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

King Khalid University vs King Abdullah University of Science And Technology

King Khalid University Logo
King Khalid University

Abha, Saudi Arabia

QS World: #514
King Abdullah University of Science And Technology Logo
King Abdullah University of Science And Technology

Thuwal, Saudi Arabia

QS World: #9998% Admit
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

Comprehensive comparison between King Khalid University and King Abdullah University of Science And Technology. Both institutions offer world-class undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

King Khalid University boasts strong global prestige and leading academic research. King Abdullah University of Science And Technology excels in international collaboration and student outcomes.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Choose King Khalid University for classical academic standing, and King Abdullah University of Science And Technology for industry-focused modern career tracks.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally3 — 3 Advantage
Comparative DimensionKing Khalid UniversityKing Abdullah University of Science And Technology
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#514 (2027)+485 places
#999+ (2021)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#301 (2027)Lead
# (2025)
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#401 (2026)
#201 (2026)+200 places
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#306 (2027)
#103 (2027)+203 places
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
Est. Open/Tier
8%
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
See Portal
See Portal
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1998Lead
2009
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
54,291
1,200
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
80 / 100
90 / 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 Khalid University: 0 leads·King Abdullah University: 5 leads

King Khalid University · Specialist Subject Standings

Social Sciences & Management#243
Mathematics#301
Physics and Astronomy#301

King Abdullah University · Specialist Subject Standings

Petroleum Engineering#11
Materials Science#36
Statistics and Operational Research#51
Discipline Focus: Chemistry
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King Khalid University Programs

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

King Abdullah University Programs

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

SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

Estimated monthly student expenditure in Abha vs Thuwal alongside annual international tuition.

Global Baseline

King Khalid University (Abha)

$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

King Abdullah University (Thuwal)

$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
APPLICANT DECISION SUITE · FREE & PRO TOOLS

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