RIYADH: Saudi students will gain increased access to high-quality higher education as reputable institutes, including Australia’s University of Wollongong, secure licenses for branches within the Kingdom.
The Saudi Ministry of Education and its investment counterpart announced the issuance of an approval to the Australian public research university during the recently concluded Human Capability Initiative Conference in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
This move is a part of the preparations to establish its branch in the Kingdom, in collaboration with the Digital Knowledge Co., to provide innovative, globally recognized education for international and local students across various higher schooling levels.
The collaboration with Digital Knowledge Co., known for its high-quality expertise in schooling and training, aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to attract foreign university branches and increase private sector involvement in higher education by 2030.
The University of Wollongong holds the 14th position among the best modern universities worldwide, ranking in the top 1 percent of institutes according to the 2024 QS World Index.
The SPA report added that, during the same event, the two ministries also signed a memorandum of understanding with Arizona State University and Cintana Education to establish a new institute and an affiliated school in Riyadh.
The MoU with ASU and Cintana Education outlines the framework for these institutions, emphasizing high-quality education, research, and innovative programs to contribute to economic success and influence future generations in the Kingdom.
The tailored programs aim to meet the increasing demand for international education in Riyadh, aligning with the priorities of Saudi Vision 2030. This includes specializations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as economics, along with the training of educational staff.
SPA added that the launch is scheduled after the completion of the required studies by the signing parties of the MoU.
In 2005, ASU had 20 undergraduate and four graduate students from Saudi Arabia. By 2017, these numbers surged to 682 undergraduate and 103 graduate students, according to its website.
The university emphasizes 13 areas of study, with engineering being the most popular among half of the students, while one in five are pursuing degrees in business. Other fields of study include liberal arts, global management, public service, and education.
AUS adds that the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission and Aramco have sent multiple delegations to the educational institution to explore how the university accommodates sponsored Saudi students. Such cultural missions have resulted in 126 Aramco-sponsored scholars currently enrolled at ASU.
Source: Arab News
