Quick Summary
Umm Al-Qura University, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is a public that has shaped higher education since 1949. Ranked #551-560 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 105000 students including 7% from outside Saudi Arabia. Known for strengths in Islamic Studies, Arabic Language, Civil Engineering, it maintains an acceptance rate of 25%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Unique location in the Holy City of Makkah, free education for Saudi citizens, and global leadership in Islamic studies.
Subject Strengths
Islamic StudiesArabic LanguageCivil EngineeringMedicinePharmacy
Founded1949
TypePublic
Total Students105000
Intl Students7%
Faculty Ratio18.5
CampusUrban/Multi-campus
Campus SizeLarge
Affiliated HospitalsUQU Medical Center, King Faisal Medical City
AccreditationNCAAA (National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#551-560
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#801-1000
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#801-900
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma, PhD
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research
Research Centers
High
Research Output
NCAAA (National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation)
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate25%
IELTS5.5
TOEFL65
Min GPA3.5
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · August 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · December 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
International applicants should focus on Arabic language proficiency for religious tracks and strong GAT/Tahisili scores for technical tracks.
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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
SR26,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · SAR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$3,000
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma, PhD programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Islamic Law (Sharia) | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Medicine | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Computer Science | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Civil Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Arabic Literature | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$22,000
Average Salary After Graduation
78%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Ministry of Hajj and local healthcare providers
Industry Connections
Saudi AramcoSABICMinistry of EducationMinistry of Health
Notable Alumni
Abdul-Rahman Al-Sudais, Saud Al-Shuraim, Nasser Al-Qasabi
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Olympic-sized swimming pools, football stadiums, indoor sports halls
Student Clubs
Cultural Club, Scientific Innovation Club, Voluntary Work Club
Library Resources
King Abdallah Bin Abdulaziz Library with over 1 million volumes and electronic archives
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available