KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS · SAUDI ARABIA
Thesis-Based Master’s and PhD Programs
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
6.0
IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Over 30 Master's DegreesMaster's Programs
- Over 15 PhD ProgramsPhD Programs
- Full Scholarship for PhD & Select MSScholarship Availability
- Research-Focused CurriculumProgram Type
- Campus Housing ProvidedAccommodation
- International Student SupportStudent Services
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) offers a wide range of thesis-based Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs. These advanced degrees are designed for students seeking to deepen their academic knowledge, gain significant research experience, and contribute original findings to their chosen fields. Programs are research-intensive, requiring students to work closely with faculty mentors on original research that culminates in a thesis or dissertation. These programs are ideal for those aspiring to pursue further academic studies, such as a PhD, or to begin a career in academia or high-level research. KFUPM also offers a Direct-Entry PhD option for highly qualified bachelor's degree holders who wish to commence doctoral studies immediately. All graduate programs are conducted in English and are supported by comprehensive scholarships for international students.
Careers
Graduates are prepared for academic careers or high-level research roles in science and engineering disciplines. The research-intensive nature of the programs enhances employability.
- Academic Researcher
- Scientist
- Research Engineer
Frequently asked questions
- What are the English language proficiency requirements for PhD programs?
- For PhD programs, you need a TOEFL iBT score of 80, an IELTS score of 6.5, or a Duolingo score of 120. PBT and CBT TOEFL scores are also accepted, with minimums of 550 and 213 respectively.
- What are the academic requirements for PhD admission?
- To be eligible for a PhD, you need a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in engineering or science from an institution with equivalent graduate programs. You must have a minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 in both your B.S. and M.S. degrees.
- Are there scholarships available for international PhD students?
- Yes, full scholarships are available for all international PhD students, covering full tuition, a stipend, free housing, travel tickets, medical coverage, subsidized meals, and free textbooks.
- What is the tuition structure for self-sponsored PhD students?
- Self-sponsored PhD students pay a registration fee of 7500 SAR for the first semester and 3750 SAR from the second semester onwards, plus a fee of 500 SAR per credit hour.
- How long does a PhD program typically take?
- The provided data does not specify the typical duration of the PhD programs.
- What career paths can I pursue after completing a PhD?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Academic Researcher, Scientist, or Research Engineer, and can pursue academic careers or high-level research positions in science and engineering.
Entry requirements
Master of Science (M.S.)A four-year Bachelor’s (B.S.) degree in engineering or science from a recognized institution with a major in the proposed field or evidence of suitable background. Minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 for scholarship applicants, or 2.50/4.00 for non-scholarship applicants.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)An M.S. degree in engineering or science from an institution with equivalent graduate programs. Minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 in both B.S. and M.S. degrees.
PhD - Direct EntryA four-year bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in engineering or science. Minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00.
TOEFL PBT520 (MS), 550 (PhD)
TOEFL CBT190 (MS), 213 (PhD)
TOEFL IBT70 (MS), 80 (PhD)
IELTS6.0 (MS), 6.5 (PhD)
Duolingo105 (MS), 120 (PhD)
Requirements are waived for KFUPM graduates and graduates from English-speaking countries (USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand). Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission; final decisions depend on the overall strength of the application and program capacity.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees are waived for all international PhD and select MS students who receive a scholarship. Self-sponsored students have a different fee structure.
Tuition (home)—
LivingInternational graduate students on scholarship receive a generous stipend, free furnished on-campus housing with utilities, subsidized meals, and medical coverage.
Self-sponsored students pay fees per credit hour and a registration fee per semester. Fee structure for self-sponsored students: Thesis programs (MS & PhD) - Registration Fee: Non-Saudi: 7500 SAR (1st Semester), 3750 SAR (from 2nd Semester onwards). Fee per credit hour: 500 SAR. Non-Thesis programs (except EMBA/MS) - Registration Fee per semester: 2000 USD. Fee per credit hour: 135 USD.
How to apply
1. Complete Online ApplicationSubmit the online application form for the desired program.
2. Upload Required DocumentsUpload academic transcripts, degree certificates, English proficiency scores, and other supporting documents.
3. Submit Letters of RecommendationRequest at least two letters of recommendation from faculty who can attest to your academic abilities. These are typically submitted through an online system.
4. Pay Application Fee (if applicable)Check for any applicable application fees.
5. Await Admission DecisionApplications are reviewed by the admissions committee. Admission is not guaranteed and depends on program capacity and applicant strength.
Scholarships
Graduate ScholarshipsFull tuition waiver, stipend, free housing, travel tickets, medical coverage, subsidized meals, free textbooks.
Undergraduate Scholarship ProgramUp to 100% of tuition fees.
Frequently asked questions
What are the English language proficiency requirements for PhD programs?
+
For PhD programs, you need a TOEFL iBT score of 80, an IELTS score of 6.5, or a Duolingo score of 120. PBT and CBT TOEFL scores are also accepted, with minimums of 550 and 213 respectively.
What are the academic requirements for PhD admission?
+
To be eligible for a PhD, you need a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in engineering or science from an institution with equivalent graduate programs. You must have a minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 in both your B.S. and M.S. degrees.
Are there scholarships available for international PhD students?
+
Yes, full scholarships are available for all international PhD students, covering full tuition, a stipend, free housing, travel tickets, medical coverage, subsidized meals, and free textbooks.
What is the tuition structure for self-sponsored PhD students?
+
Self-sponsored PhD students pay a registration fee of 7500 SAR for the first semester and 3750 SAR from the second semester onwards, plus a fee of 500 SAR per credit hour.
How long does a PhD program typically take?
+
The provided data does not specify the typical duration of the PhD programs.
What career paths can I pursue after completing a PhD?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Academic Researcher, Scientist, or Research Engineer, and can pursue academic careers or high-level research positions in science and engineering.