International student interested in MS at King Fahd University (KFUPM) – Need advice on admissions, scholarships, and career prospects

Hi everyone,

I'm a Chemical Engineering student and I'm planning to apply for an MS in Petroleum Engineering at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia.

I would really appreciate hearing from current students, alumni, or anyone familiar with the university.

Here are a few questions I have:

1. Admissions
   • Do international (non-Saudi) students have a good chance of getting admitted to the MS in Petroleum Engineering program?
   • What kind of profile (CGPA, research experience, internships, publications, etc.) is usually competitive?
2. Scholarships
   • When is the best time to apply for admission and maximize the chances of receiving a scholarship?
   • Are scholarships fully funded for international students, or are they mostly partial?
3. Career Prospects
   • How is the job market for Petroleum Engineers in Saudi Arabia after graduation?
   • Do international graduates get opportunities with companies like Saudi Aramco, SLB, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, or ADNOC, or is it difficult due to Saudization policies?
   • Is prior work experience important for finding jobs after graduation?
4. Alternative Programs
   • I'm open to other fields if they have stronger long-term career prospects.
   • Which master's programs at KFUPM would you recommend besides Petroleum Engineering? For example:
     • Chemical Engineering
     • Energy Engineering
     • Data Science/AI
     • Process Systems Engineering
     • Materials Engineering
     • Environmental Engineering
     • Other suggestions?
5. Student Life
   • How is campus life for international students?
   • Is it easy to adjust to life in Saudi Arabia?
   • What is the average monthly living expense if you're on a scholarship?
6. Application Tips
   • Is there anything you wish you had known before applying?
   • Any mistakes that applicants commonly make?

A little about me:

• Chemical Engineering undergraduate from India.
• Interested in the oil & gas and energy industries.
• Looking for a master's program that offers strong research opportunities and good career prospects after graduation.

I'd really appreciate any advice or personal experiences. Thanks in advance!