Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University
Dammam, Saudi Arabia • Founded 1975 • World Rank #1010
Overview
Founded in 1975, the Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Dammam (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Eastern Province.
This institution also has branch campuses in Qatif, Hafer AL-batin and Jubail. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Saudi Arabia, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) is a large-sized coeducational Saudi Arabian higher education institution.
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 49-year-old Saudi Arabian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 50-59% making this Saudi Arabian higher education organization an averagely selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. IAU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University's campus location, postal address, and the channels students typically use to reach the admissions team. Verified contact points help avoid third-party impersonators.
Academic Details
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University's scale, faculty balance, and academic recognition. Staff-with-doctorate share often signals research culture more reliably than headline research output figures.
Academic Structures
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University's internal academic organisation — faculties, schools, and constituent units — is broken down below. Each unit handles a specific subject cluster and houses its own programmes and faculty.
Unit 14 items
- Collage of Computer Sciences and Information Technology
- College of Applied Medical Sciences
- College of Applied Studies and Community Services
- College of Architecture and Planning
- College of Arts
- College of Dentistry
- College of Design
- College of Education
- College of Intermediate Health Science
- College of Management Science
- College of Medicine
- College of Nursing
- College of Sciences
- college of Engineering
Degrees
Also Executive MBA
Bachelor's 67 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Advertising and Publicity
- Applied Chemistry
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Artificial Intelligence
- Arts and Humanities
- Banking
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biomedical Engineering
- Business Administration
- Cell Biology
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Communication Studies
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Networks
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Data Processing
- Dentistry
- Design
- Energy Engineering
- English
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Geography (Human)
- Health Administration
- Health Sciences
- History
- Industrial Design
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Insurance
- Interior Design
- Islamic Law
- Islamic Studies
- Journalism
- Law
- Library Science
- Management
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Media Studies
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Multimedia
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Physics
- Preschool Education
- Public Health
- Public Relations
- Regional Planning
- Respiratory Therapy
- Social and Community Services
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Structural Architecture
- Surveying and Mapping
- Town Planning
- Translation and Interpretation
- Transport Engineering
Master's 40 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Arabic
- Architecture
- Architecture and Planning
- Botany
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Clinical Psychology
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Curriculum
- Economic History
- Education of the Handicapped
- Educational Administration
- Educational Sciences
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Engineering Management
- English
- Environmental Engineering
- Geography (Human)
- Health Sciences
- Islamic Studies
- Laboratory Techniques
- Landscape Architecture
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Nursing
- Occupational Health
- Physical Therapy
- Physics
- Physiology
- Public Health
- Regional Planning
- Social Sciences
- Special Education
- Surveying and Mapping
- Town Planning
- Zoology
Doctoral 12 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Arabic
- Architecture
- Chemistry
- English
- Geography (Human)
- History
- Islamic Studies
- Literature
- Physics
- Physiology
- Regional Planning
- Town Planning
Diploma & Certificate 5 programs
Diploma and certificate routes deliver focused, applied training for fast entry into skilled occupations.
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Fire Science
- Food Science
- Midwifery
- Special Education
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education of Saudi Arabia.
Applied Medical Sciences (College) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Administration
- Laboratory Techniques
- Nutrition
- Physical Therapy
- Radiology
- Respiratory Therapy
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Applied Studies and Community Service (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Social and Community Services
Architecture and Planning (College) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Construction Engineering
- Interior Design
- Landscape Architecture
- Regional Planning
- Town Planning
Common Career Paths
- Architect
- Urban Planner
- Interior Designer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arts (College) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
- English
- Islamic Studies
- Library Science
- Social Sciences
Business Administration (College) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Banking
- Business Administration
- Finance
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Clinical Pharmacy (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Computer Science and Information Technology (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
Common Career Paths
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Systems Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Dentistry (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
Common Career Paths
- Dentist
- Oral Surgeon
- Dental Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Design (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Graphic Design
- Interior Design
Common Career Paths
- Designer
- Creative Director
- UX Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (College) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Construction Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Marine Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Safety Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Nursing (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Midwifery
- Nursing
Common Career Paths
- Registered Nurse
- Clinical Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Public Health (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Public Health
Common Career Paths
- Public Health Officer
- Epidemiologist
- Health Policy Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (College) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Physics
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science and Humanities - Jubail (College) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
- English
- Islamic Studies
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Sharia and Law (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Islamic Law
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
The programmes you can apply for at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University are grouped by degree level. Programme-level accreditation (separate from institutional) matters for regulated professions like law, medicine, and engineering.
Bachelor's Degree
11 programmes
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University lists 11 programmes that award a bachelor's degree — the foundational tier where students establish a discipline before narrowing their focus later.
Law القانون Law Arabic
Islamic Law (Sharia) الشريعة Shariah & Islamic Law Arabic
Visual Design السنة التأسيسية - التصميم المرئي Applied Design English
Foundation Year - Sciences College Track السنة التأسيسية - مسار كلية العلوم Natural Sciences English
Foundation Year - Engineering College Track السنة التأسيسية - مسار كلية الهندسة General Engineering English
Foundation Year - Education College Track السنة التأسيسية - مسار كلية التربية Education & Teaching Arabic
Foundation Year - Computer Science and IT Track السنة التأسيسية - مسار كلية علوم الحاسب وتقنية المعلومات Computer Sciences English
Foundation Year - Business Administration Track السنة التأسيسية - مسار كلية إدارة الأعمال Business Administration English
Foundation Year - Arts College Track السنة التأسيسية - مسار كلية الآداب Liberal Arts Arabic
Foundation Year - Architecture and Planning Track السنة التأسيسية - مسار كلية العمارة والتخطيط Architecture English
Applied Design السنة التأسيسية - التصميم التطبيقي Applied Design English
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
46 programmes
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University's 46 programmes at this tier lead to a master's qualification, valued for the focused, research-informed depth they add beyond undergraduate study.
M.En in Biomedical Engineering - College of Engineering الهندسة في الهندسة الطبية الحيوية - كلية الهندسة Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences English
Nanotechnology - Institute for Research and Med تقنية متناهية الصغر - معهد الابحاث والاستشارات الطبية English
Mathematics - College of Science الرياضيات - كلية العلوم Mathematics English
Masters in Environmental Engin - College of Engineering الهندسة البيئية - كلية الهندسة Environmental Engineering English
Master of Hadith & its science - College of Sharia and Law الحديث وعلومه - كلية الشريعه والقانون Shariah & Islamic Law Arabic
Master of Education: Counselin - college of Education الإرشاد النفسي - كلية التربية Counselling & Psychotherapy Arabic
M.Sc in Biomedical Engineering - College of Engineering العلوم في الهندسة الطبية الحيوية - كلية الهندسة Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences English
Landscape - College Of Arch And Planning عمارة البيئة - كلية العمارة والتخطيط English
Interpretation & the Sci.of Qu - College of Sharia and Law التفسير وعلوم القرآن - كلية الشريعة والقانون Shariah & Islamic Law Arabic
Info. Systems & Data Analytics - Computer Science&Info Tech نظم المعلومات وتحليل البيانات - علوم الحاسب وتقنية المعلومات Data Science & Analytics English
Healthcare Quality & Patient S - College of Public Health جودة رعاية صحية وسلامة المرضى - كلية الصحة العامة Public Health English
Urban and Regional Planning - College Of Arch And Planning التخطيط الحضري والإقليمي - كلية العمارة والتخطيط Social Sciences & Education English
The Figh & its Principles - College of Sharia and Law الفقه وأصوله - كلية الشريعه والقانون Shariah & Islamic Law Arabic
Special Education:Learning Di - College of Education التربية الخاصة: صعوبات التعلم - كلية التربية Special Education Arabic
Safety Engineering - College of Engineering هندسة السلامة - كلية الهندسة General Engineering English
Radiological Sciences - College Of Applied Medical ScI علوم اشعاعية - كلية العلوم الطبية التطبيقية Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences English
Public Health - College of Public Health الصحة العامة - كلية الصحة العامة Public Health English
Physics in Materials Science - College of Science الفيزياء في علم المواد - كلية العلوم Materials Science English
Physical Therapy - College Of Applied Medical ScI العلاج الطبيعي - كلية العلوم الطبية التطبيقية Health Sciences English
Pharmaceutical Sciences - college of Pharmacy العلوم الصيدلانيه التكاملية - كلية الصيدلة Pharmacy English
Clinical Nursing - College of Nursing التمريض السريري - كلية التمريض Nursing English
Clinical Nutrition - College Of Applied Medical ScI التغذية السريرية - كلية العلوم الطبية التطبيقية Nutrition & Dietetics English
Construction Engineering - College Of Arch And Planning ادارة هندسة التشييد - كلية العمارة والتخطيط Civil Engineering & Construction English
Curriculum & Instruction - College of Education مناهج وطرق التدريس - كلية التربية Education & Teaching Arabic
Cybersecurity - College of Computer Science&Info Tech الأمن السيبراني - كلية علوم الحاسب وتقنية المعلومات Cyber Security English
Doctrine & contemporary Ideolo - College of Sharia and Law العقيدة والمذاهب المعاصرة - كلية الشريعة والقانون Shariah & Islamic Law Arabic
Economic and Social History - College of Arts التاريخ الاقتصادي والاجتماعي - كلية الآداب Economics Arabic
Education E-Learning - College of Education التربية في التعليم الإلكتروني - كلية التربية Education & Teaching Arabic
Education Technology - College of Education تقنيات التعليم - كلية التربية Education & Teaching Arabic
Educational Admin & Leadership - College of Education الإدارة والقيادة التربوية - كلية التربية Education & Teaching Arabic
Educational Policy - College of Education السياسات التربوية - كلية التربية Education & Teaching Arabic
English Linguistics - College of Arts اللغويات الإنجليزية - كلية الآداب Linguistics & Language Studies English
Engineering Management - College of Engineering الإدارة الهندسية - كلية الهندسة Business & Management English
Foundations of Education - College of Education أصول التربية - كلية التربية Education & Teaching Arabic
Environmental Health - college of Public Health صحة البيئة - كلية الصحة العامة Public Health English
English Literature - College of Arts الأدب الإنجليزي - كلية الآداب English Language Studies English
Arabic Language - College of Arts اللغة العربية - كلية الآداب Linguistics & Language Studies Arabic
Architectural Engineering - College Of Arch And Planning الهندسة المعمارية - كلية العمارة والتخطيط Architecture English
Architecture - College Of Arch And Planning العمارة - كلية العمارة والتخطيط Architecture English
biological sciences - College of Science علوم الأحياء - كلية العلوم Biological Sciences English
Biotechnology - Institute for Research and Med التقنية الحيوية - معهد الابحاث والاستشارات الطبية Biotechnology English
Business Administration - College Of Business Admin. إدارة الأعمال - كلية إدارة الأعمال Business Administration English
Business Analytics - College Of Business Admin. تحليل الاعمال - كلية إدارة الأعمال Data Science & Analytics English
Chemistry - College of Science الكيمياء - كلية العلوم Chemistry English
Civil Engineering - College of Engineering الهندسة المدنية - كلية الهندسة Civil Engineering & Construction English
Clinical Laboratory Sciences - College Of Applied Medical ScI علوم المختبرات الاكلينيكية - كلية العلوم الطبية التطبيقية Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences English
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
7 programmes
Browse 7 programmes of research-degree study at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. Each culminates in a thesis defended before examiners as an original scholarly contribution.
Medical Physiology - College of Medicine علم وظائف الأعضاء الطبي - كلية الطب Biological Sciences English
Islamic Studies - College of Sharia and Law الدراسات الإسلامية - كلية الشريعة والقانون Shariah & Islamic Law Arabic
Health Sciences - College of Public Health العلوم الصحية - كلية الصحة العامة Public Health English
Rehabilitation Sciences - College Of Applied Medical ScI علوم التأهيل - كلية العلوم الطبية التطبيقية Physiotherapy English
Geography - College of Arts الجغرافيا ونظم المعلومات الجغرافية - كلية الآداب Geography Arabic
Physics - College of Science الفيزياء - كلية العلوم Physics & Astronomy English
Chemistry - College of الكيمياء - كلية العلوم Chemistry English
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
26 programmes
These 26 programmes group Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University's shorter and preparatory qualifications together: associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and foundation courses that suit focused or transitional study.
Ophthalmology Fellowship - College Of Medicine زمالة طب و جراحة العيون - كلية الطب Medicine 4 years English
Obstetrics & Gynecology Fellowship - College Of Medicine زمالة النساء والتوليد - كلية الطب Midwifery 5 years English
Neurosurgery Fellowship - College Of Medicine زمالة جراحة المخ والاعصاب - كلية الطب Medicine 6 years English
Neurology Fellowship - College Of Medicine زمالة طب الاعصاب - كلية الطب Medicine 5 years English
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Fellowship - College Of Dentistry زمالة جراحة الفم والوجه والفكين - كلية طب الأسنان Dentistry 5 years English
Internal Medicine Fellowship -College of Medicine زمالة الطب الباطني - كلية الطب Medicine 4 years English
Hematopathology Fellowship -College of Medicine زمالة علم أمراض الدم - كلية الطب Biological Sciences 5 years English
Prosthodontics Fellowship - College Of Dentistry زمالة استعاضة الأسنان - كلية طب الاسنان Dentistry 4 years English
Teaching in English - College of Education التدريس باللغة الإنجليزية - كلية التربية Education & Teaching English
Psychiatry Fellowship - College Of Medicine زمالة الطب النفسي - كلية الطب Medicine 5 years English
Periodontics Fellowship - College Of Dentistry زمالة علاج أمراض اللثة وجراحته - كلية طب الاسنان Dentistry 4 years English
Pediatric Medicine Fellowship - College Of Medicine زمالة طب الاطفال - كلية الطب Medicine 4 years English
Pediatric Dentistry Fellowship - College Of Dentistry زمالة طب أسنان الأطفال - كلية طب الأسنان Dentistry 4 years English
OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY HEAD AND N Fellowship - College Of Medicine زمالة جراحة أنف وأذن وحنجرة وعنق - كلية الطب Medicine 5 years English
Orthopedic Surgery Fellowship - College Of Medicine زمالة جراحة العظام - كلية الطب Medicine 5 years English
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Fellowship - College Of Dentistry زمالة تقويم الأسنان - كلية طب الأسنان Dentistry 4 years English
General Surgery Fellowship -College of Medicine زمالة الجراحة العامة - كلية الطب Medicine 5 years English
Dermatology Fellowship - College of Medicine زمالة الأمراض الجلدية - كلية الطب Medicine 4 years English
Diagnostic Radiology Fellowship - College Of Medicine زمالة الأشعة التشخيصية - كلية الطب Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences 4 years English
Diploma in Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers دبلوم تعليم اللغة العربية لغير الناطقين بها Education & Teaching Arabic
Endodontics Fellowship - College Of Dentistry زمالة علاج جذور وأعصاب الأسنان - كلية طب الأسنان Dentistry 4 years English
Family Medicine Fellowship -College of Medicine زمالة طب الاسرة - كلية الطب Medicine 3 years English
Family Counseling - College of Education الإرشاد الأسري - كلية التربية Counselling & Psychotherapy Arabic
Anatomic Pathology Fellowship -College of Medicine زمالة علم الامراض التشريحي - كلية الطب Biological Sciences 5 years English
Clinical Microbiology -College of Medicine زمالة الاحياء الدقيقة الاكلينيكية - كلية الطب Biological Sciences 4 years English
Advanced Education in General Fellowship - College Of Dentistry زمالة طب الأسنان المتقدم - كلية طب الأسنان Dentistry 3 years English
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University runs 90 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Before applying to Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Saudi Arabia.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Lodge your application through the official website (www.iau.edu.sa). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +966 (3) 857 7000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University
Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.
When did Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University open?
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University traces its founding to 1975 (approximately 51 years ago).
Where is Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University located?
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University is located in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Is Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University public or private?
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University operates as a public institution.
What is the student enrolment at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University?
Student enrolment at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University is around 20,000-24,999.
Where does Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University stand in university rankings?
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University holds rank #1010 globally and #11 in Saudi Arabia.
What qualification levels does Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University offer?
Programmes at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How many faculties does Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University have?
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University has 14 academic units.
Is Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University officially recognised?
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University is accredited by Ministry of Education.
What is Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University's official website?
You can find Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University online at www.iau.edu.sa.
Top-Ranked Universities in Saudi Arabia
Alumni network strength of Saudi Arabia's national leaders compounds over time. The peer-graduate networks at top institutions often outweigh academic differences in long-run career outcomes.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Universities close to Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University typically fall within the same regional student-transit zones, where transit discounts and shared passes reduce living costs across the cluster.
Where Else to Study Medicine
Programme-led research opportunities for Medicine students differ. Research-active programmes give undergraduates access to active labs; teaching-only programmes do not.
Universities Often Compared with Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University
Selectivity rates (acceptance percentage) cluster around Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University for the peer institutions below. Selectivity is one of the more stable signals of institutional positioning over time.
