King Khalid University
Abha, Saudi Arabia • Founded 1976 • World Rank #731
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1998, the King Khalid University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Abha (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Asir.
This institution also has branch campuses in Alnamas, Bisha, Khamis Mushait and Mehayel. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Saudi Arabia, King Khalid University (KKU) is a very large-sized coeducational Saudi Arabian higher education institution.
King Khalid University (KKU) 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 and master's degrees in several areas of study. This 25-year-old Saudi Arabian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations.
The acceptance rate range is 70-79% making this Saudi Arabian higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. KKU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where King Khalid University sits geographically, plus the contact channels students use during admissions. Alumni-office inquiries are separate from admissions and have their own contact page.
Academic Details
King Khalid University'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
King Khalid University's degree portfolio is grouped by level below. Each tier reflects different time commitments, academic depth, and career outcomes — useful when matching a programme to your current study stage.
Bachelor's 9 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Administration
- Arts and Humanities
- Computer Science
- Dentistry
- Education
- Engineering
- English
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
Master's 19 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- Applied Linguistics
- Arts and Humanities
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Education
- Electrical Engineering
- English
- Information Technology
- Laboratory Techniques
- Mass Communication
- Mathematics
- Media Studies
- Modern Languages
- Physics
- Translation and Interpretation
Doctoral 13 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Administration
- Applied Linguistics
- Arabic
- Arts and Humanities
- Education
- English
- Finance
- Koran
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Natural Sciences
- Translation and Interpretation
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education of Saudi Arabia.
Applied Medical Sciences (College) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Community Health
- Laboratory Techniques
- Medical Auxiliaries
- Medical Technology
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arts Education (College) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Curriculum
- Education
- Educational Technology
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Preschool Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arts Education (College) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art Education
- Curriculum
- Educational Technology
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Religious Education
- Teacher Training
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arts Education (College) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art Education
- Curriculum
- Educational Technology
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Preschool Education
- Religious Education
- Teacher Training
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Community College (College) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Information Technology
- Laboratory Techniques
- Medical Auxiliaries
- Medical Technology
Community College (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Information Technology
Community College (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Information Technology
Community College (College) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Information Technology
- Laboratory Techniques
- Medical Auxiliaries
- Medical Technology
- Physical Therapy
Community College (College) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Information Technology
- Laboratory Techniques
- Medical Auxiliaries
- Medical Technology
Community College (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Information Technology
Computer Science (College) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Networks
- 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) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dental Hygiene
- Dental Technology
- Dentistry
- Oral Pathology
Common Career Paths
- Dentist
- Oral Surgeon
- Dental Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (College) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
- English
- Islamic Studies
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (College) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
- English
- Islamic Studies
- Mathematics
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (College) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
- English
- Home Economics
- Islamic Studies
- Mathematics
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (College) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
- English
- Islamic Studies
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (College) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Curriculum
- Education
- Educational Psychology
- Pedagogy
- Special Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (College) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
- English
- Home Economics
- Islamic Studies
- Mathematics
- Physics
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
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Financial and Administrative Sciences (College) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Business Computing
- E-Business/Commerce
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health Sciences (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Midwifery
- Nursing
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health Sciences (College) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anaesthesiology
- Epidemiology
- Laboratory Techniques
- Medical Auxiliaries
- Medical Technology
- Nursing
- Public Health
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health Sciences (College) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
- Midwifery
- Nursing
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health Sciences (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Midwifery
- Nursing
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health Sciences (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Midwifery
- Nursing
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Humanities (College) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
- Communication Studies
- Geography
- History
- Information Technology
- Literature
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Languages and Translation (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- English
- Translation and Interpretation
Common Career Paths
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Language Teacher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (College) 21 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anaesthesiology
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Community Health
- Dermatology
- Health Education
- Medical Technology
- Neurology
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedics
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Paediatrics
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Plastic Surgery
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Radiology
- Surgery
- Urology
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.
Pharmacy (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (College) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science and Arts (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- English
- Information Technology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science and Arts (College) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- English
- Health Sciences
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science and Arts (College) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- English
- Health Sciences
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science and Arts (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- English
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science and Arts (College) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- English
- Information Technology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science and Arts (College) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- English
- Mathematics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science and Arts (College) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- English
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science and Arts (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science and Home Economics (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Home Economics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science Education (College) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Education
- Mathematics Education
- Science Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science Education (College) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Education
- Home Economics Education
- Science Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Shariah and Fundamentals of Religion (College) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Islamic Law
- Islamic Studies
- Islamic Theology
- Koran
- Religion
Advanced Material Science (Research Division) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Corporation Governance (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Government
Ecological and Tourism Research (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Ecology
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Tour Operator
- Hospitality Manager
- Travel Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Equatorial Diseases (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pathology
Linguistic Research and Studies (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Linguistics
Social Research and Studies (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Social Policy
Programs Offered
The full set of programmes King Khalid University offers is searchable and grouped by level below. Some programmes accept rolling applications; others run on annual cycles — check before applying.
235 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Saudi Arabia
Bachelor's Degree 70 programmes
Showing 10 of 70.
Master's Degree 104 programmes
Showing 10 of 104.
Doctorate 27 programmes
Showing 10 of 27.
Diploma 21 programmes
Showing 10 of 21.
Higher Diploma 13 programmes
Showing 10 of 13.
How to apply to King Khalid University
Step-by-step guidance for applying to King Khalid University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
King Khalid University's catalogue includes 235 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for King Khalid University's admissions process.
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3
Get your documents ready
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Submit your completed application through King Khalid University's official website at www.kku.edu.sa. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +966 (7) 229 0992. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about King Khalid University
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about King Khalid University, drawn directly from institutional records.
When did King Khalid University open?
King Khalid University traces its founding to 1976 (approximately 50 years ago).
What city is King Khalid University in?
King Khalid University operates from Abha, Saudi Arabia.
What is King Khalid University's control type?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How big is King Khalid University's student body?
King Khalid University serves approximately 35,000-39,999 students.
Where does King Khalid University stand in university rankings?
It ranks #731 globally and #6 in Saudi Arabia.
What programmes are available at King Khalid University?
King Khalid University delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
Is King Khalid University officially recognised?
Yes, King Khalid University is recognised by National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA)..
What is King Khalid University's official website?
King Khalid University's official website is www.kku.edu.sa.
Top-Ranked Universities in Saudi Arabia
National rankings in Saudi Arabia often weight different signals than international rankings. The leaders below typically top both, but the order can differ meaningfully.
Faculties at nearby universities
The universities below sit close to King Khalid University geographically and may suit students who want to stay within the same region for study. Proximity affects commuting cost, family contact, and the ease of switching institutions if circumstances change.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Cohort diversity (gender, nationality, prior experience) shapes the Education & Teaching classroom experience. Some Saudi Arabia programmes publish demographic data; others do not, but the question is worth asking.
Universities Compared with King Khalid University
Faculty mobility between King Khalid University and peer institutions is common — academics often move within a comparable tier. This signals shared academic standards and salary structures.
Studying in Saudi Arabia: guides and resources
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