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Regulation on Graduate Studies Issued by Council of Universities’ Affairs Resolution No. (2/9/1444) dated 3/1/1444 H , corresponding to 1/8/2022 AD First Edition 1444 H (2022 AD) Regulation on Graduate Studies Issued by Council of Universities’ Affairs Resolution No. (2/9/1444) dated 3/1/1444 H , corresponding to 1/8/2022 AD First Edition 1444 H (2022 AD) Contents Chapter One: Definitions……………………………………………………………… Chapter Two: Objectives and Enforcement of the Regulation…………… Chapter Three: Objectives of Graduate Studies……………………………… Chapter Four: Criteria for Graduate Program Approval…………………… Chapter Five: Organization of the Standing Committee for Postgraduate Studies…………………………………………………………………… Chapter Six: Study Programs and Study System…………………………… Chapter Seven: Admission…………………………………………………………… Chapter Eight: Academic Procedures…………………………………………… Chapter Nine: Assessment Mechanism…………………………………………… Chapter Ten: Thesis, Supervision, and Defense……………………………… Chapter Eleven: Graduation and Degree Granting…………………………… Chapter Twelve: General Provisions……………………………………………… Chapter One: Definitions Article 1 The following terms and phrases whenever they appear in this Regulation shall have the meanings herein specified unless the context indicates otherwise: Graduate Studies A stage of education above the bachelor’s, such as a graduate certificate, master’s degree, or doctorate. Classification The unified Saudi Classification of Educational Levels and Specializations issued by Council of Ministers’ Resolution No. (75) dated 27/1/1442 H, and any amendments or updates thereto. Framework The National Qualifications Framework in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued by the decision of the Board of Directors of the Education and Training Evaluation Commission at its 1st meeting for the 2 nd session held on 6/6/1441 H, and any amendments or updates thereto. Authorized Vice-President The university competent vice-president concerned with the affairs of graduate studies at the university according to the organizational structure of the university. Executive Management The deanship, department, or unit in the university in charge of carrying out graduate studies-related academic procedures in accordance with the university’s approved organizational structure. Program The set of courses, the thesis, the graduation research, the comprehensive exam, or those that the student studies during a specified period of time in order to obtain an academic degree or a higher certificate in the field of specialization. Joint Program An academic program in which more than one department or college from within the university, or from the educational institutions or research institutions inside or outside the Kingdom participate; and it has specific learning outcomes. Study Unit The weekly theoretical lecture, the weekly academic symposium, the clinical lesson, or the exercise lesson of no less than 50-minute duration, the practical lesson of no less than 100-minute duration, or the field lesson specified in the study plan. Course The study material in the plan of each program, which includes a number, code and description of the content, is subject to follow-up, evaluation and development in each section. It may be taught independently or have a prerequisite or concurrent requisite. The prerequisite or the concurrent requisite may be waived based on an examination of specific learning outcomes. Postponement of Admission Postponing the commencement date of the student’s studies following the issuing of his university identification number and prior to course registration. This can only be done once, and it cannot be done after the study has begun. Postponement of Study The student suspends the continuance of the period specified – pursuant to this Regulation - for obtaining the academic degree after the commencement of his studies. Withdrawal The student permanently terminates his relationship with the university in which he is enrolled before completing his academic program. Termination of Enrollment The university terminates its relationship with the student before he completes his academic program for specific reasons stipulated in this Regulation. Re-enrollment The university restores its relationship with the student whose enrollment has been terminated. Comprehensive Exam A test of the knowledge and skills required for obtaining a graduate program degree (higher diploma/master’s/doctorate). The comprehensive exam may be the final qualifier for some of these degrees except for the Ph.D. Graduation Research A research requirement that may be completed over the course of one or two semesters. It qualifies for the academic degree and is a subject-specific course within the program’s courses. Thesis The thesis or dissertation that represents the research and its results, which the student prepares and submits for the purpose of obtaining the degree. Chapter Two: Objectives and Enforcement of the Regulation Article 2 Without prejudice to the provisions of Regulations on Studying and Examinations at the University Undergraduate Level, this Regulation aims to organize graduate studies in universities in order to increase the efficacy and quality of the educational process and academic procedures for the graduate studies stages at the university. Article 3 The provisions of this Regulation shall apply to universities that are subject to the Law of the Higher Education Council and Universities issued by Royal Decree No. M/8 dated 4/6/1414 H and universities that are subject to the Law of Universities issued by Royal Decree No. M/27 dated 2/3/1441 H. Chapter Three: Objectives of Graduate Studies Article 4 Graduate studies aim to achieve the following: 1. Maintain advanced studies and research that serve the national goals, expanding them, and endeavoring to publish them. 2. Contributing to the enrichment of all areas of knowledge by means of specialised studies and academic research to gain access to innovative scientific and applied research additions and to reveal new facts. 3. Providing students with the educational opportunities to pursue graduate courses locally. 4. Offering qualifying courses and programs to students to increase their level of qualification and competence in conducting studies and research that benefit the country and contribute to the enrichment of their respective specialisations. 5. Recruiting a group of exceptional students from across the world in the most essential research subjects in order to enhance the outputs of academic research and increase the required cultural diversity in graduate programs. 6. Preparing and developing the academic and professional specialists that society needs. 7. Encouraging creativity and innovation to keep pace with the demands of knowledge and technical development, elevating the level of academic research, and directing it to address issues and challenges of sustainable development locally in Saudi society, regionally, and globally. 8. Enhancing local, regional, and international cooperation and partnership opportunities. 9. Developing the knowledge economy outputs to contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals of Saudi society. Chapter Four: Criteria for Graduate Program Approval Article 5 The University Council shall set the detailed criteria for approving graduate programs in accordance with the following: 1. The university must have obtained institutional accreditation from the Education and Training Evaluation Commission. 2. The bachelor’s program - in the same specialization - must have obtained program accreditation from the Education and Training Evaluation Commission or from one of the international accrediting agencies approved by the Commission in order to approve the higher diploma or master’s program. For the approval of the doctoral program, the master’s program - in the same specialization - must have obtained program accreditation from the Education and Training Evaluation Commission or from one of the international agencies approved by the Commission. 3. The department must have a sufficient number of professors and associate professors who are specialized in the field of the master’s or doctoral program in addition to the availability of research capabilities such as laboratories, computer facilities, and others in order to ensure the success of the program in terms of teaching, supervision, and research. 4. The number of students expected to be accepted into the program should be appropriate to ensure its continuance, and the maximum number of students in each class should not exceed twenty- five students. 5. When approving its programs, the university shall adhere to the following criteria in the following order: a. The unified Saudi Standard Classification of Educational Levels and Specializations. b. The National Qualifications Framework in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 6. Suspension of admission to master’s and doctoral programs that do not obtain program accreditation from the Education and Training Evaluation Commission or one of the international agencies approved by the Commission within two years of graduating the first cohort from the programs. Chapter Five: organization of the Standing Committee for Graduate Studies Article 6 A Standing Committee for graduate studies (the Standing Committee) shall be formed at the university, and it is to be organizationally linked to the authorized Vice-President and chaired by him/her and the membership of the following: 1. Five deans of university colleges and institutes that offer graduate programs, considering the diversity of colleges and institutes’ specializations. 2. Dean of Development and Quality at the university. 3. Dean, director, or head of the Executive Management unit, who shall be the secretary of the committee. 4. Three members who are experienced and specialized in graduate studies from inside or outside the university. The members specified in Clauses (1) and (4) of this Article are appointed by a decision of the University Council upon the University President’s nomination for a two-year term that is renewable. Article 7 Without prejudice to the provisions of this Regulation, the Standing Committee shall undertake the following tasks: 1. Proposing the general policy for graduate studies at the university and supervising its implementation after approval by the University Council. 2. Recommending the approval of the admission requirements for graduate studies programs and updating them upon the request of the councils of competent departments, colleges, and institutes. 3. Supervising joint graduate programs. 4. Recommending the approval and amendment of graduate studies programs, after studying and refereeing, to the University Council based on a proposal from the Department Council, and endorsement of the proposal by the College Council. 5. Recommending the approval of study plans and detailed standards to the University Council, based on a proposal from the Department Council and endorsement by the College Council in accordance with international benchmarks and comparisons. 6. Proposing standards for graduate studies programs for approval by the University Council. 7. Proposing the rules regulating the evaluation of graduate studies programs for approval by the University Council. 8. Supervising the evaluation of graduate studies programs at the university on a regular basis, through specialized committees or bodies inside or outside the university. 9. Reviewing the comprehensive report prepared by the Executive Management on the graduate studies programs at the university and the results of evaluating those programs and submitting them to the University Council. 10. Recommending the approval of the college councils’ proposals regarding graduate studies programs that are compatible with the community’s needs, the Kingdom’s plans and visions, and global trends, for approval by the University Council. 11. Supporting proposals for determining academic degrees and certificates and their names in both Arabic and English, based on the proposals of Department and College Councils. 12. Recommending the numbers of students who can be accepted each academic year in the graduate studies programs to the University Council, based on a proposal from the councils of the competent departments and the approval of the College Councils. 13. Suggesting the guidelines for forming supervisory committees and thesis defense committees. 14. Setting general frameworks and standards for comprehensive exam and graduation research. 15. Setting the overall framework for research plans and the rules governing writing, printing, producing, and submitting thesis; preparing forms for the thesis defense committee reports; and evaluating thesis. 16. Studying periodic reports related to graduate studies that are submitted by the academic departments at the university. 17. Proposing the offering of graduate studies programs outside the university premises and submitting this to the University Council to take what it deems appropriate. 18. Recommending the approval of the colleges’ proposals regarding development initiatives related to graduate studies in order to develop the university’s financial resources. 19. Recommending the determination of the fees for applying to graduate programs, the tuition fees for the programs, and the fees for support services related to graduate studies, based on the proposals of the Department and College Councils. 20. Recommending the allocation of scholarships for students, in full or in part, in accordance with the regulations approved by the University Council. 21. Recommending the termination or suspension of graduate studies programs that do not comply with quality standards or with the university’s strategy. 22. Reviewing the referrals made by the Chair of the Standing Committee, the University President, or the University Council in order to provide its opinion. The Committee may delegate some of its authorities to its Chair, and it may also form standing or temporary committees from among its members or others to study what they are asked to do. Article 8 The Standing Committee shall meet upon a call by its Chair at least once a month, and the meeting shall only be valid if attended by at least two-thirds of its members, including the Chair or whomever he deputizes from among the members of the Committee. The Committee’s decisions are issued by a majority vote of the members present. In case of a tie, the Chair of the meeting shall have the casting vote. The decisions of the Standing Committee shall be effective unless contested by the University President within fifteen days from the date of receipt. If contested, they shall be returned with the University President’s comments to the Standing Committee. If the Standing Committee maintains its position, the disputed decisions shall be referred to the University Council to be decided in its first ordinary or extraordinary meeting. The University Council may ratify, amend, or cancel the decisions. The decision of the University Council on this is final. The Chair of the Standing Committee may invite whomever he deems necessary to attend some of the Standing Committee meetings in a non-voting capacity. Article Six: Study Programs and Study System Article 9 Joint graduate studies programs may be established between departments, colleges, or institutes within the university; or between the university and educational or research institutions from inside or outside the Kingdom, in accordance with rules approved by the University Council based on the recommendation of the Standing Committee and after coordination with the colleges and departments or competent entities. Article 10 The number of study units a graduate student must study at the university that will grant him/her the academic degree shall not be less than fifty percent of the total number of credits required to grant the degree; and the student must complete his graduation research or his thesis, if any, entirely under its supervision. Students of joint programs are excluded from this Article. Article 11 The study for the higher diploma shall consist of academic courses and field study, applied, and laboratory work, provided that the study period of the program and the number of study units are in accordance with specifications in the Classification and Framework. The University Council, based on a proposal of the Standing Committee, may increase the study period for any program, not exceeding half the specified period. Article 12 Study options of a master’s degree shall be either coursework only, coursework and thesis, coursework and comprehensive exam, or coursework and graduation research, provided that the study period of the program and the number of study units are in accordance with what is specified in the Classification and Framework. The University Council, based on a proposal of the Standing Committee, may increase the study period for any program, not exceeding half the specified period. Article 13 The University Council, based on the recommendation of the Standing Committee, shall approve the method of doctoral study, provided that the study period of the program and the number of study units are in accordance with what is specified in the Classification and Framework. The University Council, based on the proposal of the Standing Committee, may increase the study period for any program, not exceeding half the specified period. Article 14 The period for obtaining the academic degree starts from the beginning of registration for the graduate courses of the program in which the student is enrolled until the date of completing the requirements of the program or the student’s supervisor submitting a report to the Head of Department with a copy of the thesis if any. Chapter Seven: Admission Article 15 The Executive Management shall undertake the implementation of academic procedures, including student admission and registration, in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation and the regulations approved by the University Council. Article 16 Without prejudice to Article (15) of this Regulation, a student may be accepted in a field other than his specialization, based on a recommendation from the competent Department Council and approval from the College Council. Article 17 The competent department may require for admission of the student to the master’s and doctoral level that he pass a number of supplementary courses from a previous stage or pass a related learning outcome assessment in order for the student to become eligible to join the program in accordance with regulations approved by the Standing Committee based on a proposal from the Department Council and endorsement from the College Council. Article 18 A student may be accepted into two graduate studies programs at the same time provided that the two programs are from the same stage or from a previous stage, in accordance with regulations approved by the University Council based on the recommendation of the Standing Committee. Article 19 It is permissible to transfer courses previously passed by a student at a university or educational institution inside the Kingdom or from outside the Kingdom provided that these institutions are licensed by the competent authority in the country of study. This should be based on the recommendation of the Department Council and the approval of the College Council. The courses that have been transferred are recorded in the student’s academic record. The University Council shall issue the regulations governing this and the possibility of including their grades in the student’s cumulative GPA in his academic record. Article 20: With the approval of the competent Department Council and the College Dean, the student may postpone his admission one time. The postponement cannot be accepted after the student starts his studies. This shall be in accordance with the regulations approved by the University Council based on the proposal of the Standing Committee. Article 21: Without prejudice to the decisions issued by the Council of Universities’ Affairs, the university may charge: 1. Tuition fees or a charge to offer graduate studies programs or courses provided that these programs have program accreditation, and the number of students does not exceed the number of accepted students - for the same programs or courses - without fees or charge. The University Council shall set the regulations governing this based on a recommendation from the Standing Committee. 2. A service fee for graduate studies and their support in accordance with regulations approved by the University Council based on the recommendation of the Standing Committee. Chapter Eight: Academic Procedures Article 22 The student may postpone the study at the recommendation of the competent Department Council and the approval of the College Council in accordance with regulations approved by the University Council based on the proposal of the Standing Committee. Article 23 The student may withdraw from one or more courses or all courses of the semester after the end of the registration period upon the recommendation of the competent Department Council and the approval of the College Dean according to regulations approved by the University Council based on the proposal of the Standing Committee. Article 24 If a graduate student withdraws from the university and then decides to re-join, the university may apply the admission requirements at the time of the new application. Article 25 A student shall be deemed to have dropped out if he does not register within the specified period for registration in each semester in which he is allowed to register. Article 26 1. The student’s enrollment shall be terminated in the following situations: a. If he stops studying, in accordance with the provisions of Article (25) of this Regulation. b. If he does not pass the supplementary courses, in accordance with the regulations approved by the Standing Committee. c. If his cumulative GPA falls below (Very Good) in two consecutive semesters. d. If his acceptance is found to be based on his submission of completely or partially incorrect information or documents. e. If he does not obtain the degree within the specified period of the program. 2. The student’s enrollment shall be terminated by a decision of the Standing Committee based on the recommendation of the Department Council and the endorsement of the College Council in the following situations: a. If it is proven that he is not in academic good standing at the thesis stage in accordance with the provisions of Article (44) of this Regulation. b. If he does not pass the comprehensive exam after being allowed to repeat it once. c. If the thesis is not accepted by the defense committee as being unsuitable for defense. d. If he violates academic integrity, during the coursework or thesis- writing phases, or if he violates the laws, regulations, or related decisions. Article 27 A student whose enrollment has been terminated may be re-enrolled if the conditions preventing him/her from continuing his studies are acceptable to the Department and College Councils. Re-enrollment decision shall be made by the Standing Committee in consideration of the following: 1. A student whose enrollment has been terminated for more than three academic years is deemed as a new student in terms of re-studying courses, regardless of what he has previously accomplished from the study stage, and the University Council may except from that in accordance with regulations issued by the University Council based on a proposal from the Standing Committee. 2. A student whose enrollment has been terminated for three academic years or less re-studies some of the courses specified by the Department Council and approved by the College Council. The units he studies after re-enrolling are included in his cumulative GPA, and the period the student spent in the study before terminating his enrollment Shall be calculated within the maximum period for obtaining the degree. Article 28 As an exception to Clause (c) of Item (1) of Article (26) of this Regulation, the College Council may grant the student one exceptional opportunity, not to exceed one academic year, based on the Department Council’s recommendation. Article 29 As an exception to Clause (e) of Item (1) of Article (26) of this Regulation, the Standing Committee may grant the student an exceptional opportunity not to exceed one academic year, based on a report from the supervisor and the recommendation of the Department and College Councils. Article 30 Without prejudice to Article (15) of this Regulation, based on the recommendation of the Department and College Councils, the Executive Management may accept the transfer of a student to the university from a university or educational institution inside or outside the Kingdom, provided that it is licensed by the competent authority in the country of study, on the condition that he is not dismissed from it for any reason. The transferred courses shall be recorded in the student’s academic record, and the University Council shall issue the regulations governing this and the possibility of including their grades in the student’s cumulative GPA in his academic record. Article 31 A student may be transferred from one program to another within the university based on the recommendation of the Department Council to which he is transferred and the approval of the College Council in accordance with the guidelines and conditions approved by the University Council based on the proposal of the Standing Committee. Article 32 A graduate student may, based on the recommendation of the Department Council and the approval of the College Council, study some courses at a university or educational institution inside or outside the Kingdom, provided that it is licensed by the competent authority in the country of study. The academic units he studied shall be transferred and recorded in the student’s academic record. The University Council shall issue the regulations governing this and the possibility of including their grades in the student’s cumulative GPA in his academic record. Article 33 A graduate student from a non-Saudi university may study some courses at a Saudi university in accordance with regulations approved by the University Council based on the proposal of the Standing Committee. Chapter Nine: Assessment Mechanism Article 34 Exam in graduate courses shall be conducted and grades shall be recorded in accordance with the Regulations on Studying and Examinations at the University Undergraduate Level, except for the following: 1. The student shall not be considered to have passed the course unless he obtains at least an (above average) grade. 2. The student must pass the supplementary course on the first attempt with a grade of no less than (above average), and his cumulative GPA in all supplementary courses must not be less than (very good). 3. Regarding alternative exams and courses that require more than one semester to be studied, the College Council decides what is considered appropriate based on the Department Council’s recommendation. Article 35 The University Council shall issue the rules regulating the oral and written comprehensive exam for the master’s and doctoral stages, based on the proposal of the Standing Committee. Chapter Ten: Thesis, Supervision, and Defense Article 36 The University Council shall issue the rules regulating the registration of the graduation research project, the thesis of the graduate student if any, and the mechanism for determining the thesis supervisor and the assistant supervisor if any, based on the recommendation of the Standing Committee. Article 37 Thesis are written in the language approved for the program by the University Council, provided that the thesis contains an adequate summary in Arabic if it is in a language other than Arabic.