Many people in the Kingdom missed the opportunity for education at school age for various reasons—family circumstances, work, or the lack of schools in their areas. However, praise be to God, the Saudi Ministry of Education has not left this group behind. Adult education schools (officially called “Continuing Education Schools”) offer a golden opportunity for anyone who has passed the age of formal education to complete their education from the beginning or from where they left off.
What are adult education schools?
Adult education schools are government schools affiliated with the Ministry of Education, aimed at eradicating illiteracy and educating adults who missed school. These schools cover all educational stages: primary, intermediate, and secondary. The fees? completely free. They are available in all regions of the Kingdom.
The Ministry has succeeded in recent years in reducing the illiteracy rate in Saudi Arabia to just 3.7%, reflecting the significant efforts in this field.
Admission requirements for adult education schools
To register, you must meet the following conditions:
- Primary stage: those who are over 11 years and three months old or older.
- Intermediate stage: those who are over 16 years old and hold a primary certificate or equivalent.
- Secondary stage: those who are over 19 years old and hold an intermediate certificate or equivalent.
If you have partial education and do not have academic documents, you can take a level assessment test and enroll in the appropriate class based on your test results.
Required documents
You are not required to submit many documents to register:
- National ID card (for Saudi students) or a valid residency permit (for residents)
- Medical examination
- Student registration form
- Last academic certificate obtained (if any)
Additional supporting programs
The Ministry of Education does not stop at schools only. There are other programs that help adults in their educational journey:
- “A Community Without Illiteracy” program: an educational program for literacy, available in all regions of the Kingdom.
- Learning Living Center: a training program focused on developing educational, professional, and life skills.
- Ein Channel for Continuing Education: recorded and live lessons for the primary stage via the Ein Educational Channel.
- Summer campaigns: intensive campaigns lasting two months in areas where it is difficult to open regular classes.
Registration process
Registration is very simple:
- Go to the nearest continuing education school in your area.
- Submit the required documents.
- Your papers will be reviewed and you will be registered in the school.
- After that, you will be registered in the Noor Education System.
You can follow the procedures through the Noor system link: noor.moe.gov.sa
Frequently Asked Questions
Are adult education schools free?
Yes, education in adult education schools is completely free and under the supervision of the Saudi Ministry of Education.
What applies to someone who is 40 years old and wants to learn?
Anyone over the age of 11 can register. There is no maximum age limit. All ages are welcome.
Are there private schools for girls?
Yes, there are continuing education schools specifically for females in all regions of the Kingdom with the same conditions and documents.
How long is the study period at each stage?
The study duration is similar to regular education—primary 6 years, intermediate 3 years, and secondary 3 years—but some intensive programs may reduce the duration depending on the student’s level.
I am a resident, can I register?
Yes, residents can register in adult education schools provided they submit a valid residency permit and the required documents.
