Quick Answer: UK law degrees for Saudi students range from £18,000-£45,000 annually, with top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and LSE requiring IELTS 7.0-7.5. Saudi students can pursue LLB (3 years), LLM (1 year), or conversion courses, with strong career prospects in international law firms and government positions back home.

Studying law in the UK offers Saudi students an exceptional opportunity to gain internationally recognized qualifications from one of the world's most prestigious legal education systems. With the UK's rich legal heritage and global influence on international law, Saudi graduates return home with credentials that open doors to top-tier career opportunities in both public and private sectors.

This comprehensive guide explores the best law courses available for Saudi students in 2026, covering everything from entry requirements and costs to career prospects and scholarship opportunities.

Types of Law Degrees Available for Saudi Students

LLB (Bachelor of Laws) - 3 Years

The LLB is the foundational undergraduate law degree in the UK, perfect for Saudi students beginning their legal education journey. This comprehensive program covers core legal subjects including contract law, criminal law, constitutional law, and tort law.

Key Features:

• Duration: 3 years full-time
• Entry requirements: A-levels or equivalent (Saudi Tawjihiyya with 85%+)
• IELTS requirement: 6.5-7.0 overall
• Annual tuition: £18,000-£38,000

LLM (Master of Laws) - 1 Year

For Saudi students who already hold a law degree, the LLM offers specialization in specific areas such as Islamic law, international commercial law, or human rights law - particularly relevant for Saudi legal professionals.

Specialization Options Popular with Saudi Students:

• International Commercial Law
• Islamic Law and Finance
• Human Rights Law
• Energy and Natural Resources Law
• International Arbitration

Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) - 1 Year

This conversion course is ideal for Saudi students with non-law degrees who wish to enter the legal profession. The GDL covers essential legal subjects in an intensive one-year program.

Top UK Universities for Law - Saudi Student Perspective

University of Oxford

Why Saudi Students Choose Oxford:

• Global reputation recognized by Saudi employers
• Strong alumni network in the Middle East
• Tutorial system provides personalized attention

Entry Requirements:

• A-levels: A*AA or equivalent
• IELTS: 7.5 overall (7.0 in each band)
• Annual fees: £39,010 (2026)

University of Cambridge

Advantages for Saudi Students:

• Excellent connections with international law firms
• Strong emphasis on legal theory and philosophy
• College system fosters close academic relationships

Entry Requirements:

• A-levels: A*AA
• IELTS: 7.5 overall (7.0 in each band)
• Annual fees: £37,293 (2026)

London School of Economics (LSE)

Why LSE Appeals to Saudi Students:

• Location in London's legal district
• Strong focus on international and commercial law
• Excellent industry connections

Entry Requirements:

• A-levels: A*AA
• IELTS: 7.0 overall (7.0 in each band)
• Annual fees: £25,608 (2026)

King's College London

Benefits for Saudi Students:

• Diverse international student body
• Strong reputation in Middle Eastern studies
• Excellent support services for international students

Entry Requirements:

• A-levels: A*AA
• IELTS: 7.0 overall (6.5 in each band)
• Annual fees: £23,460 (2026)

Career Prospects for Saudi Law Graduates

In Saudi Arabia

Government Sector Opportunities:

• Ministry of Justice positions
• Diplomatic service roles
• Regulatory authority positions
• Shura Council advisory roles

Private Sector Careers:

• International law firms with Saudi offices (Clifford Chance, Allen & Overy)
• Local law firms handling international transactions
• Banking and finance legal departments
• Energy sector legal counsel

Starting Salaries in Saudi Arabia:

• Government positions: SAR 8,000-15,000 monthly
• Private law firms: SAR 12,000-25,000 monthly
• International firms: SAR 20,000-40,000 monthly

International Opportunities

Many Saudi law graduates choose to gain international experience before returning home:

• Magic Circle law firms in London
• International arbitration centers
• UN and international organizations
• Multinational corporations

You can explore courses to find detailed information about specific law programs and application requirements.

Scholarships and Financial Support for Saudi Students

King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP)

The most comprehensive scholarship option for Saudi students, covering:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance (£1,200-£1,500)
• Annual return flights
• Health insurance
• Family allowance (if applicable)

Application Requirements:

• Saudi citizenship
• Minimum GPA requirements
• English proficiency test scores
• University acceptance letter

University-Specific Scholarships

Many UK universities offer targeted scholarships for Middle Eastern students:

• Oxford Reach Scholarships
• Cambridge Islamic Society Bursaries
• LSE Graduate Support Scheme
• King's International Scholarships

Entry Requirements and Application Process

Academic Qualifications

For LLB Programs:

• Saudi Tawjihiyya: Minimum 85% overall
• Alternative: A-levels or IB Diploma
• Strong performance in Arabic and English

For LLM Programs:

• First law degree with Second Class Honours or equivalent
• Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 75%
• Professional legal experience (preferred)

English Language Requirements

IELTS Scores by University Tier:

• Top tier (Oxford, Cambridge): 7.5 overall
• High tier (LSE, UCL, King's): 7.0 overall
• Mid tier universities: 6.5 overall

TOEFL Alternatives:

• TOEFL iBT: 100+ for top universities
• Pearson PTE: 69+ overall
• Cambridge English Advanced: Grade A or B

Application Timeline for Saudi Students

For September 2026 Entry:

• January 2026: Submit UCAS applications (undergraduate)
• March 2026: Direct applications deadline (postgraduate)
• April-June 2026: Interview period
• July-August 2026: Final decisions and visa applications

Living Costs and Practical Considerations

Estimated Annual Living Costs

London-based Universities:

• Accommodation: £8,000-£15,000
• Food and groceries: £3,000-£4,000
• Transportation: £1,500-£2,000
• Personal expenses: £2,000-£3,000
• Total: £14,500-£24,000 annually

Outside London:

• Accommodation: £5,000-£10,000
• Food and groceries: £2,500-£3,500
• Transportation: £800-£1,200
• Personal expenses: £1,500-£2,500
• Total: £9,800-£17,200 annually

Cultural and Religious Considerations

UK universities are well-equipped to support Saudi Muslim students:

• Prayer facilities available on most campuses
• Halal food options in university catering
• Islamic societies and Saudi student associations
• Ramadan support services

Visa Requirements for Saudi Students

Student Visa (Previously Tier 4)

Required Documents:

• Valid passport
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
• Financial evidence (£11,385 for London, £9,135 elsewhere)
• English language certificate
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Tuberculosis test results

Processing Time:

• Standard service: 3 weeks
• Priority service: 1 week (additional cost)

Work Rights on Student Visa

Saudi students on student visas can work:

• Up to 20 hours per week during term time
• Full-time during holidays
• Common part-time jobs: Research assistant, tutoring, retail

Conclusion

Studying law in the UK provides Saudi students with world-class legal education that opens doors to prestigious career opportunities both domestically and internationally. With proper planning, scholarship opportunities, and the right university choice, Saudi students can maximize their investment in UK legal education and return home as highly qualified legal professionals ready to contribute to Saudi Arabia's continued development and Vision 2030 initiatives.

Key Statistics

📊 85% of Saudi law graduates find employment within 6 months of graduation from UK universities

💰 UK law degree holders in Saudi Arabia earn 40-60% more than domestic degree holders on average

🎓 Over 2,500 Saudi students are currently studying law in the UK as of 2026

📈 King Abdullah Scholarship Program covers 95% of Saudi law students' expenses in the UK

🏛️ 12 UK universities rank in the global top 50 for law studies

⚖️ 78% of international law firms in Saudi Arabia prefer UK-qualified lawyers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for a law degree in the UK as a Saudi student?

Saudi students apply through UCAS for undergraduate programs or directly to universities for postgraduate degrees. You'll need your Tawjihiyya certificate (minimum 85%), IELTS scores (6.5-7.5 depending on university), and supporting documents. Applications typically open in September for the following year's entry, with deadlines in January for undergraduate and March for postgraduate programs.

What is the King Abdullah Scholarship Program and how does it help Saudi law students?

The King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP) is Saudi Arabia's flagship educational initiative that provides comprehensive funding for Saudi students studying abroad. For law students, it covers full tuition fees, monthly living allowances of £1,200-£1,500, annual flights, health insurance, and family support. The program aims to develop Saudi human capital and supports Vision 2030 objectives by funding high-quality international education.

How much does it cost for Saudi students to study law in the UK?

Total costs range from £27,800-£69,000 annually depending on the university and location. Tuition fees range from £18,000-£45,000 per year, with Oxford and Cambridge being the most expensive. Living costs add £9,800-£24,000 annually, with London being significantly more expensive than other UK cities. Most Saudi students receive KASP funding which covers these expenses.

Which UK law schools are best for Saudi students planning to work in international law?

LSE, Oxford, Cambridge, and King's College London are particularly strong for international law careers. These universities have excellent connections with global law firms, strong international law programs, and alumni networks in the Middle East. LSE's location in London's legal district and its focus on international commercial law make it especially popular among Saudi students seeking international careers.

Can Saudi law graduates from UK universities practice law in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi law graduates from UK universities can work in Saudi Arabia's legal sector, particularly in international law firms, corporate legal departments, and government positions. However, practicing as a licensed advocate in Saudi courts requires additional certification through the Saudi Bar Association. Many graduates work as legal consultants, in-house counsel, or pursue judicial and governmental roles that value international legal education.

What are the English language requirements for Saudi students applying to UK law schools?

IELTS requirements vary by university tier: top universities (Oxford, Cambridge) require 7.5 overall with 7.0 in each band, high-tier universities (LSE, UCL, King's) require 7.0 overall, and mid-tier universities typically require 6.5 overall. Alternative tests like TOEFL iBT (100+) or Pearson PTE (69+) are also accepted. Some universities offer pre-sessional English courses for students who narrowly miss requirements.

Key Takeaways

✅ UK law degrees offer Saudi students internationally recognized qualifications with strong career prospects in both Saudi Arabia and globally

✅ King Abdullah Scholarship Program provides comprehensive funding covering tuition, living expenses, and additional support for eligible Saudi students

✅ Top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and LSE require IELTS 7.0-7.5 and strong academic records (85%+ Tawjihiyya)

✅ Saudi law graduates earn 40-60% more than domestic degree holders and have access to prestigious international law firms

✅ Total annual costs range from £27,800-£69,000, but most Saudi students receive full scholarship support through government programs