King Fahd University of
Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) was officially established by Royal Decree on 5
Jumada I, 1383 H. (23 September 1963). The first students were admitted a year
later, on 23 September 1964, when 67 young men enrolled in what was then the
College of Petroleum and Minerals (CPM). Since that time, the University
enrollment has grown to 6500 students in 1994-95 and is expected to reach the
7000 level by 1995-96.
Several significant events have marked the University's growth. In 1971, at the
first graduation ceremony, four men received their baccalaureate degrees in
engineering; since that time, more them 8575 degrees have been awarded. In 1975,
the College of Petroleum and Minerals became the University of Petroleum and
Minerals, a change both in name and academic status. In 1986, the University was
renamed: The King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.
The successful management of Saudi Arabia's vast petroleum and mineral resources
poses a complex and exciting challenge for scientific, technical, and management
education in the Kingdom.
To meet this challenge, the University has adopted advanced training in the
fields of science, engineering, and management as one of its goals in order to
promote leadership and service in the Kingdom's petroleum and mineral
industries. The University also furthers knowledge through research in these
fields.