Saudi Arabia Accelerates Global Education Ambitions with New Top Int’l Universities
Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in transforming its education landscape, as highlighted by Deputy Minister of Education for Planning, Eng. Saad Al-Ghamdi. Speaking at the launch of the Global Education Monitoring Report 2026 in Paris, Al-Ghamdi underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to opening branches of top international universities. “The ‘Study in Saudi Arabia’ program has already benefited over 200,000 international students,” he stated.
Saudi Arabia Shines in Global Education Report
The Global Education Monitoring Report 2026, released at UNESCO headquarters, placed a special focus on “Access and Equity in Education.” Saudi Arabia stood out prominently, showcasing its achievements in modernizing the education sector. Official data reveals a remarkable rise in post-secondary enrollment, with higher education reaching an impressive 83.88%, a clear indicator of the Kingdom’s progress.
Moreover, the report highlighted a 30% surge in technical and vocational education enrollment in 2024, reflecting the success of Saudi Vision 2030’s Human Capability Development Program, which aims to align education with labor market needs.
Research and Innovation: A Saudi Success Story
Eng. Al-Ghamdi proudly noted that King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals secured the 67th global rank in the QS World University Rankings. Additionally, several Saudi universities made the list of the top 100 universities worldwide for patents in 2025, signaling a thriving research and innovation ecosystem. “Our goal is to create an education system that not only meets global standards but also drives sustainable development,” Al-Ghamdi emphasized.
Consequently, the Strategic Scholarship Program remains a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s educational strategy. With over 56,000 scholarship recipients, the program continues to empower students to excel in fields critical to the Kingdom’s future. Al-Ghamdi affirmed that Saudi Arabia’s model serves as a blueprint for nations seeking to turn challenges into opportunities.
