Umm Al-Qura University, represented by the Deanship of Postgraduate Studies, announces the opening of admission to the postgraduate studies programs (with and without tuition fees), amounting to 82 programs in various stages (higher diploma, master's, and PhD degrees) for the academic year 1443 A.H. Admission will be from Wednesday, 7 Shawwal 1442 A.H., corresponding to 29 May 2021 A.C., to Monday, 12 Shawwaal, corresponding to 24 May 2021 A.C. The applications should be sent via the electronic portal accessible on the university's website, and the names of the candidates admitted to the programs will be announced on Monday, 26 Shawwal 1442 A.H., corresponding to June 7 2021 A.C.

The Dean of Postgraduate Studies, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Saeed, referred to the admission requirements specified in the Unified Bylaw for Postgraduate Studies, applicable in all Saudi Universities, stressing that all the academic programs are similar in terms of regulations, academic levels, and certificates, all being approved by the Unified Bylaw. He explained that the difference lies in the fact that the paid postgraduate programs are offered outside the official working hours, allowing employees to join them and harness their scientific and practical skills.

Dr. Sulaiman added that the university approved some new admission procedures within the special conditions, such as: raising the minimum score requirement in the General Undergraduate Aptitude Test for the higher diploma, master's and PhD programs, for both the paid and free postgraduate programs. The new required minimum score for the General Undergraduate Aptitude Test for admission to higher diploma programs is 65 degrees, 70 degrees for admission to the master's programs, and 75 degrees for admission to the PhD programs. Moreover, the required score for passing the English tests in some postgraduate programs was modified. He also explained that the university has reviewed the special conditions for the admission mechanism in the postgraduate studies programs to improve scientific and research outputs, in line with the requirements of the labor market and to develop and raise the efficiency of the academic programs.

It is worth noting that the number of students currently enrolled in the postgraduate studies programs at the university is altogether approximately 8775 students: 715 students enrolled in higher diploma programs, 6349 students in master's programs, and 1711 students in PhD programs, and the number of colleges that offer academic programs amount to 21 colleges and institutes, in various disciplines.

**For more details, please visit the website of the Deanship of Postgraduate Studies on this link: click here