This guide aims to serve as a comprehensive reference for international students seeking to enroll at Jouf University. It outlines the policies and procedures related to admission and scholarships, in addition to the services and benefits provided by the university to ensure an outstanding academic experience. The guide also seeks to simplify the admission process and clarify the steps to be followed from the application stage through enrollment in various academic programs, thereby facilitating students’ integration into the university environment.

• Clarify the mechanism for attracting international students
  Present the university’s strategies for recruiting outstanding students from different countries.

• Explain admission and registration procedures
  Provide a detailed guide outlining the conditions, requirements, and stages that international students go through until they are officially admitted.

• Clarify the types of scholarships
  Explain the differences between internal and external scholarships, along with the requirements of each type.

• Present the services and benefits offered
  Detail the academic, financial, health, and housing support provided to international students.

• Provide information on systems and regulations
  Help students understand the rules and regulations governing their academic life at the university.

• Enhance international students’ integration into the university environment
  Facilitate their communication with academic support and assistance units.

• Enable students to maximize their educational experience
  By clarifying the resources and services available to them within the university.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places great emphasis on attracting international students as part of its strategic plans to enhance higher education and promote cultural exchange. Saudi universities, including Jouf University, offer a wide range of educational opportunities for students from around the world. These opportunities come in the form of scholarships designed to enable distinguished students to pursue their academic studies in an advanced educational environment.

At Jouf University, scholarships are divided into external scholarships for students coming from outside the Kingdom and internal scholarships for students legally residing within Saudi Arabia. These scholarships are granted based on strict academic criteria and include numerous benefits that ensure a well-rounded educational experience.

This section aims to clarify the types of scholarships available, their conditions, and the benefits granted to recipients, in addition to outlining the admission and registration procedures.

First: External Scholarships (for international students from outside the Kingdom)

Definition:
External scholarships are offered to students from outside Saudi Arabia to attract talented students worldwide to study at Jouf University. These scholarships are awarded in accordance with the regulations of the Saudi Ministry of Education, with the university covering all educational and living expenses of admitted students.

Admission Requirements:

1. The applicant must hold a high school certificate or its equivalent with a minimum grade of “Very Good.”

2. The applicant must be between 17 and 25 years of age for undergraduate programs.

3. The applicant must be medically fit to study in Saudi Arabia.

4. The applicant must have good conduct and should not have been dismissed from any educational institution.

5. The applicant’s government must approve their study in Saudi Arabia (for countries that require such approval).

6. Certificates and documents must be authenticated by the official authorities in the applicant’s country and the Saudi Embassy.

7. The applicant must obtain a recommendation from an educational institution or academic authority in their country if required.

8. The applicant must not already be receiving another scholarship from any Saudi educational institution.

Benefits of External Scholarships:

• Comprehensive healthcare

• Monthly financial allowance

• University housing

• Equal benefits as those enjoyed by Saudi students

• Annual travel tickets (subject to applicable regulations)

Application:
International students from outside Saudi Arabia may apply through the official “Study in Saudi Arabia” portal:
https://studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa/

Second: Internal Scholarships (for students residing inside the Kingdom)

Definition:
Internal scholarships are awarded to non-Saudi students legally residing in Saudi Arabia who hold valid residency permits and wish to pursue their undergraduate studies at Jouf University. These scholarships provide access to quality higher education along with certain financial and service-related benefits that support their academic journey.

Admission Requirements:

1. The applicant must hold a high school certificate from within Saudi Arabia or its equivalent.

2. The applicant must have a valid residency permit (Iqama).

3. The applicant must not already be receiving another scholarship from a Saudi university.

4. The applicant must meet the university’s general admission requirements.

5. The applicant must have good conduct and should not have been dismissed from any educational institution.

6. The applicant must be medically fit to study.

Third: Rights and Obligations of International Students

Jouf University places great importance on its international students, offering them a distinguished educational environment that supports academic, personal, and professional growth. The university is committed to providing comprehensive care, including academic, administrative, health, and housing services, ensuring a rich university experience that fosters student success.

At the same time, compliance with university rules and regulations is a fundamental responsibility of international students, ensuring a fair and organized academic environment that upholds academic and social values. Therefore, every international student must be aware of their rights and responsibilities to maintain eligibility for the scholarship and academic continuity.

Rights of International Students

General Rights:

• Access to all student rights within the university in accordance with academic regulations.

• Respectful treatment by faculty, staff, and employees.

• Protection against discrimination.

• Safety standards and guidance within the campus.

• The right to appeal disciplinary decisions based on the Student Conduct and Discipline Code.

• Privacy of academic records; documents released only to the student, guardian, or authorized representative.

• Students with disabilities have the right to services tailored to their needs.

Academic Rights:

• Access to a supportive learning environment.

• Receiving all course materials and academic resources as per regulations.

• Access to study plans, available majors, and timetables before classes begin.

• Ability to add/drop courses or defer a semester according to university rules.

• Commitment of faculty members to class schedules and proper notification in case of changes.

• The right to academic discussions with faculty during lectures or office hours.

• The right to take all scheduled exams unless prevented by valid reasons under university rules.

• Access to grades once approved.

• Freedom to choose a major in line with regulations.

• Knowledge of graduation requirements.

• Access to academic advising for course selection.

Service Rights:

• Issuance of a university ID card.

• Use of university facilities (labs, libraries, sports halls, cafeterias).

• Access to university housing.

• Healthcare at university hospitals and clinics.

• Participation in sports and cultural activities.

• Access to social and welfare services.

Obligations of International Scholarship Students

• The university may revoke the scholarship and withhold the graduation certificate if forged documents are discovered.

• The student must submit a written declaration confirming they have not been dismissed from any Saudi university.

• Transfer to another university is not permitted unless approved by Jouf University.

• Scholarship students are prohibited from working for individuals, companies, or institutions during their studies.

• The university may terminate a scholarship and repatriate the student if they are found working illegally.

• The university may engage outstanding students in internal programs and compensate them.

• The university may benefit from scholarship graduates in teaching, research, or translation.

• The student must submit a certificate of good conduct from their home country’s authorities.

• The scholarship may be terminated if the student contracts an infectious disease.

• Female students must be accompanied by a legal guardian (mahram) as required by regulations.

• Students must maintain legal residency status in Saudi Arabia.

• External scholarship students must leave the Kingdom within three months of graduation.

• The university’s responsibility ends once the student receives an exit visa, flight ticket, and cancels their residency.

• Scholarship students must comply with all obligations applied to Saudi students under university regulations.

Jouf University is one of the leading Saudi universities, dedicated to achieving academic and research excellence while providing a comprehensive educational environment that meets the needs of students and prepares qualified graduates who can keep pace with labor market developments. Established by Royal Decree No. (30/M) in 1426 AH (2005 CE), the university has since strived to deliver high-quality education through advanced academic programs, integrated student services, and modern facilities that support innovation and scientific research.

Located strategically in northern Saudi Arabia, Jouf University is an attractive academic destination for both local and international students. With continuous expansion, the university now includes a variety of colleges and disciplines covering health, engineering, technology, sciences, business, and humanities, in addition to advanced facilities that ensure a well-rounded educational experience.

This section provides an overview of the university, its colleges, academic programs, facilities, student services, and cultural activities, helping international students familiarize themselves with the academic and social environment they will join during their studies at Jouf University.

I. Colleges and Academic Programs

Jouf University comprises 14 main colleges across multiple disciplines, in addition to 3 branch campuses that extend higher education opportunities across the region. The university offers more than 24 undergraduate programs and 12 diploma programs through the Applied College, reflecting its commitment to comprehensive educational opportunities aligned with labor market needs.

Health Colleges

• College of Medicine

• College of Dentistry

• College of Pharmacy

• College of Applied Medical Sciences

• College of Nursing

Scientific and Engineering Colleges

• College of Engineering

• College of Computer and Information Sciences

• College of Science

Business and Law Colleges

• College of Business

• College of Sharia and Law

Humanities Colleges

• College of Arts

• College of Education

Applied Colleges

• Applied College

II. University Branches in Al-Jouf Region

To expand access to higher education, Jouf University established three branch campuses, ensuring that students in different areas benefit from the same academic quality and services as the main campus.

Sakaka Branch (Main Campus)

• Location: City of Sakaka – University Headquarters

• Colleges Offered: All university colleges and programs, including health, engineering, sciences, business, humanities, and applied diploma programs.

Al-Qurayyat Branch

• Location: Al-Qurayyat Governorate – Northern Al-Jouf

• Colleges Offered:

  • College of Applied Medical Sciences (Nursing, Physiotherapy, Medical Laboratories)

  • Applied College (Professional and technical diploma programs meeting labor market needs)

III. University Facilities

1. Medical Clinics Center (University Campus)

• 15 specialized clinics.

• Staffed by 28 consultants and specialists from the College of Medicine.

• Services include:

  • Specialized consultations in various medical fields.

  • Laboratory testing.

  • Advanced radiology and imaging.

  • Health awareness campaigns.

2. Dental Clinics Center

• Provides a wide range of oral and dental treatments.

• Fully accredited by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties for four years.

• Services include: fillings, root canal therapy, prosthetics, orthodontics, oral surgery, gum disease treatment, and pediatric dentistry.

• Integrated into the educational process, offering practical training for dental students under faculty supervision.

IV. Student Support Services

Jouf University places a strong emphasis on the health, safety, and well-being of students by offering:

• Comprehensive healthcare and medical support.

• On-campus housing facilities.

• Financial support and social welfare services.

• Administrative and academic assistance ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment.

V. Student Activities and Cultural Engagement

The university fosters a holistic student life that blends academic achievement with personal and social development. International students are actively integrated into student clubs, events, and volunteer activities that promote cultural exchange and enrich the campus community.

Student Clubs include:

• Arts Club: Fine arts, photography, graphic design, theater, and exhibitions.

• Scouts Club: Leadership, teamwork, camping, exploration, and volunteering.

• Media Club: Journalism, photography, content creation, event coverage, and video production.

• Health Club: Public health awareness campaigns, first aid training, fitness, and wellness programs.

• Tech Club: Programming, AI, cybersecurity, app development, hackathons, and innovation.

• Integrity Club: Promoting ethics, transparency, anti-corruption values, and legal awareness.

• Sports Club: Football, basketball, swimming, athletics, tournaments, and fitness programs.

Cultural and Volunteer Activities:

• Heritage of Nations Exhibition showcasing global cultures.

• International food festivals.

• Cultural discussion panels.

• Sports tournaments between international and Saudi students.

• Volunteer opportunities in health, environment, and community service initiatives.

VI. Geographic Location and Environmental Advantages

Geographic Location

• Jouf University is based in Sakaka, the capital of Al-Jouf Region, which borders Jordan.

• Accessible through:

  • Al-Jouf Regional Airport connecting to multiple cities inside and outside the Kingdom.

  • Modern highways facilitating travel across Saudi Arabia.

  • Future plans to expand public transportation and improve student accessibility.

Environmental Features

• Mild Climate: Cooler summers and pleasant winters compared to other Saudi regions.

• Agricultural Richness: Known as the “Olive Capital of Saudi Arabia,” home to the largest olive farms in the Middle East, alongside palm and grape cultivation.

• Cultural Heritage: Rich history, cultural festivals (Olive Festival, Date Festival), and strong community traditions.

• Welcoming Society: Renowned for hospitality, helping international students integrate socially and culturally.

• Affordable Living Costs: Lower compared to major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, making it financially suitable for students.