HEAD-TO-HEAD INSTITUTIONAL DOSSIER · 2026/2027 INDEX

King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals vs Khalifa University

King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals Logo
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals

Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

QS World: #638% Admit
Khalifa University Logo
Khalifa University

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

QS World: #1477% Admit
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

Comprehensive comparison between King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals and Khalifa University. Both institutions offer world-class undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals boasts strong global prestige and leading academic research. Khalifa University excels in international collaboration and student outcomes.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Choose King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals for classical academic standing, and Khalifa University for industry-focused modern career tracks.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally4 — 2 Advantage
Comparative DimensionKing Fahd University of Petroleum & MineralsKhalifa University
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#63 (2027)+84 places
#147 (2027)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#176 (2027)+59 places
#235 (2027)
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#601 (2026)
#601 (2026)
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#322 (2027)+18 places
#340 (2027)
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
8%
7%More selective
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
See Portal
$28,000
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1963Lead
1989
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
13,772
4,000
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
92 / 100
95 / 100Lead
SECTION 02 · DECADE TRAJECTORY COMPARISON

10-Year Historical Ranking Trajectory

Decade-long global standing curve across major league tables (higher curve position = stronger rank).

SECTION 03 · DEPARTMENTAL BENCHMARKS

QS Subject Rankings Showdown

Click any discipline row to inspect side-by-side degree programs, tuition, and scholarships below.

King Fahd University: 7 leads·Khalifa University: 0 leads

King Fahd University · Specialist Subject Standings

Mineral and Mining Engineering#7
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence#51
Artificial Intelligence#51

Khalifa University · Specialist Subject Standings

Computer Science and Information Systems#137
Materials Science#151
Chemistry#193
SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

Estimated monthly student expenditure in Dhahran vs Abu Dhabi alongside annual international tuition.

Global Baseline

King Fahd University (Dhahran)

$1,560/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,100/mo
Food & Groceries$380/mo
Local Transit & Personal$80/mo
Est. International TuitionSee Official Portal
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$18,720/yr
Global Baseline

Khalifa University (Abu Dhabi)

$1,560/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,100/mo
Food & Groceries$380/mo
Local Transit & Personal$80/mo
Est. International Tuition$28,000/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$46,720/yr
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