Effat University, founded in 1999, is one of Saudi Arabia’s premier institutions working to deliver women world-class education. Situated in Jeddah, the institution has transformed from a modest college into an esteemed university providing numerous academic disciplines. The university forms part of Saudi Arabia’s attempt to empower women by extending higher education opportunities to them and contributes significantly toward molding the destiny of female leadership within the country.
History of Effat University
Effat University was established by Queen Iffat Al Thunayan, the wife of King Faisal, with the vision of offering quality education to women in Saudi Arabia. It began as Effat College in 1999 with a few students and two programs—Information Systems and Psychology. Effat College became Effat University in 2009, a step that increased its academic offerings and improved its capacity to influence and engage in the country’s educational culture. The institution is known to lead in gender education promotion as well as instituting academic levels within the country.
Academic Programs at Effat University
Undergraduate Programs
- College of Business Administration
Provides a variety of programs that equip the student for leadership positions in the corporate world:
○ Business Administration
○ Marketing
○ Finance
○ Human Resources Management
○ Entrepreneurship - College of Engineering
Offers a sound grounding in many fields of engineering:
○ Electrical Engineering
○ Computer Science - College of Architecture and Design
Provides programs that combine the creative with the technical:
○ Architecture
○ Cinematic Arts
○ Design - College of Humanities
There are many humanities programs available:
○ English Language and Literature
○ Psychology
○ Translation - College of Computer Science
Programs aimed at preparing students for the skills required in the IT sector:
○ Computer Science
○ Software Engineering
Graduate Programs
● Master’s in Finance
● Master’s in Urban Design
● Master’s in Translation Studies
The graduate programs are structured to offer students specialized knowledge and research opportunities in their area of study.
Research and Innovation at Effat University
Effat University seeks to develop a solid research culture. The research activity of the university\sis concentrated on solving global and local problems in engineering, business, and health sciences. Effat University has a number of research centers and actively collaborates with national and foreign countries to develop the quality and effect of research. The university also involves students in research activities and provides infrastructure and guidance to develop innovation.
Scholarships of Effat University
Effat University provides scholarships to students financially, particularly to women in Saudi Arabia. They make higher studies more accessible to students and stimulate them to use their full capabilities.
Types of Scholarships
- Merit-Based Scholarships: To students who are excellent in academics.
- Need-Based Scholarships: Intended for those students who need financial assistance for pursuing their study.
- Government Scholarships: For those students who have specific requirements outlined by the government.
- International Scholarships: Effat University opens its doors to international students and offers them chances for full or partial scholarships.
These scholarships are a vital component in assisting students during their academic journey at Effat University.
Global Recognition and Rankings
Effat University is accredited by different national and international accrediting agencies, ensuring that its academic programs are of the highest educational standards. The university is recognized for its dedication to offering quality education to women and its contribution to the Kingdom’s educational progress.
Effat University has achieved impressive improvements in world rankings, and in recent years has been identified as one of the top universities in Saudi Arabia for women’s education.
● QS World University Rankings 2025: Effat University is placed among the top universities in the Kingdom and in the world. (QS World University Rankings)
● Times Higher Education Rankings: The university has been recognized for its solid academic programs and research activities. (timeshighereducation.com)
Why Choose Effat University?
● Empowering Women: Being the first private women’s university in Saudi Arabia, Effat University has a special history of empowering women through education and leadership.
● Diverse Programs: With a wide range of academic disciplines, students can identify a program that suits their interests and career aspirations.
● Emphasis on Research: Effat University promotes research among students, offering scope to help address real-life issues.
● International Acclaim: The university is globally acclaimed for the quality of education imparted and for women’s empowerment.
Contact Details
Address: Effat University, P.O. Box 34689, Jeddah 21478, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia