Quick Summary
Based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz University (KAU) is a public with roots dating back to 1967. Ranked #149 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 117096 students including 18% from outside Saudi Arabia. Known for strengths in Petroleum Engineering, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Mathematics, it maintains an acceptance rate of 15%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
KAU is a top-ranked global university offering fully-funded scholarships for international students and boasts world-class research facilities.
Subject Strengths
Petroleum EngineeringPharmacy and PharmacologyMathematicsComputer ScienceChemistryMarine Sciences
Founded1967
TypePublic
Total Students117096
Intl Students18%
Faculty Ratio14
CampusUrban
Campus Size800 acres
Affiliated HospitalsKing Abdulaziz University Hospital
AccreditationNCAAA (Saudi Arabia), ABET, AACSB, AMBA
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#149
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#101-125
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#101-150
Academic Ranking
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Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate,Master's,PhD,Executive Programs,Distance Learning
Programs
74
PhD Programs
Available via Deanship of e-Learning
Online Programs
Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research,King Fahd Center for Medical Research,Center of Excellence in Intelligent Engineering Systems
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
NCAAA (Saudi Arabia), ABET, AACSB, AMBA
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate15%
IELTS6
TOEFL70
Min GPA3
GRERequired for specific PhD programs
GMATRequired for specific MBA programs
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline Β· April 30
SPRINGApplication Deadline Β· October 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
International applicants should focus on research proposals and securing strong recommendation letters as competition for fully-funded scholarships is intense.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Saudi Riyal
Living Cost
ο·Ό32,000/yr
per year Β· SAR
Total Estimated Annual Cost
ο·Ό32,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials Β· SAR
Scholarships AvailableKAU International Scholarship (Fully Funded)
Avg Scholarship$15,000
Financial AidFull scholarship includes monthly allowance, housing, and health insurance
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate,Master's,PhD,Executive Programs,Distance Learning programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Mechanical Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Business Administration | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Medicine | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Information Technology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$28,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Saudi Aramco and industrial sectors in Jeddah
Industry Connections
Saudi AramcoSABICKing Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable EnergyMaaden
Notable Alumni
Manal al-Sharif,Nahed Taher,Amr Dabbagh,Adel Fakeih
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Olympic swimming pool, football stadium, tennis courts, multi-purpose gyms
Student Clubs
Over 50 clubs including Engineering Club, Debating Society, and Arts Club
Library Resources
Central Library with over 1 million physical and electronic volumes
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available