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Application Procedure for Applicants with Disabilities

Guidelines for graduate applicants with disabilities at King Abdulaziz University

This page outlines the application procedure for applicants with disabilities who wish to enroll in graduate programs at King Abdulaziz University. The process aligns with the official admission procedures of the Deanship of Graduate Studies.

Note: Section titles are highlighted in green for better readability and accessibility.

Application Steps

  1. The application period for this category is the same as that for other applicants and is conducted through the electronic admission system of the Deanship of Graduate Studies.
  2. Applicants must meet all admission requirements of the intended graduate program.
  3. Applicants must attach official medical reports confirming the type of disability during the online application process.
  4. The system provides a special exception feature for the department chairperson to approve applicants with disabilities in addition to the proposed admission quota, based on the department’s capacity.

Application Mechanism for Teaching Assistants and Lecturers from Saudi Universities

For admission to academic postgraduate programs at the university (other than King Abdulaziz University)

Application Procedure:

  1. Applications must be submitted during the official admission period through the electronic admission system, or during any other period determined by the Deanship of Graduate Studies.
  2. All Teaching Assistants and Lecturers must meet the admission requirements of the program they wish to join.
  3. This category will be clearly identified when applicant files are sent to the academic departments for evaluation.
  4. The academic department may accept applicants from this category in addition to the proposed admission quota electronically during the evaluation process, according to the department’s capacity.
  5. If the Head of the Department approves their admission, the Deanship of Graduate Studies will issue a conditional admission letter to the Teaching Assistant or Lecturer, pending submission of a financial guarantee and the official scholarship decision.
  6. The Teaching Assistant or Lecturer must submit a financial guarantee letter and the official scholarship decision to complete the admission procedures.

Study Mechanism for Teaching Assistants and Lecturers — Internal Scholarship / On-Campus Study

Guidelines and Conditions for Internal Scholarship or On-Campus Study (King Abdulaziz University)

This document provides a formatted and organized version of the rules and mechanism for study by teaching assistants and lecturers through internal scholarship or on-campus study. Use the sections below to navigate or print this page for reference.

Note: Section titles are highlighted in green for better readability and emphasis.

First: Requirements for Teaching Assistants

  1. At least two years must have passed since the appointment as a teaching assistant.
  2. Provide evidence that external scholarship or internal scholarship (at a Saudi university) is not possible for those wishing to study at KAU.
  3. Fulfill all admission requirements for the desired program.
  4. Meet the English language requirement as stated by the Deanship of Graduate Studies (TOEFL PBT or equivalent IELTS or STEP score).
  5. Achieve the minimum required score of 65 in the Graduate Aptitude Test, valid for five years.
  6. Obtain admission to a master’s program at a reputable Saudi university if studying outside KAU.

Second: Regulations for Acceptance of Teaching Assistants in Departments and Colleges

Approval from both the department and (college/tri-committee) councils is required to justify internal scholarship or on-campus study for obtaining a master’s degree.

  1. If the desired program is in another department within or outside the college, approval from the target department is required.
  2. If the program is in another branch of the same college, approval from the joint departmental council is sufficient.
  3. If the program is not an extension of the assistant’s specialization, permanent committee approval is required to avoid promotion issues later.
  4. If more than 10% of the department’s assistants apply for internal study or on-campus study, the percentage cap applies. Priority is given by appointment seniority, then by age.

Study Mechanism for PhD Degree — Lecturers

(Via Internal Scholarship or On-Campus Study)

First: Requirements for Lecturers

  1. Must hold the rank of Lecturer or have passed at least one year since recommendation for appointment. Islamic Studies and Arabic Language specialties are exempted.
  2. Provide evidence that external scholarship or joint supervision programs are not possible for internal scholarship applicants.
  3. Provide evidence that internal scholarship (in another Saudi university) is not possible for those wishing to study at KAU.
  4. Publish or have an accepted research paper in a peer-reviewed journal or scientific conference.
  5. Fulfill admission requirements for the desired program.
  6. Meet the English language requirement as specified (TOEFL PBT or equivalent IELTS or STEP score).
  7. Achieve a minimum score of 65 in the Graduate Aptitude Test, valid for five years.
  8. Obtain admission to a PhD program at a reputable Saudi university if studying outside KAU.
  9. Pass the pre-scholarship preparation course organized by the Center for University Education Development for internal scholarship candidates.

Second: Regulations for Acceptance of Lecturers in Departments and Colleges

Approval from both the department and (college/tri-committee) councils is required to justify internal scholarship or on-campus study for a PhD degree, considering the following:

  1. Eligible cases shall not exceed 20% of the total lecturers in the department annually, with possible exceptions by the Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research.
  2. Percentages are calculated annually, with at least one lecturer accepted if the percentage is less than one.
  3. The percentage includes both internal scholarships and on-campus study requests.
  4. If applications exceed 20% of lecturers, the quota applies; selection is based on appointment seniority, then age.
  5. General education or shared subject units are treated as one department for percentage purposes.
  6. If the program is in another department, approval from the target department is required.
  7. If the program is in another branch of the same college, joint departmental council approval is sufficient.
  8. If the program is not an extension of the lecturer’s specialization, approval from the permanent committee for scientific affairs is required to avoid promotion barriers.
  9. Avoid concentration in one Saudi university; applications for a single university should not exceed half of the allowed percentage per year. If exceeded, priority is given by appointment seniority, then age.
  10. Exemptions apply to applicants for KAUST or those specializing in Islamic Studies and Arabic Language.
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