How to Get Admission in KFUPM

About KFUPM and what it focuses on

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) is a public university in Dhahran, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Its core strengths are engineering, petroleum engineering, the natural and applied sciences, and business, and English is used as the language of instruction.

KFUPM offers undergraduate and graduate (master's and doctoral) programs across these fields. Knowing which college and major you want to enter is the first step, because admission requirements and any preparatory-year expectations differ by level and program.

Programs and levels you can apply for

You can apply to KFUPM at the undergraduate level (B.S.) or the graduate level (M.S. and Ph.D.), depending on your qualifications. Common areas include engineering disciplines, computer science and data science, the sciences, and business and management.

At the undergraduate level, many students begin through a preparatory or foundation phase before entering their major; at the graduate level, you apply directly to a department. Always confirm the exact structure for your chosen program on the official KFUPM admissions pages.

• Undergraduate (B.S.) — engineering, sciences, computing, business
• Graduate (M.S. and Ph.D.) by department
• Possible preparatory/foundation phase for new undergraduates

Typical admission requirements

Like most universities, KFUPM bases admission on your prior academic record and program-specific criteria. Undergraduate applicants are generally assessed on their secondary-school results and any standardized tests the university requires; graduate applicants are assessed on their bachelor's (and master's) record, statement of purpose, and recommendations.

Because instruction is in English, English-proficiency evidence is commonly expected where prior study was not in English. KFUPM publishes the current, exact requirements (including any test or score expectations and deadlines) on its official admissions pages — verify them there for your level and program rather than assuming.

• Strong secondary-school record (undergraduate) or degree transcripts (graduate)
• Any standardized tests required by the university for your program
• English-proficiency evidence where applicable
• Statement of purpose and recommendation letters (graduate)

How to apply, step by step

KFUPM directs applicants to its online application portal ("Apply Now") from its official website. The general flow is: create an account, complete the online application for your chosen level and program, upload your documents, and submit before the deadline.

Keep digital copies of your transcripts, certificates, identification, and (for graduate applicants) your statement of purpose and recommendation letters ready. Check the official admissions timeline so you submit a complete application on time.

• Open the official KFUPM application portal
• Create an account and choose your level and program
• Upload transcripts, certificates and required documents
• Submit before the official deadline

Rankings and how to read them

KFUPM is internationally recognised in its specialist areas; for example, it has been highly placed in subject rankings such as petroleum engineering and data science by QS (QS World University Rankings by Subject). Rankings are produced by independent organisations and change each cycle.

Use rankings as one input, attributed to the body that issued them, and always confirm the current position on the ranking body's own site. Choose a program based on its fit with your goals, not a single number.

Studying in Dhahran as an international student

Admitted international students need the appropriate entry documentation to study in Saudi Arabia; KFUPM's admissions and student-services teams support admitted students with the process. Treat any entry or residence step as a neutral practical requirement and confirm current rules on the official Saudi government source.

Students are expected to follow the university's code of conduct and local laws. This is general information, not immigration advice — always verify current requirements on the official government source before you travel.