Our Accomplishments

As an internationally recognized institution, KFUPM is setting new standards. We are reimagining the role of higher education in today’s world. Our steady rise through the academic ranking of world universities reflects not only our quality education but also the wide scope of our recent educational reform and scientific contributions. 

Important Milestones 

KFUPM’s progress throughout the 2020’s exemplifies its momentum in broadening student opportunities, advancing academic knowledge, and supporting societal development. Below are a few of the key milestones that reflect this work.  

• 2021 marked the first time in nearly six decades that KFUPM welcomed female students. Today, they make up 50% of our engineering admissions, an outcome that portrays the wider social and institutional changes of our nation. 
• New initiatives have made it easier for students to take part in research early in their academic journey. Both graduates and undergraduates are now completing practical, often industry-relevant prototypes, with many publishing their research in respected academic journals. 
• Launched in 2024, our Global Citizen Program, offers students international learning opportunities and work experience. In its first year, 216 students visited 11 countries, and 160 completed internships abroad. 
• Our admissions framework now includes pathways for SAT scores, Olympiad winners, and Early Admission Program applicants, widening access for motivated students from diverse backgrounds.
• Within only a few years from the strategy’s launch, KFUPM added 41 master’s degrees, 8 undergraduate departments, and 42 specialized undergraduate concentrations, each designed to meet emerging trends in science, engineering, technology, and business. 
• Our current patent strategy resulted in a leap from holding only 5 US patents in 2005 to becoming the 5th highest patent-producing university globally in 2024. 

A Curriculum Engineered for the Future

KFUPM has built on its long-standing engineering strengths by adding high-demand, AI-focused education that reflects today’s global priorities in technology and workforce readiness. Below are some of the areas we’ve excelled in:

• Ranked 5th globally for petroleum engineering 
• Ranked 7th globally for mining engineering
• Chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineering programs placed within the global top 80, with civil engineering in the top 50
• All undergraduate students begin their studies with an artificial intelligence (AI) module through the university’s proprietary AI+X® platform, introduced before AI gained mainstream traction; it includes machine learning, data science, entrepreneurship, and career-focused skills 
• In 2025, KFUPM partnered with OpenAI to introduce ChatGPT Edu, enhancing both academic research and student learning
• Became the first university in Saudi Arabia to formally adopt ChatGPT for education
• Contributing to half of the national target of preparing 20,000 AI-ready professionals by 2030 
  

Research with Tangible Impact

At KFUPM, research is not confined to labs; it ripples through industries, government authorities, and society. Our interdisciplinary, applied, and joint research centers are collaborative environments, producing over 65,000 contributions to global literature and securing more than 2,400 U.S. patents. These inventions, ranging from dual-axis hydraulic systems to nanocomposites for corrosion protection, highlight the practical relevance of our status as one of the top universities in the world. Some of them have already been commercialized while others are on course to enter the market through strategic partnerships and continued research funding. In 2024 alone, over 95 patented inventions were filed or licensed to advance clean hydrogen and renewable energy efforts.

Supporting this ecosystem are dedicated teams for prototyping, entrepreneurship advice, and patents, which have helped turn ideas into ventures generating over SAR 25 million in revenue and hundreds of jobs. Much of this innovation is powered by strong partnerships. KFUPM has signed 45+ project agreements and over 25 MoUs with government and industry players, most of which are ongoing. 

Recognizing Student Success

KFUPM students bring energy and focus to everything from academic competitions to community-driven initiatives and career preparation. These are just a few of their achievements: 

• Winners and top performers in global competitions, including SUAS in Maryland, VEX Robotics World Championship in Texas, or the Imperial Barrel Award 
• Founded Zillak, Saudi Arabia’s first platform connecting families with autism specialists and reaching 1,300 users in its first month
• Organize major campus events such as TEDx KFUPM, GSR, and KFUPM Gaming+
• Publish in respected academic journals while managing rigorous academic workloads
• Supported by the SEED program, which connects students with industry partners who contribute to their education and help secure post-graduation employment; over 130 students have benefitted to date
• Participate in global engagement initiatives, including international internships at well-known companies across different sectors