The standard duration:
The standard duration is the maximum period within which a student can remain in the university to complete graduation requirements. The standard duration is calculated by adding the program duration to half of it, according to the following condition:
-Postponement, absence, and summer semesters are not counted within the standard duration.
- Withdrawal semesters and internal transfers are counted within the standard duration.
- Visiting semesters outside the university are counted within the standard duration.
- Disciplinary suspension semesters are counted within the standard duration.
- For students transferred from outside the university, every (15) credit hours are counted as one academic semester.
Arrangements upon the end of the standard duration:
According to the regulations of studies and exams at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, a student whose standard duration ends without completing the graduation requirements is academically dismissed. In her academic record, the phrase "Academically dismissed for exceeding the duration" appears.
The student who is nearing the end of the standard duration (in the last semester of the duration) must follow up with her academic advisor and apply for an exceptional opportunity (one academic semester) to complete graduation requirements through self-service within the specified period according to the academic calendar.
| Colleges | Program Duration | Standard Duration |
| Bachelor's | 8 academic semesters | 12 academic semesters |
| Pharmacy-Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Physical Therapy specialization) | 12 academic semesters | 18 academic semesters |
| Nursing | 10 academic semesters | 15 academic semesters |
| Diploma | 4 academic semesters | 6 academic semesters |
| Colleges with an annual system | 6 years | 9 years |
Exceptional opportunity.
The exceptional opportunity is a semester granted to academically dismissed students to exceed the standard duration in order to complete graduation requirements. The summer semester is not included in the calculation of the exceptional opportunity.
Conditions for submitting a request for an exceptional opportunity via self-service:
1. The request should be submitted according to the announced deadlines in the academic calendar.
2. A student who has completed the standard duration is academically dismissed for exceeding the standard duration and must request an exceptional opportunity to complete graduation requirements.
3. The student must not be academically dismissed (for low GPA), disciplinary suspended, or absent from classes.
4. Submitting the request does not imply approval; it will be reviewed by the college council.
5. The student is not entitled to postponement, withdrawal, or absence in the semester in which the exceptional opportunity is granted.
6. The student who is about to exceed the standard duration should follow up with the academic advisor.
For inquiries and communication:
Email: dar-it@pnu.edu.sa
Phone: 0118243565
