Can I be admitted into KFUPM if I have a second-class lower grade in my previous degree(s)?
No. You need a minimum "American" cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.00 out of 4.00 (equivalent to our "British" 3.75 out of 5.00) in your Bachelor and/or Masters degree(s) to be admitted to KFUPM.
For a PhD degree, your chance of admission is brighter if you have one or more internationally recognized publications, in addition to the minimum CGPA requirement.
I am used to taking 8 – 10 courses per semester in Nigeria. Can’t I finish my coursework in one semester?
No. The coursework here is very rigorous. KFUPM understands this so you are allowed to register a maximum of four courses each semester.
I just got admission to KFUPM but my medical records show that I have Hepatitis. What should I do?
It is better to treat yourself of the Hepatitis before you come. If you test positive to hepatitis over here, you will be sent back to Nigeria (or wherever you came from) unceremoniously.
My status on the admission portal read “approved, wait for visa”. Can I quit my job immediately in order to start traveling preparation while I await the visa?
No. Do not quit your job in Nigeria until you get your visa. There are cases where you will be asked to wait for another semester for visa.
Do I need to carry out medical tests before getting a visa to Saudi?
You need to carry out all the required medical tests before applying for the Saudi visa because all the tests will be repeated in Saudi before you get your residence permit. If you do not pass any of the tests over here, you will be sent back to Nigeria (or wherever you came from) unceremoniously.
Can my family accompany me when I am coming to Saudi Arabia for the first time?
Except if your contract explicitly states so, your family cannot accompany you to Saudi Arabia on your first coming. You need to come to the Kingdom, process your residence permit then apply for a family visa to enable your family join you.
I am a non-Muslim who just got an admission/job in KFUPM. Should I come?
Yes. Non-Muslims are free to practice their religion at a personal level here. However, they are not allowed to worship as a group. As long as you do not break the laws of the Kingdom, you will be fine. As a matter of fact, there are several non-Muslim Nigerians currently working or schooling in KFUPM and several others have successfully completed their studies in KFUPM .
I got my visa already, but I’m broke. Can I get some quick loan from relatives/friends, since the university promises a refund of the air ticket?
Yes. However, it is common for the refund of the air fare to take between 1 – 3 months after arrival here in KFUPM, depending on your status and other factors.
Can I come with enough Saudi Riyals exchanged from Bureau-de-change market so that my days before the first stipend/salary will not be miserable?
It depends on you. If you prefer comfort at any cost, then this may be the best idea. However, it may be more economical and safer to come with minimal amount of Saudi Riyals or US dollars, and leave the bulk of your money in an internet-enabled account at home, or in a safe hand which will be ready to deposit the money to your prospective exchange partner’s account at home. You can always find residents who like to send some cash to their relatives back in Nigeria. Such individuals may be your prospective exchange partner.
I plan to stay for work after my study. Is this possible?
Yes. It is possible. However, the reality on ground dictates that you prepare to go back home after your studies. Therefore do not completely detach yourself from the job market at home.