Life in Riyadh pulses with a rare blend of deep-rooted tradition and relentless ambitious capital where grand mosques and ancient souks stand proudly alongside futuristic skyscrapers and cutting-edge innovation hubs. Here, family ties run strong, and evenings are filled with gatherings over gahwa and dates, lively conversations, and the melodies of Saudi poetry and music. Riyadh is defined by its dynamic spirit: each festival, from Eid to the lively Riyadh Season, is a showcase of heritage, hospitality, and a forward-looking energy that inspires both its people and its future leaders. Education is held in the highest regard, fueling the aspirations of a generation determined to make its mark on the world.

At Grad-Dreams, we nurture this drive for excellence. With more than 22 years of guiding ambitious students, our team delivers personalized global counseling and university connections to every Riyadhi family. Through 300+ international university partnerships and a process grounded in transparency and trust, we ensure every Riyadh student’s study abroad journey is seamless, goal-oriented, and empowering backed by a tradition of mentorship and care that feels just like home.

#Jewels of Riyadh Academia: Top Local Universities 

• King Saud University (KSU): Saudi Arabia’s oldest and largest university, lauded for Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, and Islamic Studies 
• King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences: Renowned for healthcare and medical research 
• Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University: Largest women’s university in the world, with strengths in health, education, and sciences 
• Al Yamamah University & Alfaisal University: Leading private sector institutions with globally linked business, tech, and management programs 
• Saudi Electronic University (SEU): Pioneering blended and online learning in Riyadh, offering flexible, future-ready degrees

Each year, thousands of Riyadh’s best and brightest set out for overseas study, seeking broad horizons, vibrant cultures, and world-class expertise.

#Riyadh Student Pulse: Trends & Top Destinations 

• Most Popular Study Destinations: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Australia, Netherlands, South Korea, and more 
• Favorite Subjects: STEM (Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine), Business, Finance, Law, Architecture, and Media 
• Stats Snapshot: Over 70,000 Saudi students are currently enrolled abroad (2025), with Riyadh contributing the largest share. Key government and private scholarships target high-achieving students in priority fields. 
• Why the momentum? Riyadh students seek practical degrees, recognized credentials, and global networks all aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 for economic transformation and skills for the future.

#Riyadh: all about numbers:

• Current Students Abroad: Over 70,000 (Saudi total; Riyadh region regularly contributes 2425% of the Kingdom’s overseas students roughly 17,000+ in 2025).
• Annual Growth Rate: Varies, but steady post-pandemic climb as both government scholarships (now more targeted) and self-funding increase, supported by rising demand for global credentials.
• Projection: 18,000+ Riyadh students abroad by 2026, with further growth as Vision 2030 investments mature.

The UK, USA, and Canada remain top picks, with Germany, Australia, and the Netherlands quickly rising for innovation and STEM. Students from Riyadh often secure prestigious government scholarships (such as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program), and increasingly win international merit awards, as well as industry and sector-linked sponsorships. Business, engineering, medicine, and emerging technologies remain the most pursued fields, closely aligned with the priorities of a rapidly diversifying Saudi economy.