Middle East Students Studying in Australia The Saudi Arabian Students’ Example Presented by Dr. Ibrahim R. Alqarni Academic Director Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission Melbourne May 2011

Presentation Outline About SACM King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP) The Number of Saudi students in Australia Why do we choose Australia? Our expectation from Australian institutions What has been the experience to date? What can both sides learn and improve in the future?

Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM)  The establishment of SACM SACM started operating in Australia in 2004 SACM is part of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Canberra In terms of administration, finance and student affairs, the Mission reports directly to the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE).  SACM’s role and responsibilities to administer programs and policies that fulfil the educational and cultural needs of Saudi students studying in Australia. to act as mediator between Australian educational institutions and their counterparts in the Kingdom.

King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP)  KASP started in mid 2005 for 5 years and was extended last year for another 5 years.  Goals (As stated in MOHE Website) Bring about a high level of academic and professional standards through the foreign scholarship program Sponsor qualified Saudis for study in the best universities around the world Exchange scientific, educational and cultural experience with countries worldwide Build up qualified and professional Saudi staff in the work environment Raise and develop the level of professionalism among Saudis

The Number of Saudi students in Australia  2004 (234)  2007 (4000)  2009 (9254)  2011 (8515)  Male students (6998)  Female students (1517) MOHE- KASP (6183) Others (2332)  Dependants (7805)  Total: Students and dependants (16320)

Why Australia? What does Australia have to offer as an education destination?  Excellent educational system  Wide range of universities and institutions  Wide range of programs and courses  Highly qualified members of staff  High quality research centers  Worldwide acceptance of Australian qualifications  Diverse students’ population  Multiculturalism

What do we expect from Australia and Australian institutions?  Fast visa processing  Facilitating the settlement of the newcomers  Flexibility (educational institutions) Facilitating enrollment Facilitating the issuance of CoEs for visa purposes Facilitating students’ transfer between institutions  Immediate academic reporting  Excellent counseling  Easy access to accommodation

What has been the experience to date?  Major difficulties in the early stages  Slow improvement at the beginning  Differences between institutions  Today, only minor concerns

What can both sides learn and improve in the future?  More understanding of the role of SACM Fees and tuitions Academic reports  More understanding of the scholarship regulations Students’ transfer Students’ majors Students’ course-loads and withdrawal  Good immersion program  More cultural understanding  Increasing the allocation of seats  Accelerating visa processing  Accommodation opportunities

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