Saudi Arabia is poised to significantly enhance its higher education landscape by welcoming international academic institutions to establish branches within the nation. This move will provide Saudi students with access to world-class education programs locally.
Recent agreements have been struck with the University of Wollongong from Australia, and American entities Arizona State University and Cintana Education, which are set to initiate new campuses in Saudi Arabia. These partnerships were unveiled at the Human Capability Initiative conference in Riyadh.
A report by Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University in 2023 highlighted the skill gap created by the Kingdom’s traditional education system, which does not align with the modern labor market’s requirements. The establishment of these campuses is a strategic step to bridge this gap and align with Vision 2030’s objective to diversify the Saudi economy and foster high-skill industries.
The Kingdom aspires to transform into a regional education hub and a leader in scientific research by drawing in foreign universities and nurturing local talent. An additional measure to attract international students is the ‘Study in Saudi Arabia’ visa initiative, which simplifies the process for global learners to study in the Kingdom, aiming to create an international education community.
The exchange of talent through partnerships with leading universities worldwide is intended to spur knowledge creation and promote cross-cultural dialogue between Saudi Arabia and other nations. Furthermore, the Saudi Ministry of Education’s $38 million contribution to the Global Partnership for Education demonstrates the country’s commitment to revolutionizing education globally, particularly in lower-income regions.
At the Human Capability Initiative conference, strategic partnerships were also announced with prominent industry leaders such as Porsche, Hyundai, LinkedIn, and IE University, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in advancing human capability development.
A memorandum of understanding between the Saudi ministries of education and investment with Arizona State University and Cintana Education was signed to set up a new university and affiliated school in Riyadh. These institutions will offer internationally recognized education and innovative programs, although the opening dates have not been disclosed. The fields of specialization for these new institutes will include science, technology, engineering, mathematics, economics, and the training of educational staff.
The University of Wollongong, upon receiving its license from the Saudi ministries of education and investment, is set to establish its local branch in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Digital Knowledge Company. This university is renowned for its academic standards, ranking in the top 1 percent globally according to the 2024 QS World Index.
This initiative follows a bylaw enacted in 2019 that created the Universities Affairs Council, allowing foreign universities to set up branches in Saudi Arabia. The move has been lauded by education consultants and students alike, recognizing the potential for elevating local academic standards and offering quality education to those unable to study abroad.
Yousef Al-Benyan, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Education since September 2022, has been instrumental in approving plans for the establishment of foreign university branches in the Kingdom. His recent visits to the United States reflected the country’s ambitions to enhance educational, scientific, and research collaboration and attract foreign direct investment in education. Al-Benyan emphasized the importance of nurturing students who embody the cultural and social values of Saudi society.
In addition to inviting foreign universities to the Kingdom, the Ministry of Education is also focusing on promoting innovation through international cooperation in ed-tech and ensuring teachers are equipped with the necessary digital skills, including knowledge of artificial intelligence.
With these new partnerships, Saudi Arabia is well on its way to developing its own prestigious institutions, cultivating experienced educators, and preparing a workforce equipped with high-level skills for future industries.