Course Approval Guidelines for Degrees and Diplomas

The College of Graduate Studies at Kuwait University has set forth specific guidelines for the approval of courses applicable to Master’s Degrees and Graduate Diplomas. These guidelines ensure that the courses align with the academic standards and requirements of the respective programs.

Courses Approved for Master’s Degrees

• Kuwait University Courses at the 500 Level or Higher

• Courses count towards a degree when they satisfy the following:

  • The grade obtained must be at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.

  • The course must be passed no more than two years prior to formal approval.

  • The course must be a requirement for the student’s program.

  • Approved courses count towards the degree and are included in the GPA calculation.

• Approval of 400 Level Courses

  • With the Program Committee’s recommendation, 400 level courses can be approved if they are offered by Kuwait University, related to the student’s major or research, and not conditional for admission.

  • A maximum of six credit hours can be approved.

  • These credits are included in the degree and the GPA.

• Approval of Courses from Other Institutions

  • Courses from recognized institutions can be approved if relevant, at the graduate level, passed with a grade of at least 3.00, studied within the time limit for the degree, and the gap between course completion and program admission is not more than two years.

  • Approved credits from these courses can constitute up to 30% of the required credits but are not included in the GPA.

• Restrictions and Total Credit Limit

  • Courses approved for undergraduate degrees or other academic degrees cannot be re-approved for an additional degree.

  • The total number of approved credits, including those from sections 2 and 4, should not exceed 18.

Graduate Diploma Course Approval

• Passed courses of 500 level or higher are approved up to nine credits under certain conditions:

  • Minimum grade of 2.67 on a 4.00 scale.

  • Course completion within the last two years.

  • The course must be a requirement for the diploma program.

  • Approved credits count towards the diploma and are included in the GPA.

• Approval of Courses from Other Institutions for Diplomas

  • Courses from recognized institutions can be approved if relevant, at the graduate level, with a minimum grade of 2.67, studied within two years before program admission.

  • Approved credits from these courses can constitute up to 30% of the diploma’s required credits but are not included in the GPA.

• Restrictions and Total Credit Limit for Diplomas

  • Courses approved for undergraduate degrees or other academic degrees cannot be re-approved.

  • The total number of approved credits, including those from sections 1 and 2, should not exceed 9.