Admission
The admission process involves acceptance of an applicant on three separate levels: University, department, and degree. Such acceptance does not normally take place at one point in time, and usually occurs at different stages in the student's academic career.
Admission to the University's College of Graduate Studies with graduate status is the first step. This certifies that the student is prepared to take individual graduate courses for which he has the academic prerequisites. It does not necessarily imply that the candidate is qualified to follow a specific academic program nor that he meets the special qualification requirements of an individual academic department. To secure departmental approval is the second step. For full-time graduate students, especially those who have taken their undergraduate degrees from this University, this may often be secured at the start of graduate studies.
The third step is called "Admission to Candidacy", and consists of meeting certain formal requirements in the process of preparing for an advanced degree. Application for admission to candidacy cannot be filed until at least 50% of the semester-credit-hours in the student's approved program of study at this University have been completed, and must be filed and approved at least six months before the degree is to be conferred.
* General University Requirements. Graduate students are subject to the general regulations of the University which apply to all students and, in addition, to various rules which have been adopted specifically for graduate students on the recommendation of the Graduate College Council and approved by the Vice Rector for Graduate Studies and Research.
An applicant for admission to the College of Graduate Studies must supply or arrange for the University to receive certain formal documents attesting to his good health and character, and certifying that he has graduated from an approved secondary school system with the equivalent of twelve (12) or more years of combined elementary and secondary school studies in an approved program, that he has graduated from an approved four-year university system with a bachelor-s degree in a subject area which is pertinent to the graduate course offerings at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and that he has an adequate command of English, the language of instruction at KFUPM. For admission to the Ph.D. Program the applicant must hold an M.S. degree equivalent in quality and involving the same length of study as those granted at KFUPM. The specific documents required are cited in "Admission Procedures" (see page 36) and on the application forms. Inquiries should be directed to the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.
Students are admitted to the academic program and the area of specialization which are identified in their application. If this program differs from their previous program of study, they will be required to make up deficiencies after admission. A request for a change of academic program is required for any continuation beyond the original program requested, or for a change to a new program before an existing program is completed. A request for change in program will be considered as if it were an entirely new application, subject to procedures and standards current at that time.
Not all persons whose credentials meet stated minimum quantitative standards can be accommodated in the College of Graduate Studies. The close relationship between a graduate student seeking an advanced degree and the faculty makes it necessary for a careful screening of applicants. Consideration must also be given to the availability of facilities and to the array of professional specialization within the current graduate faculty. Priority is given to those students having the highest qualifications, with preference given to those whose previous academic record is from universities offering courses equivalent to those at KFUPM.
* Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid. Full-time graduate students receive full fellowships, including tuition, fees, partial transportation, room and board, in accordance with the terms of their grant.
In addition to the cost of books, all part-time graduate students pay a tuition fee of SR 150 per credit hour for the courses taken. This tuition fee covers only tuition and the use of essential University facilities required for that instruction or research. It does not cover costs of transportation, room and board, uniforms, or specialized equipment. Students in need of supplementary financial aid should direct their requests to the Dean of Student Affairs.
* Student Assistantships. Two types of assistantships are available to graduate students of exceptional professional promise.
Saudi graduate students are eligible to apply for positions as graduate assistants. Since these positions are intended to develop future faculty members for the University, the appointments are normally made for an indefinite period. Ideally a student qualifying for such an appointment would be expected to spend one to two years at the University acquiring a master's degree; then, if considered qualified, would be encouraged to pursue a doctorate degree program.
A second type of student assistantship for graduate students is available in the form of part-time teaching or research assistants. Such employment offers the student a professionally rewarding experience as well as a modest stipend while he is doing graduate study.
Application for either type of appointment should be directed to the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies for evaluation. The awards will be made upon committee recommendation by the Vice-Rector for Graduate Studies and Research.
* G.R.E. Requirements. GRE Applicants to the College are normally required to take the general graduate record examination as well as the graduate record examination in their area of specialization.
* Language Requirements. The language of instruction at the University is English, and all courses in the College are in English. It is essential, therefore, that all candidates for admission demonstrate a high in this language before being admitted for graduate study. Standards and procedures for demonstrating this proficiency have been established by the Graduate College Council and are administered by the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. A score of 520 on the TOEFL examination and of 4.0 in the Test of Written English (TWE) are considered to be a minimum for entry into the College.
A special English course, open to all graduate students with a score of 520 or better in TOEFL (or equivalent), English 510, is highly recommended for all graduate students. (See page 381). This course helps students prepare effective thesis proposals and theses.
* Admission Requirements for Programs Leading to a Master's Degree in Engineering, Science, or City & Regional Planning. The minimum requirements for possible admission as a regular graduate student to pursue an approved program leading to an advanced degree in engineering and science are:
1. College of Graduate Studies requirements:
i. a Bachelor's Degree in engineering or science from an institution whose undergraduate programs are substantially equivalent in length, content, and quality to those of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals;
ii. a Grade-Point Average (GPA) of 3. or higher, equivalent to a B average, for all university work taken previously, or a GPA of 3.00 in the subject of his major field for all university work taken previously;
iii. a major in or evidence of suitable background for entering the proposed field;
iv. acceptable scores in the Test of English as a Foreign language (TOEFL) and the General and Subject Graduate Record Examination (GRE);
2. satisfactorily meeting any additional departmental admission requirements;
3. satisfactorily meeting the general University requirements for admission.
An applicant whose academic credentials do not meet the minimum regular admission requirements, may be admitted on a trial basis as a "provisional student". The minimum requirements for this "provisional" status are an overall GPA of 2.50, or a GPA of 2.50 for the subjects in his major field, and a B.Sc. in engineering or science. Failure to qualify for admission as a regular student in the first 12 semester-credit-hours of graduate work undertaken, and within two semesters for full-time, or three semesters for part-time students, will result in permanent dismissal from the College (see "Academic Regulations", page 43).
* Admission Requirements for the Master of Accountancy Program. The minimum requirements for admission as a regular graduate student in the M.Acc. program are:
1. a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from an approved institution;
2. major GPA in Accounting of at least 3.00 with an overall GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent. Official transcripts from each college and university the student has previously attended must be mailed directly from the registrar of that school to the College of Graduate Studies;
3. completion of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT, formerly ATGSB) with a minimum score of 450. The GMAT scores must be sent to the College;
4. satisfactorily meeting the University's language requirements;
5. satisfactorily meeting other general University requirements for admission.
* Admission Requirements for the Master of Business Administration Program. The minimum requirements for admission as a regular graduate student to the M.B.A. program are:
1. a baccalaureate degree (B.A. or B.S.) from an approved institution;
2. a Grade-Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 or higher on a 4.0 scale for university work taken previously. Official transcripts from each college and university the student has previously attended must be mailed directly from the registrar of that school to the College of Graduate Studies;
3. a satisfactory score in the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT, formerly ATGSB). The GMAT scores must be sent to the College;
4. satisfactorily meeting the University's language requirements;
5. satisfactorily meeting other general University requirements for admission.
A student will be permitted to begin his studies as a Provisional Student even though he has not taken the GMAT if he provides evidence that he has initiated action to take the test during the next testing session at KFUPM or elsewhere.
Applicants may be admitted to the Doctorate Program, provided they satisfy the following minimum requirements:
1. College of Graduate Studies requirements:
i. an M.S. degree in engineering or science from an institution whose graduate programs are substantially equivalent in length, content, and quality to those of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals;
ii. a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or above (on a 4 point scale);
iii. a major in or evidence of suitable background for entering the proposed field;
iv. acceptable scores in the Test of English as a Foreign language (TOEFL) and the General and Subject Graduate Record Examination (GRE);
2. satisfactorily meeting any additional departmental admission requirements;
3. satisfactorily meeting the general University requirements for admission.
An applicant may be admitted with course deficiencies in any of the above degree options upon departmental recommendation. However, he must complete a specified number of credits in the field of his proposed graduate study or in related fields as indicated by the department. Such credits will not be counted as part of the student's graduate program, and students are required to make up deficiencies by the end of the second semester of enrollment.
* Preliminary Examination. Each student admitted to the Ph.D. program will have to take a Preliminary Examination which is mainly used to determine areas of deficiency. This examination will be organized and administered by the Doctoral Program Committee at a time no later than one semester after enrollment. A clearly unsatisfactory performance in the Preliminary Examination may also form the basis for dismissal of the student from the program.
A student accepted into the Ph.D. program with deficiencies, will take the preliminary examination no later than the end of the second semester of his enrollment, and should maintain a of 3.0 in his deficiency courses, failing which he will be liable to dismissal from the program.
A graduate student is allowed to take this examination only once.
* Special Departmental Requirements. Besides the minimum requirements for admission to the College of Graduate Studies, individual academic departments and divisions may set additional or higher standards for certain areas of specialization. Inquiries should be directed to the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies or to the chairman of the department concerned.
* Classification of Admission Status. Admission to the College of Graduate Studies is in one of the following four categories: Regular, Provisional, Non-Degree, Auditing.
"Regular Admission" is the status granted to a student who meets the minimum established admission requirements of the University and academic department. This admission status is granted, in general, to those students who have a record of high scholarship in their major fields and show promise of excellence in graduate study, research, and professional development. As previously indicated, meeting the minimum standards does not automatically guarantee admission.
"Provisional Admission" is the status granted to a student who does not qualify for immediate admission as a regular student, but who has demonstrated professional promise. In all cases minimum admission requirements must be met. This admission status may be granted for a trial period not to exceed two semesters. Students on provisional admission status are not eligible for student assistantships.
"Non-Degree Admission" is the status granted to otherwise qualified candidates who wish to take individual courses without committing themselves to a degree program. In general, it is granted to candidates who wish to make up some admission deficiencies or to engineers and scientists who wish to update their professional knowledge or broaden their area of competence. In any case, minimum admission requirements must be met. If a non-degree student subsequently decides to pursue a degree program, he must apply for and secure a change of admission status through the normal admission channels. A limited number of qualified candidates from outside the University may be admitted as non-degree students.
"Auditing Admission" is the status granted to any person to audit an undergraduate or graduate course by official action of the University. No academic credit is given while the student occupies that status nor subsequently if his status is changed. Permission is given by formal approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, with the consent of the instructor of the course. If the auditor is a graduate student, the approval of his thesis advisor is also required. The amount of class participation is determined by the instructor and generally depends upon the size of the class section and the nature of the course. A limited number of qualified candidates may be admitted as auditing students. This status is limited to exceptional cases.
* Admission of Undergraduates to Graduate Courses. Certain courses offered by the University are classified as carrying either undergraduate or graduate academic credit. A senior undergraduate student in this University who requires fewer than 30 semester credit-hours to complete the requirements for the bachelor's degree and who has a of 3.00 or higher for all work completed thus far may, with the approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, pursue one or more graduate courses during his final undergraduate year. The total undergraduate and graduate semester-credit-hours taken in any one semester shall not exceed fifteen (15).
No duplication of credit is permitted, and no course whose credit is applied to meet the requirements for the undergraduate degree may subsequently be used to meet the course requirements of a graduate degree. Graduate courses taken in excess of the course requirements for the undergraduate degree, if suitable to the approved graduate program of the student, may be credited towards the graduate degree. Courses taken to remove a deficiency in the graduate admission prerequisites may not be credited towards an advanced degree.
* Transfer with Advanced Standing. Graduate students with previous graduate academic credit from another university may request admission with advanced standing and transfer of credit towards an advanced degree in the University. A maximum of six (6) semester-credit-hours may be accepted for transfer provided that after completion of these credit hours no more than four (4) years will have elapsed before the remaining credits required to fulfill the total requirements towards the advanced degree will have been completed. In addition, any such course must be relevant to the student's approved graduate program at the University, and the credits must have been earned at an institution of higher learning with academic standards equivalent to those of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. A request for such a transfer of credit will be considered by the Dean of Graduate Studies only in exceptional cases and only after such a request has first been evaluated by the departmental graduate committee concerned and approved by that department's chairman.
The student should initiate the request for transfer of credit through the Office of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies and must furnish official transcripts of the academic grades from all universities where the credits have been earned.
* Application. Formal application for admission to the College must be submitted not less than six weeks in advance of the Registration date for the semester or term in which admission is sought. Registration dates are listed in the University's Academic Calendar.
Prospective candidates should direct their requests for application forms and information to the Office of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. This should be done well in advance Ñ a period of four months prior to the registration date is suggested, as late submission of application forms could seriously affect admission for the semester or term desired. Registration is not permitted after the first week of scheduled classes. All applicants will be notified in advance of the results of their application and where relevant, of their admission status and reporting date at the University.
* Documentation. The following documents are required of all candidates for admission and should be submitted at the time of application:
1. a formal application on the University's standard College of Graduate Studies Admission Form, fully and accurately completed and signed by the applicant;
2. official, certified transcripts of academic records from all universities where the candidate has previously taken undergraduate and graduate courses. These transcripts should also specify the undergraduate and graduate degrees granted.
Note: The candidate should request the universities concerned to forward these transcripts directly to the Office of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies;
3. official record of scores achieved in the TOEFL and TWE;
4. official record of the score achieved on the GMAT test (for candidates for admission to the M.Acc., M.B.A. Programs), and GRE (for M.S./Ph.D. Programs in Science and Engineering);
5. three confidential letters of recommendation attesting to the student's academic performance, character, and professional potential;
6. the applicant must write a summary of about one page outlining his previous research and/or practical experience. He should also indicate his academic and research interest at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and his work interest after obtaining his degree.
* Examination and Test Results. Candidates for admission who have not previously taken the TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT tests may request a schedule of time and place where these tests are administered from the Office of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.
* Special Procedures for Foreign Students. Non-Saudi students who are candidates for admission to the College of Graduate Studies must also abide by the following procedures:
1. in order to obtain a visa, non-Saudi students residing outside the Kingdom should start processing their application approximately four months prior to the commencement of the semester in which they wish to enroll;
2. non-Saudi students residing within the Kingdom should allow adequate time to secure the necessary documentation through international air-mail;
3. a non-Saudi student whose first language is not English and whose previous academic courses were not conducted through the medium of English must take the English proficiency examinations (TOEFL and TWE);
4. non-Saudi students must secure a Saudi entrance visa and resident's permit. The University assists with this and issues instructions and forms for obtaining visas after formal admission to the College of Graduate Studies has been granted. All admissions are contingent upon securing such visas.
Important Note: No person, whether he has a valid visa or not, should leave his home to report to King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals until he has been notified to do so by the University;
5. non-Saudi students must supply, in addition to the certificate of good health, a valid immunization record, with the immunization required for entry and residence in the Kingdom.
The number of admissions to the University available to non-Saudi candidates is severely limited and competition for the available openings is keen. Therefore, unless the applicant ranks very high in the graduating class of his previous university, it is unlikely that admission will be granted.