🏅 QS World Rank #63
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) — Full Profile & Ranking 2026
The Middle East’s top-ranked university — QS World Rankings 2027 #63
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) is a public university in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, founded in 1963. In the QS World University Rankings 2027 (published June 2026) it is 63rd in the world. This guide covers programmes, admission, fees, scholarships, advice for applicants from Pakistan and the questions applicants ask most. Every figure is labeled with its year or ranking edition.
KFUPM Overview
KFUPM was founded in 1963 and is based in Dhahran, in the energy-rich Eastern Province. It is known for petroleum engineering, geosciences and engineering, and its computing and AI programmes are growing.
English is the main language of instruction in most programmes, and international students make up part of its student body.
KFUPM Rankings — QS World University Rankings 2027
KFUPM is 63rd in the QS World University Rankings 2027, published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) in June 2026, and is listed as the highest-ranked Middle Eastern university in this edition according to QS data. A third-party news roundup also notes that KFUPM and other Gulf universities reached historic positions.
This is a QS-specific result, not one universal ranking. Times Higher Education, U.S. News and ARWU use different methods and can order universities differently.
Source: QS TopUniversities (QS World University Rankings 2027, 18 June 2026).
Key Strengths & Programs
KFUPM is known for:
- Petroleum engineering and geosciences
- Computing, mathematics and AI
- Engineering, including chemical, mechanical and electrical
- Industrial management
- Energy and materials research
- Links with energy employers in the Eastern Province
See the official website for the full list.
Explore Related Guides & Rankings
Admission Requirements
International applicants apply through KFUPM’s admission portal. Confirm all details on KFUPM’s official pages.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Application | Through the international admissions portal for the level you want |
| Undergraduate | Strong results in mathematics and science and standard entry documents. Check the current test and English requirements. |
| Graduate | A relevant Bachelor’s degree for Master’s and a relevant Master’s or equivalent for PhD |
| Language | English is the main language of instruction. Check the test score needed for your programme. |
| Documents | Transcripts, identification, language evidence and programme documents |
Official source: KFUPM — International students.
KFUPM Acceptance Rate
KFUPM does not publish one acceptance rate for international applicants. Entry is competitive and varies by programme.
Practical Application Checklist
- Choose your programme and read its entry and language requirements
- Check the application deadline for your intake
- Book an English (or other required) language test
- Prepare transcripts, identification and any required documents
- Apply and accept your offer
- Meet the visa or residence-permit conditions for your destination
- Plan funding for tuition and living costs
- Verify every date, fee and requirement on KFUPM’s official website before submitting
Tuition & Costs
KFUPM’s international student page says:
- International undergraduates: all tuition is waived, with free on-campus housing, textbooks, a monthly stipend and medical services
- International graduate students: scholarships cover all PhD programmes and select MS programmes, with a stipend, housing, airfare and medical care
- Self-sponsored non-thesis programmes (including MBA): US$2,000 registration per semester plus US$135 per credit hour
- Self-sponsored thesis programmes (MS and PhD): US$2,000 in the first semester, US$1,000 in later semesters, plus US$135 per credit hour
The old line about “largely subsidized” fees is replaced by these official figures. Scholarship terms and rules can change, so confirm them before applying.
Source: KFUPM — Tuition and scholarships. Fees, dates and rules change each year.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Undergraduate scholarship for international students: full tuition waiver, housing, textbooks, stipend and medical services, per KFUPM
- Graduate scholarships: cover all PhD programmes and select MS programmes, with stipend, accommodation, airfare and medical care
- Other aid: compare options in our fully funded scholarships for 2027 guide
- No guarantee: scholarships are competitive and have conditions, so read the current terms
KFUPM for Pakistani Students
Pakistani applicants follow the standard international process:
- Entry: check the international requirements for your level and programme
- English: prepare an accepted test. Our IELTS preparation guides can help.
- Scholarships: read the scholarship terms and apply on time
- Visa: a Saudi student visa or residence permit is required, and KFUPM guides admitted students
- Budget: plan for personal costs even where tuition is waived
Campus & Student Life
- The campus is in Dhahran, in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province
- It is a large residential campus with on-campus housing for many students
- The Eastern Province is a major hub for the oil and gas industry
- Student clubs and societies cover culture, sport and academic interests
Research & Career Opportunities
- KFUPM is research-intensive, with notable work in energy, engineering and computing
- Many graduates work in the energy sector, including at Saudi Aramco, given KFUPM’s long ties to the industry
- The Eastern Province and wider Saudi Arabia have large engineering and energy employers
- KFUPM does not guarantee employment, salary or visa outcomes
Notable Alumni
- KFUPM graduates hold senior engineering and management roles across the Saudi energy sector
- Many Saudi Aramco engineers and executives studied at KFUPM
- Researchers from KFUPM work across petroleum, geosciences and computing
Contact & Location
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
Official website: kfupm.edu.sa
Frequently Asked Questions
KFUPM is ranked 63rd in the QS World University Rankings 2027, published in June 2026.
KFUPM has long-standing ties to the energy sector, and many graduates work at Saudi Aramco and other energy employers.
English is the main language of instruction in most programmes. Check your programme.
KFUPM is best known for petroleum engineering, geosciences and, increasingly, computing and AI.
According to KFUPM, tuition is waived for international undergraduates, who also get housing, textbooks, a stipend and medical services.
Yes. KFUPM says scholarships cover all PhD programmes and select MS programmes, with a stipend, housing and airfare.
Yes. Pakistani applicants follow the international route and should check entry, English and visa requirements.
For non-thesis programmes, KFUPM lists US$2,000 registration per semester plus US$135 per credit hour. Thesis programmes have different fees.
KFUPM does not publish one acceptance rate for international applicants. Entry is competitive.
Check KFUPM’s official international admissions and scholarship pages. Fees, deadlines and rules can change.
Compare KFUPM With Other Top Universities
Disclaimer: This page is based on the QS World University Rankings 2027, KFUPM’s official pages, and other publicly available sources, last checked in October 2026. Fees, rankings, deadlines, and admission rules change, and no admission, funding, visa, or employment outcome is guaranteed. Always verify current details directly with the university before applying.