1. What is the Preparatory English Program?
The main purpose of the KFUPM Preparatory English Program (PEP) is to ensure that students' English proficiency is sufficient to graduate from the university, in which English is the language of instruction for all courses. This intensive four-module (half-semester) program, which all new students are initially admitted to, is designed to consolidate and develop the basic English ability that students have acquired in school. The course is specifically designed to develop the language, reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills that students need to succeed in their academic studies. There are four hours of instruction per day.
2. How Does the Preparatory English Program Work?
The program's five modules are aligned on a continuum, where objectives and learning outcomes become progressively more complex. The skills developed in one module become the means for advancing to the next module. At the lower levels, Modules ENGL00 and ENGL01 use general English course books. Modules ENGL02 and ENGL03 focus more on the development of academic skills, while the final module, ENGL04, sees students engaging in integrated skills practice. To complete the program, students must pass the ENGL04 course. As a component of the ENGL03 and ENGL04 courses, students take a special version of the TOEFL which tests only listening, reading, and grammatical skills.
3. How Will My Starting Level Be Decided?
When new students arrive at the PEP, they are first given an English proficiency Placement Test, which is used to determine which module they will begin the program in. The Placement Test assesses grammar, vocabulary, writing, and speaking skills. The information contained in this document aims to help you effectively prepare for the Placement Test in September. It also gives information about how, in some cases, it may be possible to be exempted from all or part of the program.
4. Can I Be Exempted From the PEP?
Students who have an IELTS or TOEFL certificate with a sufficient score may be exempted from the PEP. If you have a TOEFL or IELTS certificate, please present it to the PEP Director. The minimum score requirements are : TOEFL IBT = 70 and IELTS = 6 (NB: No individual skill score of below 5.5)
5. Can I Be Exempted After the Placement Test?
It is also possible in some cases to gain exemption from the PEP after taking the Placement Test. Students who score above 88% in the Placement Test will be invited back to take an Institutional TOEFL exam (see section two for more information). If students obtain a score of 530 or more in the Institutional TOEFL, they will be exempted from the PEP program.
Useful Apps for Preparing for the Placement Test *Note: Not all of these are free to use.
Disclaimer: This resource list is provided only as a guide. The KFUPM PEP takes no responsibility for any cultural offense which may be caused by materials contained within these resources.
Useful Websites for Preparing for the Placement Test
1. Why do I need to enroll in the Prep Math program?
Mathematics is a compulsory subject in almost all engineering and science it is an essential tool that plays a crucial role in helping students become better engineers or scientists. Mathematics helps students develop critical thinking skills and teaches them how to analyze and solve complex real-life problems systematically. With a strong knowledge of graphs, charts, and data tables students can understand and solve complicated modern world problems.
Prep Math program courses are carefully designed to lay a strong foundation of basic mathematical concepts and tools that are essential for advanced science, engineering, and management studies at the University.
2. How many courses are there in the Prep Math program?
Prep Math program consists of three main courses namely Math001, Math002, and Math012 with an additional modular MATLAB course, PYP041. Students must pass all these courses with a minimum D grade to complete the Prep-Math program.
3. Can I skip any or all Prep Math courses?
All new students have to sit for the Math placement exam at the beginning of the first semester. Students who score between 50% and 59% in the placement exam get promoted to Math012 which consists of main preliminary topics from Math 001 and all topics of Math002. The students who scored 60% or above in the placement exam are eligible to sit for the Math002 promotion exam. And those who obtain 60% or more in the promotion exam will waive the Prep-Math Program. Whereas students who scored less than 60% in the promotion will enroll in Math012.
4. Can I still register for Math001 course even if I pass the promotion exam?
No, Students who pass the promotion exam of Math 002 can’t register in Math 001.
5. Is it obligatory to take the Prep Math promotion exam?
No, it is a student's personal decision to sit in the promotion exam. However, all the newly admitted students must sit for the Math placement exam.
6. Is it mandatory for all PYP students to register for the MATLAB course?
No, the students can choose any 4 modular courses out of the 8 offered courses in PYP programs.