Study and Examination Regulations

for the University Stage

(Issued by the decision of the Council of Universities
No. (1444/9/1) adopted in the ninth meeting held on
3/1/1444H, corresponding to 1/8/2022)

And its executive rules at King Khalid

University (amended)
1445H

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His Excellency, the University Vice President for Academic and Educational
Affairs, respectfully .

His Excellency, the Dean of Admissions and Registration, respectfully .

Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.

The University Council Secretariat sends you its warmest regards, and we ask
Allah to grant you aid and success.

I would like to inform you that the University Council, in its 11th meeting for
the academic year 1444 AH, held on 19/01/1445 AH, has approved Resolution
No. (44/11/4) to adopt the Executive Regulations of the Study and
Examinations Bylaw for the University Stage at King Khalid University
(amended), according to the attached format.

Furthermore, we have received a letter from His Excellency the Secretary

General of the Council of Universities, letter number 1/4500036379, dated
5/3/1445 AH, which includes the re-examination of the meeting minutes and
the absence of any remarks on this resolution.

We hope that Your Excellency will kindly review this and take the necessary
action in accordance with the regulations.

Accept my utmost regards and respect, peace.

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 Chapter One: Definitions
Article One:
The following terms and phrases - wherever mentioned in these regulations -
shall have the meanings assigned to them, unless the context requires
otherwise:
Academic Year: Two or more academic semesters and a summer semester if
available, or four or more levels and a summer level or two summer levels if
available.
Academic System: The method of study followed in the colleges and institutes
of the university, whether based on the system of academic levels, academic
semesters, or the complete academic year.
Academic Semester: A time period of no less than fifteen weeks in the system
of two academic semesters, and no less than twelve weeks in the system of
three academic semesters, excluding registration, withdrawal, add/drop
periods, and final exams.
Academic Level: A study method with a duration shorter than an academic
semester, ranging from four to eight weeks, with a total of no less than forty
weeks in a year.
Complete Academic Year: A duration of no less than forty weeks in a year.
Summer Semester: A time period of no less than eight weeks in the system of
two academic semesters, and no less than six weeks in the system of three
academic semesters, during which the designated duration for each course is
doubled.
Summer Level: A time period of no less than four weeks in the academic level
system, during which the designated duration for each course is doubled.
Curriculum: The set of mandatory, elective, and free courses that constitute the
graduation requirements, which the student must successfully complete in
order to obtain a degree in the specified specialization.
Course: The academic subject in the curriculum of each program, consisting of
a number, code, and description of the content, and subject to monitoring,
evaluation, and development in each department. It may be taught
independently or have a prerequisite or concurrent requirement.

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Academic Unit: The weekly theoretical lecture (or clinical lesson or exercise
class) with a duration of no less than fifty minutes, or the practical lesson with a
duration of no less than one hundred minutes, or the field trip specified in the
curriculum.
Teaching Method: Various methods of education, including face-to-face
education, blended learning, distance learning, self-learning, and other forms of
education.
Academic Pathway Program (Tjser): The program designed to complete the
study from diploma to bachelor's degree.

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Grade Point Average (GPA): The grade given to the coursework that a student
obtains during a level of study, a semester, or a complete academic year, if
applicable. It includes exams, research, and educational activities related to the
course.
Final Exam: An exam in the course that is held once at the end of teaching the
course at the level of study, semester, or complete academic year.
Final Exam Grade: The grade obtained by the student in each course in the final
exam.
Final Grade: The total of the semester grades, including the final exam grade for
each course, and the overall grade is calculated out of one hundred.
Academic Record: A detailed statement that includes all the courses studied by
the student, the grades obtained, and it includes the semester and cumulative
GPA.
Visiting Student: A student who studies some courses at another university or
branch of the university to which they belong without transferring.
Transcript: A detailed statement that includes all the courses studied by the
student, the grades obtained, and it includes the semester and cumulative GPA.
Incomplete Grade: A grade assigned to a course that the student was unable to
complete the requirements for within the specified time, and it is denoted by
the symbol (I) or (IC) in the academic record.
In Progress Grade: A grade assigned to a course that requires more than one
semester to complete, and it is denoted by the symbol (M) or (IP).
Semester GPA: The result of dividing the total points obtained by the student by
the total credit hours of all the courses studied in any semester, level of study,
or complete academic year. The points are calculated by multiplying the credit
hour by the grade weight obtained in each course studied by the student.
Cumulative GPA: The result of dividing the total points obtained by the student
in all the courses studied since joining the university by the total credit hours of
those courses.

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Overall Evaluation: A description of the student's academic achievement level
during their study period at the university.
Course Load: The set of credit hours that a student is allowed to register for in
a specific level of study, semester, or complete academic year as determined by
the university council.

Executive Rule:
It applies to the definitions and phrases mentioned in the first article; the
definitions and phrases mentioned in Annex (2).

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 Chapter 2: Objectives and Implementation of the Regulations
Article 2:

This regulation aims to organize the mechanisms and procedures of study and examinations at the
university, in order to enhance the efficiency and quality of the educational process and academic
procedures for the stage following the general secondary stage.

Chapter 3: Study Systems

Article 3:

The provisions of this regulation apply to universities that implement the Higher Education Council
system and the universities issued by Royal Decree No. (M/8) dated 4/6/1414 AH, and the
universities that apply the Universities system issued by Royal Decree No. (M/27) dated 3/2/1441
AH.

Article 4:

1. When approving its programs, the university shall adhere to the following in order:

a. The Saudi Unified Classification for Levels and Educational Specializations, issued by the
Council of Ministers Decision No. (75) dated 27/1/1442 AH, and any amendments or updates
thereto.

b. The National Qualifications Framework in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, issued by the
Board of Directors of the Education and Training Evaluation Authority in its first meeting of
the second session held on 16/6/1441 AH, and any amendments or updates thereto.

2. The student progresses in their studies according to the study system and the approved study plan
by the university council.

Executive Rule:

1. Each college of the university must adhere to the Saudi Unified Classification for Levels and
Educational Specializations when preparing its academic programs or developing them, issued by the
Council of Ministers Decision No. (75) dated 27/1/1442 AH, and any amendments or updates
thereto.

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2- The curriculum must adhere to the National Qualifications Framework in the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia, issued by the Board of Directors of the Education and Training Evaluation Authority in its first
meeting of the second session held on 16/6/1441 AH, and any amendments or updates thereto.
3- The university curriculum should include the most important courses that fall under this
specialization.
4 - The specialization code and the level code of the curriculum should be reflected in the graduation
document for the university student, according to the Saudi Unified Classification for Levels and
Educational Specializations.
5- When preparing the curriculum, the latest versions of the Education and Training Evaluation
Authority’s templates should be followed in preparing the program description, courses, and field
training.
6- The curriculum should comply with the approved study plan and the study system adopted by the
university.
7- The student progresses in their studies according to the courses they have successfully passed
within the approved study plan, according to the semester or the full academic year, and as stated in
the executive rules of Article 13 of this regulation. The student is eligible for graduation if they meet
the graduation requirements.
8- It is the responsibility of the college to submit an updated, sealed, and approved copy of the course
description based on the academic system, and the college should update it in case of any changes.
9- No modification to the curriculum is allowed without the approval of the University Council or as
determined by the Permanent Committee for Plans and Curricula, as per the guidelines for ensuring
the quality of academic programs at the university.
10- The Deanship of Admission and Registration is responsible for reflecting the curriculum and any
modifications to it after it has been approved by the University Council.
11- Every student must be familiar with the study system in their college, as well as the current
regulations and rules of the university, including the registration system, withdrawal policies,
academic warnings, graduation requirements, and should consult their academic advisor in their
college when necessary.
12- The regulations governing the shared year program for health specialties are as follows:
a. Registration is done automatically by the Deanship of Admission and Registration according to the
curriculum of the shared year program for health specialties.
b. Withdrawal and addition operations are not allowed, and the schedule is considered fixed for the
student throughout their study period in the shared year program for health specialties.
c. The standard duration of study in the shared year program for health specialties is two academic
semesters.

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D-- The student is not allowed to postpone or apologize for a semester except after fulfilling what is
mentioned in paragraph (G) below.
E- The student is not allowed to apologize for studying one or more courses during his study of the
Joint Year Program for Health Specialties.
F- The student is prohibited from entering the final exam due to absence if his absence rate (without
acceptable excuse) exceeds 20% of the lectures and scientific lessons specified for each course during
the semester, and he is given a deprived grade (DN) in the final grades report.
G-. The student must pass all the subjects of the Joint Year Program for Health Specialties within the
specified period as a basic condition for specialization in colleges, and the student's GPA should not
be less than (3.75 out of 5) for specialization in the College of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy, and
(3.25 out of 5) in the rest of the health colleges, and the specialization processes take place at the
beginning of each academic year.
H. The student will be expelled from the program and transferred to another non-health college or
another non-health specialization based on the absorptive capacity and the cumulative GPA in the
university in the following cases:
● If the student does not complete the program requirements within one academic year.
● The student withdraws or is expelled from studying.
● Obtaining two consecutive warnings in the program.
● If the general GPA for specialization is not achieved.
I- The student must attend the academic counseling sessions to learn about the conditions of the
college he wishes to join (specialization).
J- Exceptional cases in the Joint Year Program for Health Specialties:
● The student is given an exceptional summer semester to complete the program requirements
except for intensive English language courses.
● The University's specialized committee may approve an apology or postponement for one
semester only in the following cases: suspension by judicial or security provisions, or
hospitalization for a period that leads to deprivation or critical medical cases proven by
medical reports from government hospitals.
● A second round of testing is conducted for those who have not completed the program
requirements by the end of the summer semester of the first year of enrollment, and the test
will be in the week of the return of faculty members according to the academic calendar set
by the university, and it should not exceed two courses under any circumstances.
13- All that is mentioned in the University Study Regulations and its executive rules applies to a student
in the Joint Year Program for Health Specialties, except for what is mentioned in point 12 and its
paragraphs.

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Article 5:

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The academic year is divided, and graduation requirements for obtaining the academic degree are
distributed according to the academic system and curriculum approved by the University Council, as
follows:

1. Two or more academic semesters, and there may be a summer semester, with its duration being
counted as half of the academic semester.

2. Four or more academic levels, with each level not being less than four weeks and not exceeding
eight weeks. The total number of academic weeks should not be less than forty weeks during the
year, and there may be a summer level or two summer levels if available, with its duration being
counted as half of the academic level.

Executive Rule:

1. The academic year is divided into two academic semesters and a summer semester if
available.

2. The duration of the academic semester should not be less than fifteen weeks, during
which courses are taught and excluding the registration and final examination periods.

3. The summer semester is optional for the student, and its duration should not be less than
eight weeks.

4. The Admission and Registration Deanship prepares the academic calendar according to
the instructions received from the Ministry regarding the start and end of each academic
semester.

Article 6:

Study in some colleges and institutes may be based on the full academic year, according to the rules
and procedures approved by the University Council.

Executive Rule:

It is possible for study in some colleges to be based on the full academic year, according to the rules
and procedures approved in this regulation, after replacing the term “academic semester” with
“academic year” wherever it appears.

Article 7:

Taking into consideration the decisions issued by the University Affairs Council, the University
Council may, based on the proposals of the college or institute councils, adopt one or some
educational patterns in programs that allow for such based on the nature of the study in them.

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Executive Rule:
1. King Khalid University - in addition to traditional education - offers the following learning modes:

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 a. Full online learning mode (distance learning).
b. Blended online learning mode (part-time).
c. Self-learning mode.
2. When choosing any online learning mode, the nature of the course must align with it.
3. Quality standards for course design approved by the university should be considered in the design
of online courses, and the Deanship of E-Learning has the right to monitor and evaluate the quality of
design and teaching of online courses.
4. In the self-learning mode, approved platforms from the National Center for E-Learning or those
adopted by King Khalid University should be selected.
5. Special needs students, especially the visually impaired, should be provided with devices and
support programs in collaboration with the Deanship of E-Learning.
6. The learning mode for each course is determined based on a decision by the University Council
when approving the study plan, upon the recommendation of the department and college councils.
7-Departments and colleges must adhere to the regulatory rules for e-learning at King Khalid
University when adopting a specific e-learning mode.
Article 8:
The study plan includes academic courses, which should not be less than 10% of the total academic
courses offered in one or more learning modes other than traditional learning mode. The University
Council determines the regulations governing this.
Executive Rule:
1. The University Council approves different learning modes other than traditional learning mode
when adopting the study plan, based on the recommendation of the department council, with at least
5% of the courses being offered in the full online learning mode, excluding general preparatory
courses.
2. The scientific department should adopt at least 5% of the courses in the blended online learning
mode and/or self-learning mode, excluding general preparatory courses.
3. The university applies the full online learning mode for general preparatory courses.
4- The blended learning mode may be used in academic programs that include cooperative training or
practical training.

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5. The university is allowed to implement the full online learning mode for old or closed versions of
study plans with less than 15 male or female students registered in the class, and registration should
be mixed between male and female students.
6. All assessments for courses taught in the full online learning mode should be fully electronic.
7. Academic programs in all colleges of the university are allowed to use the distance learning
system in case of crises and emergencies, after developing a plan for this system approved by the
relevant councils.
8. Faculty members and students are required to adhere to the regulatory rules for e-learning at
King Khalid University.

Article 9:
1. The University Council, based on the recommendation of the college councils, may approve the
following:
a. Academic promotion programs (bridging programs) in some specialties, according to the
regulations approved by the Universities Affairs Council.
b. Intermediate programs.
2. The University Council, based on the recommendation of the college councils or institutes, may
accept a student who has obtained a bachelor's degree in a certain major to study for a bachelor's
degree in another major.
Executive Rule:
1. The University Council, based on the recommendation of the college councils, may approve
academic promotion programs (bridging programs) in some specialties, according to the regulations
approved by the Universities Affairs Council.

2. Intermediate programs are subject to the following regulations:

a. Intermediate programs are established through the department and college councils after
forming a joint committee, with members nominated from the participating departments to
develop the proposed intermediate program. The committee should include no more than
two members from each department who have the required expertise, with a minimum
academic rank of Associate Professor. The committee is responsible for managing and
developing the program.
b. If the intermediate program is between two universities or organizations, one of which is
King Khalid University, each party should nominate at least two members with a minimum
academic rank of Associate Professor, and a committee should be formed for this purpose.

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C- The joint program must follow an academic department determined by the joint committee for
program development, and the program must comply with the Unified Saudi Classification of Levels
and Educational Specializations, issued by the Council of Ministers Decision No. 75 dated 27/1/1442
H, and any amendments or updates to it. The joint program must also comply with the national
framework for qualifications in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, issued by the Board of Directors of the
Education and Training Evaluation Authority in its first meeting of the second session held on
16/6/1441 H, and any amendments or updates to it. The program is approved in its final form by the
department and the college to which it belongs.

D- Periodic supervision and development of the joint programs are carried out by the joint
committee for program development in coordination with the relevant colleges and departments.

E- The similarity between the courses of the joint program and any existing program should not
exceed 20% of the hours of each program for participating specializations if the joint program is
shared between only two academic departments, and should not exceed 40% of the total hours of
participating specialization programs if it offers three or more programs, after excluding the
university requirements hours in case the program is for a diploma or bachelor's degree.

F- The learning outcomes of the joint program should not coincide with the learning outcomes of the
participating departments, and a similarity rate of no more than 30% may be allowed if necessary.

G- The joint program should include teaching methods that clearly reflect the interdisciplinary
specialization, achieving integration between the branches of knowledge that contribute to building
the student's interdisciplinary thinking.

H- The assessment tools should reflect the interdisciplinary skills that the student should acquire.

I- Faculty members teaching courses in these programs should have experience in teaching the joint
program and practicing the required skills.

3. The acceptance of a student who holds a bachelor's degree in a certain specialization, when they
desire to study another bachelor's degree in a different specialization, is subject to the following
regulations:
a. The student must pass the tests and interviews required by the departments and colleges.
b. All applications are subject to selection procedures according to the available seats and
announced admission requirements.

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Article 10:

The university council may grant a student who has completed the required credit hours but has not
fulfilled the requirements for a bachelor’s degree - a diploma degree in the specialization he/she has
studied, according to the regulations approved by the university council, in compliance with the
Unified Saudi Classification of Levels and Educational Specializations, issued by the Council of
Ministers Decision No. 75 dated 27/1/1442 H, and any amendments or updates to it, and the
national framework for qualifications in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, issued by the Board of
Directors of the Education and Training Evaluation Authority in its first meeting of the second session
held on 16/6/1441 H, and any amendments or updates to it.

Executive regulation:

1. the college council in which the student is studying, upon the recommendation of the
academic advisor, may transfer the student to the exit point and allow him/her to complete
the graduation requirements and grant him/her a diploma degree when the student faces
academic difficulties or is unable to complete the graduation requirements for a bachelor’s
degree.

2. A student who has not completed the requirements for a bachelor’s degree - but has
completed the university requirements and important courses in the specialization, with a
minimum of 24 accredited units, according to the Unified Saudi Classification of Levels and
Educational Specializations - in the applied college, is eligible for a joint diploma qualification
in the specialization he/she has studied.

3. A student who has not completed the requirements for a bachelor’s degree - but has
completed the university requirements and important courses in the specialization, with a
minimum of 60 accredited units, according to the Unified Saudi Classification of Levels and
Educational Specializations - in the applied college, is eligible to complete the cooperative
training and receive an intermediate diploma qualification in the specialization he/she has
studied.

4. A student may be awarded a training certificate if he/she successfully completes some of

the university requirements courses, such as English language courses, digital skills, and life
and university skills, by the applied college.

5. The university council has the right, when closing the study plan or program, to transfer
applicants who request re-enrollment according to the specified timeframe to the exit point.

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Article 11.
In consideration of the decisions issued by the University Affairs Council, national development
requirements, and reports issued by relevant authorities to anticipate supply and demand in the job
market, the university council - based on the proposal of college councils or their representatives in
the university - determines the admission conditions and the number of students that can be
accepted for the academic year.

Executive Rule:
1- Without violating the provisions of Article 11 of the Study and Examinations Regulations for the
university stage, the following conditions are required for the acceptance of new students in the
university:
a. To hold a high school diploma or its equivalent from inside or outside the kingdom.
b. To be of Saudi nationality, or from a Saudi mother, or a resident, as defined by the
university’s internal regulations or the national regulations.
c. To pass all the exams required by the university or the college.
d. The applicant should not have been expelled from King Khalid University or any other
university academically or disciplinarily, unless three years have passed since his dismissal
before applying for admission to the university.
e. The student should be medically fit for the accepted specialization, and the Admission and
Registration Deanship has the right to change his acceptance to a specialization that suits his
health condition at the time or cancel his acceptance.
f. The student should submit an online application during the announced period and
according to the mechanism determined by the Admission and Registration Deanship.
2- Priority in admission to the university’s colleges and programs is given to graduates of the same
year of admission.
3- The acceptance request of the student who has been nominated for admission but did not agree
to the nomination in the specified time is considered void.
4- The acceptance of local and international scholarship students and non-Saudi international
students is subject to the regulations governing this matter from the relevant authorities inside and
outside the university.
5- After their acceptance in the second colleges - determined by the university council - when these
colleges approve their plans, students are subject to reassessment after completing their first year.
Each college requires a specific competitive GPA, and students must be informed of this.
6- Each student at the university is issued an electronic university card, equipped with a photo to
prove their identity through the academic system (via the Academic mobile application).

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7- The student is required to familiarize themselves with their academic and non-academic rights and
responsibilities as stated in the university’s regulations and rules, and cannot claim ignorance of these
regulations and rules.

Article 12:
In addition to what is mentioned in articles 9 and 10 of this regulation, the student may be accepted
with:

1. A diploma degree (or its equivalent) to complete their studies and obtain a bachelor’s degree, and
to have their studied courses equated.

2. A bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) in a specific major to obtain a bachelor’s degree in another
major, and to have their studied courses equated.

The executive regulations of this regulation determine the conditions and procedures for this,
including the possibility of including the equated courses in the student’s cumulative GPA.

Executive Regulations:

First: The student who has obtained a diploma degree (or its equivalent) may be accepted to complete
their studies and obtain a bachelor’s degree, and have their studied courses equated according to the
following regulations:

a. The student’s cumulative GPA in the diploma stage or its equivalent should not be less than
3.75 out of 5 or its equivalent.

b. Passing the written exam conducted by the departments.

c. The equated courses should not be less than 15% and should not exceed 40% of the
student’s plan at university.

d- Extension of the diploma major to the bachelor’s major or one of its tracks.

e. The equated courses are included in the student’s cumulative GPA in their academic record
for graduates of the Applied College at the university.

f. 10% of the student’s plan in the university is allocated for what they do not want from the
annual admission numbers in the major.

Second: The student who has obtained a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) may be accepted to
obtain a bachelor’s degree in another major, and have their studied courses equated according to the
following regulations:

a. The new major in the bachelor’s degree should be included in the Unified Saudi Classification for
Educational Levels and Specializations, issued by the Council of Ministers Decision No. 75 dated
1442/1/27 AH, and any amendments or updates thereto.

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b. The student’s cumulative GPA should not be less than 3.75 out of 5 or its equivalent.

c. The percentage of course equivalencies should not exceed 40% of the student’s plan at the
university.

d. A maximum of 10% of the annual admission numbers in the specialization is allocated for the
specialization stage based on the cumulative GPA.

e. Obtaining a score of at least 60 in the general aptitude test for university students.

Chapter Five: Academic Procedures

Article Thirteen:
The university council establishes the rules governing academic procedures, including registration,
drop and add courses within the approved study plan, ensuring that students register for the minimum
academic workload.

Executive Rule:

1. The university adopts the Credit Hour System in preparing the study schedules.

2. The study plan is based on the principle of giving the student the freedom to choose the courses
he/she wishes to study to complete the required credit hours for graduation within the limits specified
in paragraph 6 of these rules for this article.

3. With the assistance of the academic advisor, the student can develop a study plan for graduation
within the specified time or earlier, according to the student’s academic situation.

4. Not all courses in the plan are offered every semester, and the offering is based on the following
guidelines:

- All prerequisite courses are offered to allow struggling students to enroll.

- Courses with high demand from students are offered within the department’s capacity.

- The remaining courses are offered in rotating semesters, ensuring that each course in the
plan is offered at least once per academic year.

- All courses expected to graduate students are offered.

- All university and college requirements are offered.

- All courses for programs with closed admission are offered.

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5- Students are required to attend the specified sections in their schedules, and the student bears the
consequences of attending sections that are not specified in their schedule.
6- The minimum academic load in course registration is 12 credit hours per semester, and the student
is allowed to exceed the hours from higher levels according to the program's advisory plan, not
exceeding four semesters.
7- Registration at the university should be done early before the start of the next semester, and it is
recommended to register for the student according to the approved credit hour system. The student
should register for the courses included in his/her approved study plan and according to the sequence
of the plan imposed by the concerned college to obtain the required academic degree. Early
registration processes end in the tenth week of each semester.
8- The student's academic workload and progression according to the program's advisory plan are
linked to his/her cumulative GPA as follows:
a. 15 credit hours at most for those with a cumulative GPA lower than (2).
b. 17 credit hours at most for those with a cumulative GPA between (2-2.75).
c. 18 credit hours at most for those with a cumulative GPA between (2.76-3.5).
d. Between 19-20 credit hours at most for those with a cumulative GPA between (3.51-5).
9- For the fast-track graduate student, the maximum credit hours is 24, if possible, through the college
registrar after the approval of the department head and the concerned vice dean.
10- If the student is unable to register for the academic load according to his/her academic situation
due to conflict, failure to complete the prerequisite, or for completing all the courses of that level,
he/she is satisfied with the available credit hours, even if their number is below the minimum
requirement.
11- The academic department is responsible for offering courses for its study plans, including their
schedules, days, classrooms, learning methods, and class capacities, according to the approved
regulations at the university. Any modifications to these plans can only be made with the approval of
the relevant vice dean after presenting justifications for the change and the proposed solution by the
department. The Admission and Registration Deanship will make the necessary modifications after
that.
12- A student cannot register for a course without fulfilling its prerequisites unless the department
approves it and the student has previously studied and failed in that course.
13- The student, along with their academic advisor, is responsible for selecting an academic workload
that aligns with their abilities, understanding, and academic performance, taking into consideration
the minimum and maximum credit hours allowed to be registered per semester.
14- Instead of relying on the credit hour system, the student's academic level is determined by their
study plan.
15- Students enrolled in the bachelor's program are classified according to the number of successfully
completed credit hours into the following academic years: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

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 Year The number of passed credit hours.

1 0 - 30

2 31 - 60

3 61 -90

4 91 -120-

5 121 -150

6 151 or more

16. The registration for new students is automatically done in their first semester at the university.

Article 14:

The student is required to attend the academic unit either physically or virtually, according to the
specified teaching methods in the study plan. The student will be prohibited from taking the final
exam if their attendance rate falls below the percentage determined by the university council. A
student who is prevented from taking the exam due to excessive absenteeism will be considered as
failed in the course and will be given a deprived (DN) grade.

Executive rule:

The student must attend all activities of the approved course as described in the course profile,
either physically or virtually. The student will be prohibited from taking the final exam if their
attendance rate falls below 75% of the total contact hours of the course, according to the study plan.
A student who is prevented from taking the exam due to excessive absenteeism will be considered
as failed in the course and will be given a (DN) grade. However, health colleges are exempted from
this rule, where the student will be prohibited from taking the final exam if their attendance rate
falls below the total contact hours of the course according to the study plan by 80%.

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Article Fifteen:
The college council, institute, or their authorized representatives may lift the deprivation and allow
the student to enter the final exam, provided that the student provides an acceptable excuse to the
college council, institute, or their authorized representatives. The university council determines the
minimum attendance rate for lectures, practical lessons, or training sessions from the total contact
hours of the course, whether in-person or virtual, or according to other specified teaching methods in
the study plan.

Executive Rule:

1- The course instructor is allowed to record absences and automatically mark them as excused. They
must do so within seven days from the date of the lecture at the latest.

2- The faculty member, or those in a similar position, should start recording absences automatically
from the first day of the semester and continue until the end of the week preceding the final exams
of the semester, according to the academic calendar.

3- The faculty member, or those in a similar position, must not allow those whose names are not listed
to attend, and the student bears the consequences of attending in a different section than the one
assigned to them.

4- If there is an excuse for the student’s absence from the theoretical or practical lecture, they must
submit it to their academic advisor within seven days from the date of the lecture. The department
head is responsible for accepting or rejecting excuses, and may rely on committees if necessary. The
course instructor should be directed to convert the absence to an excused absence if the excuse is
accepted.

6- The student should monitor their absence percentage weekly for the courses they are registered
in.

7- The student will receive a first warning when their absence rate reaches 10%, a second warning if
it reaches 15%, and if it exceeds 25%, the student will be deprived.

8- The Deanship of Admission and Registration automatically imposes deprivation on students whose
absence rate in lectures exceeds 25% for all university specializations, except for health colleges,
where deprivation occurs if the absence rate exceeds 20%.

9. When the student’s absence rate in lectures, practical lessons, and fieldwork specified for the
course is more than 25% and less than 50%, the department may, if convinced, lift the deprivation
from the student before or after the start of the final exams. This matter should be presented to the
college council or their authorized representatives. If the deprivation is lifted, the department should
conduct an alternative exam for the student after the final exams period and inform the Deanship of
Admission and Registration of the student’s result.

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10- The permanent committee for educational and academic affairs may recommend, upon the
college’s request, lifting the ban on students who have exceeded 50% of absences if the student is a
graduate in the semester in which they submit excuses for lifting the ban, provided that they are
present for course evaluations and have obtained a grade of no less than the classwork, or if the
student is suspended for any proven reason.

11- The student who is banned from taking final exams may not enter the exams before the approval
of the college council or its delegate to lift the ban.

- Article 16: The student may apologize for continuing their studies for a level, a semester, or a full
academic year without being considered failed, if they provide an acceptable excuse to the authority
specified by the university council, provided that the apology is counted within the necessary period
to complete graduation requirements. The executive regulation of these regulations determines the
conditions and procedures for this.

- Executive regulation:

1- The student may automatically request an apology for continuing their studies for a semester, a
summer semester, or a full academic year before the start of the final exams, three weeks for the
regular semester and two weeks for the summer semester according to the university’s academic
calendar. The student’s academic advisor studies the request and makes a recommendation on it, and
the request is approved by the department head/college dean or their delegate. If the request is not
decided within five working days from the date of submission through the electronic portal in the
specified period, the apology will be automatically executed.
2- If the student applies for an apology after the last day of the specified period for apologies and
before the start of final exams for preparatory courses according to the academic calendar of the
university, the student must submit their excuses to the department council and then the college
council, and if the request is approved, the admissions and registration deanship must be informed.
3- The student has the right to apologize for a previous semester retroactively (immediately
preceding), provided that they have not received a grade in any course of the semester they want to
apologize for.
4- The student is not allowed to apologize for a semester in which final exam grades have been
recorded for any course in that semester. However, they can apologize for the rest of the courses
regardless of their number, and these courses are counted as part of the number of courses the
student is allowed to apologize for.
5-The student continues to attend while following up on the results of their semester apology request
on the electronic portal, and if the request is not approved, the student is required to attend according
to their schedule.

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6-A withdrawn grade (A, W) is recorded for the student who apologizes in all courses of that semester.

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7- The apologizing student must continue their automatic registration in the following semester or
else they will be considered as withdrawn.
8- The duration of the apology is calculated including the time needed to fulfill graduation
requirements.
9- The student is not allowed to apologize or defer for more than three academic semesters (two for
diploma degree), unless the Permanent Committee for Educational and Academic Affairs
recommends, based on the recommendation of the college council or its authorized representative,
to approve a fourth and final opportunity (third and final for diploma degree) for apology due to
compelling circumstances that prevent the student from continuing their studies, such as suspension
due to judicial or security rulings, or hospitalization for a period of absence that leads to deprivation,
or critical medical conditions proven by medical reports from government hospitals.
10- A new student is not allowed to apologize for a semester until one academic year has passed, and
the exception to this rule is subject to the approval of the department and college councils.
11- The student is not allowed to apologize for the summer semester except for proven reasons and
with the approval of the department and college councils or their authorized representatives, and the
summer semester apology is counted as part of the student's allocated apologies.
12- A student in the academic year system is allowed to apologize or defer their studies for one
academic year, provided that the request is submitted at least four weeks before the start of the final
exams, and the Permanent Committee for Educational and Academic Affairs approves a second and
final opportunity for apology for compelling circumstances that prevent the student from continuing
their studies.
Article 17:
The student is allowed to withdraw from one or more courses, and the executive regulation of this
regulation specifies the conditions and procedures for this.
Executive Regulation:
1- The student is allowed to withdraw from a maximum of four courses during their stay at the
university, and the apology for a course in the summer semester is counted as half an apology and the
remainder is credited to the student.
2- The student is allowed to request to withdraw from a course, according to the following:
a. Submitting the withdrawal request before the start of the final exams by three weeks for
the regular semester and two weeks for the summer semester, according to the academic
calendar of the university.
B- The student is not allowed to apologize for a course that they have previously apologized
for during their studies.

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 C. The request is automatically reflected to the academic advisor, and the student’s academic advisor
provides a recommendation, and the request is approved by the department chair or the dean of the
college, or their representative. If the request is not decided within five working days from the date
of submission through the electronic portal, the withdrawal is executed automatically.
D. If the student submits a request to withdraw from a course after the last day of the withdrawal
period according to the university academic calendar, the student must submit their request to the
dean of the college, who refers the request to the student counselor. If the recommendation is to
accept the request, the request is forwarded to the department council and then to the college council
- or their authorized representative - for approval. If approved, the college submits the request to the
Deanship of Admission and Registration for implementation.
3- The student is given a grade of (W) or (AU) in the course from which they withdrew.
4- The student is allowed to withdraw from a course in a previous semester according to the following
conditions:
a. The student is not allowed to withdraw from a course for which they have received a final
exam grade, and the withdrawal is only for courses with a grade of (P) or (F).
b. The student is not allowed to withdraw from a course in previous semesters that exceed
one regular semester in which the student is enrolled.
C. The request to withdraw from the course should be submitted in the following semester
directly, even if the student is on leave or their registration is canceled.
d. The withdrawal conditions for the course should be applicable to the student in that
semester.
e. The student must have a balance that allows them to withdraw retroactively.
5- In the case of overlapping courses, the withdrawal from these courses is counted as one withdrawal.

Article 18:
The student is allowed to request a deferment of their studies for one academic level, one semester,
or one full academic year, for reasons accepted by the authority determined by the university council.
The executive regulation of this regulation specifies the conditions and procedures for this.
Executive Regulation:
1- The student is automatically allowed to request a deferment of their studies for one semester if
they submit the deferment request before the start of the semester and no later than the end of the
first week of the semester according to the university academic calendar. The request is automatically
reflected to the academic advisor, who provides a recommendation and approves it.

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The request is reviewed by the department head/dean of the college or their representative, and if
no decision is made within five working days from the date of submission through the electronic
portal, the deferral will be automatically implemented. The deferral period is not counted towards the
time required to complete the program requirements.
2- The student can track the results of the deferral request on the electronic portal, and if the request
is not approved, the student is obliged to attend according to their schedule.
3- The student is not entitled to more than three deferrals or withdrawals from courses (two for
diploma degree), and the permanent committee for educational and academic affairs recommends
approving a fourth and final deferral (third and final for diploma degree) after the recommendation
of the department and college councils, for compelling circumstances that prevent the student from
continuing their studies, such as legal or security suspensions, or hospital reports confirming critical
health conditions.
4- The student who has deferred their studies must follow their automatic registration in the following
semester, otherwise they will be considered as dropped.
5-A student in the academic year system has the right to apologize or defer continuing their studies
for one academic year, provided that the request is submitted before the start of the midterm exams
with a minimum of four weeks, and the permanent committee for educational and academic affairs
recommends approving a second and final deferral for compelling circumstances that prevent the
student from continuing their studies.
Article 19:
The enrollment of a student in the university is terminated if they have been absent from studying for
a period determined by the university council, without submitting a request for deferment or apology
for their absence. The folded student can apply for re-enrollment with their student number and
record before the absence, and the executive regulations of this bylaw specify the conditions and
procedures for that.
Executive regulation:
1- If a regular student is absent from studying for four consecutive weeks without requesting
deferment or apology, their enrollment will be folded by the university.
2- The folded student can apply for re-enrollment with their student number and record before the
absence, according to the following conditions:
a. They should apply for re-enrollment for the first time through the academic service within
four semesters, and the process will be done automatically.
B- If five or more semesters have passed since the student’s enrollment was folded, they can
apply to the university as a new student without referring to their previous academic record,
as long as they meet all the admission requirements announced at the time.
C- It is not permissible to re-enroll a student whose enrollment has been folded if they have
been academically dismissed after receiving three warnings.

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3- An interruption in studying for a period not exceeding five years is made for the following cases:
A. The student accompanying their sponsored spouse or dependents according to Islamic
law, and this applies to students accompanying their wives * by submitting a deferment
request to the Deanship of Admissions and Registration.
B. The student suspended for judicial or security reasons.
C. Prolonged coma.

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 D. Critical medical conditions supported by medical reports from government hospitals.
If the student wishes to return to studying before the aforementioned period, the following should
be considered:
A. In case of changes in the study plans, equivalent courses or compensations for courses
previously studied by the student are recognized, and graduation requirements are
completed according to the current plan.
B. If there are no changes in the study plans, the student returns to their previous academic
status.
C. After five years, the student starts studying as a new student, according to the admission
requirements in that period, and the university council may benefit from that.
4. The student cannot be re-enrolled more than once, and the permanent committee for educational
and academic affairs may recommend approving a second and final re-enrollment after the
recommendations of the department and college councils.

Article 20:
The student who has been dismissed from the university for disciplinary reasons cannot be re-
enrolled until three years have passed since the dismissal decision, and the executive regulations of
this bylaw determine the specific rules and procedures for that.
Executive regulation:
The student who has been dismissed from the university for disciplinary reasons may be re-enrolled
after three years and within a maximum of five years from the dismissal decision, provided that:
1. The student is not academically dismissed.
According to the following criteria:
2. The student has passed more than 50% of the credit hours in the study plan.

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3. The student should not have committed any behavior indicating misconduct during the interruption
period.
4. The student should not have enrolled in another university during the interruption period and been
expelled for disciplinary or academic reasons.
5. The student should obtain approval from their employer if they work in a government or private
institution.

Article 21:
The student who has withdrawn from the university may apply for re-enrollment with their previous
student number and record, for an excuse accepted by the authority determined by the university
council. The executive regulations of this bylaw determine the specific conditions and procedures for
that.

Executive regulation:
1. The withdrawn student may apply for re-enrollment with their previous student number and record
before withdrawal, as long as they apply for re-enrollment for the first time during their academic
service within four academic semesters, and it is implemented automatically, with the withdrawal
semester counted within the program’s regular duration.
2. If the student has been withdrawn for five or more academic semesters, they may apply to the
university as a new student without referring to their previous student record, as long as they meet
all the admission requirements announced at that time.

Article 22:
The student may be dismissed from the university in the following cases:
1. If they receive three consecutive warnings for failing to meet the specified cumulative GPA for
graduation, according to Articles 41 and 42 of this bylaw, and the university council may give the
student an additional opportunity to improve their cumulative GPA.
2. If they do not complete the graduation requirements within a maximum period of half the duration
prescribed for their graduation, in addition to the program duration.

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The university council may, in exceptional cases, address the situations of students who fall under the
provisions of the previous two paragraphs in this article, and give them an exceptional opportunity
not exceeding one academic year.

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Executive regulation:
1. The student may be dismissed from the university due to academic warnings, according to the
following regulations:
a. The student will receive a warning if their cumulative GPA falls below 2.00 out of 5.00, as
indicated in their academic record. All students must be aware of their academic status after
the completion of each semester through the electronic portal and consult the academic
advisor if necessary.
b. The student's registration will be suspended if they receive the first or second warning,
and they will be allowed to register after receiving academic guidance from their academic
advisor.
c. The university council authorizes the Dean of Admission and Registration, upon the
adoption of this regulation, to grant the student an additional fourth opportunity to raise
their cumulative GPA, after receiving the third warning, based on the recommendation of
the department and college councils, assuming the student earns 60 points from studying 15
credit hours.
d. The university council authorizes the Permanent Committee for Academic and
Educational Affairs, upon the adoption of this regulation, to grant the student a fifth and
final exceptional opportunity to raise their cumulative GPA, based on the recommendation
of the college council, assuming the student earns 45 points from studying 15 credit hours.

2. The student may be dismissed if they do not fulfill the graduation requirements within a maximum
period that exceeds the prescribed duration for graduation in addition to the program's duration.
The university council authorizes the Dean of Admission and Registration, upon the adoption of this
regulation, to grant the student an initial exceptional opportunity to complete the graduation
requirements, based on the following conditions:
a. The student must not have received a warning (with a GPA of no less than 2 out of 5).
b. The student must have no more than 40 credit hours remaining to complete the
graduation requirements.
c. The university council authorizes the Dean of Admission and Registration, upon the
adoption of this regulation, to grant the student a final exceptional opportunity, provided
that they have no more than 20 credit hours remaining to complete the graduation
requirements.

Chapter Six: Transfer and Equivalency

Article 23:
The transfer of a student from outside the university may be accepted according to the following
regulations:
1. The student must have studied at a university, local college, foreign university, or
educational institution licensed by the relevant authority in the country of study.

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2. The student should not be expelled from the transferring university for disciplinary reasons.
3. Any other regulations set by the university council.
Executive regulation:
1. Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 23 of the Regulations for Study and Examinations for
the university stage, the transfer of a student from outside the university to it is available in every
semester, according to the following regulations:
a. The student must be Saudi or of Saudi mother.
b. The student must have studied at a university or local college classified by the Ministry of Education,
or a foreign university, college, or educational institution licensed by the relevant authority in the
country of study.
c. The student's academic status must be "regular."
d. The student should not be expelled from the transferring university for disciplinary reasons.
e. The student must have a cumulative GPA from the transferring university of not less than two
semesters.
f. Their cumulative GPA is less than 3 out of 5, to be considered for transfer competition, and their
transfer will be accepted if their GPA is not lower than the minimum GPA for transferred students at
the university.
g. Only the latest record of the transferring student will be considered.
h. The student must not have studied at the transferring university for more than two academic years,
including periods of withdrawal, apology, deferment, and interruption.
i. The transferred student's major should be an extension of their major at the transferring university.
j. The transfer should not be from a lower academic degree to a higher one, and the Dean of Admission
and Registration may allow transfer from a bachelor's degree to a diploma based on available seats.
k. The student must meet the transfer competition criteria based on their cumulative GPAs.
l. Submit an electronic application through the admission portal during the specified period and
according to the announced academic calendar.
m. The transferred student is not eligible for internal transfer after joining the university.
n. The student should not have previously transferred from one university to another.

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 O. The transfer of students to medical specializations shall be based on the weighted average as
follows: (50% cumulative GPA of the student + 50% qualified ratio). The ratio shall be converted into
a grade out of 5, and the transfer shall be accepted provided that the grade is not less than the
minimum grade transferred from university students.
2. The Admission and Registration Deanship shall determine the number of transferred students to
colleges based on the vacant seats in the transfer semester: those transferred outside those
colleges, withdrawn students, and those whose enrollment has been canceled, with notification to
the college.
3. The Admission and Registration Deanship may direct the applicant for transfer to another
specialization after obtaining approval.
4. The university council may exempt transfer students from some transfer conditions for paid
programs.
Article 24:
The college or institute council may equivalently transfer a course or a group of courses that the
student has previously studied outside the university, based on the recommendation of the
departments offering these courses, provided that their content is similar or equivalent, and the
courses that have been equivalently transferred shall be recorded in the student’s academic record.
The university council establishes the regulations governing this, including the possibility of including
them in the student’s cumulative GPA in their academic record.
Executive regulation:
1. The college council may equivalently transfer a course or a group of courses that the student has
previously studied outside the university, according to the following regulations:
a. It should not have been more than 5 years since the course was studied.
b. Only the latest academic record of the student shall be considered for equivalency.
c. Several courses that have been studied individually may be equivalent to one course in
the desired plan.
d. The content and contact hours of the equivalent course should not be less than 75% of
the previously studied course.
e. The percentage of equivalency should not exceed 40% of the study plan.
f. The courses that have been equivalently transferred shall be recorded in the academic
record and not included in the cumulative GPA.
Article 25:
The student may be transferred from one college to another within the university, from one
department to another within the college, or from one specialization to another within the
department, according to the regulations approved by the university council or its authorized
representative.

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Executive regulation:
The courses taken by a student transferring from one college to another within the university, from
one department to another within the college, or from one specialization to another within the

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department, shall be confirmed and counted, provided that the student has previously studied and
equivalently transferred them in the academic record, according to the following regulations:
1. All the courses studied by the student during their period of study at the university shall be retained
in the student's academic record.
2. The cumulative GPA of the student shall include all the courses that have been equivalently
transferred, while the courses that have not been equivalently transferred shall be recorded in the
record either as a pass or fail without a grade.
Article 27:
The university council establishes conditions and regulations for exempting the student from studying
a course or a group of courses, not exceeding 25% of the total credit hours of the study plan, and
assigns the student an exempted grade (EX) or (E).
Executive regulation:
The student shall be exempted from studying a course or a group of courses according to the following
regulations:
1. The academic department shall determine the course or group of courses from which the student
shall be exempted, not exceeding 25% of the total credit hours of the study plan, and it shall be
approved by the department and college councils.
2. The exemption from the course or group of courses shall be based on the decision of the university
council in this regard, according to the recommendations received from the colleges and specialized
centers in the university, provided that this is done through standardized exams, obtaining
professional certificates, having a published research in the specific course, or passing exams
administered by the departments, taking into account the following:
a. The availability of question banks.
b. The quality standards of the exams.
c. Obtaining a score of no less than 85 in the exam.
3. The percentage of exemption and transfer shall not exceed 40% of the student's study plan.
4. The mechanism for exemption from a course or a group of courses shall be implemented at least
one week before the start of the study.

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 Chapter Seven: Visiting Students and Student Exchange
Article Twenty-Eight:
A student may, with the approval of the college in which they are studying, study one or more
courses at another university inside or outside the Kingdom, or at a branch of the university to which
they belong without transfer. Their study should be concurrent with their study at their university or
as a visiting student, and the courses they have studied should be credited to them. The credited
courses should be documented in the student's academic record, and the university council
determines the regulations governing this, including the possibility of including them in the student's
cumulative GPA.

Executive Rule:
1- The visiting external student is credited with the courses they have studied according to the
following regulations:
a. They must have an academic record with a cumulative GPA of at least two semesters at
the college they joined before requesting to study as a visiting student.
b. Obtaining prior approval from the student's college to allow them to study as a visiting
student, specifying the courses they will study. The college may require a certain GPA to
credit the course, and the student is directed to study after that with an official letter from
the Admission and Registration Deanship.
c. The study should be at a college or university classified by the Ministry of Education or an
accredited educational institution in the country of study.
d. The course studied by the student outside the university should be equivalent in its
content, and its credit hours should not be less than one of the courses included in the
graduation requirements.
e. The grades of the courses credited to the visiting student are not included in their
cumulative GPA.
f. The student must provide the Admission and Registration Deanship with their results
within a week of the start of the first semester following their period of study as a visitor. If
they do not submit their results, they are considered absent from those semesters (except
for summer semesters) and are treated according to Article (15).
g. The visiting external student may be canceled and their registration processed before the
start of the semester.
h. The monthly stipend for the visiting student will be disbursed if they are eligible for it
after submitting their results for the semester they studied as a visiting student to the
Admission and Registration Deanship according to the stipulations of the rewards.
i. The student must not be transferred to another university externally.
j. If the student studies a course under the visiting system at another university and fails,
they will be recorded in their academic record as "NF" (Failed without a grade) and will not
be awarded an honor degree.

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2- The courses studied by the internal visiting student are credited according to the following
regulations:
a. The duration allowed for the internal visiting student at a branch of the university should
be a maximum of two academic semesters.
b. The summer semester is not included in the allowed semesters for the internal visiting
student.
c. A new student is not allowed to request to be a visiting student until after two academic
semesters have passed.
d. The courses that the college deems necessary may be exempted from the registration of
the internal visiting student.
e. The grades of the courses that are credited to the visiting student are included in their
cumulative GPA.
3- It is permissible for a student from another university to study at King Khalid University as a
visiting student upon their request, provided that the following conditions and regulations are met:
a. The student must have an academic record (cumulative GPA) for at least two semesters
from their previous university.
b. The student should not be suspended for disciplinary or educational reasons.
c. Obtaining approval from the Admission and Registration Deanship at King Khalid
University to study as a visiting student, and specifying the courses that the student will
study.
d. The maximum number of semesters allowed for the student to study as a visiting student
is two academic semesters.
e. The registration of the courses that the student wishes to study should be according to
the registration regulations and the possibility of registration at King Khalid University.
f. The student will not receive a stipend from King Khalid University.
g. The student should provide their results at the end of their study in the courses they have
taken with a letter stating their grades.

Chapter Eight: Examinations

Article Twenty-Nine:
1. The university council, based on the recommendation of the college or institute council and the
approval of the department council to which the academic course belongs, determines the
mechanism for calculating the grade of the midterm exam, final exam, and the method of evaluation
according to the nature of the academic course.
2. The final exam for the academic course is held once, and the university council, based on the
recommendation of the college council and the proposal of the department council, may make
exceptions to this according to the nature of the academic course.

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Executive regulation

1- The University Council determines, based on the recommendation of the College Council and the
proposal of the Department Council responsible for teaching the course, the grade for the semester
work, special assessments for each course, and the final exam grade, with the semester work grade
being 60 degrees, including short tests, reports, research, presentations, projects, and a practical
test if available, and one theoretical exam in the middle of the semester, not exceeding a maximum
of 30 degrees.
2- The semester work and final exam for courses are evaluated according to what is adopted in the
course description.
3- The course instructor is committed to announcing the mechanism for distributing semester and
final grades to students at the beginning of each semester, as stated in the course description.
4- When transferring the course to an online course, the university may have all assessments fully
electronic.
5- The department head or course coordinator may review the final exam questions before the exam
to ensure their suitability with what was given to the students, their inclusion of all types of
questions that would result in an appropriate evaluation of the students' knowledge, as well as their
inclusion of questions from all topics and chapters covered before the exam.
6- The semester work ends before the start of the final exams.
7- A faculty member must keep all records related to student evaluation in the semester work for at
least one academic year.
8- The course instructor announces the results of the semester exams within a week from the date
of the exam, and the student's obtaining of the semester work grade is one of their rights.
9- The course instructor announces to their students the total grade for the semester work through
various university platforms that ensure the student's privacy, such as Blackboard or Academia.

Article 30:
The College Council or Institute is responsible for organizing the final exams, ensuring the smooth
running of the educational process, with the final exam grade and the final grade recorded within a
period determined by the executive regulation of this regulation.

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Article 32:

If a student is unable to take the final exam due to a legitimate excuse, the College Council or
Institute may accept the excuse and allow the student to take an alternative exam, up to the end of
the next academic level, semester, or academic year of the college or institute that follows the full
academic year system. The grade obtained by the student after taking the alternative exam, or a
failing grade (H) or (F) if the alternative exam is not taken, shall be given.
Executive Regulation:
1- The student who is absent from the final exam must submit their excuse through the student
excuse platform within a period not exceeding one week from the date of the exam. The excuse is
referred to the College Council or its authorized representative. If the excuse is accepted, the
department is responsible for conducting the alternative exam during the first two weeks of the
following semester.
2- The Deanship of Admission and Registration shall electronically notify the grade obtained by the
student after taking the alternative exam within a maximum period of two weeks from the start of
the following semester, and the deanship shall adjust the grade and allow for registration processing
for the student.
3- When the result of the alternative exam is received starting from the third week, the Deanship of
Admission and Registration shall adjust the student's grade and delete the registered course, with
the inability to process registration.
4- It is permissible to hold the alternative exam during the final exam period if the excuse is
submitted early and approved.
5- The student who is absent from the final exam is recorded as absent (G), and the grade obtained
after taking the alternative exam during the specified period is given. If one academic semester
passes and the student does not take an alternative exam and is not excused or deferred for that
semester, it will be replaced with a failing grade (H) and calculated within the semester and
cumulative GPA.
6-The acceptable excuses for conducting an alternative exam are as follows:

- Medical leave or hospitalization, and the college must be informed within ten working days from
the date of discharge from the hospital, along with a medical report proving the condition.
- The death of a first-degree relative of the student, and a copy of the death certificate proving the
degree of relationship and the deceased’s condition must be attached. First-degree relatives
include: mother, father, spouse, son, daughter, brother, sister, grandparents.
- Traffic accidents, and an official and authenticated report from the traffic department must be
attached.
- Suspension or imprisonment, and the student must inform the college with a letter from the
authority where the suspension took place.
- Postpartum leave, and it is accepted within a maximum of two weeks from the date of birth.

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 - Accompaniment, and it is accepted as an excuse if the patient is a first-degree relative, with
the attachment of a letter of accompaniment from the Patient Relations Department,
stamped by the hospital.

- Participation in official events or activities in which the university, college, or ministry is

involved, and the approval of the college is required before participation. It is the
responsibility of the student to inform the department before their absence if the absence
period includes exams.

- Compelling personal and family circumstances, such as domestic violence and health
symptoms that do not have medical reports. These cases are assessed by the Excuses
Committee within the department/college, and the committee has the right to accept or
reject the excuse.

- Fixed appointments from official authorities, such as court sessions, certified by a judge or
notary public, or appointments for hospitals outside the region that cannot be postponed.

- Excuses related to the following will not be accepted: flight reservations, social events such
as weddings, forgetting exam dates, or oversleeping.

Article 33:

The department council responsible for teaching the study program may, based on the
recommendation of the course instructor, allow the student to complete the requirements of any
course in the next academic level, semester, or year for colleges or institutes that follow the full
academic year system. The student’s academic record will be marked with an incomplete grade (I) or
(IC), and it will not be counted in the semester or cumulative GPA unless the requirements of that
course are completed. If the period mentioned in this article elapses and the incomplete grade (I) or
(IC) is not changed in the student’s record due to non-completion, it will be replaced with a failing
grade (F) and will be counted in the semester and cumulative GPA.

Executive regulation:

If the student does not complete the requirements of the course and one semester has passed, it
will be replaced with a failing grade (F) or (2) and will be counted in the semester and cumulative
GPAs.

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Article 34:
If studying research-based courses requires more than one semester, the student's continuous
assessment (M) or (IP) is recorded. After completing the course, the student is awarded the grade
they obtained. If the course is not completed within the specified time, the department council that
teaches the course may approve recording an incomplete grade (L) or (IC) in the student's record.

Article 35:
The university council, based on the recommendation of the college or institute council, which
follows the full academic year system, may determine the number of units in which a student can
take a final exam (second attempt) in the course they failed.

Executive Rule:
In some colleges, studying is based on the full academic year according to the rules and procedures
in this regulation, replacing "academic semester" with "academic year" wherever it appears,
provided it does not conflict with the following:

1- Courses are offered in the annual system throughout an academic year that lasts for at least 30
weeks, excluding registration and final exam periods.

2- A final exam is held for each course at the end of the academic year, and for practical and clinical
courses and short courses, the final exam may be held at the end of the training period.

3- A second attempt exam is held before the start of the academic year (during the week of faculty
members' return) according to the academic calendar. The colleges implementing this academic
system provide the university's relevant permanent committee with the courses, their number, and
nature. Those who succeed in the second attempt (D2) will be given the new grade instead of the
previous one (H).

4- The student who fails the first attempt of the first final exam in courses exceeding the limit set by
the college is not allowed to take the second attempt exam and will only retake the courses they
failed.

Article 36:
The student has the right to appeal the final grade of a course within a period not exceeding fifteen
days from the date of the result's approval. The executive rule of this regulation determines the
mechanism and procedures for the student to appeal the final grade of a course.

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Executive regulation:
1- Upon the dean's directive, the department head refers to the department council to study the
results of the course in which repeated negligence or leniency is observed, and if necessary, review
the course's result. The department council recommends escalating the matter to the dean, taking
into account the specified period in Article 36. If the department remains unchanged, the dean
submits a report to the university's academic affairs agency.
2- The student has the right to review the answer sheet for semester exams or research and projects
after they have been corrected by the course instructor to identify their mistakes. This should be
done within one week from the date of announcing the grade.
3- The student has the right to file a complaint and review the course instructor after each semester
exam if they are not satisfied with their semester grade. The student's right to file a complaint
expires when the final exams for the semester begin.
4- In the event that the student is not satisfied with the assigned final grade and wishes to file a
complaint, the following procedures apply:
A- The student submits their complaint through the academic affairs agency within a period
not exceeding fifteen days from the date of announcing the result.
B- The department head refers the complaint, after studying it, to the course instructor to
review the student’s answer sheet. If it is clear that the student has a valid grievance and
there is an error in the assigned final grade, the department head submits the result to the
department head to take the necessary administrative actions to modify the student’s
assigned final grade. However, if the course instructor proves that the student’s grievance is
not valid, the student is officially notified of this through a prepared form via the
department head, and the complaint is kept on record.
C- If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the course instructor, they must notify
the department head in writing. The department head then reviews their objection to the
course instructor’s decision. If the course instructor maintains their opinion, the department
head escalates the complaint to the dean of the college for approval to re-evaluate the
answer sheet by a committee formed at the college level, consisting of three faculty
members, none of whom is the course instructor. The committee’s meeting is only valid if all
its members are present, and the committee has the right to summon the course instructor
or anyone they see fit. The committee issues its decision by majority vote within a period
not exceeding 15 days from the date of referring the complaint to them, and the
committee’s decision on this matter is final.
D- If the complaint is not accepted, the committee submits its decision to the dean of the
college, who informs the relevant department head to officially notify the student of this in a
formal letter. The student has the right to file their complaint against the university through
the Student Rights Committee if they wish.
E- If the committee concludes in its decision that the student’s grievance is valid and decides
to modify the assigned final grade, the course instructor adjusts the grade, which is then
approved by the department head and the dean of the college, and it is automatically
reflected to the Admission and Registration Deanship for accreditation.

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5- The student who has previously submitted three requests for reevaluation of answer papers in
final exams, which have been rejected or saved, is not entitled to submit another complaint request.
6- The specified period for adjusting the student’s grade in the course does not exceed three weeks
from the time of submitting the complaint.

Chapter 9: Ratings
Article 37:
The overall rating of the cumulative GPA at graduation is based on the cumulative GPA as follows:
1. (Excellent) if the cumulative GPA is not less than 4.50 out of 5.00 or 3.50 out of 4.00.
2. (Very Good) if the cumulative GPA is not less than 3.75 to less than 4.50 out of 5.00 or 2.75 to less
than 3.50 out of 4.00.
3. (Good) if the cumulative GPA is not less than 2.75 to less than 3.75 out of 5.00 or 1.75 to less than
2.75 out of 4.00.
4. (Pass) if the cumulative GPA is not less than 2.00 to less than 2.75 out of 5.00 or 1.00 to less than
1.75 out of 4.00.
Executive Regulation:
The overall rating of the cumulative GPA mentioned in Article (37) is applied on the basis that the
weight of the rating is 5 points when the GPA is as follows:
1. (Excellent) if the cumulative GPA is not less than 4.50.
2. (Very Good) if the cumulative GPA is from 3.75 to less than 4.50.
3. (Good) if the cumulative GPA is from 2.75 to less than 3.75.
4. (Pass) if the cumulative GPA is from 2.00 to less than 2.75.

Article 38:
The ratings obtained by the student in each course are calculated according to Annex (1) of this
regulation.
Executive Regulation:
The ratings obtained by the student in each course are calculated according to Article (38) on the
basis that the weight of the rating is 5 points and are as follows:

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 Grade range Values Value in symbol GPA out of 5
95 to 100 Exceptional A+ 5.0
90 to less than 95 Excellent A 4.75
85 to less than 90 Superior B+ 4.5
80 to less than 85 Very good B 4.0
75 to less than 80 Above average C+ 3.5
70 to less than 75 good C 3
65 to less than 70 Pass-high D+ 2.5
60 to less than 65 Pass D 2.0
Less than 60 Fail F 1

Article 39:

Honors Ratings:

1. The first honors rating is awarded to the student who achieves a cumulative GPA of (4.75) to
(5.00) out of (5.00) or (3.75) to (4.00) out of (4.00) at graduation. The second honors rating is
awarded to the student who achieves a cumulative GPA of (4.25) to less than (4.75) out of (5.00) or
(3.25) to less than (3.75) out of (4.00) at graduation.

2. The following conditions must be met to obtain the first or second honors rating:

a. The student must not have failed any course studied at the university or another university,
including visiting students and students transferred to the university.

b. The student must have completed the graduation requirements within the maximum period
allowed and the minimum and maximum duration of stay in their college or institute.

c. The student must have studied at least (60%) of the graduation requirements at the university
they will graduate from.

Executive Regulation:

1. The first honors rating is awarded to the student who achieves a cumulative GPA of (4.75) to
(5.00) at graduation, and the second honors rating is awarded to the student who achieves a
cumulative GPA of (4.25) to less than (4.75) at graduation.

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2- The following conditions are required to obtain the first or second honor rank:
a. The student must not have failed in any course studied at the university or at another
university.
b. The student must have completed the graduation requirements within a maximum period
of the average duration between the minimum and maximum stay in their college.
c. The student must have studied at King Khalid University in the same degree for no less than 60%
of the graduation requirements.
Article 40:
The University Council may propose a different grading system after the approval of the University
Affairs Council.
Executive Rule:
King Khalid University adopts a weight of 5 for calculating the grades obtained by the student in each
course.

Chapter 10: The Graduate and Learning Outcomes

Article 41:
The student graduates after successfully completing the graduation requirements according to the
academic system and the approved study plan by the University Council, provided that their
cumulative GPA is not less than the GPA determined by the University Council for each
specialization, and in any case, not less than a "pass" grade.
Executive Rule:
1- The student graduates after successfully completing the graduation requirements according to
the study plan, provided that their cumulative GPA is not less than the GPA determined by the
University Council for each specialization when approving the study plan. In all cases, the cumulative
GPA must not be less than 2 out of 5.
2- The student graduates after successfully completing the graduation requirements according to
the academic system and the approved study plan by the University Council.
3- Each graduate is granted a graduation certificate in both Arabic and English languages, which
includes their full name, national ID number, university ID number, college, specialization, degree
obtained, graduation GPA, enrollment status, and the document is signed by the Dean of Student
Affairs and Registration and stamped by the university.
4- The academic record indicates the student's academic status, including the name of the college
they are studying at, their specialization, academic status, registered courses, the number of credit
hours, grades obtained, semester/annual GPA, cumulative GPA, and academic warnings (if any).

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5- In case of loss or damage to the graduation document, it is possible to reissue the lost document
or the damaged replacement document, with the phrase “replacement for lost” or other reasons for
reissuing written on each document issued as a replacement for the lost document, containing the
same information as the lost document.
6- The College Council, or whoever is authorized by it, may approve conducting a second term
examination for the graduating student in no more than two failed courses, ensuring their
graduation in case of success, within the first two weeks of the following semester.

Article 42:
The College Council, based on the recommendation of the relevant department council, may
determine suitable courses for the student to study in order to improve their cumulative GPA, in
case they succeed in the courses and fail in the cumulative GPA.

Executive Rule:
If the student completes their study plan hours and their cumulative GPA is less than the cumulative
GPA determined by the University Council for graduation in each specialization (2 out of 5), they can
retake some of the courses they have already studied to improve their cumulative GPA as follows:
1- The student’s academic department determines the courses that the student will retake from
their specialization and within their study plan, and they are distributed over a maximum period of
one academic year.
2- The maximum limit for the number of courses that can be retaken to improve the cumulative GPA
should not exceed 15% of the study plan hours, and the maximum cumulative GPA that the student
can achieve is the minimum required for graduation.
3- The highest grade for the retaken course is recorded for the student and included in their
cumulative GPA, and the lowest grade for the retaken course is converted to a pass grade without a
numerical value (ND) or (NP) and is not included in the calculation of the cumulative GPA.
4- The highest grade for the retaken course is recorded for the student and included in their
cumulative GPA. If the student fails in the retaken course, a fail grade without a numerical value (HD)
or (NF) is recorded for them, and it is not included in the calculation of the cumulative GPA.

Article 43:
The university is committed to implementing practices that ensure the quality of the teaching and
learning process.
Executive Rule:
King Khalid University is committed to implementing practices that ensure the quality of the
teaching and learning process through various means, including:

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1- Analyzing students' results and addressing their deficiencies and causes.
2- Sending annual reports from colleges to the relevant authority, including areas of excellence and
areas of deficiencies in the teaching and learning processes, and plans to address them.
3- Providing continuous training for faculty members and those in charge of teaching and learning
methods to ensure the quality of these processes.
4- Obtaining program accreditation.

Article 41:
The university works to enhance the competence and skills of students before graduation, ensuring
their excellence and competitiveness in the job market.

Executive Regulations :
The university works to enhance the competence and skills of students before graduation, ensuring
their excellence and competitiveness in the job market through a number of means, including:
1- Incorporating professional and vocational certificates into the curriculum.
2- Raising awareness among university students about professional and vocational certificates,
international practices, and the organized policies of training and evaluation processes associated
with them.
3- Subjecting all university students to exit exams to ensure their excellence and competitiveness in
the job market.
4- Utilizing reports on the results of graduate exams conducted by national centers and bodies to
improve learning outcomes in different specialties.
5- Allocating specialized courses in the curriculum to equip students with specialized skills.

Chapter 11: General Provisions

Article 45:
The university council may change the duration of the academic semester, summer semester,
academic level, summer level, and full academic year specified in Article 1 of this regulation after
obtaining approval from the Council of University Affairs or its authorized representative.

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Article 46:
Without prejudice to the provisions of this regulation and the admission requirements and conditions
at the university, the university may admit applicants who have exceeded the maximum period
specified for general secondary school education or its equivalent, if there are compelling reasons.
This may be done in exchange for a financial payment according to the regulations set by the Council
of University Affairs.
Executive Regulation :
The university may admit applicants who have exceeded the maximum period specified for general
secondary school education or its equivalent, after receiving the financial regulations from the Council
of University Affairs, if the following conditions are met:
1- The student obtains a weighted or qualified percentage of 80% or more.
2- The student passes the exams and personal interviews conducted by the departments (if
applicable).
3- The number of students accepted from this category does not exceed 15% of the specified number
for admission in the specific major for each academic year.
Article 47:
Taking into consideration the decisions issued by the Council of University Affairs based on the
proposal of the college council, the university may establish a joint program with an educational
institution outside the kingdom. The institution must be licensed by the relevant authority in the
country of study and accredited by one of the international bodies recognized by the Education and
Training Evaluation Authority. The university council establishes the regulations and procedures for
this program.
Executive Regulation :
Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 47 of the study and examination regulations for the
university level, it is required that the educational institution located outside the kingdom be classified
as equal to or higher than the classification of King Khalid University (according to the QS classification)
in the year of approval of the joint program.

Article 48:
The university council establishes the conditions, requirements, and procedures for attracting
talented, distinguished, creative, and innovative students in their fields.

Executive Regulation:
The university council establishes the conditions and requirements for attracting talented,
distinguished, creative, and innovative students according to the relevant authorities’ guidelines.

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Article 49:
Taking into consideration the decisions issued by the relevant authorities, the university shall provide
the opportunity for general secondary school students to study or attend some of the general
academic courses at the university, according to the conditions and regulations set by the university
council.

Executive Regulation:
For general secondary school students to study or attend some of the university’s requirements and
courses, they must meet the following criteria:
1- The student must be enrolled in the second or third year of secondary school.
2- Their score in the general aptitude test should not be less than 90%.
3- Their cumulative grade in the first/second year of secondary school should not be less than 95%.
The student is allowed to register for a maximum of two courses per semester.
4- If the number of students registered for courses from general secondary school exceeds the limit,
no more than 5% per section will be accepted, and selection will be based on the general aptitude
score and cumulative grade in the first/second year of secondary school.

Article 50:
Taking into consideration the regulations and decisions, each university council shall approve the rules
of student conduct and discipline at the university.
Article 51:
Each university council shall approve the implementation rule for this regulation.

Executive Regulation
The university shall periodically review its implementation rules for the study and examination
regulations, in accordance with the directives issued by the Council of University Affairs and the
proposals received from departments and colleges that contribute to the improvement of students’
skills and competencies before graduation, ensuring their excellence and competitiveness in the job
market.

Article 52:
The Council of University Affairs shall interpret this regulation.

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Article 53:

This regulation replaces the Study and Examination Regulation for the university level, amended by
the decision of the Higher Education Council number (1423/27/13) dated 11/2/1423H, and any
conflicting provisions shall be cancelled.

Executive Regulation :

These implementation rules replace the approved implementation rules of the university council in
its 11th session for the academic year 1444H, held on 19/1/1444H.

Article 54:

This regulation shall come into effect starting from the beginning of the academic year 1445H.

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 Appendix 1

The grades obtained by the student in each subject are calculated as follows:

Value in English Value in Value in Value in GPA out GPA out

Grade range
Arabic English Arabic of 5 of 4
Symbols Symbols

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 APPENDIX 2

The regular Student: The student who is eligible to register for a course during his/her study period
in the program.

The enrolled Student: The student who is enrolled in an academic program, including students who
are excused, visitors, or deferred in their studies.

Academic Warning: Notification directed to the student due to a decrease in the cumulative GPA
below the minimum limit stated in this regulation.

Study Deferral: Refers to the student submitting a request to defer his/her studies for a semester or
academic year before the start of the semester or academic year, according to the academic
calendar determined by the university council.

Study Interruption: The student not registering for any course in a semester or academic year during
the specified period without obtaining permission to defer the study, and the interruption period is
not counted as part of the study duration for graduation.

Dismissal from Enrollment: Not allowing the student to continue studying if he/she interrupts the
study for a period determined by the university council without submitting a study deferral request.

Withdrawal: The student submits a request to permanently terminate his/her relationship with the
university before completing the enrolled program.

Course Withdrawal: The student withdrawing from a registered course before the start of the final
exams, as determined by the university.

Academically Expelled Student: The student who is prohibited from registering due to receiving a
specific number of academic warnings or exceeding the specified duration to complete the program.

Interdisciplinary Program: A joint program between two or more scientific departments, faculties,
or universities, managed by a joint committee from the establishing entities, and affiliated with a
scientific department in the university, as determined by the joint committee.

Compulsory Course: A study course with specified credit units studied by students in a specific
program.

Elective Courses: Study courses from which the student selects to achieve a certain number of
elective credit units in the program’s plan.

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Free courses: Academic courses that fulfill a certain number of credit units in the program
curriculum and are taken by the student from a department other than their own department or
from another college within the university.

University requirements: Mandatory courses specified by the number of credit units that all
university students must take.

College requirements: Specific courses specified by the number of credit units that all college
students must take.

Program requirements: Mandatory courses specified by the number of approved credit units that all
program students must take.

Academic program: A comprehensive program of courses that a student completes within a

specified period of years to gain specific knowledge and skills in a particular specialization and earn a
designated academic degree.

Field training: The period of time during which a student spends in a work environment related to
their specialization, following a comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of the training, as
determined by the college council. The contact hours and approved units for the training are
specified according to the approved program curriculum by the university council.

Self-learning mode: It is one of the modes of e-courses at the university: Allowing students to study
an e-course through approved open learning platforms provided by the National Center for E-
Learning.

Full e-learning mode It is one of the modes of e-courses at the university: Completely replacing in-
person attendance in classrooms with electronic lectures and activities on the course website using
e-learning systems, tools, and environment.

Partial e-learning mode: It one of the modes of e-courses at the university: Partially replacing a
specific percentage of in-person attendance in classrooms with electronic lectures and activities on
the course website using e-learning systems, tools, and environment.

Course code: It consists of meaningful letters that represent the department to which the course
belongs and is composed of 2-4 letters (in both Arabic and English languages).

Course number: It consists of 4 digits: units digit, tens digit, hundreds digit, thousands digit, as
follows:

● Thousands digit: Represents the year in which the course is offered.

● Hundreds digit: Represents the number of credit hours assigned to the course.

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 • Tens digit: Represents the field of the course.

• Ones digit: Represents the sequence of the course within the field.

Academic advising: The department must assign students to academic advisors in each
department to help them with:

• Understanding the systems and regulations.

• Following the study plan that includes graduation requirements.

• Monitoring and tracking their academic progress.

• Assisting with course registration.

• Providing necessary consultation when applying for deferment or apology.

• Discussing academic and disciplinary decisions, if any.

• Notifying them in case of academic difficulties or receiving academic warnings, and guiding
them on how to improve their performance.

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