College degree program

The College Degree Program for Non-Employees is a highly selective scholarship program for Saudi male and female high school graduates.

It is one of the Aramco’s primary sources for entry-level Saudi professionals. Each year, Aramco selects top Saudi high school graduates from the science stream — with the requisite high school GPA, Qiyas, and company English and math placement scores — to be sponsored to study for a bachelor’s degree in a discipline required by the company.

After successful completion of  Aramco's 10-month College Preparatory Program (CPP) in Dhahran, students are sponsored to attend an out-of-Kingdom university in their assigned field of study. Following successful completion of their bachelor’s degree program, students are targeted for employment at the professional level with Aramco.

Students are provided with a high level of support to ensure that they achieve their goals. While completing the CPP portion of the program, students will receive support from College Preparatory Center (CPC) staff to ensure that they are prepared for the challenges of enrolling in a top-tier university. This will include preparation for Test of English as a Foreign Language and International English Language Testing System tests and assistance with their university applications. In addition, the rigorous academic program offered in the CPC will ensure that students are ready to meet the academic challenges that they may face once they begin their university studies. The support offered to program participants does not stop once they leave the Saudi Arabia. Aramco counselors, located in many of the countries where CDPNE students will study, provide students with any required assistance while they are working to achieve their academic goals.

Requirements

• Be currently enrolled in the third semester of the grade 12 science track, for the current academic year (1444 H) – (2022-2023 G), or have graduated from the high school science track during the current academic year (1444 H) – (2022-2023 G).
• The applicant must hold a cumulative percentage of 85% or higher for the entire high school duration (Grades 10, 11, and the first semester of grade 12) and the cumulative percentage for math and science courses (math, physics, chemistry, and biology) for the entire high school duration (Grades 10, 11, and the first semester of grade 12) must also be 85% or higher. The applicant must hold a QIYAS score of 90 or more. (The QIYAS GAT is provided by the National Center for Assessment in Higher Education.)
• Candidates must present a valid government ID or a passport before taking the CDPNE test. Any candidates who do not present a valid government ID or a passport will not be allowed to take the test.
• Be no older than 22 Hijra years.

Program requirements for applicants graduating from International High-School Systems (PDF, 105KB)

Sample test items for both the English and Math screening tests are available here.

Benefits

During the CPP Program

If you are admitted to the program, Aramco will provide you with the following:

• Support with preparation of your application for admission to a top-tier university and assistance with the registration process.
• Assistance with preparation to meet the requirements for admission to a top-tier university, such as the SAT and IELTS exams.
• A monthly stipend of SR 3,500.
• Housing, as per Aramco’s housing policy.
• Free transportation on Aramco buses.
• Free medical care, as per company policy.
• Use of the company’s aviation services inside the Kingdom.
• Discounted tickets on Saudi Arabian Airlines domestic flights.
• Access to recreational facilities, including swimming pools, gym, and other sports facilities. In addition, other public facilities are available close to company-provided housing, including restaurants, banks, and shopping centers.

During University

• Sponsorship of your college education.
• A monthly stipend based on the location of your studies.
• A one-time unaccountable computer allowance.
• A book allowance for each academic year.
• A one-time allowance to assist with your settling-in expenses upon arrival at the school location.
• An academic achievement award based on your academic performance and the ranking of the university you are attending as per Aramco's list of schools.
• A return ticket once every academic year subject to meeting the program requirements.
• Medical coverage based on the company’s policy.
• Academic counseling and guidance will be provided throughout the period of the sponsorship.
• Orientation programs in Dhahran, as well as in the country in which you will be studying, if applicable.

*The company reserves the right to change the program entitlements at any time.

Benefits as an Aramco Employee

• A monthly salary, paid 12 times a year, plus one Ramadan salary payment.
• Housing allowance (three months base salary per year).
• Extra incentives related to the worksite location that could reach up to 70% of the basic annual salary.
• Possibility of an annual corporate bonus.
• Annual leave, as per company policy, plus public holidays, as scheduled in the company’s operational calendar.
• Medical coverage for you, your wife, your children, and your parents.
• An option to participate in the company’s savings plan (Thrift Plan).
• An option to participate in the company’s Home Ownership Program.
• Access to recreational facilities.
• Use of the company’s aviation services inside Saudi Arabia.
• Use of the company’s bus transportation services.
• Corporate discounts with various product and service providers in the Kingdom and around the world, such as major hotels, international airlines, and car rental companies.

College Preparatory Program Exemption:

Exemptions from attending the one-year College Preparatory Program (CPP) will be considered for high-caliber high school graduates from In-Kingdom schools and from high-quality international schools on the following basis:

• The candidate is accepted for enrollment in the College Degree Program for Non-Employee based on the eligibility criteria and the program’s English and Math test.
• The candidate has an unconditional acceptance from a Top 30 university worldwide based on the QS ranking system for a study major required by the Company in the specific year. The unconditional offer must be into a Freshman Year (US), a Foundation Year (UK), or equivalent entry level at a Top 30 university program.
• The candidate who has secured unconditional acceptance from a Top 30 university will be contacted to provide the required documents for the CPP waiver application.
• All CPP waiver applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Company.
• All the required document for the CPP waiver application must be submitted prior to ـ June 08, 2023.

What you need to do:

• Complete the online application form.
• Attend the English and Math test scheduled from May 12 to 17, 2023.

If you are initially nominated for the program, you will be scheduled for an appointment to complete the below processes:

• Complete the pre-employment medical examination. You will receive the invitation through email.
• Attending the CDPNE Career Fair. You will receive the invitation through email.
• Signing the training agreement and issuing your ID card.
• Attending the program orientation on August 2 & 3 2023.
• Attending the program start-up on August 6, 2023.

You will need to submit the official copies of your high school transcripts, plus a photocopy of your passport photo prior to starting the CPP.

How to apply

Applications are closed. You can apply online only during the announced registration period.

To access your candidate profile after registration, please click here.