King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) was officially established by royal decree on 5 Jumada 1, 1383 (23 September, 1963). The first students were admitted a year later, on 23 September, 1964, a total of 67 young men enrolled when it was called the College of Petroleum and Minerals (CPM). Since that time, the number of the university students increased to more than 8,000 students in the meantime.

Several significant events have marked the University’s growth. In 1971, at the first graduation ceremony, four men received their baccalaureate degrees in engineering. In 1975, the College of Petroleum and Minerals became the University of Petroleum and Minerals. In 1986, the University was renamed The King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). As a result of this vast growth, 29,015 bachelor's degrees 3,821 Master’s and 257 Ph.D.'s were awarded by the end of the first semester 2015-2016. Today, KFUPM is one of the leading educational organizations. It aims at being a preeminent institution known for its globally competitive graduates, cutting edge research, and leadership in energy discoveries. The rapid growth of KFUPM is related to the rapid economic and technical development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It also reflects the rising expectations of the people of Saudi Arabia, the expanding opportunities for the country’s young population, and the increasing importance of the Kingdom as a major source of the world’s energy.

To meet these expectations, KFUPM is committed to make a difference in all what it does. This includes developing the main characteristics of its graduates making them ahead of their peers, focusing on research that addresses global trends with high scholarly impact, and engaging stakeholders across the society in endeavors aimed at contributing to the prosperity and intellectuality of the community at large.

The process of reaching the desired outcomes involved extensive iterative thinking. The process started with a careful situational analysis taking into account the previous efforts in the first KFUPM Strategic plan, relevant data about the University, input from the main stakeholders, results from focus group meetings and workshops, and comparison with several strategic plans of other international and regional institutions. As a result, the Steering Committee identified the key strategic issues and the main ingredients for the vision and mission statements. After analyzing the current situation and assessing current KFUPM ambitions, the strategic goals and strategies related to them were formulated. This process involved extensive re-evaluation and genuine feedback from the University Administration, the Executive Committee for the strategic plan, the International Advisory Board (IAB), and KFUPM stakeholders.

University Vision

To be a preeminent institution known for its globally competitive graduates, cutting edge research, and leadership in energy discoveries.

Teaching and Research are the main two core functions of KFUPM. The vision is ambitiously drafted to reflect the aspired outcomes of both. Global Competitiveness of graduates requires that they are prepared with high knowledge, sharp skills, real ethics and instilled leadership. Carrying cutting-edge research in all its fields will enable KFUPM to make scholarly impact and contribute to national needs. In addition, as KFUPM is focusing in its research and technology development on energy and its related fields, it aims to achieve leadership in this challenging area. In all of these ambitious stands, KFUPM strives to be a preeminent institution worldwide.

University Mission

To make a difference within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond in the fields of sciences, engineering and business; we are committed to

• Graduating leaders who are knowledgeable, skillful, and productive members of society
• Creating new knowledge that makes a scholarly impact, provides innovative solutions, and contributes to the national economy
• Engaging our society, alumni, and partners, in valuable endeavors

While the mission of almost every higher education institution is centered around the three key components of teaching, research, and community service, KFUPM is committed to make a difference in all what it does. This distinct contribution is to be witnessed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond, keeping its focus on the fields of sciences, engineering and business. KFUPM’s mission highlights the main characteristics of its graduates which should make them ahead of their peers. Research will make a difference only when it is creative and innovative. While addressing global trend and making a scholarly impact in research, KFUPM is giving essential local needs the appropriate attention. Finally, KFUPM believes that engagement with the society is an opportunity to partner with its key stakeholders, contribute to the prosperity and intellectuality of the community, and enrich the experience of KFUPM community.