Scholarship initiative streamlines media studies pathway toward industry leadership
Saudi Arabia Announces New Media Scholarship Project
Saudi Arabia is taking strides to boost its media industry and education sector with the launch of the Media Scholarship Project, a joint initiative by the Ministries of Education and Media. This program aims to train and qualify Saudi talents in various media-related fields, such as digital media, artificial intelligence (AI) in media, content production technologies, augmented and virtual reality, digital journalism, publishing, and platform management [1][3][4].
The objectives of the Media Scholarship Project are clear: to equip Saudi students with world-class skills in media and emerging technologies, prepare them for future job markets by combining knowledge and practical training, provide scholarships leading to diplomas, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in high-demand media disciplines, and enable training and education through partnerships with private sector companies and global top universities [1][2][3].
The program offers access to the world’s best universities and companies specializing in media fields, though specific university names were not explicitly listed in the sources [2][3]. However, the emphasis is on top global media institutions that can deliver education aligned with industry needs. The training locations extend beyond Saudi Arabia, with opportunities available in 15 countries globally, via partnerships with universities and private sector firms [1][2][3].
Eligible students for the Media Scholarship Project are Saudi male and female students interested in media fields. The initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to nurturing media talent domestically and internationally to build a robust media sector and knowledge economy [1][3][4].
Meanwhile, the academic year in Saudi Arabia will return to a two-semester system starting from an unspecified date [5]. This decision was made following a comprehensive study that included input from all parties [6]. The three-term system, which aimed to extend study days, expand the curricula, and make fuller use of educational resources, has been replaced [7].
In other news, Saudi Arabia's program to attract regional headquarters for global companies attracted more than 616 global companies in the first quarter of 2021, exceeding the 2030 target of 500 companies [8]. Additionally, the National Center for Curriculum Development has produced 27 digital courses, reformulated 19 as interactive books, and reviewed 50 others to support an advanced digital learning environment [9].
The National Institute for Professional Development is praised for its work with teachers in Saudi Arabia, and a cybersecurity course for high school students will also be introduced [10]. In the industrial sector, the number of factories in Saudi Arabia has risen from about 7,200 to about 250,500 [11]. Furthermore, non-oil exports in Saudi Arabia have grown from SR150 billion to SR677 billion [12].
The ministers' speeches at the quarterly ministerial press conferences aim to shed light on important issues and encourage transparency between officials and journalists, values that align with Vision 2030 [13]. The Media Scholarship Project is another step towards achieving these goals, as it encourages knowledge sharing and empowers students to pursue careers in the media industry.
| Aspect | Details | |--------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Program Initiators | Saudi Ministries of Education and Media | | Objectives | Train Saudi youth in digital media, AI, VR, journalism, content production; link study and jobs | | Scholarship Levels | Diplomas, Bachelor's, Master's degrees | | Training Locations | 15 countries globally, via partnerships with universities and private sector firms | | Eligible Students | Saudi male and female students interested in media fields | | Universities | Top global media institutions (specific names not disclosed) |
[1] https://www.arabnews.com/node/1852981/saudi-arabia [2] https://www.arabnews.com/node/1843111/saudi-arabia [3] https://www.arabnews.com/node/1844481/saudi-arabia [4] https://www.arabnews.com/node/1844461/saudi-arabia [5] https://www.arabnews.com/node/1852981/saudi-arabia [6] https://www.arabnews.com/node/1852981/saudi-arabia [7] https://www.arabnews.com/node/1852981/saudi-arabia [8] https://www.arabnews.com/node/1852981/saudi-arabia [9] https://www.arabnews.com/node/1852981/saudi-arabia [10] https://www.arabnews.com/node/1852981/saudi-arabia [11] https://www.arabnews.com/node/1852981/saudi-arabia [12] https://www.arabnews.com/node/1852981/saudi-arabia [13] https://www.arabnews.com/node/1852981/saudi-arabia
- The Media Scholarship Project, a joint initiative by the Ministries of Education and Media in Saudi Arabia, aims to prepare Saudi students for future job markets by offering scholarships leading to diplomas, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in high-demand media disciplines.
- The program extends training locations beyond Saudi Arabia, with opportunities available in 15 countries globally, via partnerships with universities and private sector firms.
- Eligible students for the Media Scholarship Project are Saudi male and female students interested in media fields, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to nurturing media talent domestically and internationally.
- The Media Scholarship Project offers access to top global media institutions that can deliver education aligned with industry needs, though specific university names were not explicitly listed in the sources.
- The return of the academic year in Saudi Arabia to a two-semester system is not related to the Media Scholarship Project, but it follows a comprehensive study that included input from all parties.
