College degree program
The College Degree Program 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 outstanding Saudi high school graduates from the General path, Computer Science & Engineering path, or Health & Life Science path to be sponsored to study for a bachelor's degree in a discipline required by the company, after fulfillment of all admission requirements.After sitting a screening test and fulfilling all admission requirements, the accepted candidates join the College Preparatory Program (CPP) for a full academic year in Dhahran before commencing their scholarship.
After successful completion of Aramco's 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 program goals. During the CPP, students receive support from the College Preparatory Center (CPC) staff to ensure that they are prepared for the challenges of enrolling in a top-tier university. Aramco’s CPP includes preparation for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and assistance with university applications. The rigorous and intensive academic program offered in the CPC ensures that students are ready to meet the academic challenges that they will face once they begin their university studies. The support offered to program participants does not stop once they leave the Kingdom. Aramco counselors, located in many of the countries where CDPNE students study, provide students with any required assistance while they are working to achieve their academic goals.
Requirements
- Must be currently enrolled in the third semester of grade 12 General path, Computer Science & Engineering path, or Health & Life Science path, for the current academic year (1445 H) – (2023-2024 G), or a science-track enrolled (or recent graduate) from alternative high school systems during the current academic year (1445 H) – (2023-2024 G).
- The applicant must hold a cumulative GPA of 85% or higher for the entire high school duration (Grades 10, 11, and the first semester of grade 12)
and the cumulative GPA of 85% or higher for math and science courses (math, physics, chemistry, and biology) for high school grades 10, 11, and the first semester of grade12. - Qudurat or GAT score of 90% or higher. (Qudurat and GAT are general aptitude tests provided by the Qiyas center within the Education & Training Evaluation Commission).
If the Qiyas score requirement is not met, you can register during the announced application period. You will receive a regret message based on your current score until you are able to update the Qiyas score to meet the program requirements by April 23, 2024. You can update your Qiyas score records by contacting 8003024444 (KSA) or +966138772828 (Outside KSA) during weekdays from 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM. * - Candidates must present a valid government ID or a passport before taking the screening test. Candidates who do not present a valid government ID or a passport will not be allowed to take the screening test.
- The applicant must not exceed the age of 22 years according to the Hijri calendar.
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 4,000.
- 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.
Exemption
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 (by subject) 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 be announced(.
How to apply
What you need to do:
- Complete the online application form.
- Attend the English and Math test scheduled (April 30 to May 5(.
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 (June 11 and June 12(.
- Attending the program start-up on (August 4(.
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:
Registration is currently closed. You can only register during the period to be announced.
To access your candidate profile after registration, please click here.
FAQ
CDPNE - Frequently Asked Questions
Testimonials
Saja Mohamed Matsah
Major: Computer Science
I joined the CPP because I’ve always been passionate about programming. I‘ve never stopped chasing my dream to become a programmer, even though the field of computer science is dominated by males, and there are limited opportunities to study computer science.
I was inspired by my brother, who was a former CPP student. He provided me with a lot of information about his time as a CDPNE student. He told me about Aramco’s CPP, which prepares trainees mentally and physically for life overseas. It helps to build students’ independence and life management skills, and provides a platform to explore their creativity through club activities. The ultimate goal is to ensure that trainees are ready to study abroad in one of the top universities worldwide.
It is important to note that before applying to the CDPNE, prospective students should aim to get high marks in secondary school, and have the strength and commitment to do their best to serve their company and their country.
Reem Khalid Alrowaished
Major: Geophysics
Choosing Aramco was a natural choice for someone who was always at the top of their class. On a professional level, Aramco provided a path that aligned my passion for being part of the solution to our world’s complex environmental issues with achieving my career goals.
When I first joined the company, I was put on the CPP’s engineering track. This would prepare me for my dream job in geophysics. I had just started my journey when I was provided with the chance to visit my sponsoring department. There, I had the chance to see my future workplace, where I will work when I return from completing my degree overseas.
During the preparation year, Aramco offers a supportive and experienced team that takes care of us and assists us with our university applications, improves our academic skills, and helps to guide us to become young professionals. I am also privileged to be surrounded by brilliant colleagues who share similar aspirations.
These are just a few things of the things that make me proud to be an Aramcon.
Amer Ashraf Alghazzawi
Major: Petroleum Engineering
As a fresh high school graduate, the uncertainty of life going forward was possibly the biggest concern that I faced. The demanding requirements set by international universities felt far out of reach, both academically and personally. Saudi Aramco’s College Preparatory Program (CPP) was, and is, undeniably the best choice I could have made for myself.
The program’s rigor pushed me to my limits as a student, teaching me skills that will benefit me many years after my academic journey is over. Supported by the professional and encouraging staff, my peers and I were able to establish an educational foundation that would eventually thrust us into the top of our university classes.
In terms of university preparation, the teachers and staff at CPP allowed me to perform my absolute best at the all-important IELTS exam, together with substantial facilitation and practice for the SAT exam, both of which are required by the majority of top universities. Such preparations, along with the constant assistance with university applications and essay counseling, has allowed me to aim for the best of the best universities in the world.
As the CPP year comes to a close, I can say, without a shadow of a doubt in my mind, that Aramco’s CPP is not only the right choice for me, but the best choice.