Undergraduate Admissions

Welcome to the Alfaisal University Admissions web page.

Alfaisal seeks to attract academically gifted students who will achieve and succeed and also contribute to the development of the University's community. To ensure that, as much information about student performance and aptitude is needed.

In addition to high school transcript, Alfaisal University demands standardized tests scores (SAT, TOEFL or IELTS, Qudurat and Tahseely), teacher and/or counselor recommendations, personal essay and interview, and all other personal qualifications as demonstrated by extracurricular activities and community involvement. All these are carefully evaluated and weighed before we extend an offer of admission.

The University Preparatory Program (UPP)

www.upp.edu.sa

Designed for students whose first language is not English, UPP offers English language training, skills training, and intensive academic coursework at the college preparatory level as well as the university level for students who qualify.

The UPP curriculum is designed to provide all students with instruction in English language, study and learning skills, and computer skills. Math and science course options will depend on the specific UPP pathway that the student follows. The pathways prepare students for university study in engineering, medicine, science, and business.

Alfaisal University strongly encourages all prospective students to attend the UPP. The UPP prepares students to be scholastically successful in the University’s academically challenging instructional programs.

1. Students applying for admission to the University Preparatory Program

The following are the minimum requirements for Admission to the UPP:

High School GPA       85%
Tahseely                   62
Qudurat                     73
TOEFL (paper based) 425

Upon successful completion of the UPP with a GPA of 2.0 or better, and without failure in any course in the second semester, students may apply to enter Alfaisal University.

Students finishing the UPP with an average GPA of less than 2.0 will not be admitted to Alfaisal University. To apply to the University Preparatory Program, go to www.upp.edu.sa.

2. Students Applying to Alfaisal University Directly from High School

You can be admitted directly to Alfaisal University if you have the academic excellence and English language requirements needed, thereby you will bypass the UPP. The requirements are much higher than those required for entrance into the UPP.

Standard Requirements:

English Language Proficiency demonstrated by any one of the following tests
- TOEFL
- Paper Based Test (PBT) 550,
- Internet based test (IBT) 80,
- Computer Based Test 213 (CBT), or
- IELTS: 6.5;
Academic requirements
- Saudi System:
  - HS GPA: 98%
  - Tahseely: 89
  - Qudurat: 87
- American System
  - SAT I (Reasoning Test): 1600
  - SAT II: 650 each in Math (Level 2), Chemistry, Biology, and Physics
- British System
  - “A” level in two subjects (as per field of study)
  - GCSE: in Math, Bio, Chem. & Phys. (A, A, A, B)

Other requirement may apply for some colleges.

Recommendations

Recommendations from guidance counselors, principals, headmasters and teachers help us learn more about our applicant's academic and personal accomplishments, academic promise, and character.

Required Materials

You may download the forms from our website (Download Form) and print them.
Please complete all required fields on the application.

Students applying to enter Alfaisal University directly from high school should submit:

Completed Alfaisal University Direct Application Form
Application fee: SAR 250 (non-refundable)
Secondary school transcripts
Official SAT (with writing) results.
Counselor, teacher, and principal/headmaster recommendations (three (3) required)
Transcripts from any college-level course work
TOEFL or IELTS scores
Qudurat and the Tahseely scores (non-Arabic speaking students from American and international schools that do not have the language ability or access to take these tests are exempt from this requirement)

Other Requirements:

The application includes a personal essay question, and an interview will be required with the Alfaisal University Admissions Committee. Three recommendations are required. The interview will assess the following:

Personal Characteristics

Alfaisal University emphasizes academic excellence in admission decisions. However, our evaluation process also assesses a student's personal qualities and experiences. Personal characteristics include extracurricular activities, geographic, cultural, ethnic and international backgrounds, and interests, achievements, experiences and talents. These are personal attributes that can enhance the University and its various communities. Prospective students should utilize their essay and letters of recommendation to create a complete portrait for the Admissions Committee.

Community Service and Leadership

Prospective students meeting the minimum requirements should emphasize the school, family and community activities that best demonstrate their skills, commitment, and achievements. This will permit us to evaluate what has been meaningful to our applicants and determine how the University can work with its students to achieve academic and life-long success.

Ability to Contribute to a Diverse Campus Community

The University is committed in promoting a diverse student body because of the enlightening benefits that spring from such diversity. Diversity includes (but is not limited to) age, gender, race/ethnicity, geographic origin (e.g. urban, rural, international background), or personal background.

We look for students that are engaged and successful in and out of the classroom. Creativity, diversity, leadership, a global perspective, resiliency and adaptability are highly valued characteristics. Applicants are encouraged to highlight their experiences in these areas.

The Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Admissions is now located in the King Faisal Palace.

Our hours of operation are:

Sat. - Wed. 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

We look forward to seeing you there!