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
Discipline Focus: Petroleum Engineering
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King Fahd University Programs

Refer to the official King Fahd University course catalog for current intake fees.

Khalifa University Programs

Refer to the official Khalifa University course catalog for current intake fees.

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
APPLICANT DECISION SUITE · FREE & PRO TOOLS

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