Bridging programs at Imam University 1446: Requirements and application deadline
The Deanship of Admissions and Registration at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University has announced the opening of applications for bridging programs for the upcoming academic year 1446 AH. This initiative aims to enable graduates of intermediate diplomas to continue their education and obtain a bachelor's degree. This announcement reflects the university's ongoing commitment to providing flexible and diverse educational pathways that meet the needs of the job market and align with the aspirations of national talent.
General context and importance of bridging programs
Bridging programs are of strategic importance within the higher education system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, serving as a vital link between technical and vocational education and academic education. These programs align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which places significant emphasis on human capital development and promoting lifelong learning. By providing diploma holders with opportunities to enhance their qualifications, these programs contribute to raising the efficiency of the national workforce and equipping it with the advanced skills and knowledge required by promising economic sectors, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of the Saudi economy both regionally and internationally.
About Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University
Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, officially established in 1974 but with roots dating back to 1953, is one of the Kingdom's most prominent public universities. Despite its historical distinction in Islamic studies and Arabic language, the university has undergone significant expansion to include modern scientific and applied colleges and programs in engineering, computer science, medicine, and business administration, making it a comprehensive educational institution that actively contributes to the Kingdom's overall development.
Details and application deadlines for the year 1446 AH
The university clarified that the electronic application portal will be open to receive applications starting at 12:00 PM on Sunday, 13 Muharram 1446 AH (corresponding to July 19, 2024 AD), and applications will remain available until Saturday, 26 Muharram 1446 AH (corresponding to August 1, 2024 AD) through the dedicated portal on the university website.
Academic terms and conditions for admission
The university has established a set of criteria and standards that applicants must meet, based on the National Qualifications Framework and regulations approved by the Council of University Affairs. Key requirements include the following:
- The applicant must be a Saudi national or the son of a Saudi mother.
- The cumulative grade point average in the diploma certificate must not be less than 3.75 out of 5 or 2.75 out of 4, or the equivalent of 75%.
- The required specialization in the bridging program should be an extension of the applicant’s specialization in the diploma stage.
- The applicant must have a diploma certificate of no less than two academic years (a minimum of 60 credit hours) from an accredited educational institution.
- The applicant must not be currently enrolled at Imam University or any other university.
- An accepted student must study at least 40% of the requirements of the Bachelor's program curriculum.
Selection mechanism and additional requirements
Applicants are ranked based on a weighted average, calculated as 80% for their diploma GPA and 20% for their General Aptitude Test (GAT) score. Some programs also require a specific score on the Standardized Test of English Proficiency (STEP). For example, the College of Languages and Translation requires a score of 67, while some programs in the College of Computer Science and the College of Business (Marketing Department) require a minimum score of 50.
Tuition fees and support initiatives
The application fee is 100 Saudi Riyals (non-refundable). Tuition fees are set at 450 Riyals per credit hour for theoretical courses and 600 Riyals per credit hour for practical courses. As an incentive, the university announced the possibility of granting partial tuition waivers to high-achieving students with high cumulative grade point averages, subject to specific criteria.
Diverse specializations that meet future aspirations
The bridging programs offered include a wide range of disciplines in different colleges, most notably: engineering (civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical), computer science, information systems, business administration, accounting, marketing, finance, social work, and English language and literature, providing multiple options to suit different academic and professional backgrounds.
