FAQs - Graduate Programs

Graduate Programs

1. How many BIOE graduate programs are offered by the department?
The BIOE Department offers four graduate programs:
  • Master of Science in Bioengineering (Project-based)
  • Master of Science in Bioengineering (Thesis-based)*
  • Master of Science in Life Sciences*
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Bioengineering

*These programs are not currently accepting new students.

2. What research areas are available in the BIOE Department?
The department offers research opportunities in the following areas:
  • Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
  • Biomechanics
  • Biomedical Devices
  • Biotechnology
  • Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
These areas cover a wide range of bioengineering disciplines to support diverse research and career goals.
3. Is coursework required to complete a graduate degree?
Yes. Students must successfully complete the required coursework and, depending on their program, a supervised M.S. project, M.S. thesis, or Ph.D. dissertation, including the required defense.
4. What are the admission requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. programs?
Applicants must hold a B.S. degree in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, or a closely related field from a recognized institution with graduate programs equivalent to those at KFUPM.

For institutional requirements, visit KFUPM Graduate Studies. For department-specific requirements, visit the BIOE Department website under Academics.

5. How many credit hours are required to complete an M.S. degree?
A total of 30 credit hours is required.
6. What are the core courses in the Ph.D. program?
The Ph.D. program includes four core courses totaling 12 credit hours:
  • BIOE 501 – Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering
  • BIOE 502 – Anatomy and Physiology for Engineers
  • BIOE 503 – Concepts in Bioengineering
  • BIOE 504 – Statistics for Bioengineers
7. What is a degree plan?
A degree plan outlines the required courses and thesis, project, or dissertation components needed to complete a particular degree. It must be approved by the department and the Deanship of Graduate Studies.
8. What is the deadline for submitting a degree plan?
The degree plan should be submitted as early as possible, but no later than the 12th week of the second semester of enrollment.
9. Can M.S. students take 400-level courses?
At most one 400-level course may be taken as an elective, subject to advisor approval.
10. What are the requirements for completing a Ph.D. degree?
Students must complete the required coursework, pass the comprehensive examination, successfully defend a dissertation proposal, and complete and defend an original research dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the discipline.
11. How many credit hours are required in the Ph.D. program?
The Ph.D. program requires 42 credit hours of coursework.
12. What happens if a student fails the comprehensive examination?
A student who fails the comprehensive examination on the first attempt may retake it in the following semester. Students are allowed a maximum of two attempts and must pass the examination by the fourth semester.
13. Is registration in BIOE 599/699 (Seminars) mandatory?
Yes. All graduate students must register for BIOE 599/699 (Seminars) every semester throughout their studies.
14. How many credit hours are assigned to the Ph.D. dissertation?
The Ph.D. dissertation component totals 12 credit hours:
  • Pre-Dissertation: 3 credit hours
  • Dissertation: 9 credit hours
15. How many courses can a Ph.D. student take outside the department?
A Ph.D. student may take a maximum of two courses outside the BIOE Department.
16. Can I switch from the M.S. program to the Ph.D. program?
Direct switching between programs is not permitted. Students interested in joining the Ph.D. program must submit a new application through the Deanship of Graduate Studies during an active admission cycle.
17. Can I register for a non-BIOE course as part of my specialization?
Yes, provided the course is cross-listed and approval is obtained from the department.
18. Where can I get assistance with my degree plan?
Contact your academic advisor or the BIOE Graduate Program Coordinator for guidance.
19. How and when can I select a thesis advisor?
An advisor will be assigned based on the alignment of your research interests, as indicated in your Statement of Purpose (SoP) and admission interview. You must formally declare your advisor in the system during your first semester.
20. How can I submit an academic petition?
Complete the Graduate School petition form, obtain approval from the BIOE Graduate Program Coordinator, and submit the petition to the Deanship of Graduate Studies.
21. Must I register for thesis credits every semester?
Yes. Once thesis work has started, students must register for thesis credits every semester until the thesis defense.
22. Can I take courses beyond my degree requirements?
Yes, with the approval of your advisor and the department.
23. How do I register for the Ph.D. comprehensive examination?
Coordinate with the BIOE Graduate Committee. The examination is typically scheduled during the third semester.
24. What is the deadline for passing the Ph.D. comprehensive examination?
Students should take the examination by their third semester. If unsuccessful, a second and final attempt must be completed during the fourth semester of enrollment.

Online Admissions

1. What are the deadlines for online applications?
For current application deadlines and submission instructions, visit the KFUPM Online Application Portal.
2. What documents are required for the online application?
Please refer to the Graduate Admission Requirements for the complete list of mandatory documents.
3. What is meant by a complete academic transcript?
An academic transcript is an official university document listing the courses taken and the grades or marks received.
  • Direct Ph.D. applicants: M.S. transcripts (if applicable) and B.S. transcripts.
  • M.S. applicants: B.S. transcripts.
4. How do I submit recommendation letters?
Enter the names and email addresses of your academic referees in the "Recommenders Info" section of the online application. Once this section is completed, your referees will receive an email inviting them to submit their recommendation letters online.
5. What is a Statement of Purpose (SoP)?
A Statement of Purpose is a one-page essay describing your academic background, research interests, and future goals. You may also identify your preferred research area and potential academic advisor.
6. What identification document should I submit?
  • International applicants: Valid passport.
  • Saudi nationals: National ID card.
  • Residents of Saudi Arabia: Iqama (residence permit).
7. How do I upload the required documents?
The document upload section is located at the final stage of the online application.
8. How can I correct an incorrect recommender email address?
Log in to your online application and edit the recommender information.
9. How can I replace an incorrectly uploaded document?
Log in to your online application and use the "Update" option to replace the incorrect document.
10. What should I do if my recommender did not receive the recommendation request?
Send an email to gs-admissions@kfupm.edu.sa using the email address associated with your application. Explain the issue and include your application username.
11. When and how will I receive my admission decision?
You can track your application status through the online admission portal. You will also be notified of the admission decision by email.
12. How can I confirm whether my recommendation letters have been received?
You can check the status of your recommendation letters through the online application tracking system.
13. Can I nominate work supervisors or colleagues as recommenders?
No. Only academic referees should be nominated to provide recommendation letters.
Need further assistance?

For additional questions or clarifications, please contact the BIOE Graduate Program at BIOE-grad@kfupm.edu.sa.