In a significant move for higher education in the Kingdom, Jeddah University has officially commenced the admission process for its postgraduate programs for the academic year 2026. The Deanship of Graduate Studies and International Cooperation announced that applications for Master's and Ph.D. courses are now being accepted online via the university's official portal.
Diverse Program Portfolio Aligned with Future Goals
The university is offering a robust selection of over 40 postgraduate programs, strategically designed to cater to the evolving demands of the global job market and support the ambitious objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. These programs are meticulously categorized into three distinct streams to serve varied academic and professional aspirations.
The first category comprises Academic Programs, which are deeply research-oriented. These include specializations such as Quranic Sciences (Exegesis, Readings), Drawing & Arts (Ph.D.), Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Mathematics, Statistics, and Special Education. These traditional Master's and Ph.D. degrees focus on theoretical depth and original research. Notably, for Saudi citizens, these programs are typically tuition-free, often covered by government funding or specific scholarships.
The second category is Executive & Professional Programs, tailored for working professionals aiming to climb the leadership ladder or enhance technical expertise. This career-focused suite includes popular choices like the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Project Management, Cybersecurity, Engineering Management, and Sports Management. These are paid programs, with fees structured per credit hour or semester.
The third innovative category is Applied & Unique Fields, which blends creativity with cutting-edge technology. Programs here include Fashion & Interior Design, 3D Printing & Advanced Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, and Digital Media & Translation Studies. Many of these are offered as Professional Master's degrees.
Detailed Fee Structure and Financial Support
Understanding the cost of education is crucial for applicants. Jeddah University has a transparent fee model that varies significantly between program types.
For Executive and Professional Programs:
- The Executive MBA has a total estimated cost of SAR 78,000, payable in installments of roughly SAR 19,500 per semester.
- Other Professional Master's programs, such as those in Human Resource Management or Cybersecurity, range between SAR 60,000 to SAR 78,000, with semester installments around SAR 15,000.
- Applied & Tech Masters, like Engineering Management, are priced at about SAR 72,000 total, with installments near SAR 18,000 per semester.
It is vital for non-Saudi applicants to note that a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) applies on top of the base tuition. Additionally, all applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of approximately SAR 1,000 during submission on the DGS Portal.
In contrast, Traditional Academic Master's and Ph.D. programs are tuition-free for Saudi nationals, underscoring the government's investment in advanced research and academic excellence.
For international scholars, the pathway is facilitated through the 'Study in Saudi' scholarship initiative. This comprehensive award covers 100% of tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend of around SAR 1,000 to assist with living expenses, making advanced education in the Kingdom highly accessible.
Key Dates and Application Procedure
The admission cycle for the 2026 academic year opened in mid-December 2025. While the primary submission window for the previous cycle ran from April 8 to May 1, 2025, applicants must verify the exact deadline for their chosen program on the official Graduate Admission Portal, as some programs may close earlier based on capacity or competitive intake.
The application process is entirely digital. Prospective students must:
- Create an account on the official Graduate Admissions portal.
- Select their desired Master's or Ph.D. program.
- Upload all required documents, including bachelor's degree certificates, academic transcripts, a valid ID/passport, an updated CV, and language proficiency proof for English-taught courses. A statement of purpose and recommendation letters may also be required.
- Pay the application fee and submit the form.
Applicants can track their status electronically through the system. Successful international candidates will then need to initiate the student visa process by submitting their official acceptance letter, passport details, medical clearance, and proof of financial capability.
This expansive and structured postgraduate offering from Jeddah University represents a pivotal opportunity for both Saudi and international students to build deep expertise in fields critical to the future, aligning personal career growth with national developmental vision.
