Internationalization of higher education in KSA

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is experiencing a significant transformation in its higher education sector, with a strong emphasis on internationalization. This internationalization effort includes attracting international students and establishing branch campuses of foreign universities, all contributing to a more globally connected educational landscape. A key aspect of this transformation is the development of partnerships with international universities to enhance the country’s educational offerings and global competitiveness. Historically, KSA’s higher education system focused primarily on domestic needs and religious studies. However, the 21st century saw a shift towards a more global approach, with increased international collaborations, announcements of international branch campuses, and new regulations to support this expansion.

The push for internationalization of higher education is driven by several factors:
 

• Economic diversification: Vision 2030 aims to create a knowledge-based economy, reducing its reliance on oil revenues.
  
  
• Global competitiveness: Internationalization is seen as a way to elevate the quality and global standing of universities.
  
  
• Cultural exchange: International partnerships facilitate cultural exchange and global understanding, which are crucial in an increasingly interconnected world.
  
  
• Inbound mobility: The country is witnessing a growing trend of hosting international students in its educational institutions. This has been fueled by initiatives like the "Study in Saudi Arabia" program. Key countries representing the international students in KSA include Yemen, Egypt, Pakistan, India, Sudan and Jordan. 
  
  
• Retaining domestic talent: The internationalization effort aims to create world-class educational opportunities. This encourages students traditionally pursuing higher education abroad to study at home, thus retaining talent and reducing educational expenditure overseas.
  
  
• Attracting global workforce: The government seeks to attract expatriates with families by offering high-quality educational options for their children. This aspect of internationalization makes the Kingdom more appealing to skilled international professionals.
  
  
• Research ecosystem development: Internationalization efforts are geared towards establishing the Kingdom as a regional research hub. This involves attracting international faculty, fostering global research collaborations, and developing state-of-the-art research facilities to drive innovation and knowledge creation.

KSA has launched several key initiatives to internationalize its higher education sector. The King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP), initiated in 2005, has enabled thousands of students to study abroad, fostering international exposure and knowledge transfer. More recently, the Kingdom has made significant strides in establishing international branch campuses and inviting renowned foreign universities to create a presence within the country. According to a report published by the Ministry of Investment, Arizona State University, University of Wollongong, University of Strathclyde, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and IE University are expected to open their branches in the Kingdom this year. In addition to these efforts, many universities have reformed their curriculum to align with international standards and incorporate global perspectives, enhancing the quality and relevance of local education. These combined initiatives highlight the country’s commitment to modernizing its higher education system and building global academic connections.

Partnerships between established local and international institutions are focused on joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, and the development of innovative educational programs. These collaborations are expected to boost the international ranking of institutions as well as increase research publications and citations.

The establishment of new branch campuses is a significant milestone in KSA's internationalization efforts. These campuses are expected to provide local students with access to quality education while also attracting international students and faculty. This initiative will likely enhance knowledge transfer, promote cultural exchange, and contribute to developing a knowledge-based economy.

Several crucial factors contribute to the success of international university branch campuses (IBCs) when establishing themselves in a new country. Drawing from global examples, here are the main areas to focus on:

• Regulatory alignment: Engage proactively with local authorities to ensure compliance with licensing, accreditation and education policies.
  
  
• Strategic local partnership: Collaborate with a reputable local infrastructure partner who understands the regional context and has a strong network. This partnership can help navigate local regulations, real estate, and operational challenges, streamlining campus development, ensuring compliance with local building codes, and facilitating smoother integration into the local community.
  
  
• Cultural integration: Incorporate local cultural elements into curricula and teaching methods while maintaining the institution's core academic values.
  
  
• Financial planning: Develop robust, long-term financial strategies that account for potential changes in funding or support, ensuring sustainable growth.
  
  
• Quality enhancement: Leverage the unique local context to enhance academic standards, introducing innovative approaches that benefit both the branch and home campuses.
  
  
• Global talent acquisition: Create attractive packages and career development opportunities to build a diverse, international faculty team.
  
  
• Student diversity: Implement targeted recruitment strategies to attract a mix of qualified local and international students, enriching the campus experience.
  
  
• Collaborative partnerships: Seek opportunities to collaborate with local institutions, turning potential competition into mutually beneficial partnerships.
  
  
• Adaptability and resilience: Develop flexible operational models that can adapt to changing political and economic landscapes, ensuring long-term stability.
  
  
• Brand synergy: Cultivate a unique campus identity that blends the parent institution's brand with local cultural elements, creating a distinctive educational experience.
  
  
• Multilingual environment: Embrace multilingualism as an asset, creating a rich linguistic environment that prepares students for global careers.

These considerations highlight the exciting opportunities and potential for innovation when establishing international branch campuses. Each situation presents unique possibilities, allowing institutions to leverage these factors to create thriving, globally connected educational hubs.

The recent announcements of international branch campuses mark a new phase in KSA’s internationalization process. As the country continues to invest in these international collaborations, it is set to further strengthen its position in the global higher education arena.

The future outlook for IBCs appears promising. It aligns with the country's Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and enhance its education sector while addressing the growing domestic student demand. The government has demonstrated its commitment through substantial investments in education infrastructure and partnerships. Notably, higher education institutes have been announced as part of large mega projects, including a Technology and Design University as part of the New Murabba project and a university in the Northern District in Diriyah.

However, the success of IBCs will likely depend on various factors, including cultural adaptation, regulatory alignment, and the ability to attract both international faculty and a diverse student body. While specific enrollment targets and funding details vary by institution and are not publicly available, the overall trend points to a significant expansion of international higher education options. Challenges remain, such as competition with existing local universities and balancing international academic standards with cultural norms.

The government has a unique opportunity to replicate the remarkable success of international branch campuses (IBCs) established in other parts of the world. JLL has a proven track record of supporting IBCs in the region with their real estate strategies, as exemplified by our work with Heriot-Watt University in Dubai. Our team of experts is well-equipped to help you achieve similar success in your endeavors. Visit our website at JLL MENA to learn more about how JLL can partner with you to unlock this potential.