Saudi science university breaks into world’s top 100

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) has made a historic leap in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, securing the 67th position globally, up from 101st last year. This marks the first time the university has entered the prestigious top 100 list, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

The achievement comes amid sweeping reforms across KFUPM’s academic, research, and administrative sectors. The university has launched nearly 100 new academic programs, spanning both undergraduate and graduate levels, with a focus on emerging disciplines and interdisciplinary innovation.

In a regional first, KFUPM introduced an entrepreneurship program that grants students and researchers full ownership of their startups. The initiative underscores the university’s strategic pivot towards economic empowerment and a modern academic environment that fosters creativity and enterprise.

KFUPM has also implemented the FAST transformation model and the AI+X initiative, embedding artificial intelligence into the curriculum of every academic discipline. AI has now become a mandatory component of student education, aligning with global technological trends.

The university further distinguished itself by achieving the world’s highest female enrollment rate in engineering programs. It also now hosts a diverse student body representing over 75 countries.

This significant progress reflects KFUPM’s commitment to academic excellence and global competitiveness, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s vision to enhance its higher education sector on the international stage.