Saudi education ministry: Plan to transfer students from Canada in action

Saudi students studying in Canada now have the opportunity to transfer to 18 different countries to continue their studies “without being affected”, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Education for Scholarship, and General Supervisor of Cultural Attachés Jasser al-Harbash told Al Arabiya English on Tuesday.

“We are starting to coordinate with cultural missions in other countries, to start the immediate transfer of students to countries with top education programs. Priority countries are Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore. Education is in English, and we do not want to transfer them to a country with non-English curriculums, so as not to create a barrier for students,” Harbash told Al Arabiya English.

Harbash added that the kingdom is cautious about not harming any student, adding that the ministry will assist them by pushing the deadline for them to leave the country, and will make modifications and exceptions.

“There are currently more than 12,000 Saudi students studying in Canada, 7,000 of which are on scholarship programs while many are accompanying spouses and children. 5,000 are studying for their bachelor’s degree and 2,000 are in postgraduate programs, and medical fellowships in different specializations,” Harbash said.

Harbash added that they are capable of transferring all Saudi students from Canada to countries with cultural missions in the US, UK, New Zealand and Australia, all of which are considered countries with top education institutions, and have good relations with Saudi Arabia.

“These countries are able to host the students, and we at the ministry are committed to facilitating the students’ transfers so they can easily complete their education,” he said.