Arizona State University, University of Wollongong, University of Strathclyde, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and IE University are expected to open their branches, as per a report by University World News. 

The announcement was made in a report titled ‘Saudi Economy and Investment Monitor’, which was published by the Saudi Ministry of Investment.

Among the universities, plans for a Strathclyde campus are in the final stages as it awaits formal approval of its business plan from the government. 

The PIE News understands the University of Strathclyde will collaborate with Riyadh-based Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University to establish its Saudi branch campus. 

Over the years, Saudi Arabia has been viewed as an integral part of the UK’s international education strategy. 

Last year, representatives from the UK’s K-12 and early years sectors visited Saudi Arabia to encourage more independent schools in the country, as previously reported by The PIE. 

Since 2021, five UK independent schools, including Beech Hall School Riyadh (part of Chatsworth Schools) and King’s College Taunton, have established new branches or ‘satellite schools’ in the kingdom. 

Saudi Arabia’s goal of emerging as a global education hub is in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

The government program aims to turn the country into a knowledge-based society that can attract world talent, establish foreign campuses and increase private sector involvement in higher education in the next six years. 

Over the years, Saudi Arabia has been viewed as an integral part of the UK’s international education strategy. 

The report by Invest Saudi also mentioned the need for an Institute of Data Science, aligning with the country’s national strategy for data and artificial intelligence.

With the country figuring among one of the most popular study destinations in the Arab world, Saudi Arabia also recently launched the ‘Study in Saudi Arabia’ visa program. 

The program was initiated to improve the process for international students wishing to study in Saudi Arabia and support a global learning hub for over 132,000 international students, researchers, and professors. 

The platform streamlines the process for international students to apply for short-term and long-term academic, training, and research programs at Saudi universities, making it more straightforward and user-friendly.