KFUPM's History

1963

KFUPM was established by a royal decree as the College of Petroleum and Minerals (CPM) to provide higher education and research in the fields of petroleum and minerals.

1968

The first cohort of undergraduate students graduated, consisting of four graduates.

1975

The College of Petroleum and Minerals (CPM) was renamed to the University of Petroleum and Minerals (UPM).

1977

The first three phases of the architecture master plan for the university campus were completed, providing modern facilities for education and research.

1977

The University’s Research Institute was established.

1983

The university began offering Ph.D. programs, further cementing its role as a leading research institution.

1986

UPM was renamed King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) in honor of King Fahd Bin Abdulaziz.

1992

The University received its first academic accreditation for engineering programs.

2006

KFUPM's Dhahran Techno Valley (DTV) was established, creating a hub for research, development, and collaboration with industry partners.

2011

The implementation of the second strategic plan for enhancing academic and research performance started.

2019

For the first time in the University’s history, KFUPM began accepting female students into graduate programs.

2020

The university began its transformation, aligning its goals with Saudi Arabia’s national vision for economic diversification and innovation.

2021

The university began accepting female students into undergraduate programs for the academic year 2012-2022

2024

The university is ranked #1 in the Arab Region by QS University Rankings.