English Language Program

GENERAL ENGLISH CLASSES

This program provides an opportunity for community members to improve their English in many areas and has been a successful part of KAUST for the past eleven years.

All levels are welcome, from beginner to proficient.

Program Overview

The program is divided into 4-5 terms per academic year, which aim to cover one language level. This means that for better progress and completing a level, it is highly recommended to complete all terms. Each term is 7 weeks long, with lessons (90 minutes) held twice a week.

Each term, we offer classes for different levels of proficiency. The availability of a class depends on the number of registrations. Classes are taught in the mornings, 9:00–10:30 AM. The levels are the following (refer to CEFR to define each level):

• Beginner (A1)
• Elementary (A2)
• Pre-intermediate (B1)
• Intermediate (B1+)
• Upper-intermediate (B2)
• Advanced (C1)

Method & Materials

Method

The course is taught in English using a communicative approach, with a focus on developing speaking, writing, listening and reading as well as improving students’ knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. The lessons are designed using a coursebook published by Oxford University Press, but the materials are adjusted based on a student’s needs analysis and continuous feedback. The progress of students is assessed after each unit and term. At the end of the academic year, each student receives a progress report from their teachers.

Materials

The curriculum is based on the English File (5th ed.) coursebooks, which are supplemented with additional practice activities and authentic materials.

Placement test

If you are unsure about your class level for the main classes only (not conversation classes), feel free to email us at community.development@kaust.edu.sa to schedule an assessment.

There will be two Open Days, August 20 and 23, 2026, when you can come and meet the teachers, ask questions and do a placement test. The registration for the Open Day placement test will be announced at the beginning of August 2026.

Fees

1,035 SAR per term (including VAT)

*The books are not included in the fee; you will receive photocopied materials.

Location

Building 9, Level 3

Registration

The English Language Program is closed for the summer.

The registration for the new term will be announced at the beginning of August 2026.

ENGLISH CONVERSATION CLASSES

This program gives the KAUST community an opportunity to enhance their English-speaking skills in an engaging yet classroom-based setting. The interaction happens with other classmates of similar ability and an experienced teacher, who provides valuable feedback.

Program overview

The classes are taught in blocks of five weeks, once class (60 minutes) per week. Please note that these classes are not suitable for beginners.  You should be at least strong elementary or above to attend these classes. The levels offered are the following:

• Pre-intermediate to low intermediate (Thursday morning)
• Intermediate to upper-intermediate (Monday evening)

Method

The main difference of conversation classes from general English classes is that the aim is not to learn grammar/vocabulary but to break the speaking barrier and become a confident speaker with the English you already have. However, teachers monitor the errors and provide feedback on them.

The topics for discussions are chosen on the basis of student needs analysis, which is done by teachers at the beginning of a 5-week block. The lessons incorporate various speaking formats (for example, speed dating, debates, group discussions) in different groupings (pairs, groups of three, etc.).

Schedule

The timetable for the 2026/27 academic year is coming soon!

Fees

210 SAR (including VAT) for 5 weeks

Location

Building 9, Level 3

Registration

The English Language Program is closed for the summer.

The registration for the new term will be announced at the beginning of August 2026.