Al-Faisal University was recently granted licensing for all its programs by the Ministry of Higher Education, including bachelors and masters for both genders, according to Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Mubarak, vice-president and chief academic officer.

“Advances have been made under the prudent leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Crown Prince Salman and the due consideration the government gives to this vital sector. As such, Saudi academic institutions have flourished and continue to gain both national and international recognition for their quality education and learning outcomes,” Al-Mubarak said.

He appreciated the role played by the Ministry of Higher Education in supervising, supporting and developing the educational process in the Kingdom.

Al-Mubarak emphasized the principal role played by Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, governor of Makkah and president of the Al-Faisal Board of Trustees, in elevating the university’s status.

Al-Faisal has a reputation for nurturing knowledge and scientific research through various partnerships with a number of internationally recognized universities and research centers.

Al-Mubarak stressed the necessity of boosting and empowering Saudis since human resources are the tool of change and the driving force behind development.

“Al-Faisal medical students’ topped nationwide scores in Maastricht University’s Progress Test. Al-Faisal’s college stood out among the 12 national competing colleges of medicine. Out of the 2,500 examinees, six of Al-Faisal’s students were among the top 10 finalists. The results confirm both Al-Faisal’s high-quality learning outcomes and the consequent distinction of its students,” he said.

The university pledged to exert efforts to further enhance students’ academic status and to further increase their retention rate through state-of-the art pedagogical means.

The increase in admission rates has multiplied over the past three academic years to 1,800 regular students in different programs including bachelors and masters.

Al-Mubarak also unveiled plans to establish academic branches in different colleges across Jeddah, including dentistry, medicine, pharmacology and business administration.

“We also plan to expand the offering to include new bachelors and masters programs in order to meet job market demand,” he said. “The total cost of Al-Faisal’s construction projects may reach SR200 million.”