• Program Length: 4 years
• Total Cost: 400,000 SAR
• Credit Hour Fee: Included in total tuition
• Application Fee: 600 SAR
• Initial Tuition Installment: 5,000 SAR

Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following:

• Master’s degree in public health or related field
• Minimum GPA 3.0/4.0
• IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL equivalent
• Statement of purpose
• 3 recommendation letters
• CV which should include a list of publications.
• Oral interview

Applicants from both inside and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may be admitted, provided they meet the criteria above. Candidates with degrees from institutions outside the Kingdom must obtain certificate equivalency from the Saudi Ministry of Higher Education.

• Healthcare professionals seeking leadership roles
• Ministry of Health & healthcare workforce professionals
• Epidemiologists & researchers
• Physicians transitioning to public health
• Academic & research professionals

CV should include list of publications.  Three letters of recommendation are mandatory.

• Total Program Cost: 400,000 SAR
• Cost per Credit Hour: Included in program tuition
• Non-Refundable Seat Reservation: 5,000 SAR

Scholarships: Potential tuition scholarships covering 50%–100% of program tuition, subject to eligibility and approval.

The PhD in Public Health at Alfaisal University is designed for individuals seeking advanced expertise in public health research, population health, and evidence-based decision-making. The program offers two specialization tracks: Health Policy & Management (HPM) and Biostatistics & Epidemiology (BSE), enabling doctoral students to focus on areas aligned with their research interests and professional goals.

Its research-oriented approach aims to prepare graduates to investigate complex public health challenges, generate evidence, and contribute to improving health outcomes in Saudi Arabia and internationally.

Research-intensive doctoral training involves developing advanced research skills and applying them throughout the doctoral journey. Depending on the approved curriculum, this may include research design, critical evaluation of scientific literature, quantitative and qualitative methods, statistical analysis, data interpretation, research ethics, and the development of an original doctoral dissertation.

Students build the skills needed to formulate research questions, evaluate evidence, conduct rigorous investigations, and communicate findings to academic and professional audiences. This training prepares graduates to contribute to public health research, policy development, and evidence-based practice.

Faculty confirmation requested: Please specify the research milestones, dissertation requirements, methodological training, and any research seminars or practical research components included in the program.

The PhD in Public Health offers two specialization tracks:

• Biostatistics & Epidemiology (BSE): Focuses on statistical methods, disease patterns, population health data, and research approaches used to investigate health outcomes and risk factors.
• Health Policy & Management (HPM): Focuses on health systems, healthcare policy, management, planning, and evidence-informed approaches to improving healthcare delivery and population health.

These tracks allow students to develop specialized research expertise while addressing different dimensions of public health challenges.

Publishing research in international peer-reviewed journals enables doctoral students to contribute original findings to the global public health community. Peer review provides independent academic scrutiny of research quality, methodology, and conclusions, helping strengthen the credibility of published work.

Research publication also helps students develop academic writing skills, communicate findings to international audiences, build their scholarly profiles, and establish a foundation for careers in academia, research, healthcare policy, and other evidence-driven fields.

Faculty confirmation requested: Please clarify the program's formal publication requirement, including the required number of publications, eligible journals, indexing criteria, authorship rules, and whether publication is required before graduation.

Faculty expertise and doctoral supervision are important considerations when choosing a PhD in Public Health program. Supervisors can guide students in refining research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies, interpreting findings, and developing research that contributes to the field.

Graduates emerge as experts capable of shaping policy, advancing research, and improving health systems.

The PhD in Public Health at Alfaisal University typically takes four years of full-time study. During this period, students develop advanced research skills, complete the program's academic requirements, and conduct original doctoral research culminating in a dissertation. The actual time to completion may depend on research progress, dissertation milestones, and fulfillment of graduation requirements.

Yes. Both Saudi and international applicants are welcome to apply, subject to Alfaisal University's admission requirements and applicable regulations. International applicants should review the required academic qualifications, English-language proficiency requirements, documentation, and any additional procedures that may apply to their circumstances.

Yes. Students must publish research in an internationally indexed journal in accordance with the program's official publication and graduation requirements. Publishing research allows doctoral students to share original findings, contribute to global public health knowledge, and develop their academic profiles. Applicants should confirm the accepted journal indexes, authorship criteria, number of required publications, and publication deadlines with the university.

Relevant academic backgrounds may include public health, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, data science, economics, and related disciplines, subject to the university's formal admission criteria. These disciplines contribute valuable perspectives to public health research, from clinical knowledge and population health analysis to statistical modeling, healthcare economics, and policy evaluation. Applicants should verify whether their specific qualifications meet the program's entry requirements.

Yes. Scholarships may be available, with potential tuition coverage ranging from 50% to 100%, depending on academic merit, financial need, the applicable scholarship scheme, and its terms and conditions. The committee decides what kind of scholarships will be offered based on a candidate's qualifications.

Funding availability and eligibility may vary by applicant and academic year. Prospective students should contact Alfaisal University's admissions or scholarship office to confirm current awards, application deadlines, renewal criteria, and required documentation.

The PhD in Public Health at Alfaisal University offers two specialization tracks: Biostatistics & Epidemiology (BSE) and Health Policy & Management (HPM).

Biostatistics & Epidemiology focuses on statistical analysis, disease patterns, population health data, and research methods used to investigate health outcomes. Health Policy & Management focuses on healthcare systems, policy analysis, management, planning, and evidence-based approaches to improving healthcare delivery. Applicants should choose the track that best aligns with their research interests and professional goals.

Admission to the PhD in Public Health is subject to Alfaisal University's official doctoral admission requirements. Applicants should verify the required previous degree, minimum academic standing, English-language proficiency, supporting documents, and any additional program-specific criteria. Depending on the applicant's background, relevant research experience or a clearly defined research interest may also be important. Prospective students should consult the university's official admissions information for the current eligibility criteria before applying.

Doctoral research opportunities may involve investigating population health, disease prevention, epidemiology, healthcare systems, health policy, and other public health challenges. Through their selected specialization, students develop the ability to formulate research questions, evaluate scientific evidence, apply appropriate research methods, and communicate findings through scholarly publications and their doctoral dissertation. Specific research projects, facilities, supervision arrangements, and collaboration opportunities depend on faculty expertise and available resources.

Graduates of a PhD in Public Health may pursue research-focused careers in universities, academic institutions, public health organizations, healthcare systems, research centers, and policy-related organizations, depending on their experience and qualifications.

Potential career pathways include academic research, university teaching, epidemiological research, biostatistical analysis, health policy research, healthcare systems analysis, and public health program evaluation. The specialization selected during doctoral study can help shape a graduate's research expertise and professional direction.

Pursuing a PhD in Public Health in Saudi Arabia offers an opportunity to investigate population health challenges within a regional context while contributing to the wider international research community. Doctoral research can address topics such as disease prevention, healthcare planning, population health, epidemiology, and health policy.

At Alfaisal University, the PhD in Public Health offers specialization pathways in Biostatistics & Epidemiology and Health Policy & Management. These tracks provide different research perspectives for students interested in advancing public health knowledge and contributing evidence that may inform healthcare practice, research, and policy in Saudi Arabia and beyond.