Quick Facts
Most popular courses
Engineering, Medicine, Business, Computer Science
Scholarship route
KASP (King Abdullah Scholarship Programme) for government-sponsored students
IELTS requirement
Typically 6.0โ6.5; KASP may require specific scores
Most popular UK cities
London, Coventry, Birmingham, Manchester
Application route
UCAS for undergraduate; direct to university for postgraduate
SACM approval
Required for KASP-sponsored students before applying to universities
How to Get Your UK Student Visa
Step-by-step guide to the Student visa (formerly Tier 4) process for applicants from Saudi Arabia.
Determine whether you are applying as a self-funded student or through the King Abdullah Scholarship Programme (KASP). KASP-sponsored students must receive approval from the Saudi Cultural Mission (SACM) before applying to universities.
Receive your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your UK university. KASP-sponsored students must also ensure their chosen university is on the SACM approved list.
Gather all required documents including financial evidence, English language results, academic transcripts, and SACM approval letter if applicable.
Create a UKVI account at gov.uk, complete the Student visa application, and pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge. Check gov.uk for current fee amounts.
Book a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Saudi Arabia โ available in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar/Dammam. Upload documents to the UKVI portal beforehand.
Attend biometrics, providing fingerprints and a photograph with all original documents.
Await a decision (typically 3 weeks for standard applications). Collect your BRP from your UK university within 10 days of arrival.
Documents Checklist
Make sure you have all of these before submitting your visa application. Missing documents are the most common reason for delays and refusals.
Valid Saudi passport
CAS reference number from your UK university
Financial evidence โ bank statements for 28 consecutive days (self-funded students); SACM sponsorship letter (KASP students)
Academic qualifications โ secondary school and university certificates with transcripts
English language certificate (IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT) โ check individual university requirements
SACM approval letter (KASP-sponsored students only)
ATAS certificate if studying sensitive postgraduate subjects
Bank Statement Requirements
Financial evidence is critical. This is one of the most common reasons for visa refusals โ make sure you understand exactly what is required.
Financial Evidence Required for Saudi Arabia
Self-funded students must show funds to cover living costs and first-year tuition. London: ยฃ1,334/month ร 9 months = ยฃ12,006. Outside London: ยฃ1,023/month ร 9 months = ยฃ9,207. Add first-year tuition. KASP-sponsored students' financial requirements are covered by SACM, which provides tuition fees, monthly living allowance, and return flights. Check gov.uk and SACM guidance for current figures as these change periodically.
IELTS Test Centres in Saudi Arabia
Book your IELTS Academic test at one of these approved centres. Read our full IELTS guide โ
Always book directly through British Council or IDP to avoid fraud. Do not use third-party agents to book IELTS.
Saudi Arabia Communities in the UK
Connecting with your community makes the transition to UK life much easier. These organisations support students from Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Students Club UK (SASO) โ the official Saudi students association in the UK, very active with events, welfare support, and networking
Saudi Cultural Mission (SACM) London โ provides support and guidance for KASP-sponsored students
Arab Society chapters at major UK universities โ cultural events and community connection
Muslim Student Associations โ support with halal food, prayer spaces, and Islamic calendar observances at universities
Scholarships Available for Saudi Arabia Students
These funding opportunities are open specifically to students from Saudi Arabia applying to UK universities.
| Scholarship | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| King Abdullah Scholarship Programme (KASP) | Full tuition + living allowance + flights | Check SACM website for current cycle |
| Co Lab Education Grant | ยฃ800โยฃ2,500 estimated | Ongoing โ calculated per course |
King Abdullah Scholarship Programme (KASP)
Saudi Arabia's government scholarship programme for study abroad. Covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, and return flights. Must use SACM-approved universities. Apply through the SACM portal.
Co Lab Education Grant
Co Lab returns 50%+ of university commission back to you. Available to both self-funded and KASP students whose grants are paid to them personally.
Ready to Find Your UK Course?
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