The University Agency for Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research was established by Royal Decree on 30 Rabi' al-Thani 1426 AH (June 7, 2005 AD). It is responsible for developing postgraduate studies and scientific research at the university as an integral part of the university and society. It plays a fundamental role in achieving the university's mission and achieving professional mastery and excellence in research skills among university staff, through developing scientific research and creating a stimulating environment for research. The Agency works to activate and enhance postgraduate programs, oversee specialized scientific conferences that enrich scientific research, communicate with experts in various scientific fields, and conclude numerous scientific agreements with distinguished institutions both domestically and internationally. These efforts all contribute effectively to building a knowledge society. To achieve its goals and mission, the Agency supervises the Deanship of Scientific Research, the Institute of Research and Consulting Studies, and the Department of Library Affairs.
The University Agency for Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research seeks to provide an environment that fosters innovation and excellence in its educational and research outcomes. In the field of postgraduate studies, the Agency is keen to graduate distinguished pioneering generations and to create postgraduate programs that achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and meet the future needs of the Kingdom. The Agency also focuses on developing scientific research, which is considered one of the most important tools for implementing the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 and for the university's participation in economic and social development and the transition to a knowledge-based economy.
The Agency is committed to academic and research excellence by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure (libraries, information resources, diverse electronic services, institutes, specialized centers, and laboratory equipment), and by securing ongoing funding through research centers, endowed chairs, and other means. The Agency also selects prestigious international universities for the scholarship of teaching assistants and lecturers abroad. Furthermore, the University Agency for Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research provides electronic services that facilitate informed decision-making.
The University Agency for Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research has established clear regulations and procedures for conducting periodic reviews of postgraduate programs, research institutes, research chairs, and their centres.
The Agency offers numerous competitive internal research grants and has also adopted a performance-based model for funding and support. This is achieved through the publication of scientific papers and research resulting from funded projects in high-ranking scientific journals indexed in the Clarivate database. The Agency also strives to oversee the organization of local conferences. The university is a specialized international scientific institution, dedicated to enriching scientific research, connecting with experts in various scientific fields, and establishing numerous scientific agreements with distinguished institutions both domestically and internationally, all aimed at elevating the university's scientific and research standing to better serve the community and position it among the world's leading universities.