KFUPM Graduate Admissions 2026 are open through the College of Graduate & Interdisciplinary Studies at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals. The official page lists open application periods for MS thesis-based and PhD programmes, as well as project-based Master of Science programmes. Distinguished full-time MS or PhD applicants with strong qualifications and a high GPA may be admitted with a full scholarship.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: Graduate Programs & Interdisciplinary Studies
Category: Graduate Admissions
Host: College of Graduate & Interdisciplinary Studies, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals
Country: Saudi Arabia
Academic Level: MS thesis-based, PhD, PhD direct entry, and project-based MS programmes
Application Deadline: 30 June 2026 for MS thesis-based and PhD programmes
Application Deadline: 11 July 2026 for project-based MS programmes
Funding Status: Full scholarship available for distinguished full-time MS or PhD students
About KFUPM Graduate Admissions 2026
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals offers graduate programmes through its College of Graduate & Interdisciplinary Studies. The official graduate admissions page presents two open application tracks for the current cycle: MS thesis-based and PhD programmes, and project-based Master of Science programmes.
The MS thesis-based and PhD application period started on 20 May 2026 and ends on 30 June 2026. The project-based MS application period started on 10 June 2026 and ends on 11 July 2026.
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Graduate Programme Options
The official page separates graduate admissions into different programme routes. Applicants should choose the route that matches their academic background and intended study plan.
The listed graduate options include:
• MS thesis-based programmes
• PhD programmes
• PhD direct entry route for Bachelor holders
• Master of Science project-based programmes
• Executive master programmes
The graduate programme list includes a wide range of MS and PhD fields in engineering, sciences, computing, mathematics, business, petroleum engineering, geosciences, architecture, environmental sciences, and related disciplines.
KFUPM Full Scholarship Benefits
The KFUPM Scholarship page states that distinguished graduate applicants with exceptional qualifications and a high GPA may be admitted as full-time MS or PhD students with a full scholarship.
Confirmed scholarship benefits include:
✓ Stipend according to category
✓ Free furnished air-conditioned on-campus housing, with utilities and maintenance
✓ Air tickets for international students
✓ Medical and dental care
✓ Subsidized meals
✓ Free study with no tuition fee
✓ Funding for conference participation under certain conditions
✓ Opportunity to work on research projects and receive financial benefits
✓ Access to the main library and department resource centre
✓ Recreational facilities, including a private beach
✓ Free textbooks
The official page also states that scholarships are offered for all PhD programmes and PhD direct entry programmes. For the direct PhD programme, full scholarship support is provided for the first four years.
Project-Based MS Programmes
KFUPM also offers project-based Master of Science programmes. The official page states that these programmes are aligned with global trends, future job-market needs, and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Project-based MS programmes are open to Saudi and international students of both genders. The official page also lists tuition discount options for these programmes, including a 25% Vision 2030 Destination KSA Discount for international students.
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Admission Requirements for PhD Direct Entry
KFUPM recommends Bachelor holders with a four-year BSc to apply directly for PhD. The official page describes this as a fast entry to research and states that it takes five years to complete the PhD.
Applicants for PhD direct entry must meet the listed requirements:
• A minimum GPA of 3.00 on a scale of 4.00 or equivalent in the B.S. degree.
• Official transcripts and degree certificates.
• TOEFL minimum score of 550 PBT, 213 CBT, or 80 IBT.
• IELTS minimum score of 6.5 is also acceptable.
• Duolingo minimum score of 120 is also acceptable.
The English test requirement is waived for KFUPM graduates and graduates from English-speaking countries listed by the university.
Admission Requirements for PhD Programmes
Applicants to regular PhD programmes must meet the minimum requirements stated by KFUPM. Final admission remains subject to evaluation of the full application and programme capacity.
Applicants must provide:
• An MS degree in engineering or science from an institution with graduate programmes equivalent to those of KFUPM.
• A major in the proposed field or evidence of suitable background for entering the proposed field.
• A minimum GPA of 3.00 on a scale of 4.00 or equivalent in both BS and MS degrees.
• Official transcripts and degree certificates.
• TOEFL minimum score of 550 PBT, 213 CBT, or 80 IBT.
• IELTS minimum score of 6.5, or Duolingo minimum score of 120.
• Two recommendation letters, preferably from faculty who taught the applicant graduate courses.
• Any additional departmental or university admission requirements.
Admission Requirements for MS Thesis-Based Programmes
For Master of Science thesis-based or engineering programmes, the official page lists academic, language, and recommendation requirements.
Applicants must provide:
• A four-year Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science from a recognized institution.
• A major in the proposed field or evidence of suitable background for entering the proposed field.
• GPA of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale for scholarship applicants.
• GPA of 2.50 or higher on a 4.00 scale for non-scholarship applicants.
• TOEFL minimum score of 520 PBT, 190 CBT, or 70 IBT.
• IELTS minimum score of 6.0, or Duolingo minimum score of 105.
• Two letters of recommendation through the online recommendation system.
• Any additional departmental or university admission requirements.
Admission Requirements for Project-Based MS Programmes
The project-based Master of Science route has its own general requirements. Programme-specific admission requirements may also apply.
Applicants must provide:
• A recognized Bachelor’s degree.
• GPA of 2.5 or higher out of 4.0 or equivalent.
• IELTS score of 6 or higher, TOEFL score of 70 or higher, or Duolingo score of 105 or higher.
• Two recommendation letters.
• A short introductory video of maximum 2 minutes.
• A one-page statement of purpose focused on career and research goals.
• Non-refundable processing fee of SAR 100 plus VAT.
The English test requirement is waived for KFUPM graduates and graduates from the English-speaking countries listed by the university.
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How to Submit an Application
Applications are submitted through KFUPM’s official Nabegh application system. Applicants who have applied before can log in to review their admission application, while new applicants can create an account through the portal.
Applicants should select the correct programme track, prepare the required documents, complete the online form, and ensure that recommendations and uploaded documents are submitted before the relevant deadline.
Application Deadlines
KFUPM lists separate deadlines for the current open graduate application tracks.
• MS thesis-based and PhD applications opened on 20 May 2026.
• MS thesis-based and PhD applications end on 30 June 2026.
• Project-based MS applications opened on 10 June 2026.
• Project-based MS applications end on 11 July 2026.
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official application link below.
Apply for KFUPM Graduate Programs & Interdisciplinary Studies
