Reputable universities, including Australia's University of Wollongong, securing licenses for branches in Saudi Arabia, will enhance high-quality higher education for local students. The Saudi Ministry of Education and its investment counterpart granted approval during the Human Capability Initiative Conference in Riyadh.
The University of Wollongong's branch in collaboration with Digital Knowledge Co. aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to attract foreign university branches and increase private sector involvement in higher education by 2030. This move seeks to offer innovative, globally recognized education at various levels to both international and local students.
Ranked 14th among the best modern universities globally, the University of Wollongong holds a top 1 percent position in the 2024 QS World Index. The collaboration with Arizona State University and Cintana Education, outlined in a memorandum of understanding, focuses on establishing a new institute and affiliated school in Riyadh, emphasizing high-quality education, research, and innovative programs.
The MoU with ASU and Cintana Education outlines a framework for high-quality education, research, and innovative programs to contribute to economic success and influence future generations in Riyadh. The tailored programs aim to meet the increasing demand for international education in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, covering specializations in STEM fields, economics, and the training of educational staff.
The launch of the ASU and Cintana Education initiative is scheduled after the completion of the required studies by the signing parties of the MoU. ASU, with a history of attracting Saudi students, particularly in engineering and business, emphasizes 13 areas of study. The university's growth from 20 to 682 undergraduate and 103 graduate Saudi students by 2017 underscores the increasing demand for diverse educational fields.
