# KFUPM's History

**Source**: https://www.kfupm.edu.sa/about-us/our-story/history
**Parent**: https://www.kfupm.edu.sa/study/international-students/apply-as-an-international-student

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# KFUPM's History

### KFUPM dates back to 1963 when it was founded by royal decree as the College of Petroleum and Minerals (CPM). Back then, the aim was to equip Saudi Arabia’s energy sector with well-trained professionals by offering focused education in those two sought-after disciplines, namely petroleum and minerals.

Since those early beginnings, a new academic identity has taken shape. What started as a niched college evolved steadily into a multi-faceted institution recognized among the best universities for science, engineering and technology in the region. Alongside this strong foundation, KFUPM also became known for integrating research and entrepreneurship into academia.

Today, we offer some of the most useful degrees in several STEMB fields while supporting future-focused research in areas such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy. By promoting a perseverance mindset, we strive to leave no grand challenge unaddressed. With every project, discovery, and partnership, we create new ripple effects in society.

## Milestones That Mark Our Progress

As the university’s story continues unfolding, certain events stand out as pivotal moments that set in motion new phases of growth and redefinition. Here are some of the key milestones that illustrate our journey:

## 1960s

### 1963

KFUPM is established as the College of Petroleum and Minerals (CPM)

### 1968

First undergraduate class graduates with four students

## 1970s

### 1975

CPM becomes the University of Petroleum and Minerals (UPM) and the Business School is launched

### 1977

The Research Institute is founded, while the campus’ first architectural master plan begins its implementation with three initial phases

## 1980s

### 1983

UPM starts offering opportunities for students interested in a postgraduate degree (Ph.D.), expanding its scope

### 1986

UPM is renamed King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), strengthening its academic reputation

## 1990s

### 1992

Our engineering program receives formal accreditation from ABET

## 2000s

### 2004

Centers for Research Excellence are launched

### 2006

Dhahran Techno Valley (DTV) is created to support startups and applied research

## 2010s

### 2011

A second strategic plan is launched to respond to emerging global and national priorities

### 2019

Graduate programs open to female students

## 2020s

### 2020

KFUPM launches an institutional strategy aligned with Vision 2030, re-envisioning research and academic goals

### 2021

Undergraduate programs begin accepting female students; also, over 20 new interdisciplinary research centers are launched

### 2024

KFUPM ranks 1st in the QS Arab World Ranking, further enhancing its visibility as a top university in English programs

### 2025

KFUPM Business School receives AMBA accreditation, joining fewer than 200 schools worldwide with both AMBA and AACSB credentials