University of New Haven to Open Landmark Campus in Saudi Arabia by 2026

By Kai May 1, 2025
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The University of New Haven (UNH), United States, has announced plans to open its first overseas campus in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone in US-Saudi educational collaboration. The new campus in Riyadh is expected to launch by late 2026, following a memorandum of understanding signed with the Kingdom’s Ministry of Education, Ministry of Investment, and the Royal Commission.

Set to become the first international university branch in Saudi Arabia, the campus aims to enrol up to 13,000 students once fully operational. Regulatory approvals are still pending, but preparations are underway for three dedicated colleges: Business and Digital Innovation, Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing, and Arts and Applied Sciences.

Courses will be delivered entirely in English, supported by a preparatory year and English as a Second Language (ESL) offerings for students in need. Saudi students will also benefit from access to scholarship sponsors and practical training aligned with the country’s workforce development goals under Vision 2030.

The announcement was made at the Human Capability Initiative in Riyadh, hosted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s national development blueprint, includes ambitious targets for diversifying the economy, expanding private sector involvement in education, and preparing a skilled workforce.

UNH President Jens Frederiksen praised the initiative, stating, “Our focus on preparing a dynamic global workforce makes Saudi Arabia a natural partner. We’re proud to support the Kingdom’s progress in education and innovation.”

UNH has long-standing ties with Saudi Arabia, having educated hundreds of Saudi students at its Connecticut campus and previously partnering with King Fahd Security College on academic programmes.

Michael H. Ambrose, chair of the university’s board of governors, added, “This campus is an opportunity to deliver innovative, industry-specific education supporting Vision 2030 and expanding our global impact.”

US chargé d’affaires Alison Dilworth also welcomed the collaboration, noting a growing trend in US-Saudi academic engagement following last year’s inaugural Higher Education Partnerships Forum.

With this landmark expansion, Saudi Arabia continues to emerge as a regional hub for global education partnerships.

Source: THE PIE NEWS

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