Quick Summary
Public in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia — King Faisal University, est. 1975. Ranked #701-710 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 45000 students including 5% from outside Saudi Arabia. Known for strengths in Agriculture & Forestry, Veterinary Science, Medicine, it maintains an acceptance rate of 15%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Leader in food security and environmental research with modern facilities and free tuition for citizens
Subject Strengths
Agriculture & ForestryVeterinary ScienceMedicinePetroleum Engineering
Founded1975
TypePublic
Total Students45000
Intl Students5%
Faculty Ratio22
CampusUrban
Campus Size4.5 million square meters
Affiliated HospitalsKing Faisal University Teaching Hospital, King Fahad Hospital Al-Ahsa
AccreditationNCAAA (National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#701-710
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1001-1200
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#901-1000
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD, Executive Education, Distance Learning
Programs
PhD in Education, PhD in Agriculture, PhD in Science, PhD in Veterinary Medicine
PhD Programs
Available through the Deanship of E-Learning and Distance Education
Online Programs
Date Palm Research Center, Water Studies Center, Camel Research Center
Research Centers
High
Research Output
NCAAA (National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate15%
IELTS5.5
TOEFL65
Min GPA3.0 out of 5.0
GRENot Available
GMATRequired for some MBA tracks
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · December 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on high GAT (Qudrat) and SAAT (Tahsili) scores for undergraduate admission; international students should apply via the 'Study in Saudi' portal.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Saudi Riyal
Living Cost
SR26,000/yr
per year · SAR
PG Tuition
SR30,000/yr
per year · SAR
Total Estimated Annual Cost
SR56,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · SAR
Scholarships AvailableFull government scholarships for Saudi citizens and eligible international students
Avg Scholarship$12,000
Financial AidAvailable for low-income local students
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD, Executive Education, Distance Learning programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Agricultural Sciences | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Medicine | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Business Administration | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$24,000
Average Salary After Graduation
82%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Saudi Aramco, SABIC, and regional agricultural firms
Industry Connections
Ministry of EnvironmentWater and AgricultureSaudi Aramcolocal industrial cities
Notable Alumni
Several Saudi government ministers and leading regional agricultural researchers
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Olympic-sized swimming pool, football stadium, multi-purpose indoor courts
Student Clubs
Over 40 clubs including Innovation Club, Veterinary Club, and Arts Club
Library Resources
Central Library with over 1 million print and digital resources
Exchange Programs
International collaborations with European and North American universities
Summer Programs
Available