King Saud University is a public institution of higher education in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was founded in 1957. This university was established by King Saud bin Abdul Aziz. This university is the first university in the Saudi Arabia. It is also known as KSU. The Motto of this university in English is Leadership and Excellence.
King Saud University History
The establishment of the first university in Saudi Arabia was a response to the Educational and Professional needs of a young nation. In 1932, King Abdul-Aziz became king and started laying the foundations for modernizing his country and establishing an educational system.
The eldest son of Abdul-Aziz agreed to the throne upon his father’s death in 1953 and instituted the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Education. Prince Fahd was the first Minister of Education.
According to the Royal Decree No. 17 in 1957, Prince Fahd announced the establishment of King Saud University recognized to Advertise and Promote knowledge in our Kingdom for widening the base of scientific and literary study and for keeping abreast with other nations in the Arts and Sciences and for contributing with them Discovery and Invention.
Further, to vitalize Islamic civilization and articulate its benefits and glories along with its ambitions to look after the young virtuously and to guarantee their healthy minds and ethics. In the academic year 1957-1958, students began studying at the College of Arts. In between 1958 and 1960 the College of Business, the College of Sciences, and the College of Pharmacy were founded.
King Saud University is recognized as an independent legal entity with a budget of its own responsible for Higher Education. This University promotes Scholarly Research, and Advancement of Sciences and Arts in the country according to the Royal Decree no. 112 of 196.
The statute of this university represented that the university has a Vice President and Secretary General. Also, each college and institute has a Dean, a Vice Dean, and a council.
Former Name of the King Saud University
Riyadh University is the earlier name of this university.
Former Rectors of the King Saud University
Rectors |
From |
Up to |
|
Abdulwahab Mohammed Azam |
1957 | 1959 |
|
Sheikh Nasser Al Manqour |
1959 | 1960 |
|
Abdul-Aziz bin Muhammad Al Khwaiter |
1961 | 1971 |
|
Abdul-Aziz bin Abdullah Al Fadda |
1971 | 1979 |
| Mansour bin Ibrahim Al Turki | 1979 |
1990 |
| Ahmad bin Muhammad Al Dhubaib | 1990 | 1995 |
| Ahmad bin Muhammad Al Faisal | 1995 |
2007 |
| Abdullah Al Othman | 2007 |
2012 |
President of the King Saud University
Badran A. O. Al Omar is the President of this university. He was appointed as the President of this university in 2012 and is still present.
Student Enrolled at King Saud University
In the academic year 2022, this university enrolled almost 61, 412 students. It has 4, 952 administrative staff.
Degrees |
Tuition Fees |
Bachelor |
|
|
Local |
267 USD Per Year |
|
Foreign |
1,000 USD Per Year |
Master |
|
| Local |
267 USD Per Year |
| Foreign |
1,000 USD Per Year |
King Saud University Campus
Currently, the main campus of the university was designed by HOK Architects, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. The Mechanical and Electrical Systems of this university were designed by Syska Hennessy Group, New York City, New York.
King Saud University Rankings
Globally, this university is ranked 101-150 by the Academic Ranking of World Universities in 2022. In 2023, it is ranked # 111th in CWTS Leiden World University Rankings.
Also, this university is ranked 251-300 by Times Higher Education and as #213th by U. S. News & World Report Best Colleges Ranking. In 2024, it is ranked #203rd by QS World University Rankings.
Academics at King Saud College
This university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Professional Studies. At this university, the tuition is free and scholarships are available for Saudi and International students.
Colleges at King Saud University
- Preparatory Year Program
Science Colleges
- College of Architecture & Planning
- College of Science
- College of Foods & Agriculture
- College of Computer & Informational Sciences
- College of Engineering
- College of Business Administration
Health Colleges
- College of Nursing
- College of Medicine
- College of Applied Medical Sciences
- College of Medicine
- College of Pharmacy
- College of Dentistry
Humanities Colleges
- College of Education
- College of Arts
- College of Teaching
- College of Law & Political Science
- College of Languages & Translation
- College of Tourism & Archaeology
- Arabic Language Institute
- College of Physical Education and Sports
Community Colleges
- College of Applied Studies & Community Service
- Community College in Riyadh
College of Science
In 1958, this college was founded and offers the following bachelor degrees:
- Physics
- Geology
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Geophysics
- Operations Research
- Statistics
- Zoology
- Botany
- Mathematics
- Financial Mathematics
College of Business Administration
This college comprises almost 9 departments in 1959, which are:
- Finance
- Economics
- Accounting
- Management
- Health Administration
- Quantitative Analysis
Subjects Taught at King Saud University
- Psychology
- Arts & Humanities
- Life Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Computer Science
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- Economics & Econometrics
- Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences
King Saud University Libraries
The King Salman Central Library of this university is in a 7-floor building with an area of 51,400 square meters and over 4,000 seats. It has collections of Books, Periodicals, Manuscripts, Government Publications, Academic Theses, Dissertations, Press Clippings, and Audio-Visual and Electronic Media.
King Khalid University Hospital
A university hospital was established in 1982. It was named King Khalid University Hospital. This facility of the university has an almost 850-bed facility with all general and specialty medical services. It contains a Special Outpatient building with more than 20 Operating Rooms.
It has a fully equipped and staffed Laboratory, Radiology, and Pharmacy services in addition to all other supporting services. This hospital provides primary and secondary care services to all of its Saudi patients from the Northern Riyadh area. Also, it provides tertiary care services to all Saudi citizens. All care at this university is out of charge for all King Saud University staff and students.
Language of Instruction
- English
- Arabic
Contact Us
Address
King Saud University, 11451 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Phone No
+96611-46-70-000
+96611-46-77-580
Official Website
ksu.edu.sa/en/
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the GPA requirement at this university?
This university requires a minimum GPA of 2.8.
What is the mission of this university?
The mission of this university is to provide distinctive education to future Healthcare leaders.
What are the benefits of studying at KSU?
- Amazing Travel Opportunities
- Save Money
- Large & Diverse International Community
- Saudi Arabian Universities are growing in Prominence
Is this university accredited?
Yes, this university is accredited by AACSB.