Introduction to the University of Prince Mugrin (UPM) Preparatory Year Program

The University of Prince Mugrin (UPM) offers a Preparatory Year program designed to equip students with the essential skills for success in their chosen field. The program covers English, mathematics, and computer skills, providing a strong foundation for their academic journey.

Message from the Dean of Educational Services

The Dean of Educational Services welcomes students to UPM and introduces the Preparatory Year program. The program is designed to provide a supportive learning environment that fosters both academic and personal growth.

General Admission Criteria

To be admitted to UPM, students must:

• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent from the Kingdom or abroad.
• Be physically fit.
• Not be dismissed from any other university for disciplinary reasons.

Admission Criteria Based on the Educational System

The admission criteria vary based on the educational system:

1. Saudi System:

• Scientific Stream: 80% and above
• Literary Stream: 80% and above

2. British Diploma (IGCSE):

• Eight O-level courses with grade C or above.
• 5 courses O level grade C and above in addition to two courses AS with a score not less than D.
• Five courses O level grade C and Above and one course A level with grade D.

3. American Diploma:

• Applicants must have an American Diploma and have taken the SAT exam, with a minimum score of 1000 out of 1600.
• The university can accept high school graduates from other educational systems that follow the non-attendance education pattern if the student fulfills the university's admission requirements.

Program Allocation

Students will be assigned to academic programs based on program capacity and their chosen field of study.

Prep Year Requirement

If a student is required to complete a preparatory year, they must fulfill the specific requirements for their chosen major. Admission to the program will depend on availability at the time.

Admission Criteria for Non-Saudi High School Certificates

• American Diploma: The American Diploma must be recognized by the Ministry of Education.
• Saudi High School Certificates from Outside the Kingdom: These certificates must be certified by the Saudi Embassy in the country of issuance.
• Equivalency Requirement: Students with a general secondary certificate from an educational system outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must obtain an equivalency for this certificate.
• Other Secondary Certificates: If the secondary certificate is from a different educational system not mentioned above, the applicant must contact the Admissions and Registration Department at the university for information on the required admission criteria based on the type of secondary certificate obtained.

Special Admission Criteria

Direct Admission in the Academic Programs

• English Proficiency Requirements:
  • IELTS: A minimum score of 5.0 for all academic programs, except for International Hospitality Management, which requires a minimum score of 6.0.
  • TOEFL:
    • IBT: 35-45 for all programs, 60 IBT for International Hospitality Management.
    • Paper-based: 500 for all programs, 550 for International Hospitality Management.
• UPM Placement Test: Minimum score of 71.
• UPM Math and Computer Placement Tests: Minimum score of 70%.

Admission To Preparatory Year Program

If a student does not meet the criteria for direct admission to an academic program, they must join the preparatory program. Upon successful completion of the preparatory program, the student may proceed to their chosen academic major, provided they meet the program's requirements and space is available.

Required Scores to Pass Preparatory Year Courses

• English Language: C and Above, or 70% and Above
• Mathematics: C and Above, or 70% and Above
• Computer Science: D and Above, or 70% and Above
• Additional Requirements for College of Computer and Cyber Sciences: All students enrolled in the preparatory year for the College of Computer and Cyber Sciences must achieve a cumulative GPA of no less than 2.5 out of 4.0 to be admitted into the college's programs.

Admission Requirements for the Interior Design Program

Applicants must take the Interior Design Entrance Exam. The student must not have been dismissed from that university for disciplinary reasons. Accepted students will be selected through a competitive process based on 60% of the Placement Test result and 40% of the cumulative GPA.

Admission Requirements

• Copy of High school certificate or its equivalent.
• Copy of Saudi ID for Saudi students, Iqama or visit visa for non-Saudis.
• Copy of aptitude exam result, if applicable.
• Copy of achievement exam result, if applicable.
• Medical report issued and stamped by a certified hospital or healthcare center.
• Copy of English language certificate (IELTS or its equivalent), if available.

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Summary