Educational structure and promotion of young talent in Saudi Arabia

Structure of the education system

The Saudi Arabia's education system is traditionally structured according to the American model and works with a Credit point system according to the number of hours and relevance of the subjects[1][2]. The system comprises three separate administrative levels: elementary education for boys, elementary education for girls and traditional Islamic education for boys[3].

School system

Saudi Arabia has a nine years of compulsory schoolingwhich applies equally to both genders[4]. However, the education system is strictly separated by genderwhich runs through all levels of education[3][4].

Primary school education (6-13 years): In elementary school, children learn geography, history and art in Arabic. One third of the daily lessons are devoted to Islamic education - a significantly higher proportion than in European systems[4]. Boys also receive extracurricular Islamic instruction, while girls are taught home economics and boys technology[4].

Intermediate level (3 years)Elementary school is followed by a three-year middle school in which English is added as an additional language[4]. Teaching remains largely frontal and focuses on memorization rather than critical thinking[4].

Upper school: The final school phase prepares students for the Saudi Arabian "Abitur", which, however not automatically entitled to university enrollment. Pupils have to take various tests to decide on admission and subject area[1][2].

Curriculum reforms as part of Vision 2030

The Ministry of Education has developed comprehensive Curriculum reforms which mark a paradigm shift[5]. The innovations include:

• Digital competence and critical thinking as new focal points

• Improved Knowledge of English through intensified teaching

• Self-defense and personal safety as compulsory subjects

• Chinese as a foreign language already in elementary school through cultural exchange programs

• Trimester system since 2022 for better subject distribution and more extracurricular activities[5]

These reforms promote a Culture of lifelong learningwhich emphasizes independence and self-improvement rather than memorization[5].

Higher education

The Saudi Arabian higher education system is still relatively young - the first university was only founded in 1957[2]. The system today comprises 26 state and 10 private universitieswith applications for a further 120 private university foundations[1][2].

Barriers to accessThe "Abitur" is merely a certificate of completion. For admission to university, students must have extensive Performance and skills tests in English, Arabic and mathematics[2]. Often a one- to two-semester Preparatory year required[2].

FinancingThere are no tuition fees at state universities - every student receives a state scholarship. Private universities charge between EUR 5,000-6,500 per semester[1][2].

Access restrictionsState universities are primarily reserved for Saudi citizens. Although 5% of the capacities are officially reserved for foreigners, they usually have to switch to private universities[1][2].

Leading universities and international rankings

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

KAUST has established itself as Top university established and leads the Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings 2024 an[6][7]. Founded in 2009, the university is the first mixed-gender university in Saudi Arabia[6].

The university only offers Graduate and PhD programs into three divisions: biological and environmental sciences, computer and electrical engineering, and physical sciences[6]. English is the official language of instruction[6].

International excellence: In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 KAUST particularly shines in specialized fields - Petroleum Engineering (18th place), Materials Sciences (41st place) and Chemical Engineering (79th place)[8]. In the 2024 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects five programs rank among the world's top 50, including nanosciences (30th place) and telecommunications technology (34th place)[8].

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)

KFUPM achieved in the QS World University Rankings 2025 as the highest-placed Arab institution 101st place global[8]. The university carries out the QS Arab Region University Rankings two years in a row[8].

Specialization: KFUPM shows particular strength in technical disciplines - 40th place worldwide in Engineering & Technology, 5th place in Petroleum Engineering and 7th place in Mineral and Mining Engineering[9][8].

King Saud University (KSU)

The oldest university of the country (founded in 1957) has risen from rank 200-251 to 101-150 in the ARWU rankings[10]. With over 61,000 students it is one of the largest educational institutions in the kingdom[11].

Education spending and government priorities

Saudi Arabia prioritizes education exceptionally strongly: 16% of the state budget flow into education - for example three times as much such as the USA, the UK, France and Germany[5]. The 2020 budget included 51.45 billion US dollars for education - the state's largest expenditure item[12].

These investments reflect the strategic importance of education for the Vision 2030 reflecting a knowledge-based economy and reduce dependence on oil[12].

Promoting young talent

Human Capability Initiative

Saudi Arabia has the 2024 Human Capability Initiative (HCI) which focuses on "readiness for the future"[13]. The initiative brings together over 6,000 experts and 150 international keynote speakers to Innovative solutions for talent development to create[13].

The HCI aims to improve the Strengthening the ecosystem for human capabilitiesto promote creative policy design and showcase talent development success stories[13].

Digital transformation in education

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the digitalization of the Saudi Arabian education system[14]. The Ministry of Education developed the iEN platform (national education portal) for over 6 million users and plans to replace physical textbooks with Tablets to replace[14].

81% of the educators in Saudi Arabia believe that hybrid learning will improve the educational experience[14]. The ministry is focusing on a hybrid learning model as the future of education[14].

Programs for special talents

The KAUST program of the German National Academic Foundation annually awards up to 10 scholarships for research internships as well as 5 Master's and 5 PhD scholarships to highly qualified German students[15]. This represents the first interdisciplinary program for the promotion of gifted students for Germans in a Gulf state[15].

Start-up and founder support

Monsha'at: Central funding institution

Monsha'at (General Authority for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) was founded in 2016 and is the Central institution for entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia[16][17]. The authority aims to SME share of GDP from 20% to 35% by 2030 to increase[16].

Successful balance sheet: Monsha'at has about 273 Accelerators, incubators and co-working spaces licensed and more than 100,000 beneficiaries achieved in training programs[17]. About 70,000 university students benefited from the University Startups Initiative Program[17].

Misk Accelerator

The Misk Accelerator has been supporting tech start-ups with a focus on the Saudi Arabian market since 2019[18]. To date 193 Startups in 10 cohorts promoted[18]. The 12-week hybrid program provides mentorship, resources and growth support[18].

TAQADAM Accelerator

TAQADAM, operated by KAUST and SABB Bank, is a global startup acceleratorwhich has been supporting start-ups in all growth phases since 2016[19]. The 6-month program offers 40,000 US dollars in non-dilutive financing, with 10 selected startups also receiving 100,000 US dollars receive follow-up financing[19].

Saudi American Innovation Hub

The Saudi American Innovation Hub in Riyadh offers comprehensive Startup incubation, innovation programs and investment opportunities[20][21]. The platform connects entrepreneurs with industry leaders, investors and global partners[20].

Target groups: The hub is aimed at Early-stage and scale-up startups of all sectors, in particular technology, healthcare, renewable energy, fintech and education[21].

Regional accelerators

Riyadh Techstars Accelerator focuses on startups in the MENA region[22]. BIAC (Business Incubator & Accelerator Company) offers up to 200,000 SAR for prototype development[23]. Falak Business Hub and Al-Farabi Innovation Hub complement the ecosystem with specialized programs[23][24].

Challenges in the education system

Capacity problems

The Saudi Arabian higher education system is struggling with enormous capacity problems[2]. The Enrollment rates of 78% are the highest in the world, but every year more school leavers enter universities than there are places available[2].

Quality deficits

The Quality of education, especially in the postgraduate sectorremains a major challenge[2]. The traditional frontal teaching system promotes memorization instead of critical thinking[4].

Structural problems

The Strict separation of the sexes throughout the education system limits opportunities for cooperation and exchange between the genders[3][4]. In addition, the high proportion of Islamic education This means that less time is available for other subjects[3].

International cooperations

German schools

The German International School Riyadh (founded in 1975) and the German School Jeddah provide German educational standards for the international community[25][26][27]. The DISR celebrates its 2025 50th anniversary and guides students from kindergarten to 10th grade[27].

Middle East preparatory college

The Middle East preparatory college at the Goethe-Institut Riyadh prepares international students for a STEM studies in Germany before[28]. The one-year program leads to direct subject-specific university entrance qualification for German universities[28].

Future prospects

Saudi Arabia is going through a Educational policy transformationwhich is driven by Vision 2030. The combination of massive investment in education, digital innovation and entrepreneurship creates new opportunities for young talent.

Success of the start-up scene: According to MAGNiTT, Saudi Arabian start-ups secured 2024 750 million US dollars venture capital - the highest proportion in the Middle East and Africa[29]. This underlines the growing confidence in the Saudi Arabian innovation ecosystem.

Challenges remainDespite progress, structural problems such as gender segregation, quality deficits and the balance between traditional Islamic education and modern requirements need to be addressed.

The hybrid education model, reinforced International cooperations and the systematic Talent development through specialized programs position Saudi Arabia as an up-and-coming location for education and innovation in the Middle East.

Supplementary assessment from a Gradido perspective

The summary shows the strengths, reform approaches and also the weaknesses of the Saudi Arabian education system and the promotion of start-ups and talent.

Here is a compact overview:

Strengths & opportunities

• Enormous government investment: Over 16 % of the national budget - that is the best in the world and underlines how seriously Saudi Arabia takes the education of the next generation.

• Curriculum reforms: A stronger focus on digital skills, critical thinking and lifelong learning creates new perspectives.

• Startup ecosystem: Numerous incubators, accelerators and funding programs (Monsha'at, Misk, TAQADAM) as well as strong international cooperation are positioning Saudi Arabia as a future location for innovation.

• Commitment to international excellence: Globally recognized top universities such as KAUST and KFUPM are developing real lighthouse projects for research and science.

• Digital transformation of the education system and hybrid learning are specifically promoted.

Challenges & areas of development

• Strict gender segregation continues to restrict exchange and creative dynamism.

• Traditional teaching model (a lot of memorization, too little critical thinking) still reduces the power of innovation.

• Access restrictions for non-Saudis and capacity problems at universities - despite high demand.

• Quality defects especially in the Master's and doctoral programs, measured against international standards.

• Balance between religious education and STEM subjects is not yet optimal.

What does this mean for the Gradido project?

• The country wants and can change - the fundamental investments and reforms are already in place.

• However, economic, social and sustainable success depends on how well genuine participation, critical reflection, internationality and equality are realized.

• Gradido could provide valuable impetus, particularly in the promotion of innovation, equal opportunities, gender equality, inclusion of migrants and the integration of principles of the common good.

• Our further knowledge for Saudi Arabia can now be specifically enriched with examples from the education system, start-up culture and talent development.