King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia • Founded 1963 • World Rank #580
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1963, the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the large town of Dhahran (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Ash Sharqiyah.
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Saudi Arabia, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) is a medium-sized men only Saudi Arabian higher education institution. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study.
This 60-year-old Saudi Arabian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
KFUPM also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Find King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals on the map and reach the right office through the contact channels listed below. Use these for general enquiries; specific departments often run their own contact pages.
Academic Details
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals's key academic numbers — student body size, faculty composition, and accreditation context. Numbers reflect the most recent figures published by the institution and recognised bodies.
Degrees
Also Executive MBA
Bachelor's 30 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Actuarial Science
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Architecture
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics and Automation
- Environmental Engineering
- Finance
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Industrial Chemistry
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Management
- Management
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Physics
- Regional Planning
- Software Engineering
- Statistics
- Structural Architecture
- Town Planning
Master's 30 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Applied Physics
- Architecture
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Business Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Networks
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics and Automation
- Engineering Management
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Management
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Physics
- Regional Planning
- Software Engineering
- Statistics
- Structural Architecture
- Town Planning
Doctoral 16 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics and Automation
- Environmental Engineering
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Industrial Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Physics
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education of Saudi Arabia.
Information Technology (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Information Technology
Common Career Paths
- IT Consultant
- Network Engineer
- Cybersecurity Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Research Excellence in Nanotechnology (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nanotechnology
Research Excellence in Petroleum Refining and Petrochemicals (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Research Excellence in Renewable Energy (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Engineering
Computer Sciences and Engineering (College) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Information Sciences
- Systems Analysis
Common Career Paths
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Systems Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (College) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Environmental Design (College) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Construction Engineering
- Regional Planning
- Structural Architecture
- Town Planning
Common Career Paths
- Designer
- Creative Director
- UX Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Earth Sciences
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Sciences (College) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Applied Physical Sciences (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Laser Engineering
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Communications and Computer Research (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
- Computer Science
Common Career Paths
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Systems Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics and Management Systems (Research Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Management
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering Research (Research Division) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Urban Studies
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Environment and Water (Research Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Studies
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Water Management
Petroleum and Minerals (Research Division) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Geological Engineering
- Geophysics
- Mineralogy
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
Refining and Petrochemicals (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemical Engineering
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
Business (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Information Technology
- Management
- Marketing
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Look through King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals's programmes by level or filter for keywords. Programme-level scholarships exist alongside institution-wide ones; the programme page typically lists them.
118 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Saudi Arabia
Bachelor's Degree 35 programmes
Showing 10 of 35.
Master of Business Administration 2 programmes
Master's Degree 63 programmes
Showing 10 of 63.
Doctorate 18 programmes
Showing 10 of 18.
How to apply to King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
A short guide to applying to King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
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1
Identify the right programme
Use the programme finder to browse King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals's 118 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Check entry requirements
Programme-level requirements at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Submit via the institution
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals processes applications through www.kfupm.edu.sa. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +966 (3) 860 0000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
Common questions students ask about King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.
How old is King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals?
The institution opened in 1963 (approximately 63 years ago).
Where is King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals located?
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals is located in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
Is King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals a public or private institution?
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals operates as a public institution.
What is the student enrolment at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals?
Student enrolment at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals is around 7,000-7,999.
How is King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals ranked?
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals holds rank #580 globally and #4 in Saudi Arabia.
What programmes are available at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals?
Programmes at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
Who recognises King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals?
The institution holds recognition from Ministry of Education.
What is King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals's official website?
You can find King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals online at www.kfupm.edu.sa.
Members of Open Education Consortium (OEC)
Member-only fellowships through Open Education Consortium (OEC) are open to students at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and the universities below. These can be less competitive than open competitions because the applicant pool is narrower.
Faculties at nearby universities
Regional language considerations matter when comparing universities near King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. Bilingual or minority-language regions may shape teaching, signage, and daily life consistently across the cluster.
Where Else to Study Natural Sciences
Interested in Natural Sciences but want alternatives to King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals? These institutions in Saudi Arabia also offer programmes in this field, each with their own specialisations and admissions paths. Comparing the curriculum across schools often surfaces differences worth weighing.
Universities Compared with King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
Comparable institutions to King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals — by academic scale and standing — are gathered below. Same-tier shortlists give you flexibility on admissions outcomes without compromising on institutional level.
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