International Students in Saudi Arabia between 1975 and 2021

(A Historical Study)

Abstract

The present study aims to identify the number of international students enrolled in higher education institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between 1975 and 2021. Noncitizen students have been present in Saudi higher education institutions since their inception. The results of this study show that international students have been present in Saudi higher education institutions since the 1950s, and their numbers have been steadily increasing since then. The number of international students in Saudi universities was approximately 4,000 in the past, whereas in 2021, this number has risen to around 65,000. Recent years have seen an increase in female international students, making up a more significant proportion of international students. In 1975, only 26% of international students were female; in 2021, this ratio rose to approximately 37%. King Abdulaziz University was the most popular destination for international students in the 1970s. At the same time, the Islamic University is now the largest higher education institution in Saudi Arabia, hosting noncitizen students. Most international students in Saudi higher education institutions are of Arab nationalities. In 1975, Palestinian students were the largest group of international students; in 2021, students from the Yemeni Republic comprised the largest group.