Quick Summary
Since 1998, King Khalid University has been one of Saudi Arabia's prominent publics, based in Abha. Ranked #463 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 60000 students including 6% from outside Saudi Arabia. Known for strengths in Medicine, Pharmacy, Chemistry, it maintains an acceptance rate of 20%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Strategic location in the Asir region with a cooler climate, strong medical research focus, and comprehensive government support.
Subject Strengths
MedicinePharmacyChemistryComputer ScienceEngineering
Founded1998
TypePublic
Total Students60000
Intl Students6%
Faculty Ratio17
CampusUrban
Campus Size800 acres
Affiliated HospitalsKing Khalid University Medical City
AccreditationNCAAA (National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#463
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#501–600
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#401-500
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Higher Diplomas
Programs
24
PhD Programs
12
Online Programs
Advanced Materials Research Center, Center for Environmental Studies, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Center for Environmental and Tourism Research
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
NCAAA (National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate20%
IELTS5.5
TOEFL60
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on high GAT (Qudurat) and SAAT (Tahsili) scores for undergraduate entry; ensure research proposals are aligned with faculty interests for PhD.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Saudi Riyal
Living Cost
SR30,000/yr
per year · SAR
PG Tuition
SR24,375/yr
per year · SAR
Total Estimated Annual Cost
SR30,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · SAR
Scholarships AvailableMinhaty (Government Scholarships for International Students), Merit-based stipends
Avg Scholarship$7,000
Financial AidMonthly stipends for Saudi students and scholarship holders
Work-StudyLimited
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Higher Diplomas programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Pharmacy | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Computer Science | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Civil Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Islamic Studies | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$18,000
Average Salary After Graduation
78%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Saudi Aramco, SABIC, and Ministry of Health
Industry Connections
Ministry of EnergySaudi Health CouncilSaudi Space Agency
Notable Alumni
Several Saudi ministers, academics, and high-ranking regional officials
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Olympic-sized pool, football stadium, gymnasiums, basketball courts
Student Clubs
Robotics Club, Health Sciences Club, Arts and Culture Society
Library Resources
Central Library with over 500,000 volumes and extensive digital database access
Exchange Programs
Available through MOUs with several international universities
Summer Programs
Available