RIYADH: Saudi universities are now offering scores of flexible options for students interested in pursuing a master’s degree.
In 2019, the Saudi Council of Ministers approved a law to give independence to universities to develop their own academic and administrative regulations in accordance with state-approved policies.
The new regulation also allowed universities to formulate a financial structure to generate revenues through carrying out scientific research and consultation services.
Dr. Abdulaziz S. Al-Ghamdi, vice rector for graduate studies and scientific research at the University of Hail. (Supplied)
The Saudi Electronic University plans to launch eight master’s programs focusing on business administration, digitization, and health, with each program costing SR81,000 ($21,500)
To apply, candidates should have bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a decent GPA and pass the university’s approved language assessment and other proficiency tests.
President of the Saudi Electronic University Prof. Lilac A. Al-Safadi told Arab News that the university “focuses on offering top-quality and specialized programs in cooperation with international universities, keeping pace with the job market, and the latest methods of e-learning.”
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Al-Safadi said that the university also offers introductory programs that prepare students from non-specialty professions to enroll in certain master’s degrees, such as the preparatory program for business administration, the introductory program for cybersecurity, and the introductory program for data science. The students must pass the introductory programs before being enrolled for the degree.
President of the Saudi Electronic University Prof. Lilac A. Al-Safadi (Supplied)
Since a majority of the students pursuing master’s degrees are working, Al-Safadi said that “the university model is suitable for employees interested in continuing post graduate studies due to the implementation of blended learning, which allows students to attend electronically, in-person, and beyond official working hours.”
Dr. Abdullah bin Nidal Addas, vice rector for graduate studies and scientific research at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, said that his institution has opened admissions to 31 master’s degree programs, many of which are in medicine, management and technology.
The master’s programs at the university are all priced differently, but the entry standards are similar to the Saudi Electronic University.
Dr. Abdullah bin Nidal Addas, vice rector for graduate studies and scientific research, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University. (Supplied)
Addas said that the university continues its pursuit in providing high-quality graduate programs to fulfill the demands of society.
“Our graduates have the potential and competence to join the labor market as the output of the programs are linked to the needs of the labor market.”
Undergraduate students in a non-specialized field can also enroll in a variety of programs that do not require an extension of specialization at the faculties of engineering and computer science, engineering, science, business administration and education.
Dr. Abdulaziz S. Al-Ghamdi, vice dean for graduate studies and scientific research at the University of Hail, said that the university offers many programs and seeks to make graduates well qualified to enter the labor market by providing them with a set of knowledge, skills and the ability to perform in their fields of specialization.
The cost of a master’s degree in the Kingdom ranges from SR20,000 to SR100,000.
Undergraduate students in a non-specialized field can also enroll in some programs.
