King Khalid University (KKU) has achieved a leap in the international rankings of universities, as it moved up from 551- 600 level, ranking 573 to the level 501- 550, ranking 520. KKU came among the first 50 universities in the world, and it achieved the fourth place among Saudi universities regarding best performance - earlier it was the fifth. Results have been according to the QS organization which is concerned with universities rankings in 2016.

On the achievement, the University Vice - President for Quality and Development, Dr. Ahmed bin Yahya Aljbaili, was delighted with this achievement, stressing that the outstanding progress coincided with excluding other universities from International and Arab ranking on the one hand, and in a climate of intense competition at international, Arab, and national levels on the other hand. Dr. Aljbaili further explained that the results of performance indicators evaluation was based on the overall performance of the University, and was based on careful analysis of its performance in several aspects. Dr. Aljabili praised great efforts that have been exerted to achieve that progress in the ranking of the university, especially the QS organization ranking which has put the University at the same level with very large universities, which depends on the number of students, faculty members, and programs. QS Ranking also depends on the quality of provided programs and academic levels, reflecting the amount and type of effort required to develop and manage scientifically. The Vice - President stressed that that development was just a step that the university had stepped forward, and would be followed by other active steps, as the university moves according to of long-term vision strategy.

In turn, the Rector of King Khalid University, His Excellency Prof. Faleh bin Rajaa Allah Al Salamy, thanked all those who contributed to this outstanding performance of the University. He directed special thanks to the University Vice - Presidency for Development and Quality and its subordinate units, which have put the development of the overall performance of the university as a top priority. He promised to provide all needed support, care, follow-up, and guidance to them and to those who would contribute to the upgrading of the university. The Rector urged the university employees to do their best for the university and for the elevation of the nation to achieve the vision of the Kingdom in 2030. His Excellency the Rector thanked the wise leadership, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, and his Crown Prince, His Royal Highness, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef bin Abdul Aziz, and the Deputy Crown Prince, His Royal Highness, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, as well as the Governor of Asir region, His Royal Highness, Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdul Aziz, and the Minister of Education, His Excellency, Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Issa, for their support and permanent guidance to the university.