Dear Students and Parents,

It is certain and logical to conclude that a student’s ability to join prestigious universities in Saudi Arabia and abroad, and to succeed in pursuing the desired major, depends largely on the knowledge, skills, and academic experience that he/she gained in previous education stages. Since learning has become a continuous, multi-dimensional process which transcends the time and space limits of the school environment and which is combined with the continuous advancement of various disciplines and related technologies, it was necessary to create a program which would enhance the student’s high school reservoir of knowledge and individual skills through university-level courses and academic planning. This effort had to emphasize intensive preparation in specific subjects that are crucial for success in competitive university specializations in which student interest is exploding.

As a result, the idea of developing the University Preparatory Program (UPP) was born. The Program is offered by King Faisal Foundation in the framework of its assiduous pursuit to contribute to youth education and enrichment based on modern educational foundations with a view to providing youth with the skills and requirements for optimal success in the present era. These include the ability to use English as a tool of acquiring modern disciplines and the skill of utilizing interactive and electronic communication. This Program looks at the student as the vital element for achieving national prosperity and advancement.

After extensive effort and careful planning over the past two years, the UPP will finally commence its activities in September 2007. A team comprising experienced native English-speaking faculty who hold a master’s degree as a minimum in their respective fields will deliver courses and a comprehensive educational curriculum that have been designed specifically to meet the needs of high school graduates in Saudi Arabia. One distinguishing feature of this program is that it allows the admitted student to select from three academic pathways according to the desired university major: the Medicine and Science Pathway, the Engineering Pathway, and the Business Pathway. The knowledge and skills that the student will develop in this academic year will enable him to pursue his university studies with self-confidence and determination supported by university-level content knowledge and the latest learning, research and self-development methods.

I wish all students success in their current and future efforts.

Bandar bin Saud bin Khaled