King Khalid University achieved advanced rankings in the 2024 Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects. Three of the university’s programs have been ranked among the top 200 globally. This achievement is a testament to the university's ongoing commitment to developing academic programs and fostering research and innovation, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030, King Khalid University's 2030 strategy, and its role as a key enabler of the Asir Development Strategy "Qimam and Shyam," which aims to drive transformative sustainable development in the Asir region.

The university ranked 101-150 globally in both Mathematics and Mining Engineering, a testament to the strength of its academic programs and advanced research in these vital fields. It also ranked 151-200 globally in Energy Science and Engineering, affirming its leading role in contributing innovative scientific solutions to address energy challenges and ensure sustainability. In the fields of Instrument Science and Technology, Agricultural Sciences, Veterinary Sciences, and Stomatology, the university achieved a global ranking of 201-300. Additionally, the university continued to achieve top global rankings within the 301-400 category in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

The university's Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research, Prof. Hamid bin Majdou’ Al-Qarni, emphasized that these results represent a turning point in the university's journey towards achieving academic and research excellence on a global scale. He highlighted the university's ongoing efforts to strengthen its research environment and support innovative research projects that contribute to providing practical scientific solutions to serve the local and international community. Al-Qarni added that the university's achievement of these top rankings affirms its steady progress towards achieving its strategic objectives and building an educational and research system that meets the needs of the present and future, as well as building an inspiring model in higher education that supports the Kingdom's position as a global scientific and academic power. He expressed his gratitude to the President of the University, Prof. Faleh bin Rajallah Al-Solami, for his great interest and continuous support.

For his part, the supervisor of the International Rankings Unit at the university, Dr. Mohammad bin Saeed Al-Qahtani, explained that this achievement is not merely an international recognition of the quality of education and research at King Khalid University, but rather a reflection of a comprehensive strategic vision aimed at enhancing the university's position in global rankings and developing academic and research performance indicators to make the university a model in higher education globally. These results enhance the university's reputation and highlight its position as an academic institution capable of competing globally in various fields.