Classes start Sunday 3 January 2027. Save 20% with the DAU grant for new self-funded students. Bachelor's and master's in Business, Law, Architecture and Design. Separate campuses for men and women in Riyadh.

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Start architecture or designthis January

Architecture, Interior Design and Graphic Design. Studio-based degrees, taught in English, in Riyadh.

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Save 20% on tuition with the DAU grant for new self-funded students.

  • Classes start3 JanSunday 3 January 2027
  • ApplicationsOpenApply now, before classes start on 3 January
  • Length4 or 5 yearsArchitecture is 5 years
  • LanguageEnglishAll three programmes
  • Tuition a yearFrom SAR 83,000Up to SAR 84,000, by programme. From SAR 66,000 with the 20% grant.
  • CampusRiyadhSeparate campuses for men and women

Programmes starting in January

Three studio degrees

Studios are led by practising architects and designers. Compare the three programmes; Full details opens the study plan and full cost.

Architecture

For careers as an architect or urban designer.

  • 5 years
  • 172 credit hours
  • English

You'll study

  • Design studios, with graduation projects judged by practising architects
  • BIM and generative design with Autodesk, and a FAB Lab for making models
  • Fieldwork with Diriyah Company at At-Turaif

Leads to

Architect, urban planner, project manager, real estate developer

Tuition a yearAbout SAR 84,000
Enroll Now

Interior Design

For careers in interiors, furniture and fit-out.

  • 4 years
  • 135 credit hours
  • English

You'll study

  • Studios in hospitality and healthcare interiors, ending in a senior project
  • Furniture design and making in the FAB Lab
  • Student work shown at Salone del Mobile Milano and Big 5 Construct Saudi

Leads to

Interior designer, furniture designer, project engineer, studio founder

Tuition a yearAbout SAR 83,000
Enroll Now
Intake to be confirmed

Graphic Design

For careers in branding, advertising and digital media.

  • 4 years
  • 136 credit hours
  • English

You'll study

  • Brand identity and visual storytelling
  • Design for digital media
  • Studio projects with industry briefs

Leads to

Graphic designer, brand designer, digital content designer, art director

Tuition a yearAbout SAR 83,000
Enroll Now

8 in 10

CADD graduates were employed or in postgraduate study.

Between 83.33% and 88.5% of CADD graduates were employed or enrolled in postgraduate study (CADD graduate outcomes, 2025–26).

Why architecture and design at DAU

Learn by designing, in real studios

Quality you can trust

Architecture certified in the US

DAU's Bachelor of Architecture holds NAAB International Certification from the US National Architectural Accrediting Board, with its next review in 2031. All three programmes hold ETEC programme accreditation.

NAAB register, October 2025; ETEC

Built for real careers

Connected to industry

Employers rated CADD graduates' overall proficiency at 4.3 out of 5. CADD works with more than 20 industry partners, including Jacobs Middle East and Four Architects, and runs fieldwork with Diriyah Company at At-Turaif.

CADD graduate outcomes, 2025–26; CADD partnerships, 2026

Learn from experts

Studios led by practitioners

Practising architects judge graduation projects. Your professors include a consultant engineer with the Saudi Council of Engineers and a researcher in the Stanford/Elsevier list of the top 2% of scientists.

CADD faculty

A university that fits your life

Learn by making

Studios welcome school leavers and adults starting later. You build models in the FAB Lab and work with Autodesk BIM and generative design. First-year retention is between 94% and 100%.

CADD, 2025–26

Accreditation and experts

Who accredits it, and who teaches it

Our accreditations and awards

  • Bachelor of ArchitectureNAAB International Certification, US National Architectural Accrediting BoardFirst granted 2018. Next review 2031
  • Architecture, Interior Design, Graphic DesignETEC programme accreditationAugust 2024 to September 2027. Renewal under way
  • Dar Al Uloom UniversityInstitutional accreditation from the Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC)Since 2019
  • World Architecture Community Student AwardWon by a CADD Architecture graduateDecember 2025
  • MBC National Day studio setFurnished with 12 pieces made by Interior Design students2026
  • Salone del Mobile Milano and Big 5 Construct SaudiInterior Design student work exhibited

Learn from experts

  • Prof. Mustafa Galal RamadanChair and Professor of Architectural EngineeringConsultant Engineer, Saudi Council of Engineers
  • Prof. Laila KhodeirArchitect and researcherStanford/Elsevier top 2% of scientists, 2026
  • Dr Jamil BinabidAssociate Professor and Vice DeanArchitect and consultant. LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP and Mostadam AP

After you graduate

Where graduates work

CADD graduates work on giga-projects, in municipalities and in design studios across the Kingdom.

ProgrammeWhere graduates work
ArchitectureGiga-projects, municipalities, engineering consultancies and developers
Interior DesignDesign studios, hotel and retail groups, furniture makers, fit-out contractors
Graphic DesignAgencies, media groups and in-house brand teams

Source: CADD graduate outcomes 2025–26 and the Dean's alumni nominations.

In their own words

Why students chose DAU

Good graduate outcomes, and it's close to my home.
New DAU student · DAU survey, October 2026
Small class sizes, so the professor focuses on the students.
New DAU student · DAU survey, October 2026
A sense of belonging, and great, helpful staff.
New DAU student · DAU survey, October 2026

Graduates

Where our graduates are now

Name

Architecture graduate · Senior Architect and Urban Planner, NEOM

Name

Architecture graduate · Senior Development Manager, Diriyah Company

Name

Interior Design graduate · Project Management Engineer, Green Riyadh programme

Name

Graphic Design graduate · Director General, Ministry of Economy and Planning

Early bird

Apply early and save on tuition

Ask about the offer

Offer, amount and end date to be approved by DAU.

Entry requirements and fees

What you need to apply

What you need depends on where you're starting from.

Which sounds like you?

Finished school in 2026?

Start in January instead of waiting until September. Apply with your results now.

  • Secondary school certificate
  • Qudurat (General Aptitude) result
  • Tahsili (Achievement) result
  • Medical fitness report
  • Architecture only: a scientific-track certificate

Documents to upload

  1. Secondary certificate (original and a copy)
  2. Qudurat and Tahsili results
  3. National ID, passport or iqama
  4. Two personal photos
  5. Medical fitness report

How to enroll

Five steps to 3 January

  1. Enroll

    Tap Enroll Now and leave your details. An admissions advisor calls you.

  2. Apply online

    Upload your documents in DAU's student system.

  3. Get your decision

    Admissions contacts you with the decision.

  4. Pay and register

    Pay the SAR 3,000 admission fee, then choose your courses.

  5. Start

    Sunday 3 January 2027.

Enroll NowOr WhatsApp us first

Questions

Before you apply

Which architecture and design degrees start in January 2027?

Dar Al Uloom University (DAU) in Riyadh takes new students into Architecture and Interior Design on Sunday 3 January 2027. Graphic Design's January intake is to be confirmed.

Is DAU's Architecture degree internationally recognised?

Yes. DAU's Bachelor of Architecture holds NAAB International Certification from the US National Architectural Accrediting Board, with its next review in 2031. It also holds programme accreditation from Saudi Arabia's Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC).

What language are the design degrees taught in?

English. Architecture, Interior Design and Graphic Design at DAU are taught in English.

Do I need a portfolio to apply?

DAU's entry requirements don't list a portfolio or drawing test. Architecture needs a scientific-track secondary certificate, plus Qudurat and Tahsili results.

How long are the programmes?

Architecture takes five years (172 credit hours). Interior Design takes four years (135 credit hours). Graphic Design takes four years (136 credit hours).

Do CADD graduates find work?

Between 83.33% and 88.5% of CADD graduates were employed or enrolled in postgraduate study in 2025–26. Graduates work on giga-projects, in municipalities and in design studios.

How much does an architecture or design degree cost at DAU?

About SAR 83,000 to SAR 84,000 a year if you finish on time, depending on the programme, or about SAR 66,000 to SAR 67,000 with the 20% grant for new self-funded students. Dar Al Uloom University charges SAR 2,450 per credit hour. Architecture is 172 credit hours over five years; Interior Design is 135 and Graphic Design 136, each over four years. There is also a one-off SAR 3,000 admission fee. You take 12 to 20 credit hours a semester, and you pay per credit hour.

Where can I study architecture or design in Riyadh?

At Dar Al Uloom University's College of Architecture and Digital Design (CADD), in Al-Falah, Riyadh. DAU has separate campuses for men and women.

What's the difference between architecture and interior design?

Architecture designs whole buildings and places. Interior design shapes the space inside, from layout and materials to furniture.

Can I start a design degree later in life?

Yes. CADD studios welcome school leavers and adults starting their degree later. Architecture needs a scientific-track secondary certificate; Interior Design and Graphic Design don't.

Are there scholarships or discounts?

Yes. New self-funded students get a 20% tuition grant at Dar Al Uloom University, and it continues if your GPA is in the top 20%. Each year, up to 10 of the strongest new bachelor's students get 50% off tuition. You need a weighted score of 80% or more, and a GPA of 3.75 to keep it.

How do I pay, and can I get a refund?

You pay before you register for courses, by cashier's cheque, bank deposit or mada, or by card on campus. If you withdraw, DAU keeps 25% of the fees in the first week and 50% in the second week. There is no refund after that.

When do applications close for January 2027?

Apply now so you're ready for the first day of classes on Sunday 3 January 2027. The final deadline is Thursday 7 January 2027, but if you apply that late you miss the first week of classes.

Is this form for jobs at DAU?

No. The form on this page is for people who want to study at Dar Al Uloom University. If you're looking for a job at DAU, go to DAU Jobs.

Enroll for January 2027

Start with a call from admissions

Leave your details and an admissions advisor will call you. They answer your questions about architecture and design, check your documents and help you apply.

WhatsAppNumber to be confirmed
Call+966 11 494 9000

This form is for people who want to study at DAU. Looking for a job? Visit DAU Jobs

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To apply for a job at Dar Al Uloom University, see current vacancies on DAU Jobs. Nothing you type here is sent.

Go to DAU Jobs

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Prototype: this form checks what you type but doesn't send it anywhere.

Also starting this January

BusinessFinance and Banking, Marketing, HRM, Accounting
LawBachelor of Law, 4 years, Arabic
MBAMaster's in business, 2 years, evenings
Law master'sPublic Law and Private Law, 2 years
Bachelor's · Architecture and Design

Bachelor of Architecture

The Bachelor of Architecture at Dar Al Uloom University (DAU) in Riyadh is a five-year, 172-credit-hour degree taught in English. The next intake starts on Sunday 3 January 2027.

Length
5 years · 172 credit hours
Language
English
Starts
Sunday 3 January 2027
Recognition
NAAB International Certification (next review 2031). ETEC programme accreditation, August 2024 to September 2027.

What you'll study

  • Design studios, with graduation projects judged by practising architects
  • BIM and generative design with Autodesk, and a FAB Lab for making models
  • Fieldwork with Diriyah Company at At-Turaif
  • Needs a scientific-track secondary certificate

Where it leads

Giga-projects, municipalities, engineering consultancies and developers.

Architect, urban planner, project manager, real estate developer.

What it costs, Saudi students

About SAR 84,000 a year

About SAR 421,000 for the full degree (172 credit hours at SAR 2,450). About SAR 337,000 if you keep the 20% grant throughout. Plus a one-off SAR 3,000 admission fee.

The 20% grant is for new self-funded students. It continues if your GPA is in the top 20%.

WhatsApp usEnroll Now
Bachelor's · Architecture and Design

Bachelor of Interior Design

The Bachelor of Interior Design at Dar Al Uloom University (DAU) in Riyadh is a four-year, 135-credit-hour degree taught in English. The next intake starts on Sunday 3 January 2027.

Length
4 years · 135 credit hours
Language
English
Starts
Sunday 3 January 2027
Recognition
ETEC programme accreditation, August 2024 to September 2027.

What you'll study

  • Studios in hospitality and healthcare interiors, ending in a senior project
  • Furniture design and making in the FAB Lab
  • Student work shown at Salone del Mobile Milano and Big 5 Construct Saudi

Where it leads

Design studios, hotel and retail groups, furniture makers, fit-out contractors.

Interior designer, furniture designer, project engineer, studio founder.

What it costs, Saudi students

About SAR 83,000 a year

About SAR 331,000 for the full degree (135 credit hours at SAR 2,450). About SAR 265,000 if you keep the 20% grant throughout. Plus a one-off SAR 3,000 admission fee.

The 20% grant is for new self-funded students. It continues if your GPA is in the top 20%.

WhatsApp usEnroll Now
Bachelor's · Architecture and Design

Bachelor of Graphic Design

Intake to be confirmed

The Bachelor of Graphic Design at Dar Al Uloom University (DAU) in Riyadh is a four-year, 136-credit-hour degree taught in English. The next intake starts on Sunday 3 January 2027.

Length
4 years · 136 credit hours
Language
English
Starts
Sunday 3 January 2027
Recognition
ETEC programme accreditation, August 2024 to September 2027.

What you'll study

  • Brand identity and visual storytelling
  • Design for digital media
  • Studio projects with industry briefs

Where it leads

Agencies, media groups and in-house brand teams.

Graphic designer, brand designer, digital content designer, art director.

What it costs, Saudi students

About SAR 83,000 a year

About SAR 333,000 for the full degree (136 credit hours at SAR 2,450). About SAR 267,000 if you keep the 20% grant throughout. Plus a one-off SAR 3,000 admission fee.

The 20% grant is for new self-funded students. It continues if your GPA is in the top 20%.

WhatsApp usEnroll Now