KAU Launches First GCC Railway Degree Programs

King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah has launched two specialized bachelor's degree programs in railway transport, the first academic offerings of their kind in Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf Cooperation Council. Both programs are scheduled to begin from the 2026–2027 academic year.

The first program is a Bachelor in Railway Engineering and Planning, supervised jointly by the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Architecture and Planning. The second is a Bachelor of Science in Logistics Management and Railway Transport Services, offered through the Faculty of Economics and Administration and the Faculty of Tourism.

The programs were developed in partnership with the Transport General Authority, which also accredits them. They stem from a strategic memorandum of understanding signed on 20 November 2024 between the university and the authority, aimed at building national expertise for the Kingdom's growing rail and logistics sector.

What students should know

Applications and admission for these new majors are handled through the university's official electronic admissions portal, following the standard undergraduate admission schedule for the 2026–2027 academic year. Once admitted, students follow the usual semester-based system, with a program duration in line with typical Saudi bachelor's degrees of around four academic years.

As of now, no program-specific tuition figures in Saudi Riyal have been published for the railway majors; the university's standard fee structures apply. Prospective students are advised to follow official university channels for admission dates and any updates.

For residents and expats considering careers in transport, the programs mark a significant step, offering locally accredited qualifications tailored to one of the fastest-expanding sectors in the Kingdom as it builds out its national rail network.

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