College Preparatory Center

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Saudi Aramco's College Preparatory Center (CPC) is where College Degree Program for Non Employees (CDPNE) takes place, a highly selective program run by the Saudi national oil company, Saudi Aramco (established in 1985). It begins with a 10-months and a half program of study at the Industrial Training Center in Dhahran, after which students move on to universities to finish their education.

- At (2003-2004), the admission rate was 1.20%, 148 admitted from a pool of 12,300 qualified applicants. Admitted students receive a salary of SR2500 ($666) for their attendance. Each student is assigned to a Saudi Aramco department related to his concentration of study.

- All students who pass their first year in CPC are granted a full scholarship to an overseas university, mostly in the United States, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Canada and Australia, with all expenses covered. Each scholar is given the opportunity to continue graduate studies up to the PhD degree, while receiving a full-time salary after working at least 3 years in the company.

Students are allocated degree paths upon acceptance. There are around 15 degree paths for students to choose from. Most of these degrees relate to Petroleum, Geophysics, and Information and Computer Sciences.

Most of the staff who work in the CPC are from English speaking countries. The style of education mimics some American schools in The United States.

The program was exclusive for Saudi male students until Aramco announced it will give scholarships for female students at summer 2006.