In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia has announced a significant expansion of its Educational Visa Program, led by Dr. Sami Al-Haysoni, the program’s head. With a current enrollment of 70,000 international students, the program aims to provide extensive opportunities for long-term academic pursuits and part-time employment.
Dr. Al-Haysoni highlighted that this initiative aligns with the Vision 2030 goals, focusing on elevating qualifications and enhancing the global competitiveness of Saudi universities.
The Educational Visa program introduces both long and short-term options. The one-year long-term visa caters to students interested in in-depth academic research and visits to Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, the renewable six-month short-term visa is tailored for various educational purposes.
Applicants can easily navigate the plethora of educational programs and universities through the user-friendly “Study in Saudi” portal. The collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa Service and the portal has streamlined the visa application process, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
International students holding educational visas will enjoy a range of facilities, including seamless entry into diverse educational programs, multiple entries and exits, and the option to extend short-term visas for up to a year. Notably, the need for a sponsor for educational visa holders has been eliminated.
Furthermore, long-term visa holders can now engage in part-time employment, and their families are welcome to reside in the country. Saudi universities are also dedicated to organizing recreational and tourism programs for the enriching experience of international students.
To qualify for an educational visa, applicants must be at least 16 years old, with enrollment in a Saudi educational institution being a prerequisite for visa approval.
This expansion of the Educational Visa Program marks Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global hub for education and offers a unique blend of academic excellence and cultural enrichment for international students.
