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SAUDI ARABIA · DAMMAM

Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University

public · Founded 2009 · Languages: ar, en

In short

Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University is a public institution in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, established in 1975, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs with a focus on research and national development.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 2009
Students: 45,000
International students: 2,000
Acceptance rate: 60%
Tuition (intl): €3–6k/yr
Languages: AR, EN
Location: Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (formerly University of Dammam) is a public university located in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. It was established in 1975 and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The university is dedicated to contributing to the development of a knowledge-based society and supporting the Kingdom's educational goals. The university focuses on developing highly qualified human resources, conducting robust scientific research, and fostering national and international partnerships. It aims to provide an effective learning environment and support researchers in excelling in their fields. The institution is recognized for its commitment to enhancing academic skills and improving the quality of education to meet international standards.

Why study here

The university is committed to developing highly qualified academic staff and supporting research activities.
It aims to meet the demands of societal development through its academic programs and research outputs.
The institution actively seeks to improve the quality of education to be competitive globally.
It provides a supportive environment for scholarly pursuits and emphasizes the transfer of knowledge and technology.

Student life

Student life at IAU spans multiple campuses in the Dammam metropolitan area, with active student clubs, sports facilities, scientific and cultural societies, and dedicated services for health-sciences students. The university's location in the industrial Eastern Province connects students to internship and career opportunities across the energy, healthcare and engineering sectors.

Fees

InternationalSaudi public universities generally charge little or no tuition for many programmes; international and self-funded students should confirm programme-specific fees with the admissions office. Indicative annual figures are modest by global standards.

HomeSaudi nationals typically study with government support and minimal tuition for standard programmes.

LivingLiving costs in Dammam are moderate; students should budget for housing, transport and personal expenses, with the Eastern Province offering a range of accommodation options.

Fee levels vary by college and study level; medical and postgraduate programmes may differ from general undergraduate study.

Admissions

High School Certificate ValidityMust not be older than five years from graduation (two years for medical specializations).

General Aptitude Test (Qudurat)Score valid for five years.

Achievement Test (Tahseeli)Score valid for five years.

Admission Age LimitApplicants over 25 years old or exceeding the high school graduation year limit may be considered based on the admission period announcement.

English Language Proficiency Test (Kifayat)Minimum 60% for English Language specialization.

Rankings

QS World University Rankings491

University scholarships

General Scholarships for Master's and Doctoral Degrees—

Accreditation

Registered with the Digital Government Authority under number: 20250417892.

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University · Saudi Arabia

بكالوريوس الذكاء الاصطناعي

Scholarships

for Saudi Arabia

Browse all scholarships →

partial funding

Prince Sultan University (PSU)

Prince Sultan University Scholarships

Open to both Saudi and international students applying to bachelor's, master's, or PhD programmes at Prince Sultan University in Riyadh. Saudi students need a minimum cumulative GPA of 85 percent; non-Saudi international students need a minimum of 90 percent. Meeting the GPA threshold does not guarantee an award, as scholarships are limited and granted on merit and availability.

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) Scholarships

Open to international students of all nationalities applying for Master's, PhD or postdoctorate programs at KFUPM in Dhahran. Master's applicants need a four-year Bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, including 3.00 in the major. PhD applicants need an M.S. following a four-year B.S. with a GPA of at least 3.00 in both. MBA applicants need a four-year Bachelor's with a GPA of at least 3.00, a college calculus course, a computing course and usually a year of work experience. English proficiency is required.

King Abdulaziz University (KAU)

King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Scholarships

International (non-Saudi) students. Undergraduate applicants need a high school certificate not older than 3 years and must be aged 17-25; master's applicants must be up to 30 and doctoral applicants up to 35, with a minimum grade of 'Very Good', two recommendation letters and an English proficiency certificate. Arabic proficiency is required for Arabic-language programmes.

University of Prince Mugrin (UPM)

University of Prince Mugrin Scholarships

Open to Saudi and international students of all nationalities applying to undergraduate, Master's, or PhD programmes at the University of Prince Mugrin in Madinah for the 2026/2027 academic year. The full scholarship for Saudi high-school graduates requires a weighted high-school GPA of 97% or above and a maintained cumulative GPA of 3.5/4. Excellence, talented, national, and international-student scholarships are awarded on academic metrics, special skills, or admission merit. Applicants currently enrolled elsewhere must officially withdraw before enrolling at UPM.

Islamic University of Madinah

Islamic University of Madinah Scholarship

Open to international Muslim students from all countries for undergraduate and master's study in Saudi Arabia. Undergraduate applicants must be aged 17 to 25 with 12 years of schooling, while master's applicants need a bachelor's degree (16 years of education) with a minimum GPA of 3.75 out of 5. Master's candidates also face test requirements: a minimum of 65 in the QIYAS aptitude test for Gulf applicants, or a minimum 130 GRE quantitative and 450 TOEFL-PBT for applicants from outside Saudi Arabia. Applicants must be in good health and of good conduct.

Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)

For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.

Frequently asked questions

What are the general tuition fees for international students at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University?

Saudi public universities, including Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, generally charge little to no tuition for many programs. International and self-funded students should confirm specific program fees with the admissions office as indicative annual figures are modest globally.

How is the weighted average calculated for admissions at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University?

For scientific specializations, the weighted average is calculated as 40% High School, 30% General Aptitude, and 30% Achievement. For administrative and theoretical specializations, it is 50% High School, 30% General Aptitude, and 20% Achievement.

What are the validity periods for the required admission tests?

The General Aptitude Test (Qudurat) and the Achievement Test (Tahseeli) scores are valid for five years. The High School Certificate must not be older than five years from graduation, or two years for medical specializations.

Does Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University offer scholarships for international students?

The university offers General Scholarships for Master's and Doctoral Degrees, primarily for graduates of specific colleges, aimed at fostering academic skills. International students should inquire directly with the admissions office about other potential scholarship opportunities.

What is the university's ranking?

Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University is ranked 491st in the QS World University Rankings.

Last updated 3 July 2026