Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University
جامعة الأمير محمد بن فهد
A private, English-medium university in Al Khobar whose system was designed with a consortium of Texas universities.
- Students
- 5,694
- 5,582 undergraduates
- Tuition
- SAR 60,000
- From · 2026-27
- Founded
- 2006
- QS World Ranking
- #421
- 2027 edition
About PMU
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) is a private non-profit university in Al Khobar, in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. It grew from a 2002 initiative by Prince Mohammad bin Fahd, then governor of the province, and opened in 2006. Teaching is in English, and PMU's academic and administrative system was designed by the Texas International Education Consortium (TIEC), which explains its American-style credit-hour structure.
PMU is small and focused: in 2024-25 it had 5,582 undergraduates and 112 graduate students, taught by 325 faculty from 28 countries. Its colleges cover Engineering; Computer Engineering and Science; Business Administration; Law; Architecture and Design; Sciences and Human Studies; and Medicine, with most bachelor's degrees open to both male and female students. Newer degrees include Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Chemical Engineering, and a seven-year medical programme built on a hybrid US and Saudi model.
The university leans heavily on applied research and patents: it reports 114 patents granted by the US Patent Office and research centres in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, space research and additive manufacturing. PMU suits students who want an English-language, American-style degree in the Gulf, are strong in secondary school and aptitude tests, and are comfortable in a conservative campus environment.
Creative Minds, Transform The World
University motto
Why students choose PMU
All degree programmes are taught in English, with a Preparatory Program for students who need to raise their English, maths and study skills first.
The B.S. programmes in Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering are accredited by the ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission (USA).
PMU reports 114 US utility patents granted, unusual for a university of about 5,700 students.
Newer bachelor's degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity sit alongside Computer Science, Computer Engineering and Software Engineering in one college.
Admissions
Fall 2027 entry (dates below are from the Fall 2026 cycle, now past)
Selectivity
PMU does not publish an acceptance rate. The general benchmark is a secondary school average of 80% and a General Aptitude Test (Qudrat) score of 60% (or SAT I for international applicants); students below this can apply and are ranked on a weighted score (60% school grades, 40% aptitude test).
Typical entry requirements
| Saudi secondary school certificate | 80% average plus Qudrat 60% (weighted 60/40); for Architecture, Computer Science, Computer, Software, Mechanical, Electrical and Civil Engineering: 85% average, Qudrat 65 and Tahseely 65 (weighted 40/30/30) |
|---|---|
| International secondary school certificate | 80% or equivalent plus SAT I; Computer Science and Engineering applicants weighted 40% school, 30% SAT I, 30% SAT II. Certificates must be attested by the Saudi embassy or consulate and have a Ministry of Education equivalency letter |
| Medicine | Separate College of Medicine admission to a 7-year programme (Medical Preparatory year plus medical programme) |
| English language | IELTS 6 Direct entry to degree courses needs IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with 5.5 in writing, or an equivalent TOEFL iBT score. Lower IELTS scores place students in the Preparatory Program (Advanced 5.0/4.5, Intermediate 4.5/4.0, Beginner 4.0/3.5). IELTS certificates are valid for two years. |
Deadlines
- Fall 2026 undergraduate application (past) Non-binding Passed24 June 2026 (applications opened 3 May 2026)
Last day for freshman applicants to apply online. Placement tests and interviews ran 17 May to 5 July 2026.
- English test submission, Fall 2026 (past) Non-binding Passed20 July 2026
Last day to submit IELTS or TOEFL iBT; results were announced through Qabool on 19-21 July and classes began 30 August 2026.
The Fall 2027 admissions calendar has not been published yet. The dates above are from the Fall 2026 cycle and have passed; expect applications to open around May 2027. PMU's calendar showed the Study in Saudi route for non-Saudi students as closed for Fall 2026.
How to apply
Saudi students apply online through the national Qabool platform; non-Saudi students without Saudi residence apply through the Study in Saudi platform. Submit school certificate, aptitude test scores (Qudrat/Tahseely or SAT), passport and ID copies, photos and English test results, and pay a non-refundable SAR 950 application fee. Shortlisted applicants sit the English placement test and a personal interview (online for international applicants); PMU supports the student visa.
What admissions looks for
- A strong secondary school average, weighted at 60% (40% for CS and engineering majors).
- A solid General Aptitude Test (Qudrat) or SAT I score, and for CS, engineering and architecture the Achievement Test (Tahseely) or SAT II.
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.0 (5.5 writing) or equivalent for direct entry; otherwise placement in the Preparatory Program.
- A personal interview with the Admissions Office.
Tips for applying to PMU
- 1 Take IELTS Academic before applying: reaching 6.0 overall with 5.5 in writing lets you skip the Preparatory Program and its extra year of fees.
- 2 If you want Computer Science, Engineering or Architecture, prepare for Tahseely or the SAT subject component: these majors weight it at 30%.
- 3 International applicants should start attestation early: school certificates need Saudi embassy attestation and a Ministry of Education equivalency letter.
- 4 Watch the calendar: in 2026 applications opened in early May and freshman applications closed on 24 June.
Costs & financial aid
2026-27 · figures in SAR
PMU's financial aid office lists MOHE scholarships, sponsored scholarship programmes and scholarships for international students, but does not publish amounts on its website. Many Saudi students are sponsored by government or employer scholarship programmes.
- SAR 30,000 per semester (Medical Preparatory Program SAR 75,000 per year)
- Preparatory Program tuition
- SAR 950 (VAT inclusive, non-refundable); SAR 1,150 for Medicine
- Application fee
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters (fall, spring and summer)
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
ABET-accredited (as are Civil and Electrical Engineering), with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and an Additive Manufacturing Research and Innovation Center on campus.
B.S. in Artificial Intelligence
One of PMU's newer degrees, backed by a dedicated Center for Artificial Intelligence.
B.S. in Cybersecurity
Offered alongside a Center for Cyber Security that runs a research grants programme in the field.
College of Medicine (7-year programme)
Curriculum based on a hybrid of US and Saudi medical school structures, with a preparatory year and clinical rotations.
B.A. in Law
Evaluated and accredited by the French agency HCERES, whose 2019 report PMU publishes.
B.S. in Interior Design
Offered to female students in the College of Architecture and Design; PMU's 2024-25 facts sheet lists a new accreditation for the programme.
Research
- PMU reports 114 patents granted by the US Patent Office and the first chapter of the National Academy of Inventors in the Middle East.
- Research centres include the Center for Artificial Intelligence, Center for Cyber Security, Space Research Center and Additive Manufacturing Research and Innovation Center.
- The university reports more than 1,280 research papers and nine faculty members listed among the world's top scientists for 2024.
Schools & faculties
- College of Engineering
- College of Computer Engineering and Science
- College of Business Administration
- College of Law
- College of Architecture and Design
- College of Sciences and Human Studies
- College of Medicine
- Preparatory Program
Student life
Campus life at PMU is organised around separate male and female clubs and a Student Council with college representatives, with more than 40 active student clubs and societies, national competitions, leadership seminars and wellness campaigns. Day students can take up to 20 credits a semester, while evening students take up to 12. Female students can live in university housing built to the same standard as faculty residences, with a recreation area including basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, a gym and a running track. Campus rules follow Saudi and Islamic norms, including a modest dress code.
- More than 40 active student clubs and societies, with separate male and female clubs.
- Student Council and College Representatives elected to represent students.
- Sports centre with scheduled sessions, plus courts, a gym and a running track at the female residence.
- Day and evening study options for undergraduates.
Housing. Female student housing is offered in apartments of the same standard as faculty housing; the last published rates (2020-21) ranged from SAR 12,700 a year for a shared room to SAR 34,000 for a studio.
Location
Al Khobar is a coastal city on the Arabian Gulf in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, part of the Dammam-Dhahran-Khobar metro area that is the centre of the Kingdom's oil industry. PMU runs paid bus services to and from Khobar, Dammam and Qatif. Bahrain is across the King Fahd Causeway.
Nearest airport: King Fahd International Airport (DMM), Dammam
Frequently asked questions
Is Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University taught in English?
Yes. English is the medium of instruction, and students without IELTS 6.0 (5.5 writing) or equivalent start in the Preparatory Program.
How much are PMU's tuition fees?
For students admitted from Fall 2026, full-time tuition is SAR 30,000 a semester for Business and Law and SAR 32,500 for Engineering, Computing and Architecture, about SAR 60,000 to 65,000 a year. Medicine is SAR 90,000 a year. Non-Saudi students pay 15% VAT on tuition.
What grades do you need to get into PMU?
The benchmark is an 80% secondary school average and 60% on the General Aptitude Test (or SAT I). Computer Science, Engineering and Architecture ask for 85%, Qudrat 65 and Tahseely 65, or SAT I and SAT II for international applicants.
Can international students apply to PMU?
Yes. Non-Saudi students without Saudi residence apply through the Study in Saudi platform, submit attested certificates and SAT scores, and have an online interview; PMU supports the student visa.
When is the PMU application deadline?
For Fall 2026, applications opened on 3 May and closed on 24 June 2026. The Fall 2027 calendar has not been published yet.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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