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History of the university
The university was launched with its new name (Qassim University), carrying an academic and research legacy that spans more than four decades in the region, as some colleges received their students since 1401 AH. The university was established in implementation of the national plan to expand higher education and universities. The Royal Order No. 22042/B/7 was issued to establish Qassim University in the academic year 1423/1424 AH. At that time, it included seven colleges affiliated with the branches of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University and King Saud University in the Qassim region, thus becoming the first university in the region.
Qassim University is considered one of the first modern universities, after the seven established universities, in terms of establishment, development, and expansion. In fulfillment of the directives of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to advance the educational process, new colleges were opened due to the increasing number of high school graduates in all regions of Qassim. The number of colleges increased in the academic year 1427/1428 AH as a result of merging the Colleges of Education for males and females in cities of the Qassim region (nine colleges) into the university. The academic year 1428/1429 AH also witnessed the merger and restructuring of the four health colleges, which were affiliated with the Ministry of Health. The expansion in establishing new colleges at Qassim University continued, bringing the total number of colleges to 38 located in 12 governorates in the Qassim region, in addition to the main campus in the University City in Al-Melaida. These are in addition to the Deanship of Educational Services, which oversees the preparatory year, and the Deanship of Community Service, which oversees various diploma programs, and the university colleges are distributed across different regions of Qassim.
Qassim University has not confined itself to traditional educational methods, but rather established the Deanship of E-learning and Distance Education to keep pace with scientific and technological advancements, and to facilitate access to higher education opportunities for male and female students, thereby enhancing their academic journey towards a better future.
In 2024, the Council of University Affairs approved the comprehensive restructuring of the university. This strategic move marks a new phase towards excellence and alignment with the requirements of the new university system. The aim of this transition is to enhance administrative and operational efficiency, meet the needs of the labor market, and optimally utilize the university's campuses academically and in research, thereby contributing to sustainable development in the region. Among the most prominent outcomes of the restructuring is the merger of several colleges, resulting in the university now comprising 17 colleges that offer their programs at the main campus in Buraidah, in addition to its branches in several governorates of the region.
The significant support from the Kingdom's government has had a remarkable impact in transforming the university into a modern institution with over 66,000 male and female students from within and outside the Kingdom, representing more than 80 nationalities worldwide.
Al-Qassim University continues today to strengthen its position among higher education institutions in the Kingdom by developing its curricula and courses, providing a stimulating academic environment, and conducting scientific research and studies related to community needs and national development.