Yes. Students enrolled in the Master’s of Clinical Psychology (Child Life Track) at Alfaisal University have the option to exit after the first year with a Higher Diploma in Child Life. This diploma provides a professionally recognized qualification within Saudi Arabia and equips you with foundational competencies in child life clinical practice, making it ideal for those seeking a shorter, career-focused credential. The Higher Diploma pathway also serves as a stepping stone toward the full Master’s degree, should you decide to continue your studies.

Yes, Alfaisal University’s program is fully aligned with the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) standards based in the United States. Graduates are eligible to sit for the CCLC Certification Exam, enabling them to become Certified Child Life Specialists: a credential recognised globally. The curriculum integrates all required core competencies in child development, family systems, play therapy, psychosocial care, and ethical clinical practice, ensuring students meet international certification requirements.

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology. Prior experience in pediatrics, mental health, or hospital settings is an asset but not mandatory. The program welcomes both recent graduates and working professionals seeking to transition into child life or pediatric psychology specializations.

Students complete supervised clinical internships through Alfaisal’s official partnerships with major healthcare institutions, including the King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH) and King Fahd Medical City (KFMC) in Riyadh. These placements provide hands-on experience in real pediatric care environments, helping students develop clinical skills, emotional intelligence, and cultural sensitivity while supporting hospitalized children and their families.

Yes. Alfaisal University welcomes both Saudi nationals and international students from across the Middle East and beyond. All instruction is conducted in English, and international applicants benefit from dedicated academic support, visa guidance, and orientation services. The program’s global accreditation standards make it an ideal choice for students seeking a world-class education in Child Life within Saudi Arabia.

The Master’s in Clinical Psychology (Child Life Track) is typically completed over two academic years of full-time study, including coursework, clinical internships, and a capstone project. Students who choose the Higher Diploma exit can complete their studies in one year, depending on their academic progression.

Unlike general psychology programs, the Child Life Track is specialised in pediatric healthcare, focusing on the psychosocial needs of children and families within hospital and clinical settings. Students gain unique expertise in therapeutic play, developmental psychology, family-centred care, and healthcare coping strategies, making them eligible for Child Life certification and specialized pediatric roles across hospitals and rehabilitation centres.

Yes. Alfaisal University provides merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid for eligible students in its graduate programs. These opportunities aim to support talented Saudi and international students pursuing child life studies. Applicants are encouraged to inquire early about available funding and application timelines.

Yes. The Master’s in Clinical Psychology (Child Life Track) is endorsed and recognized by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) and developed in collaboration with leading healthcare institutions. This ensures the program meets national and international standards for clinical education and aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 healthcare transformation goals.

Graduates can work as Child Life Specialists in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, and NGOs. Many graduates also pursue CCLC certification to work in international healthcare systems across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The demand for Child Life professionals in Saudi Arabia continues to rise as hospitals expand their pediatric services and patient experience departments.

This program directly contributes to Saudi Vision 2030’s Human Capability Development and Healthcare Quality Enhancement initiatives. By training skilled Child Life Specialists and Clinical Psychologists, Alfaisal University supports the Kingdom’s mission to enhance patient-centred care, improve paediatric hospital experiences, and strengthen local healthcare expertise to international standards.

Yes. Because the program’s Child Life Track is aligned with CCLC certification, graduates are well positioned for employment opportunities not only in Saudi Arabia but also across the GCC region, the U.S., Canada, and other countries that recognise CLCC-certified professionals.

The Master’s in Clinical Psychology (Child Life Track) is currently offered on-campus at Alfaisal University in Riyadh. This ensures students receive hands-on clinical training through hospital partnerships, simulations, and mentorship; core components that are essential to Child Life practice.

Applications open annually through the Alfaisal Graduate School portal. Early applications are strongly encouraged, as clinical internship placements are limited and competitive. Prospective students can visit alfaisal.edu for current deadlines, admission requirements, and scholarship details.

Alfaisal University’s program is the first and only Master’s in Clinical Psychology (Child Life Track) in Saudi Arabia with an exit option for a Higher Diploma and CCLC certification alignment. Unlike traditional psychology degrees, this program integrates paediatric psychosocial care, child development, and hospital-based practice, preparing graduates to fill a critical professional gap in Saudi and regional healthcare systems.

No, this program is designed as a full-time program. The Higher Diploma exit provides a shorter, professional credential that many working practitioners find ideal for career advancement.

• Program Length: 2 Years (full-time)
• Total Cost: 200,000 SAR
• Credit Hour Fee: 4,762 SAR
• Application Fee: 600 SAR (Non-refundable)
• Initial Tuition Installment: 5,000 SAR (Non-refundable)

• Bachelor’s in clinical psychology,
• Minimum GPA: A grade average of “good” or above.
• Resume & Letter of Recommendation from a professor or workplace supervisor, English proficiency
• Interview may be required

• Aspiring Child Life Specialists and Clinical Psychologists
• Saudi and international graduates pursuing CCLC recognition