Umm Al-Qura University

Umm Al-Qura University is a major public university in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

One of the oldest and most respected universities in Saudi Arabiais Umm Al-Qura University. The history of the university dates back to 1949 when the College of Sharia (Islamic law) was established under King Abdulaziz ibn Saud. Initially, it was established in the Grand Mosque in Mecca; after sometime, it was transferred to a new campus at Abidiyyah. The royal decree for the renaming of the college to the university and the expansion of the university to include various new colleges and departments came in the year 1981 when the late King Fahd ibn Abdul Aziz gave a decree to this effect. In Arabic, the word "Umm Al-Qura" means "Mother of All Settlements," and it is a reference to Mecca, the holy city of Islam. Since it was established, Umm Al-Qura University has grown into one of the largest and respected universities in Saudi Arabia. Renowned in the country, it is best known for its academic strength in teaching and for the serious commitment towards research. Besides this, the university is equally famous for its international flavor. UQU has collaboration with a lot of universities all around the world and it offers many exchange opportunities and scholarships to students from all over the world.

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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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.

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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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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