students who do not meet the exact entry requirements to improve their language skills before beginning academic study.

Foundation courses

Those applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements or would like to improve their English language before studying for a degree could consider applying for one of the undergraduate and postgraduate foundation courses offered at the SOAS IFCELS centre. Students can improve their English while studying academic courses in areas including Development Studies, International Business, Media and Communication and International Politics.

Funding and Scholarships

SOAS offers a range of scholarships, bursaries and awards to support students, including the International Postgraduate Scholarship. A number of scholarships are also provided by the University of London, the British Government and other external organisations.

In-country representatives

SOAS works with a number of local representatives in Saudi Arabia who can support you with applying and any questions you might have.

Careers

The SOAS Careers Service is part of The Careers Group, University of London , which is the largest higher education careers and employability service in Europe. It provides a range of services and various events throughout the year to help with career choice, job hunting, applications and interview preparation. Students can also get help to find volunteering and employment opportunities during their studies.

Alumni

SOAS has a global alumni network including tens of thousands of former students. If you would like to contact alumni to ask any questions, please visit SOAS alumni.

Useful links

  • The British Council is the British Government's international organization for educational and cultural relations
  • UKCISA - The UK Council for International Students Affairs provides information on many aspects of studying overseas, including visas and working while studying
  • UK Visas and Immigration has up to date information on immigration and visa requirements
  • UCAS - The Universities and Colleges Admission Service is the body through which all applications for undergraduate study must be made
  • The Saudi Ministry of Education website contains useful information relating to funding opportunities