How it began
For Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, holds a special place in all our hearts, therefore, we shall name it King Khalid University instead of naming it after me.
1419Ah
And with this statement His Majesty King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz (may Allah have mercy on his soul) announced the establishment of King Khalid University, after the approval of the merger of the branches of Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University and King Saud University in the year 1419Ah. With this, King Khalid University became the eighth university to join the Saudi university system.
1444Ah
After issuing a royal decree to recommence and collaborative endeavors between the university and Aseer Region Development Authority, the previously delayed projects were successfully finalized and the university city projects was declared for inauguration in the year 1444 Ah."
Endowments
To become one of the top 10 endowment institutions
With an ambition of becoming one of the top 10 endowment institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the year 2030, King Khalid university works to construct financial sustainable founding sources through investing in educational endowments that support scientific research, innovation, developing sustainable investments and building community partnerships. Moreover, KKU is committed to diversify sources of income and achieving investment .
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is home to numerous influential individuals and national talents who have played a crucial role in the advancement of the university
DonorTechnical Excellence
Advanced Technical Enablers
Home to an advanced infrastructure operated and supervised by an integrated management, blended in data centers, networks and communications, KKU thrives on providing a network Infrastructure that covers all its branches. The KKU technical infrastructure manages the university’s internal and external computer networks, internet lines, servers, storage devices, and primary and backup power supplies. Additionally, the university’s infrastructure also manages the backup operations, virtual environments, and cloud services, so that all services are available around the clock and with high efficiency to all employees.
2nd in the Digital Transformation Index
Aligned with our national Transformation Vision, King Khalid University secured the second position in the education and training institutions category of the Digital Transformation National Index 2023. Eager to ensure quality learning, an advanced research environment, and opportunities for global partnerships and cooperation, KKU stands committed to advancing its role in the digital transformation landscape. To become a pioneering technical enabler, as a university and to serve the region, KKU devoted a “Digital Transformation and Institutional Architecture” unit to this goal. The unit is responsible for imposing practices and controls concerned with implementing the university’s vision and strategy, by executing necessary changes to align the university’s business goals and procedures with the Deanship of Electronic Services applications, data and infrastructure to achieve the intended goal. Moreover, the unit communicates directly and continuously with various entities providing services related to the university’s work to remain a technological leader.
A Unique Educational Experience
As a leading pioneer in the eLearning field in Saudi Universities, KKU offers a distinguished digital educational experience through ensuring quality in content, digital learning systems and online learning management. King Khalid University has received several awards and recognitions for its effective practices, the number of its beneficiaries, its community participation, and its scientific impact. All achievements are characterized by innovation, flexibility, and integration according to approved procedures and standards. As evidence of King Khalid University's pioneer in the field of e-learning on a global level, the university has been awarded the Student Impact Award by the Quality Matters (QM) organization, the first global winner of this award from outside the United States. This award recognizes the university's excellence in designing electronic courses. The competition included 30 countries worldwide. King Khalid University is dedicated to providing educational content and facilitating access to it from different countries around the world. To achieve this, the university has established an Open Courseware channel and the E-Lab virtual laboratory platform, both of which have received numerous awards from international organizations.
International Certificates
Global Excellence
On it path towards its goal to achieve global quality standards and efficiency, King Khalid university obtained a number of global certifications and awards in a variety of fields most prominent of which are: ISO 22301, an international recognition for business continuity management, and the (BCM) certificate, which provides necessary strategies, standards, and plans to respond to events affecting business continuity. King Khalid University is also an advocate for community work and as a result KKU received an award from the World Summit in the Capacity Building category, for the “GoGeek” project, which was distributed by the General Administration of Information Technology to contribute to developing the competencies of Aseer community in the areas of : programming smart device applications, technical platforms, electronic games, and cybersecurity, in addition to spreading the culture of volunteer work , community partnerships and establishing a technical fluency society.
Uptime Tier III Data Center Design Certification, awarded to the Data center in Greger campus. This design focuses on flexible maintainability, meaning critical systems can be maintained or replaced without downtime.
Uptime Tier III Data Center Design Certification, awarded to Al-Quraa campus Data center. This design focuses on flexible maintainability, meaning that critical systems can be maintained or replaced without downtime.
Data Center Readiness Accreditation Certification, Uptime Tier III TCCF is a rigorous test that verifies a commitment to building a data center according to Uptime's design standards.
Achievement Award for Electronic Transactions for the Beneficiary Voice service, which is an innovative form of electronic participation and effective communication
The university achieved second place in the Ninth Government Digital Transformation Measurement Index 2021 issued by the Digital Government Authority among 36 entities in the education and training sector. The number of standards is 97, 92 of which were fully complied with, at a rate of 77%.
The university achieved third place in the tenth Government Digital Transformation Measurement index 2022 issued by the Digital Government Authority among 36 entities in the education and training sector. The number of standards is 111, 96 of which were complied with, with a total commitment of 87%
2023- The university achieved second place in the eleventh government digital transformation measurement index 2023 issued by the Digital Government Authority among 36 entities in the education and training sector. The number of standards is 125, and 123 were complied with, of which there was a total commitment of 89.84%.
2023- International ISO Certification in Business Continuity Management System ISO 22301
2020-United Nations World Summit Award WSIS+15 (2020)
2022-OLC Award for Effective Practices in E-Learning (Elab Platform)
Open Education Global awards. Accessed by more than 480,000 open course subscribers
Plaque of Excellence in Digital Transformation in Education.
Blackboard Catalyst Award in Teaching and Learning for teaching science subjects in a fully e-learning environment.
Excellence Award in Community Participation in the Field of E-Learning
Innovation Award in E-Learning and Training (Impact Track Open Educational Resources Enrichment Branch)
Innovation Award in e-Education and Training (Impact Track, Human Capacity Development Branch 2)
QM Organization Award
Blackboard Catalyst Award, Teaching and Learning Branch
YouTube Silver Plaque
Learning Data Analysis Award, awarded by OLC global organization
The classification of "Pioneers in Engineering and Built Environment" magazine within the SCOPUS database of scientific journals
King Khalid University received the excellence ranking in the National Digital Education Index
Research Growth
Advanced Research Environment
As one of the leading Saudi research university in the Kingdom, King Khalid University supports creative research ideas that may result in original scientific research, patents, and products. KKU is keen on providing an attractive research environment equipped with laboratories, research supplies, and all necessary equipment to enhance the culture of research and align with the Kingdom’s ambitious vision 2030 and the goals and directions of the Ministry of Education.
Afaq
Official University Media
Afaq, “Horizons “King Khalid University official newspaper published monthly and issued on the web. The first newspaper to assign its editorship to its students, and the first training destination for students of the Department of Media and Communication. In honor of its effective contribution to cultivating young talents, the newspaper won the Al-Muftaha Award in 1434Ah, as a distinguished media initiative. The Afaq website covers the university and the regions latest news and developments and provides its distinguished employees the opportunity to publish articles and writings. As an official archive, Afaq documents the university’s achievements and news, in addition to linking the university’s scholarship students with the community.
A picture of the second issue of Afaq newspaper in 1422 AH
Alignment and Strategy
As a world-leading institution dedicated to building individuals, fostering community development, and enhancing the economy, King Khalid University formulated its Strategy 2030.
This strategic plan is grounded in an organizational framework encompassing strategic directions, pillars, and enabling factors. Notably, it aligns seamlessly with the development strategy of the Aseer region, in collaboration with the Aseer Region Development Authority and with input from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
Embodying inspiration and empowerment, King Khalid University played a pivotal role in the establishment of three independent universities.
This visionary approach aimed to broaden the horizons of scientific and practical knowledge, providing greater opportunities for students and researchers alike. To fortify the university's academic programs and address the regional labor market's demands, KKU worked diligently on strengthening future academic offerings and expanding applied professional diploma programs. Furthermore, KKU directed its efforts toward six primary research areas:
In the realm of community partnerships, KKU focused on three essential components:
Statistics
Awards
University in a Garden
To an attractive and sustainable learning environment
The "University in a Garden" initiative forms an integral part of the broader Green Saudi Initiative, which seeks to elevate the university campus by increasing vegetation coverage. This transformative endeavor envisions the external surroundings evolving into a thriving garden populated by local plants. The initiative was recently featured in a competition designed to identify the most creative and implementable designs suitable for the University City of King Khalid University in Al-Fara’a.
Following a rigorous evaluation, the panel awarded King Abdulaziz University's design the top position. This winning design excelled in achieving a multitude of objectives, including the development of an aesthetically pleasing and sustainable landscape. It caters to cultural and artistic needs, promotes a healthy lifestyle, integrates local culture and traditions, and facilitates both day and night usage of university facilities, fostering investments in infrastructure. Importantly, it crafts a distinct identity that authentically reflects the values of KKU. Additionally, it features landmarks in key locations, establishes a cultural garden, provides rare plants and a seed bank, utilizes alternative energy sources, and cultivates local and fruitful plants. Beyond its aesthetic aspirations, the 'University in a Garden' initiative extends its goals to contribute significantly to the enhancement of Aseer society, and it aims to have a positive impact on social, economic, environmental, and technical aspects, becoming a catalyst for holistic community improvement.
Student Diversity (Towards Global Excellence)
Windows to the world
Nestled within a vibrant and diverse community, King Khalid University has become the preferred destination for higher education among students from 73 different countries. Under the guidance of esteemed faculty, the university has attracted a global community of over 2,000 international students, creating a rich and multicultural environment. King Khalid University is committed to providing exceptional services and learning opportunities to its international student body. To maintain the standard of quality education, KKU facilitates admissions through the Study in Saudi Arabia platform. Additionally, the university offers language learning centers, accommodation facilities, healthcare services, an advanced academic electronic system, and various support services to ensure a comprehensive and enriching educational experience for its international students.
International Students
