• Interviewed by: Muhammad Samih

• Photography: Ali Al-Hatirshi

The Dean of Admission and Registration in Umm Al-Qura University, Dr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Ghamdi, has announced five steps of preference that will be applied through the "Unified Admission Portal" for more than 15,000 academic seats available to students applying towards "Bachelor degree, the Community College diplomas, the diplomas of the College of Community Service and Continuing Education", and for students joining "the programs of the joint first year and the evening preparatory year". These seats are distributed among various UQU's campuses: the headquarters in Makkah Al-Mukarramah and its branches in Jamoum, Al-Leith, Al-Qunfudhah and Adham.

During his meeting with the Media Center, Dr. Al-Ghamdi confirmed the special exception for admission for the sons of martyrs and the brave security men participating in the southern border. He explained in detail the admission mechanisms and procedures followed. The text of the interview is as follows:

• What are the efforts exerted by the deanship for admission during the academic year 1440/1441?

Thank you for posing this question. The Deanship of Admission and Registration, in cooperation with the Deanship of Information Technology, configured early on the Unified Admission Portal to serve all students (male and female) who wish to be admitted to Umm Al-Qura University. Through this portal all application procedures are electronically performed without the need to check with the university. Indeed, the admission for the Academic Year 1440/1441 A.H. is to be easily and smoothly processed through implementation of five stages.

• How is an application to the university made? Is it through the internet or in person at the university?

It is done through the internet. A file should be opened from UQU's website (through the New User option) in the Unified Admission Portal. Enter the requested data, then download the Admission Guide from the Deanship of Admission and Registration website and abide by the dates specified for each stage. The application is electronic and there is no need to check with the university.

• (Interrupting) This means that there will be no manual admission?

Correct. There will be no manual admissions. All admissions will be electronic only through the Unified Admission Portal.

The Mechanisms of Application

• Dr. Abdul-Rahman, what is the mechanism of application? And what are its requirements?

Very important question. The application is made through five steps that can be summarized as follows:

• First Step: Data registration from 9 to 12 Shawwal, 1440 A.H.
• Second Step: Application for admission and choice of specializations according to availability, from13 to 17 Shawwal, 1440 A.H.
• Third Step: Exams and interviews of the departments and colleges requiring them, from 23 Shawwal till 3 Dhu al-Qidah.
• Fourth Step: This is the preference period, from 4 to 6 Dhu al-Qidah.
• Fifth Step: Announcement of the results and confirmation of nomination, from 7 to 13 of Dhu al-Qidah. During this time, the university students numbers are issued electronically as soon as the request is confirmed.

• What about the English language placement tests?

The period for English language placement tests for students admitted to the program of the joint first year will be from 18 till 22 of the next Dhu al-Qidah. In addition, during the same period, admission will be made for the stream of the programs of the joint first year, the evening preparatory year, and the diplomas of the College of Community Service and Continuing Education for students who have not been accepted to the regular university programs. Preferences for such programs will be made on 25 and 26 of Dhu Al-Qi`dah, 1440 A.H., followed by the announcement of the results and payment of the tuition fees from the next 27 Dhu Al-Qi`dah till 6 Dhu Al-Hijjah.

• Are there requirements or criteria for the admission of male/female students to Umm Al-Qura University?

Yes, the following requirements for admission apply:

• First Requirement: Less than two years have passed since taking the General Secondary Certificate for students wishing to join the medical stream and less than five years for all other programs.
• Second Requirement: Pass the required tests of Qiyas Center, including general capabilities, achievement, and English language competency for students wishing to join the Department of English Language.
• Third Requirement: The student should be medically fit.
• Fourth Requirement: The student should pass any exam or interview required by the relevant department.
• Fifth Requirement: The student should not have been dismissed from UQU or any other university for disciplinary or academic reasons.

Weighted Percentages

• How many male and female students will be admitted to Umm Al-Qura University during the academic year 1440/1441 A.H?

More than 15,000 male and female students will be admitted during the academic year 1440/1441 A.H. to the Bachelor degree, the Community College diplomas, the joint first year, the evening preparatory year, and the diplomas of the College of Community Service and Continuing Education programs in UQU's headquarters in Makkah Al-Mukarramah and its branches in Jamoum, Al-Leith, Al-Qunfudhah, and Adham.

• What is the minimum weighted percentages at which the academic admissions will stop?

There is no specific percentage for stopping admission. It depends on the number of students applying.

• Are there academic programs in which admission has been closed this year? Also What are the new programs to open this year?

Recently, the Ministry of Education directed that the programs of the College of Education be updated. As such, admission has been temporarily closed for the programs of Art Education, Family Education, and Kindergarten as they are currently being updated in line with the requirements of the labor market.

• Do you liaise with other universities to ensure that no admission duplications will be made?

Yes, there is a cooperation in this regard through Maqbool Service. This is a service provided by the Ministry of Education that aims to verify the admission of students in all the higher education and training institutions. It is a reference to prevent the duplication of admission among universities. Another agreement has been made with the universities of the western region to ensure that results are announced at the same time.

• What are the admission exceptions offered by UQU for the sons of martyrs and the security men participating in the southern border?

Without detailing the reasons, there will be exceptions and special treatment given to the admission applications of the sons of martyrs and the security men participating in the southern border, after approval of the Higher Commission for Admission in Umm Al-Qura University 1439/1440 A.H. This policy enjoys the support and backing of the wise leadership - may Allah support them.