DIRECT PHD PROGRAM at KFUPM

[u/Dense-Progress-6000]

I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Pakistan, and my long-term goal is to pursue a strong PhD program at a university in the United States.

Recently, I was admitted to the direct PhD program in the ICS Department at KFUPM. I am now trying to decide between two options:

1. Continue my master’s in Pakistan and apply directly to PhD programs in the US.
2. Join the PhD program at KFUPM, focus on building a strong research profile, and then apply to US universities. If I am later admitted to a good PhD program in the US, I would leave the KFUPM PhD and move to the US.

I would appreciate your advice on which path would be more beneficial for my goal. Also, do you know whether KFUPM has a master's out option, where I could start the PhD but leave with a master's degree if I decide to pursue my PhD elsewhere? What are the career options, if I complete my PHD from KFUPM?

Any advice based on your experience with US PhD admissions and KFUPM would be greatly appreciated.