Quick Summary
Public in Arar, Saudi Arabia — Northern Borders University, est. 2007. Ranked #1001-1200 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 24500 students including 2.1% from outside Saudi Arabia. Known for strengths in Nursing, Medicine, Education, it maintains an acceptance rate of 65%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
NBU offers free high-quality public education for Saudis, modern facilities, and a strategic focus on the development of the northern economic region of Saudi Arabia.
Subject Strengths
NursingMedicineEducation
Founded2007
TypePublic
Total Students24500
Intl Students2.1%
Faculty Ratio17:1
CampusDistributed (Multiple Branches)
Campus Size1200 acres
Affiliated HospitalsArar Central Hospital,Prince Abdulaziz bin Musaed Hospital
AccreditationNCAAA (National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#1001-1200
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201-1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Medicine,Applied Medical Sciences,Nursing,Engineering,Computing and Information Technology,Business Administration,Education,Science,Arts and Human Studies
Programs
Educational Leadership,Special Education
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
Energy and Environment Research Center,Health Research Center,Renewable Energy Unit
Research Centers
Moderate
Research Output
NCAAA (National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate65%
IELTS5.5
TOEFL60
Min GPA3.0/5.0
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · August 10
SPRINGApplication Deadline · December 20
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on high scores in the National Center for Assessment (Qiyas) tests including GAT and SAAT for undergraduate entry. For medical tracks, priority is given to students with exceptional high school GPAs.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Saudi Riyal
Living Cost
SAR26,250/yr
per year · SAR
PG Tuition
SAR16,875/yr
per year · SAR
Total Estimated Annual Cost
SAR26,250/yr
tuition + living + essentials · SAR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$3,000
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyNot Available
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Medicine,Applied Medical Sciences,Nursing,Engineering,Computing and Information Technology,Business Administration,Education,Science,Arts and Human Studies programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Computer Science | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Civil Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Accounting | MBA | 12-24 MO |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$19,500
Average Salary After Graduation
74%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong partnerships with regional Ministry of Health facilities and industrial sectors in the Northern Border region.
Industry Connections
Ma'adenSaudi Ministry of HealthSABIC
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
University Stadium,Olympic Swimming Pool,Indoor Multi-purpose Courts
Student Clubs
Scientific Club,Social Club,Volunteering Club,Scouts
Library Resources
Central Library in Arar,Digital Library Access,Specialized Medical Library
Exchange Programs
Not Available
Summer Programs
Available