FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Disclaimer:
The following information provided in the FAQ section is intended for general guidance and support purposes only. The content is based on the information provided and available on the official registrar website https://registrar.kfupm.edu.sa and other relevant departments’ websites. However, it is important to note that the responsibility lies with the student to verify and stay updated with the latest changes, updates, and deadlines through the registrar website or any other official channels provided by relevant departments at KFUPM.

Registration

Q1: What is Advisor Approval for Early Registration?

Advisor Approval for Early Registration is a requirement for all college level students to obtain before they can early register for courses in the following term. This approval is obtained by discussing and finalizing the student's educational plans (SEP) with their academic advisor. It ensures that the student is on track with their degree requirements and helps in planning their course load for the upcoming term.

Q2: When does the Advisor Approval for Early Registration take place?

The Advisor Approval for Early Registration takes place prior to the early registration activity. Students will be notified through email prior to this activity.

Q3: How can I view my Advisor Approval?

Students will be able to view their Advisor Approval through the portal. This allows them to see the courses they have been approved to take in the upcoming term.

Q4: Is there a limit to the number of courses I can take in a semester?

(a) For Students on GOOD STANDING Status:
   - The minimum course load limit is 12 credit hours during a regular semester.
   - The maximum course load is 19 credit hours in a regular semester.
   - The maximum course load in a summer semester is 8 credit hours.
(b) For Students Not on GOOD STANDING Status:
   - The minimum course load is 12 credit hours.
   - The maximum course load is 15 credit hours in a regular semester.
   - The maximum course load is 7 credit hours in a summer semester.
If a student who is not on GOOD STANDING status has early registered for more than 15 credit hours, they will be required to reduce their course load to bring it within 15 credit hours. Failure to do so will result in their higher numbered course(s) being dropped after the last day of adding.

Q5: What are pre-requisites and co-requisites?

Pre-requisites and co-requisites refer to the courses that must be completed before or alongside another course. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that they have met these requirements before adding courses during the Early Registration period. The Course list on our department website https://ee.kfupm.edu.sa and consultation with the advisor can help determine these requirements.

Q6: What is the waitlist feature during the registration period?

The waitlist feature allows students to enlist for a section that is closed (Lecture Sections only). It enhances the registration experience by giving students the opportunity to potentially secure a spot in a closed section.

Q7: Can I enroll in a waitlist for a course if I am already registered in a section?

No, if you are already registered in a section of a course, you cannot enroll in the waitlist for that course. The waitlist is only available for students who have not yet secured a spot in a section.

Q8: Are there limited seats available in the waitlist?

Yes, there are limited seats available in the waitlist. The number of seats will depend on the capacity of the section and the availability of spots.

Q9: How are priorities determined for the waitlist?

By default, the priority for the waitlist is given to senior students. This is to help ensure that they have the opportunity to enroll in the courses they need to graduate on time.

Q10: What happens if a seat becomes available in the waitlisted section?

If a seat becomes available in the waitlisted section, students will receive an email notification informing them of the seat availability. They will then need to convert their Waitlisted Registration to Regular Registration within the timeframe mentioned in the email notification. This can be done through the portal.

Q11: What if I don't convert my Waitlisted Registration to Regular Registration within the designated timeframe?

If you fail to convert your Waitlisted Registration to Regular Registration within the designated timeframe, you will lose the chance to add the section. In that case, you will have to re-enlist in the section waitlist and wait for another opportunity.

Q12: Does being on the waitlist guarantee a seat in the section?

No, being on the waitlist does not guarantee a seat in the section. Seats only become available if someone drops the course or if the enrollment of the section is increased. The waitlist gives you a chance to potentially secure a spot, but there is no guarantee.

Q13: How do I confirm my registration for the term?

To confirm your registration, visit the KFUPM portal (https://portal.kfupm.edu.sa) and click on the "I Confirm Registration for the Term" link. Make sure to check your registration details and make any necessary changes during the designated period.

Q14: What should I do if I have violated the pre-requisite or co-requisite requirements for my registered courses?

As a student, you are responsible for your registration. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you have met both the pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for your registered courses. If you have not taken the required pre-requisite course or have failed or withdrawn from it in previous terms, you must drop the course (s) that violates these requirements.

Q15: Can I change the status of a course from regular to audit?

Yes, you can change the status of a course from regular to audit, but certain conditions apply. You need the consent of the course instructor and the subsequent approval of the Chairman of the concerned department, your academic advisor, and the Chairman of your major department. Keep in mind the following:
- You can only audit a course if you are expecting to graduate in the current semester or the following summer term.
- You cannot audit a course that you need in order to graduate.
- Once a course has been audited, it cannot be repeated for credit in subsequent semester(s), except if it is a required course in a new major. This exception requires approval from the advisor, the Chairman of the department, the Dean of the college, and the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs.
- The deadline for audit requests is the last day for dropping courses with the grade 'W' as indicated in the academic calendar.

Q16: What should I do if I need to repeat a course?

If you obtained a failing grade in a required course, you must repeat the course and formally register for it in the following semester(s). Additionally, you can choose to repeat a course for which you previously obtained a D or D+ grade if you wish to improve your academic standing. The last grade you earn in the course will be reflected in your transcript and GPA calculation.

Q17: How can I withdraw from a course?

To withdraw from a course, you can submit a request through the portal. The deadlines for course withdrawal vary depending on the semester. The exact dates for withdrawal deadlines can be found in the academic calendar for the specific term. After submitting the withdrawal request, make sure to check the portal 48 hours later to confirm if it has been accepted. If the request does not satisfy the academic regulations, the course(s) will not be dropped or withdrawn.

Q18: What are registration violations?

Registration violations are actions or behaviors that go against the rules and regulations set by the university during the registration period. These violations can include but are not limited to late registration, improper course selection, exceeding maximum credit limits, and failure to meet prerequisites.

Q19: What happens if I commit a registration violation?

If you commit a registration violation, the university may take actions such as dropping one or more of your courses, placing a hold on your account, or even canceling your registration altogether. It is important to avoid registration violations to prevent any negative consequences.

Q20: How can I avoid registration violations?

To avoid registration violations, you should carefully review the university's rules and regulations regarding registration. Make sure to understand the deadlines for registration, prerequisites for courses, credit limits, and any other requirements set by your department or the university. It is also recommended to consult with your advisor for guidance and clarification if needed.

Q21: What should I do if I realize I have committed a registration violation?

If you realize that you have committed a registration violation, it is best to take immediate action to rectify the situation. Contact the Office of the University Registrar or your department or your advisor to discuss the violation and explore possible solutions. It is important to address the violation promptly to minimize any potential negative consequences.

Q22: Are registration violations only applicable during the Early Registration and Registration weeks?

No, registration violations can occur at any time during the registration period, including the Early Registration and Registration weeks. However, the university may take action for some violations even after these designated periods. Therefore, it is important to ensure your registration is in compliance with the university's rules and regulations throughout the entire registration period.

Q23: What happens if my courses are dropped due to a registration violation?

If your courses are dropped due to a registration violation, you may lose the opportunity to enroll in those courses for the current semester. This can result in a delay in your academic progress and may require you to adjust your course schedule. It is important to avoid registration violations to prevent any disruptions to your academic journey.

Q24: What happens if I register for a course with specific restrictions such as class level, major, or college?

If you register for a course with specific restrictions, the course will be dropped.

Q25: Can I repeat a course in which I have previously obtained a grade of 'C' or better?

No, you cannot repeat a course in which you have previously obtained a grade of 'C' or better. The course will be dropped.

Q26: What happens if I am a junior student with remaining 100 level courses or a senior student with remaining 100/200 level courses?

A registration hold will be placed on your student record, and you will not be able to make any changes to your schedule. If the issue is not resolved, all your courses will be dropped after the last day of adding courses.

Q27: Can I drop 100 level courses as a junior student or 100/200 level courses as a senior student?

No, you cannot drop 100 level courses as a junior student or 100/200 level courses as a senior student. If you drop these courses during the Registration Period, all your courses will be dropped after the last day for adding courses.

Q28: What happens if I take a graduate course as an undergraduate student without the required approval?

If you take a graduate course as an undergraduate student without the required approval, the course will be dropped. Make sure to contact the department for the necessary approval.

Q29: What happens if I have completed more than 15 regular terms as an undergraduate student and have still not graduated?

If you have completed more than 15 regular terms as an undergraduate student and have still not graduated, you will continue in the course unless otherwise instructed by the Dean of Admissions & Registration.

Q30: Can I register for the Coop/Internship or Summer Training Program if I am in my last term before graduation?

No, registering for the Coop/Internship Program in the last term before graduation is not allowed. You need to be registered for at least one more term after the Coop/Internship Program to be eligible.

Q31: Can I participate in the Coop/Internship Program if I have not completed the required credit hours for my degree plan?

No, you must have completed at least 86 credit hours of your degree plan to be eligible for the Coop/Internship Program. Incomplete credit hours will result in the cancellation of your registration.

Q32: Can I participate in the Summer Training Program if I have not completed the required credit hours for my degree plan?

No, you must have completed at least 66 credit hours of your degree plan to be eligible for the Summer Training Program. Incomplete credit hours will result in the cancellation of your registration.

Q33: Can I still participate in the Coop/Internship or Summer Training Program if my major GPA or my cumulative GPA is less than 2.00?

No, having a major GPA or cumulative GAP less than 2.00 disqualifies you from participating in the Coop/Internship Program. It is essential to maintain a minimum GPA requirement to remain eligible for the program.

Q34: I am now in an Internship Program; can I take a course while I am doing the Internship?

If you are taking the Internship program, you are expected to register in EE 411 as can be seen in the flowchart of the degree plan.

Q35: What happens if I register for the Coop/Internship Program with certain violations?

If you register for the Coop/Internship Program with violations such as registering in the last term before graduation, not completing the required credit hours (i.e., 86 credit hours of degree plan), not fulfilling prerequisite requirements, having major GPA less than 2.00, or having cumulative GPA less than 2.00, your registration for the program will be cancelled.

Q36: What happens if I register for the Summer Training program with certain violations?

If you register for the Summer Training program with violations such as registering in the last term before graduation, not completing the required credit hours (i.e., 66 credit hours of degree plan), not fulfilling prerequisite requirements, having major GPA less than 2.00, or having cumulative GPA less than 2.00, your registration for the program will be cancelled.

Q37: What happens if I don't get Advisor Approval for early registration before the early registration period?

If you don't get Advisor Approval for early registration before the early registration period, you will not be able to register during the early registration period.

Q38: Is it mandatory for the university to offer a summer term?

No, it is not mandatory for the university to offer a summer term. The decision to offer summer courses is at the discretion of the university.

Q39: Is it mandatory for students to register in a summer term?

No, it is not mandatory for students to register in a summer term. Registering for summer courses is optional and depends on the individual student's needs and preferences. Some students may choose to take advantage of summer courses to accelerate their degree progress or explore additional subjects, while others may prefer to take a break during the summer.

Q40: Are summer courses guaranteed to be offered every year?

No, summer course offerings are not guaranteed. Since both the university and the students have the option to participate in summer terms, the availability of courses can vary each year. The university may choose to offer fewer courses or not offer any summer courses at all in certain years.

Academics

Q1: I am a student in EE with internship option. When am I eligible to go for Internship Program?

To qualify for registering Internship Program (EE 398), the student must:
   - Have completed more than 85 credit hours of their degree plan.
   - Complete the cooperative assignment before their last semester at the University.
   - Have completed all the required courses as identified by their major department.
   - Have a cumulative GPA and major GPA of 2.00 or above.
   - Not be discontinued from study.
   - Not taking any other courses along with the COOP/Internship Program.

Q2: I am a student in EE with Summer Training Program option. When am I eligible to go for the Summer Training Program?

To qualify for registering in Summer Training Program (EE 399), the student must:
   - Have completed more than 65 credit hours of their degree plan.
   - Complete the summer training period before their last semester at the University.
   - Have completed all the required courses as identified by their major department.
   - Have a cumulative GPA and major GPA of 2.00 or above.
   - Not be discontinued from study.
   - Not taking any other courses along with the Summer Training Program.

Q3: I received an F grade in EE204 or EE306. Can I retake the course and only attend the lecture without the lab?

If you failed the EE 204 or EE 306 course, you will need to repeat both the lecture and the lab.

Q4: As a senior student in my last semester, I am interested in registering for a graduate level course as one of my major electives. Is it possible to register in a graduate level course?

Yes, it is possible to register for a graduate level course as a senior student but only in your last semester before graduation and after getting all the necessary approvals.

Q5: I am a concentration student, do I need to take EE 4xx Lab in addition to concentration courses to fulfill the graduation requirements?

Yes, to fulfill the graduation requirements, concentration students must also complete the EE 4xx Lab course if there are no EE 4xx Labs taken as part of concentration.

Q6: Can I take any EE 4xx course (3 credit hours) to replace EE 4xx Lab (1 credit hour) in the degree requirements?

No, to fulfill the degree requirements, students must complete one of the designated EE 4xx Labs. Substituting the lab with additional EE 4xx lecture will not satisfy this requirement.

Q7: What are the EE 3xx Lab electives in the degree plan (i.e., EE 3xx Lab I, EE 3xx Lab II, EE 3xx Lab III)?

The EE 3xx Lab electives are level 3 laboratory courses that are required from the students to take to fulfill their graduation requirements. The list of available EE 3xx Lab electives can be found on the department website https://ee.kfupm.edu.sa

Q8: What is the EE 4xx Lab elective in the degree plan (i.e., EE 4xx Lab)?

The EE 4xx Lab Elective is level 4 laboratory courses that are required from the students to take to fulfill their graduation requirements. The list of available EE 4xx Lab electives can be found on the department website https://ee.kfupm.edu.sa

Q9: What are the EE 4xx Electives in the degree plan (e.g., EE 4xx I, EE 4xx II, EE 4xx III, EE 4xx IV)?

The EE 4xx Electives in each degree plan are level 4 lecture EE courses that are required from the students to take to fulfill their graduation requirements. The list of EE 4xx Electives for EE students can be found on the department website https://ee.kfupm.edu.sa

Q10: What is the Technical Elective course in the degree plan (i.e., XXXX xxx)?

It is any 4xx level courses offered by College of Engineering and Physics, College of Computing and Mathematics, College of Petroleum Engineering & Geosciences, College of Chemicals and Materials, Department of Architectural Engineering, and Department of Civil and Environment Engineering provided that all pre-requisite and co-requisite conditions are met, and cross-listed courses are observed. In addition, students can take any of the 3xx and 2xx courses from the List of Technical Elective Courses available on the department website https://ee.kfupm.edu.sa

Q11: What are the Science Elective courses for students in the degree plan (i.e., XXXX xxx)?

The approved Science Elective courses for students in the degree plan can be found in the List of Science Elective Courses available on the department website https://ee.kfupm.edu.sa. Students can choose any course from the List of Science Elective Courses to fulfill their elective requirements.

Q12: Can I choose to take an EE Elective course instead of a Technical Elective course?

No, it is not possible to substitute a Technical Elective course with an EE Elective course.

Q13: Can I choose to take a Science Elective course instead of a Technical Elective course, or vice versa?

No, it is not possible to substitute a Technical Elective course with a Science Elective course, nor can a Science Elective course be substituted for a Technical Elective course. Each type of elective course serves a distinct purpose and has specific requirements. Science elective courses and technical elective course have to be taken from the pool defined for each of them. However, some courses are common to the two pools and therefore can be counted for a Science Elective or a Technical Elective. Both Technical Elective courses and Science Elective courses can be found listed on the department website (https://ee.kfupm.edu.sa). Please ensure that you select the appropriate elective course according to the guidelines provided.

Concentrations & Exchange Program

Q1: How can I join a concentration?

To join a concentration, you will need to obtain approval from the concentration office. For more details, you can visit the concentration office website at https://cx.kfupm.edu.sa or email cx@kfupm.edu.sa

Q2: As an EE student who has chosen the Internship Option, am I eligible to enroll in concentrations?

No, concentrations are exclusively available to students who have opted for the Summer Training Option for their degree. If you would like more information, please visit the concentration office website at https://cx.kfupm.edu.sa or send an email to cx@kfupm.edu.sa

Q3: How can I join students’ Exchange Program?

To join Exchange Program and know about any relevant details, you can contact the Office of International Cooperation (OIC) or visit their website at https://oic.kfupm.edu.sa

Q4: I have been accepted for the Exchange Program at an international university. What courses I can take to be counted for me toward equivalent courses at KUFPM?

To ensure that the courses you select during the Exchange Program are recognized as equivalent courses at KFUPM, please make sure to obtain department approval for each course you plan to take. The EE department maintains a regularly updated list of available courses. You need to consult this list before making your course selections to ensure course substitution.

BS in Electrical Engineering & Physics (EEPH)

Q1: Why should I consider EEPH? What EEPH program adds to me compared to a regular EE student?

What makes an EEPH graduate different than a regular EE graduate?
Electrical Engineering and Physics (EEPH) is for those interested in EE with a passion to go deeper into the science of things. EEPH graduates will cover more specifics in some subjects like semiconductors, waves, and lasers, at the cost of slightly less diversity in EE general subjects.
EEPH prepares you to be an inventor, research engineer, and technology entrepreneur. This program will encourage your creativity, challenge your intellect, and reveal big-picture thinking. You will build a solid foundation in physics while gaining extensive engineering design experience.
EEPH graduates can work as an EE as well as a physicist in high-tech companies. EEPH degree prepares you to understand and solve emerging engineering problems because you understand the science behind the technology.
Quantum technology is a reality of the near future and the EEPH program prepares you to understand this emerging technology, without a physics background you cannot take a step in this direction!

Q2: What are some of the emerging sectors in the Kingdom in which EEPH graduates may have job opportunities?

Many sectors include but are not limited to the defense industry and space, electronics and semiconducting industry, renewable energy sector, solar cell industry, and R&D in different companies and organizations.

Q3: What are some job opportunities or fields where an EEPH graduate may be superior to a regular EE graduate?

Government and private sector, R&D organizations, and R&D wings of major companies.

Q4: Is being an EEPH graduate a barrier to getting a job that is available to a regular EE graduate?

Usually being an EEPH graduate is not a barrier to getting a job that is available to a regular EE graduate. Especially if the student chose the electives carefully. EEPH graduates will compromise on the selection of elective courses, therefore the student may take a set of extra courses to develop a deeper understanding of a specific area, like power. But in EEPH the student is prepared to learn related emerging technologies.

Q5: Does the student who is planning to start the EEPH program need more skills than a student starting a regular EE program?

No, EEPH and EE students will take exactly the same courses in freshman year. No extra course or skill is required to join EEPH after prep/freshman year. It is basically about having a passion for Physics while keeping in the engineering track.

Q6: Is EEPH student will have more load than a regular EE student?

No, the number of credit hours is exactly the same and an EEPH student will finish the degree in four years like an EE student.

Q7: Can I continue my graduate studies in Electrical Engineering after earning a BS degree in EEPH?

Yes, you can. After completing the EEPH degree you can peruse graduate studies in both EE and Physics, and you can join either EE or Physics departments at KFUPM as a graduate assistant (GA), etc. But if you plan to focus in your MS on an area that was not covered during your BS, you will be asked to take one or two deficiency courses.

Q8: Can I continue my graduate studies in Physics after earning a BS degree in EEPH?

Yes, you can. After completing the EEPH degree you can peruse graduate studies in both EE and Physics, and you can join either EE or Physics departments at KFUPM as a graduate assistant (GA), etc. But if you plan to focus in your MS on an area that was not covered during your BS, you will be asked to take one or two deficiency courses.

Q9: What facilities EEPH students will have access to?

All facilities that EE and PHYS students have access to. Also, EEPH students can do final-year projects at the interface of physics and EE.

Graduation

Q1: Who is required to submit the Graduation Information Form?

Students expected to graduate in any semester are required to submit the Graduation Information Form to the Office of the University Registrar.

Q2: How are students informed about the requirement to submit the Graduation Information Form?

Students who are listed as expected to graduate are informed through SMS by the end of the fifth week.

Q3: How long do students have to submit the Graduation Information Form?

Students should submit the Graduation Information Form by the date announced to them. Generally, students have 2 weeks from the date of the SMS to submit the Graduation Information Form. However, students should make sure to submit the form according to the date announced to them at that particular semester.

Q4: Where can students submit the Graduation Information Form?

Students can submit the form through the KFUPM Portal -> Registrar Services -> Graduating Student Information.

Q5: What is the purpose of the Graduating Student Information form?

The purpose of the Graduating Student Information form is to check all the information in the form, such as name spelling in English, name in Arabic, Date of Birth, Mobile number, email, and postal address, and make necessary changes if needed.

Q6: What are the requirements for Saudi students regarding their name in the Graduation Information Form?

For Saudi students, the name in English should match the name in Arabic as mentioned on the national ID card (no initials).

Q7: What are the requirements for non-Saudi students regarding their name in the Graduation Information Form?

For non-Saudi students, the name should be as per their current passport.

Q8: Where should students submit the printed Graduation Information Form?

Students should submit the printed Graduation Information Form along with other required documents to the Office of the University Registrar (Building 68 – Room 269).

Q9: What documents should be submitted along with the printed Graduation Information Form?

Along with the printed Graduation Information Form, students should submit a passport size photograph, a copy of National ID & Passport (for Saudis), and Iqama & Passport (for non-Saudis).

Q10: What does the information in the graduation certificate depend on?

The information in the graduation certificate, such as name in English & Arabic, date of birth, National ID/Iqama Number, etc., is based on the input provided by the student in the form and the attachments.

Q11: What is the procedure for Graduation Certification?

After students have completed all requirements of their degree programs, the departments receive the transcripts and degree audits for their students who are shown as degree candidates for a given term. These records are reviewed and endorsed by the departments for the undergraduates that have completed all degree requirements.

Q12: What are the graduation requirements?

The graduation requirements include successfully completing all graduation requirements according to the degree plan of the major. An undergraduate student must attain a cumulative GPA and a major GPA of 2.00 or above to graduate. Additionally, to obtain any degree from KFUPM, the undergraduate student must have studied at KFUPM a minimum of 65 credit-hours, including at least 25 credit hours in the major field.

Step by Step Guidelines

The following Step by Step Guidelines for students are available on the University Registrar’s Website https://registrar.kfupm.edu.sa/, for more information and changes/updates/deadlines please check the registrar website.

  1. Steps to check your class level:
    https://registrar.kfupm.edu.sa/documents/16/Steps_to_check_Class_Level.pdf
  2. Steps to check Advisor Approval:
    https://registrar.kfupm.edu.sa/documents/15/Steps_to_check_Advisor_Approval_for_Reg_3.pdf
  3. Steps for doing Registration Confirmation thru KFUPM portal:
    https://registrar.kfupm.edu.sa/documents/14/portal_Reg_conf_2.pdf
  4. Steps for submitting course withdraw request thru KFUPM Portal:
    https://registrar.kfupm.edu.sa/documents/11/steps_for_course_withdraw_thru_portal_HhRGiXb.pdf
  5. Steps to generate Degree Audit thru KFUPM Portal:
    https://registrar.kfupm.edu.sa/documents/12/Steps_to_generate_new_Degree_Audit_through_Portal_JYuQzNg.pdf
  6. Steps for viewing Schedule thru KFUPM portal:
    https://registrar.kfupm.edu.sa/documents/13/portal_sch_steps_Dj5h5va.pdf
  7. Steps for registering courses thru KFUPM portal:
    https://registrar.kfupm.edu.sa/documents/10/portal_reg_steps_latest_ijfTUh7.pdf
  8. Steps to file for a Petition Request:
    https://registrar.kfupm.edu.sa/documents/36/Students_Petition_Platform_for_UG_students.pdf