How can Saudi students apply to UK universities?

Saudi students apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Masarak Education guides Riyadh students through every step â€” from university selection to personal statements, references, and interview preparation.

What UK universities accept Saudi students?

All UK universities welcome Saudi students. Our Riyadh students have been accepted to Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, LSE, UCL, Edinburgh, King's College London, and many more Russell Group universities.

Do I need IELTS to study in the UK from Saudi Arabia?

Most UK universities require IELTS or equivalent English proficiency tests. Some accept international school qualifications as proof of English. Masarak Education helps Riyadh students understand and meet all requirements.

Masarak Education | World Class Mentors for Arab Students

Why Masarak

The gap between good students and admitted students is proof.

Oxford receives 23,000+ applications for 3,300 places. Cambridge looks for evidence of critical thinking, initiative, and exploration beyond school. Masarak gives students that evidence.

Dr. Omar, University of Edinburgh
Biology

Dr. Yousef, University of Cambridge
Biomedical Sciences

Dr. Samuel, University of Cambridge
Energy & Environment

Dr. Samer, University of Cambridge
Engineering

PhD mentor from a top university

Student work directly with PhDs from top universities like Cambridge and Oxford

Real project, real output

Something real they built themselves, in their own field, that no other applicant can claim.

Student showcasing soft skills in a presentation

Soft skills & showcasing

Develop the skills to effectively show the work and walk into any interview and own the room.

The Program

A structured path from curiosity to proof

Three phases. One mentor. A real project that becomes the strongest part of your university application.

What you build

Students choose a real problem in their field of interest and work with their PhD mentor to produce a tangible, evidence-based output:

A research paper or literature review
A working prototype or software tool
A designed solution with tested evidence

What you leave with

Polished academic report
Evidence-based CV bullets
Personal statement material
Interview answers bank with mock prep
2-minute pitch + Q&A readiness

Phase I

SPARK - Find a strong project

Learn core skills, find direction, and commit to a real problem.

Kickoff & orientation with your PhD mentor
Core theory sessions & guided discussions
Problem framing - define context, constraints, success indicators
Research basics & critical thinking foundations
Writing lab - clear structure, logical flow
Project plan - goals, methodology, tools, expected outcome

Phase II

BUILD - Create, test, and refine

Build the main output, validate it, and document clearly.

Build sprint - prototype, implement, or draft research output
Evidence sprint - run validation, capture structured evidence
Writing lab - interpret results, integrate sources
Iteration & documentation - refine based on evidence

Phase III

SHOWCASE - Present and defend

Turn the project into a strong application story.

Academic report polish - strengthen logic, clean citations
Pitch + public speaking + live Q&A prep
Application pack build - CV, personal statement, interview bank
Mock interviews modelled on top universities' formats

Download

Get the Full Program Details

Get the full details by downloading the Masarak prospectus.

Detailed program breakdown & timeline
The gap Masarak is addressing
Achievements in numbers
Program details & enrollment information

Download the Masarak Prospectus

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How It Works

From the Middle East to a top university

A clear, structured journey for students and parents, with your PhD mentor, and the Masarak team by your side.

Free Strategy Consultation

Book a free call with our team. We learn about your academic profile, interests, and goals - then outline whether Masarak is the right fit and what your journey could look like.

Mentor Matching

We pair you with a PhD mentor from a top university whose expertise aligns with your field of interest. Your mentor stays with you throughout the entire program.

Spark, Build, Showcase

Three structured phases. First, find and frame a strong project. Then build, test, and refine a real output. Finally, turn it into a polished story for your application - with a pitch, report, and presentation.

Parent & Student Touch Points

Regular check-ins with both students and parents keep everyone aligned. Progress updates, feedback sessions, and open communication so families always know where things stand.

Interview & Application Preparation

We help you build a strong application pack - CV bullets, personal statement material, and an interview answers bank. Then intensive mock interviews modelled on top universities' formats so you walk in confident.

Meet the Founders

Built by Arab graduates who've been through it

Masarak was founded by Arab PhD graduates from the world's top universities who understand exactly what it takes to stand out.

“I completed my PhD at the University of Cambridge. We started Masarak because we saw brilliant Arab students get rejected, not because they lacked talent, but because no one showed them how to prove it. We’ve been through the process ourselves, and we built Masarak to give every ambitious student a real chance.”

Samuel Gabra

Co-Founder, Masarak Education

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything students and parents need to know about the Masarak program.

What exactly does the Masarak program include?

The program pairs you with a PhD mentor from a top university for a structured, three-phase journey: Spark (find and frame a project), Build (create and test a real output), and Showcase (turn it into a polished application story). You leave with a completed project, an academic report, CV material, personal statement content, and an interview answers bank.

Who are the mentors?

All Masarak mentors are PhD researchers or graduates from world-leading universities including Cambridge, Oxford, Edinburgh, and Imperial. Each mentor is matched to a student based on their field of interest - from engineering and computer science to biomedical sciences and beyond.

When should my child start?

Ideally 12-18 months before your university application deadline. This allows time to complete a meaningful project, develop strong application material, and prepare for interviews. Most families join in Year 11 or the equivalent, but earlier starts give more flexibility.

How long is the program?

The core program runs over several months across three phases. The exact timeline depends on the student's goals and chosen project, but most students complete the full Spark-Build-Showcase cycle within one academic term. Sessions are typically weekly with your mentor.

Is the program online or in person?

Mentorship sessions run online, which means students can join from anywhere. We also plan in-person programs and events in Riyadh - register your interest to be the first to know about the next available cohort.

How are parents kept in the loop?

We schedule regular touch points with parents throughout the program. You will receive progress updates, have opportunities to ask questions, and always know where your child stands. Communication and transparency are central to how we work.

What kind of project will my child work on?

Projects are tailored to each student's interests and target field. Examples include building a software tool, conducting a research investigation, designing an engineering prototype, or writing a structured literature review. The output is real and tangible - not a simulation.

What grades or qualifications does my child need to join?

There are no strict grade requirements. We look for motivated students who are serious about applying to competitive universities. Whether your child is in the Saudi national curriculum, international school, or studying A-Levels or IB, we tailor the program to fit.

Do you help with UK university applications specifically?

Yes. Our core focus is helping students build standout applications for top UK universities - including UCAS personal statements, Oxbridge and medicine interviews, and admissions tests. The project, CV, and interview prep are all designed with UK admissions in mind.

Is the program suitable for students in Saudi Arabia?

Absolutely. Masarak was built with Saudi students in mind. Mentorship sessions run online so students across Riyadh, Jeddah, and the rest of the Kingdom can join without disrupting their school schedule. We also plan in-person events in Riyadh - register your interest to hear about the next one.

My child doesn't know what they want to study yet - can they still join?

Yes - that is one of the best times to start. The Spark phase is specifically designed to help students explore their interests and discover a direction. Students who begin undecided often finish with a clear subject choice backed by a real project.

How much does the program cost?

Pricing depends on the package and duration. Book a free consultation call and we will walk you through the options and help you choose the right fit for your child's goals and timeline.

Does my child need prior research or project experience?

Not at all. The program is designed to take students from zero experience to a completed, university-quality project. Your mentor guides every step - from choosing a topic to writing the final report.

Everyone has grades. Few have proof. We help you build it.