Saudi Arabia

Introduction

The University of Manchester has increasingly been the preferred destination for many Saudi Arabian students, and we have excellent relations with a variety of leading Saudi Arabian sponsors across the public, private and higher education sectors. 

Manchester has a long history of welcoming students from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The first Saudi Arabian student graduated from Manchester in 1949; since then, alumni from the Kingdom have had considerable impact and influence in the nation. 

They have worked across a range of sectors and organisations, including Al Rajhi Capital, Capital Market Authority, the Ministry of Health, SABIC, Saudi Arabian National Guard, Saudi Aramco, Saudi Food & Drug Authority, and Saudi Telecom Company, among others. 

We enjoy strong links with the Ministry of Education and offer students from the Kingdom an outstanding education and experience in a world-class environment and welcoming community.

Academic excellence

The University of Manchester is ranked among the world’s best academic institutions. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, we are jointly the 34th best university in the world, and 6th in the UK. 

Students from the Kingdom regularly express interest in our science and engineering foundation programmes, as well bachelor's, master's and research degrees in a wide range of subjects spanning engineering, humanities, health and medicine, science and the social sciences. 

You can view our rankings for individual subjects on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.

Life at Manchester

The Kingdom’s students make and enjoy a 'home-from-home' where that which is different excites and interests, and that which is familiar comforts and supports. 

We understand the needs of our Muslim staff and students, as well as those of other faiths and beliefs. Our food outlets sell halal food, and prayer rooms are widely available on campus. In addition, mosques are located close to the University and within the city itself, together with Islamic stores offering adhaan clocks, hijabs, jilbabs, Islamic books, and much more. 

The University has nearly 500 clubs and societies, including the Saudi Students’ Club, the Saudi Scientific Society, the Arab Society, the Islamic Society, the Madinah Society, and many more. 

Students from the Kingdom play and enjoy an active role in the University and the wider community. 

World rankings

Using different methodologies, international rankings typically compare universities from across the globe for their research performance and academic reputation.

League tableWorldEuropeUK
QS World University Ranking 2025 34 10 6
QS World University Rankings: Europe (2024)   7  
Academic Ranking of World Universities (2024) 52 15 6
Times Higher Education (2025) 53    
Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings (2024)  2 1 1
Times Higher Education ‘Most International University’ rankings (2024) 23    
QS World University Sustainability Rankings 3 1 1