Mandatory English Requirements

Students whose Admissions English Language test entry scores are below IELTS 7.0/TOEFL 90 (or equivalent on other KAUST accepted tests) are required to successfully complete a
mandatory English language course.

This semester-long, credit-bearing course, offered both in the Fall and Spring semesters, must be completed within a student's first year at KAUST, generally during the first semester of a student’s arrival on campus so as to provide optimum language support. As this is an assessed course, students need to achieve an overall pass grade otherwise they will need to repeat the course in the following semester.

Testing out
In lieu of completing the mandatory English course, a student can alternatively test out of the English requirement. To test out, the student must submit a valid English Language test certificate to the Registrar’s Office demonstrating an IELTS 7.0/TOEFL 90 and above ((or equivalent on other KAUST accepted tests). A student may test out at any time during their first calendar year.

Failure to Complete
Failure to complete this requirement within the first year, either through non-completion of the required class or non-provision of demonstrated IELTS 7.0 (or equivalent) will result in academic dismissal from the University