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April 9, 2025

UOW progresses plans to establish new Saudi Arabia campus

Plans are underway for English language and foundation programs to commence in 2025, followed by undergraduate degrees in 2027

The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ of ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Global Enterprises (UOWGE) is progressing plans to establish a new international campus in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a launch targeted for mid-2025. The campus will offer English Language programs initially, followed by Foundation programs in 2026, delivered by UOW College, and undergraduate degrees from 2027—subject to approvals through UOW’s academic governance processes.

The announcement follows a landmark policy shift by Saudi Arabia, which recently opened the door to international universities establishing local campuses under its Vision 2030 agenda. UOW, through UOW Global Enterprises (UOWGE), was the first foreign university granted an investment licence through the program. Following UOW Council approval in October 2024, UOWGE is progressing plans to establish a campus in Riyadh.

While the development signals a major step in UOW’s international strategy, it comes at a complex moment for the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ in Australia, where the higher education sector is navigating structural change, financial constraint, and shifting policy conditions.

Interim Vice-Chancellor and President, Senior Professor Eileen McLaughlin, said the decision is part of a broader strategy to build resilience and global relevance.

“This is about ensuring our long-term strength – both here and internationally – by drawing on the distinctive capability we’ve built in offshore education,” Professor McLaughlin.

UOW Global Enterprises CEO and Managing Director, Marisa Mastroianni, said the move aligns with UOWGE’s proven ability to deliver quality education in diverse international contexts.

“Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 places education at the heart of national transformation. We believe in the power of education to shape social progress, and we’re proud to be part of that evolution,” Ms Mastroianni said.

 “Our extensive global network – particularly the success of UOW Dubai – positioned us to pursue this opportunity. The support from Austrade also reflects our standing as a trusted education provider.”

The proposed Riyadh campus is being developed in close coordination with academic and operational leaders at UOW. Course offerings and academic pathways will be shaped by the ¾«¶«´«Ã½’s formal course approval and governance processes, ensuring quality, integrity, and alignment with UOW’s values.

Governance, academic freedom, and cultural respect remain foundational to every stage of planning.