Umm Al-Qura University

Umm Al-Qura University is a large public university in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country.

The history of Umm Al-Qura University dates back to 1949, when it was established as the College of Sharia (Islamic law) by King Abdulaziz ibn Saud. The college was initially located in the Grand Mosque in Mecca, but was later moved to a new campus in the city of Abidiyyah.

In 1981, King Fahd ibn Abdul Aziz issued a royal decree renaming the college as Umm Al-Qura University and expanding it to include a number of new colleges and departments. The university's name, Umm Al-Qura, means "Mother of All Settlements" in Arabic, and is a reference to Mecca, which is considered to be the holiest city in Islam.

Since its establishment, Umm Al-Qura University has grown to become one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Saudi Arabia. It is known for its strong academic programs and its commitment to research.

The university is also known for its international focus. UQU has partnerships with universities all over the world, and offers a number of exchange programs and scholarships for international students.

Umm Al-Qura University is ranked as the #6 top university in Saudi Arabia during 2025.

University Profile

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2025 Ranking	#6
University Name	Umm Al-Qura University
Name in Local Language	جامعة أم القرى
Acronym	UQU
Year Established	1981
Governing Type	Public
Student Body	Co-education
Highest Degree	Doctorate
Religious Affiliation	Islam
Campus Type	Urban

Location

The university is located in Makkah. Find the address and map of the university below.

Address	Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Contact

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Phone	+966 (2) 550 1000
Fax	+966 (2) 558 2521
Website
Email	Click here to send email
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Programs and Courses

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	Bachelor's Degrees	Master's Degrees	Doctorate Degrees	Diplomas
Arts & Humanities				n/a
Business & Social Sciences				n/a
Engineering			n/a	n/a
Language & Cultural Studies				n/a
Medicine & Health				n/a
Science & Technology				n/a

Click on the following button to explore a detailed list of programs and courses of this institute.

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Admission Info

The admission process at Umm Al-Qura University is based on the Saudi Arabian national university admission system. For undergraduate programs, applicants must meet the required minimum grade point average (GPA) and pass the university’s entrance exam. The admission criteria may vary depending on the program, and some programs may have additional requirements such as interviews or tests. For postgraduate programs, applicants are required to have a relevant undergraduate degree and meet additional departmental requirements, including submission of transcripts and recommendations. The university offers an online application portal, and prospective students are encouraged to check the specific program guidelines on the university’s official website.

Accepts International Students	Yes
Admission Info	Click here

Scholarship and Financial Aids

Umm Al-Qura University offers various scholarships and financial aid options for both local and international students. These scholarships are primarily merit-based and are offered to students who demonstrate academic excellence and high potential. UQU provides scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as for students pursuing research in specialized fields. The university also offers financial support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds and those in need. Additionally, research funding and assistantships are available for graduate students, especially those involved in scientific or Islamic research projects. Students are encouraged to explore the available scholarship opportunities early in their academic journey.

Stay informed with the following article related to the university or higher education in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in the field of higher education, with numerous public and private universities offering programs in various fields. The government has invested heavily in education, leading to an increase in the number of students enrolled in universities across the country. International students also have the opportunity to study in Saudi Arabia, with various scholarships available to support their studies. [Read More]

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Information on Umm Al-Qura University was last updated on January 12, 2025.