Since opening in 1963 to meet the workforce needs of the national oil and gas sector, it has steadily broadened its focus to cover a wide range of scientific and technological disciplines. Today, our research and teaching include artificial intelligence, bioengineering, quantum computing, and other rapidly developing areas.
Our graduates have gone on to make a clear impact in their fields, a legacy that we plan to continue. At KFUPM, we remain focused on preparing the next generation with the knowledge, tools, and perspective needed to address real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to society.
Our standing in international rankings reflects this direction. KFUPM has consistently claimed the top spot in Times Higher Education (THE) Ranking, among all universities in the Middle East and North Africa. This position has been mirrored by the QS Arab Region Ranking, both platforms basing their placements on teaching performance, research impact, international outlook, and academic reputation, among many other criteria.
We design our academic programs with a clear focus on relevance and preparedness. Evolving trends and demands in science, energy, engineering, and computing are built directly into our KFUPM course offering. More than 90 undergraduate and graduate majors have been created by reorganizing and updating core courses in multiple of the STEMB fields.
AI is part of every undergraduate student’s curriculum, as well as the option to pursue additional specializations such as bioelectronics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. KFUPM’s postgraduate studies further provide opportunities for specialization in multiple emerging disciplines including renewable energy, nuclear engineering, and smart infrastructure.
We welcome both local and international students to join our institution. Therefore, our courses, research, and publications are solely done in English. We aim to offer all our students equal access to the tools and resources they need to think critically and have a direct impact on society.
At KFUPM, we approach research with clear goals and practical application in mind, aiming to address both local and global needs. Our 2024–2030 Research Strategy outlines our priorities, placing emphasis on areas where scientific work can lead to tangible progress.
To turn this strategy into reality, we constantly promote and encourage intradepartmental, multidisciplinary collaboration. It is with this principle in mind that our research centers, alongside two consortia, explore topics such as robotics, sustainable energy, and space technologies. More than 1,000 researchers contribute to this work, all of it aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The university also maintains an environment where researchers and students can take their ideas from early-stage concepts to commercialized working models. This entrepreneurship ecosystem is supported by access to funding, equipment, and partnerships with both the private and public sectors.
Our campus is home to a focused, motivated student community that comes from across Saudi Arabia and abroad. Many of the students admitted to KFUPM are among the top 2% of high school graduates in the Kingdom, and we plan to further support that driven mentality. With this end goal in mind, we bring together both academic and extracurricular opportunities that will facilitate their all-round development.
On-campus housing, advanced lab facilities, and academic support systems create the foundation of their university experience. However, talks, student-led projects, and cultural activities aim to build up on that base, forming an environment where our students can truly thrive. Outside their classroom, they can take part in sports, student clubs, and events, offering them an even broader exposure and balance, both of which support long-term development in an ever-connected world.
KFUPM will continue to engage in projects that expand its role in science and technology, both locally and globally. New collaborations and the consistent support of our current partners will go on to contribute to advancements in research and education.
We regularly share news about our research progress, academic program updates, and upcoming events. Visit this section for the latest announcements.
If you’d like to start a conversation with us, our admissions team is always ready to connect. Reach out by phone, email, or social media today. We can answer any inquiries about our undergraduate and graduate programs and help guide you through our application process.
