Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Allows international students to study in Saudi Arabia by enrolling in accredited universities or educational institutions. The visa permits students to reside in the Kingdom for the duration of their academic program. The duration of the visa is usually limited to 90 days within a 1-year validity period, or longer for study programs that require more than 3 months. This visa allows the holder to perform Umrah during their stay.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
to 1 year
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
The validity period of a student visa for Saudi Arabia depends on the duration of the student’s course of study. Typically, a Saudi Arabia student visa is issued with a one-year validity and allows stays of up to 90 days at a time. Students enrolled in academic programs lasting longer than 90 days are granted a long-term student visa for Saudi Arabia.
3 months
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
The duration of stay depends on the applicant’s individual circumstances and the length of the study program. As a general rule, the permitted stay does not exceed a total of 90 days within the visa’s validity period. However, students enrolled in academic programs exceeding 90 days are issued a long-term student visa for Saudi Arabia.
Individually
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
The visa can be extended to cover the full duration of the student’s academic program, subject to approval.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
Visa is issued for only single entry.
from 4 days to 5 days
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
The decision on visa applications is taken from 4 to 5 days. It can be extended if additional checks are required.
$100 – $500
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
The fees for this visa vary based on the duration of study, the educational institutions, and the nationality of the applicant. It is most common for the price of this visa to be anywhere from $100 to $500. When applying, students will need to provide an acceptance letter from the educational institution and health insurance coverage.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining. The passport should have 2 blank pages facing each other or ID card for citizens GCC.
Visa application form
Completed visa application.
Photograph
A color photo with a white background, free of shadows and any objects. The size for online submission should be 200×200 pixels, with a file size between 5 and 100 KB. The face must be clearly visible, looking directly at the camera, without tilt, and with all facial features uncovered. The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. Glasses are allowed only if they do not have dark lenses or reflections. Head coverings are permitted for religious or medical reasons, provided the face remains fully visible. The face should occupy about 70–80% of the photo. For consular submission, a printed photo sized 3.5×4 cm may be required.
Health insurance
Must be purchased from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Options for local health insurance providers will appear upon processing application form.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Visa referral note
A referral note, requested by the educational institution and issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs or either of its branches in Jeddah or Dammam, must contain information on the visa.
Сonfirmation of enrolment
Applicant must be accepted and enrolled in a Saudi Arabian educational institution.
Birth certificate
Applicant’s original birth certificate plus one copy.
Proof of previous education
Applicant’s original high school diploma plus one copy. Copy must be authenticated by the Saudi Cultural Mission.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Documents for minor children
Birth certificate, adoption certificate, or guardianship certificate evidencing parental or guardianship rights; certified power of attorney or permission from parents or legal guardians for minors traveling abroad. Minors under 18-year old's must be accompanied by a parent/guardian and original documents proving the relationship.
Current immigration or residence status
National passport or ID card; residence permit or other document confirming the right to legally reside in the country of residence, if it differs from the one stated in the applicant's passport.
Medical report
A medical report in three copies, along with all lab results and three passport-size colored photographs on a white background. The medical report must be issued by a licensed physician certifying the applicant is free of contagious diseases. The physician must sign each copy of the medical report indicating their license number and address. Medical reports must be no more than three months past the date of issuance.
Certificate of criminal record check
Police report, issued within six months prior to the date of application, with detailed information about applicant’s criminal record.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Applicants must be 18 years of age or above, unless accompanied by a legal guardian.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents to confirm them in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and any dependents for the duration of the stay in the country.
Strong ties with the home country and valid reasons to return there, ensuring compliance with the terms and duration of stay.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Miscellaneous visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Student visa
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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support@terrana.orgEligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Student, bursary holder, honor student, grant student
Last updated 2026-03-17