How Much Does It Cost to Study Abroad from Saudi Arabia? (Full Breakdown)

It is the first question every Saudi student and parent asks: what will this actually cost us? The answer depends on the destination, the program, and whether you have scholarship support — but there is a clear range, and understanding it before you start planning saves families from expensive surprises.

This is a full cost breakdown for Saudi students studying abroad in Europe in 2025, covering tuition, living, visa requirements, and how government scholarships change the picture entirely.

Tuition Costs by Country

For Saudi students studying medicine or related health sciences in Europe:

• Romania: €5,000–€10,000 per year. The most affordable EU option for English-taught medicine.

• Hungary: $16,750–$19,900 per year. Higher cost, but Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship is available.

• Poland: €11,000–€18,800 per year. Mid-range, strong clinical programs.

• Czech Republic: €10,000–€13,000 per year.

• Germany: Tuition-free at most public universities, though medicine programs are mostly in German.

For language and professional courses (non-degree programs under 12 months), tuition is far lower — typically €2,000–€6,000 for an intensive semester program.

Monthly Living Costs

This is where city and lifestyle choices matter. Here is a realistic monthly budget range by country:

• Romania (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iasi): $400–$750/month including rent, food, transport, and utilities

• Hungary (Budapest): $800–$900/month

• Poland (Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk): $600–$900/month

• Spain (Madrid, Barcelona): $900–$1,400/month

• France (Nice, Paris): $1,100–$1,600/month

Romania consistently comes in as the most affordable city-living option for Saudi students in Europe, making it the preferred destination for families managing their own costs.

One-Time Setup and Visa Costs

Beyond ongoing tuition and living, plan for these one-time and annual costs:

• Romanian student visa (D/SD): €120

• Residence permit registration: Small fee at IGI office within 30 days of arrival

• Document legalization (Apostille for Saudi documents): SR 200–500 per document depending on document type

• Romanian language translation of documents: €50–€150 per document

• Medical insurance (Schengen-compliant, minimum €30,000 coverage): €400–€800/year

• First-year university tuition payment in full (required before visa issuance)

Financial Proof Requirement for Romanian Visa

Romanian immigration requires you to show financial stability when applying for a student visa. For 2025, you need to demonstrate at least €3,000 in a personal bank account, plus proof that the first year of tuition has been paid. This is not a cost you lose — it is your own money in your account — but it must be visible before the embassy.

The Scholarship Option: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship

Saudi students who qualify for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program have a fundamentally different cost picture. The government covers 100% of tuition fees, pays a monthly living stipend calibrated to the cost of living in your city, provides medical insurance, and covers round-trip annual airfare.

Applications are managed through the Safeer portal (Ministry of Education). You need an unconditional university offer on the Ministry's approved list before applying. For 2025, tracks include Pioneers (Al-Rowad) for top-30 global universities, Research and Development for postgraduate researchers, Emdad for strategic labor market fields, and Waed for emerging sectors.

Before assuming self-funding, check whether your intended university and program appear on the Ministry of Education's approved list. Many European medical programs qualify.

Five-Year Total Cost Estimate: Self-Funded in Romania

• Tuition (5 years at €8,000/year average): €40,000

• Living costs (5 years at $550/month average): $33,000

• Visa fees, legalization, insurance (setup + 5 years): ~$5,000

• Total estimated 5-year cost: ~$80,000–$90,000 USD

By comparison, private medical schools in Saudi Arabia or the UAE can cost SAR 100,000–200,000+ per year in tuition alone. A five-year Romanian MD at $80,000–90,000 total is significantly more accessible.

How Education Track Helps with the Financial Planning

Education Track provides a custom cost breakdown for your specific situation as part of the consultation process. The European Medical Pathway package ($1,600) includes a university recommendation matrix that factors in tuition, living costs, and hospital placement networks for up to 3 universities. The Study Degrees Abroad package ($1,450) covers degree programs across Europe more broadly.

For language programs, the Language and Professional Course Placement package ($750) covers program selection, enrollment, and simplified visa support for stays under 12 months.

Start with the free 30-minute consultation at education-track.com to map out your actual costs before committing to anything.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided to the best of our knowledge and is based on information available as of August 2025. Costs, scholarship terms, and visa financial requirements are subject to change. Education Track does not accept liability for any outdated or inaccurate information.