How grading works at KFUPM
KFUPM grades each course on a nine-level scale from A+ to F, with grade points running from 0.00 to 4.00 — the university's own regulations state explicitly that "the maximum GPA a student may attain is 4.00." A+ (95–100%) earns 4.00 points and F (below 60%) earns 0.00.
To pass a course a student needs at least a D grade (60–64.99%, worth 1.00 point); anything below 60% is an F. A separate administrative code, DN ("Denial"), carries the same 0.00 points as F but is assigned for excessive absence rather than exam performance.
Source: Undergraduate Study & Examinations Regulations (2nd ed., 2011/2012), Article 28 & Definitions
How KFUPM calculates GPA
KFUPM reports a Semester GPA and a Cumulative GPA, both computed as total quality points (grade points × credit hours) divided by total credit hours attempted. A separate Major GPA is calculated only from the letter grades earned in the student's major-degree-plan courses, using each course's last grade.
- Not counted toward GPA: IP (in-progress), IC (incomplete), NP/NF (pass/fail-only courses), W/WP/WF (withdrawn), and AU (audit).
- Repeated courses: KFUPM counts every attempt in the GPA — all grades earned when a course is repeated remain in the calculation, even though the transcript shows the last grade as the course result.
Source: Regulations Definitions (Major GPA); 'Repeating a Course' article; Appendix A/C grade codes
Academic warning, probation, and dismissal at KFUPM
KFUPM reviews academic status at the end of every regular semester (not summer):
- Good Standing — cumulative GPA and semester GPA both at least 2.00.
- Academic Warning — cumulative GPA between 1.00 and 2.00, or a semester GPA below 2.00.
- Academic Probation — cumulative GPA below 1.00.
- Discontinuation (at least one semester) — a semester GPA below 1.00, a semester GPA below 1.75 in the term right after a warning or probation, or three consecutive warnings.
- Dismissal — three consecutive academic probations (a fourth chance may be granted by the University Council).
A warning or probation status is lifted once both the semester and cumulative GPA reach 2.00 or above.
Source: Regulations: Assignment of Academic Status; Discontinuation from Study; Article 20 (Dismissal)
Minimum GPA to graduate from KFUPM
To graduate, a KFUPM student must complete all degree-plan requirements with a cumulative GPA and major GPA of at least 2.00 (out of 4.00) — the University Council may set a higher minimum for individual majors. A student must also complete at least 65 credit hours at KFUPM, including at least 25 credit hours in the major field.
A student who has passed all required courses but has not yet reached the graduation GPA may be assigned additional courses by the college council specifically to raise the cumulative GPA.
Source: Regulations Article 19 (Graduation) and its Implementation Rules
Graduation honors and distinction at KFUPM
KFUPM grants graduation honors by cumulative GPA (out of 4.00):
- First Honors — 3.75 to 4.00.
- Second Honors — 3.25 up to (but not including) 3.75.
- Third Honors — above 3.00, when the first/second-honors conditions aren't otherwise met.
First and Second Honors additionally require never having failed a course at KFUPM or elsewhere, finishing within the normal program duration, and completing at least 60% of graduation requirements at KFUPM. Separately, each semester's top performers (by semester GPA and quality points) are named to a First/Second/Third Distinction list; achieving a Distinction rank in both semesters of an academic year earns the annual rank of Excellent.
Source: Regulations Article 30 (Honors) and the University Distinction List article
How transfer credit works at KFUPM
KFUPM accepts transfer credit for courses taken at another recognized college or university if the student earned a grade of C or higher in the course, the course is equivalent to a KFUPM degree-plan course (or approved as an elective), and it wasn't taken in the same semester as concurrent KFUPM enrollment.
Transferred courses appear on the transcript but their grades are not included in the student's cumulative GPA — only work actually completed at KFUPM counts toward it.
Source: Regulations Article 43 (Transfer of Credit) and its Implementation Rules