Saudi Arabia’s universities have steadily advanced over the past couple of years.
They are now represented in international and regional rankings that measure performance in areas such as academic reputation and institutional development.
As the Kingdom’s higher education institutions continue to position themselves within an increasingly competitive global market, some specific universities stand out.
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM)
KFUPM is ranked number 67 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, a global system that evaluates universities based on academic reputation and international engagement. It is the first Arab institution to enter the global Top 100, leading Saudi representation on the list.
Founded in 1963 and located in Dhahran (right next to Dammam), KFUPM’s ranking reflects the university’s trajectory in academic reputation, and international visibility, as confirmed by the official QS ranking release showing KFUPM’s rise from 101st last year to 67th this year.
KFUPM is also known for having one of the world’s most competitive and selective engineering and petroleum programs, producing top-tier graduates who are heavily recruited by global energy and technology companies.
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals has produced influential national leaders, including Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Amin H. Nasser (CEO of Saudi Aramco), and Olayan Al-Wetaid (CEO of STC).
King Saud University (KSU)
King Saud University is ranked number 143 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, climbing from below the top 200 to a place within the global top 150.
The university, located in Riyadh and founded in 1957, is known for its solid programs across medicine, sciences, engineering, and the humanities, attracting both local and international students.
One aspect that is particularly notable about KSU is that it was established in 1957 as the first modern university in Saudi Arabia, playing a central role in the development of higher education in the Kingdom.
As for notable alumni, King Saud University has produced many prominent national figures, including Tawfig Al-Rabiah (former Minister of Health and current President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation), Ahmed Al-Khateeb (Minister of Tourism), and Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri (former Minister of Economy and Planning).
King Abdulaziz University (KAU)
King Abdulaziz University, ranked number 163 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, is situated in Jeddah and offers a wide range of academic programs across multiple disciplines.
An interesting fact about KAU is that it was the first university in Saudi Arabia to establish a dedicated female campus in 1967 to promote higher education for women on a large scale in the Kingdom.
King Abdulaziz University counts several high-profile graduates among its alumni, including Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah (Supervisor General of KSrelief and former Minister of Health).
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is ranked number 1 in the Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings 2026.
Founded in 2009 in Thuwal, it stands as Saudi Arabia’s first graduate-focused research university. The university specializes in science, engineering, and technology.
KAUST is also recognized globally in subject-level rankings, reflecting its strong scientific collaboration. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, KAUST was ranked 95th globally.
The University’s alumni include researchers such as Huolin Xin and Matthew McDowell, who have gone on to lead significant scientific work in institutions such as the University of Rochester and Georgia Tech.
King Khalid University, ranked number 8 in the Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings 2026, is located in Abha and has made notable progress in academic quality and institutional development.
KKU was founded in 1998 and recognized for expanding access to higher education in southern Saudi Arabia.
Ahmed Mater, a Saudi artist and physician known for his work in photography, painting, and conceptual art, is a notable alumnus of King Khalid University, where he earned his medical degree.
Saudi universities, including Umm Al‑Qura University, ranked 449, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University ranked 477 were all listed in the 2023 QS World University Rankings, showing the broad representation of Saudi higher education in global league tables.
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