KFUPM Visiting Student Program

The Visiting Student Program at KFUPM welcomes outstanding Saudi students from local universities to spend a semester studying at KFUPM.

"Discover new possibilities at KFUPM. Join our Visiting Student Program and take your academic journey to the next level."

Registration Periods

First Semester (251):

Deadline: August 1, 2025

Second Semester (252):

November 2, 2025 – December 11, 2025

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Program Overview

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals offers outstanding Saudi students from local universities an exceptional opportunity to join the Visiting Student Program for one regular semester. Visiting students can enroll in courses from their current major’s curriculum as regular university students at KFUPM. Earned credits will be transferred to the student’s home university.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:


- Must be a Saudi national or born to a Saudi mother
- Currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at a Saudi university
- Must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 / 4 or 4.75 / 5
- Must achieve a minimum score of 80 in STEP, or an equivalent score in one of the following English proficiency tests: TOEFL iBT: 60, IELTS: 5.5
- Must meet the particular course requirements and prerequisites
- Must have completed the freshman year
- Must provide an official approval letter from their home university, which specifies the courses the student wishes to study

Program Benefits

I. Financial & Campus Benefits:

- Tuition fees waived
- Monthly stipend provided
- Discounted on-campus housing in student dormitories
- Course textbooks are available on a loan basis
- Subsidized on-campus dining

II. Academic & Enrichment Benefits:

Innovation & Experiential Learning
Access to the Students’ Innovation Lab for hands-on learning with advanced tools.
Advanced Facilities
Experience cutting-edge research and technology.
Research Opportunities
Engage in hands-on research with experts.
Networking
Connect with peers, faculty, and professionals for future opportunities.
Cultural Experience
Gain a new academic and social perspective.
Credit Transfer
Earned credits will be transferred to the student’s home institution.
Enhanced Resume
Strengthen career prospects with a KFUPM experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Questions

The Visiting Student Program allows students from local Saudi universities to enroll at our university for a limited period, typically one regular semester, while earning academic credit....

The program is open to undergraduate students, both male and female, currently enrolled in accredited universities, who are in good academic standing and meet our admission requirements.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Saudi national or born to a Saudi mother.
• Enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at a Saudi university.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.75/4 Or 4.75/5 in their major.
• Achieve a minimum score of 80 in STEP or an equivalent in:
o TOEFL (60)
o IELTS (5.5)
• Have completed at least one academic year (excluding the preparatory year).
• Provide an official approval letter from their home university, which specifies the courses the student wishes to study

As a visiting student, you will gain access to academic resources, experience a new campus culture, broaden your academic and personal perspective, and earn transferable credits. Additional benefits include tuition waivers, a monthly stipend, discounted dormitory housing, course textbooks on a loan basis, access to the oncampus Primary Care Medical Center, and subsidized on-campus dining.

Yes, you may select courses open to visiting students, provided you meet the prerequisites. Final course enrollment depends on availability and departmental approval. You must also adhere to the minimum and maximum credit limits applicable to KFUPM students.

Not all visiting students are eligible for on-campus housing. Only those whose home university is located 75 kilometers or more from our campus may apply for housing, subject to availability and university housing policies.

Application & Admission

Applications can be submitted through our online portal. Follow the application guidelines and upload the required documents as specified on our website.

Required documents typically include:
• Copy of your national ID
• Academic transcript
• Proof of enrollment at your home university
• Proof of English language proficiency (score of IELTS, TOEFL, or STEP)

No, there are no application fees for this program.

Please refer to the Visiting Student Program webpage, as the deadlines will be updated on this page.

Selection is based on academic performance, motivation, eligibility, course availability, and institutional capacity. Admission is contingent upon meeting all announced requirements.

Yes, the credits are generally transferable. However, we strongly recommend that you consult with your home university and share your course selections with your academic advisor to ensure they meet your degree requirements.

Registration Process

The courses (in open sections) will be registered by the Office of the University Registrar based on your request.

If a section is closed, you may approach the Course Chairman to obtain approval for enrollment in that course.

No, registration confirmation is not required for visiting students.

You can visit the course offerings at the Registrar's website.
Note: term 251 means the first term in the 2025 academic year.

In many cases, yes. However, some courses may have prerequisites or be restricted to specific departments. It is the student’s responsibility to verify the prerequisites for any course they wish to register for.

You will be provided with a KFUPM ID and username, which will grant you access to the KFUPM Portal and Blackboard. Through these platforms, you can access course-related content such as the schedule, syllabus, exams, quizzes, and any other materials shared by the instructor.

Yes, the medium of instruction at KFUPM is English. Therefore, all courses (except IAS courses) are taught in English. If English is not your first language, you are required to provide proof of English proficiency.

You will be graded according to our university’s academic rules and regulations. All your grades will be recorded on the official transcript.