Over 1,500 Saudi students to study at top US and Canadian universities by 2026

The Saudi cultural attaché in the United States and Canada, and supervisor for South American countries, Dr. Tehani bint Abdulaziz Al-Bayez, has confirmed that Saudi students continue to strengthen their academic presence at leading academic and medical institutions in the US and Canada. She noted that, according to 2026 statistics for top US universities and the University of Toronto in Canada, there are around 1,545 Saudi students enrolled, reflecting the Kingdom’s ongoing investment in human capital and support for the Human Capability Development Program under Vision 2030.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, the cultural attaché explained that this presence is distributed between the two countries, with 950 Saudi students at US universities listed among the world’s top institutions, and around 595 Saudi scholarship recipients at the University of Toronto in Canada. Of those in Toronto, about 325 are Saudi doctors, while approximately 270 are enrolled in other academic programs and stages.

She added that these figures reflect the diversity of investment in national talent. In the US, Saudi students are widely present in academic, scientific, engineering, and administrative programs at leading universities, while in Canada, their presence is notable in advanced academic and medical training. This broadens the range of expertise gained by Saudi students in world-class educational and research environments.

This presence comes as part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister, on March 7, 2022. The program aims to enhance human capital in new and promising sectors by sending students to top global educational institutions. The “Pioneers” track targets scholarships to the world’s top 30 institutions, as ranked by the program, across various fields and specializations.

In the US, the cultural attaché highlighted that 2026 statistics show 449 Saudi students are studying engineering, computing, natural sciences, and mathematics, representing 47.3% of all Saudis at top US universities. She noted that this forms a scientific base that can be linked to training opportunities and applied projects, directing students’ knowledge and skills toward addressing challenges and developing solutions in their fields.

She stated that engineering, manufacturing, and construction is the leading field of study with 276 students, followed by business, management, and finance with 195. Mechanical engineering, business administration, economics, computer science, and chemical engineering are among the most popular specializations. She emphasized the importance of diverse qualifications across technical, scientific, administrative, and economic fields.

She added that among students at top US universities, 535 are undergraduates, 414 are pursuing master’s degrees, and one is in a medical fellowship, reflecting the range of academic levels through which Saudis continue to build their knowledge and expertise.

Regarding the presence of Saudi women, the cultural attaché noted that there are 434 female students at top US universities, making up 45.7% of the total, compared to 516 male students (54.3%). The gender gap is even narrower at the master’s level, with 205 women and 209 men, meaning women comprise 49.5% of students at this stage.

She stressed that these numbers highlight the participation of Saudi women in advanced academic pathways and the value of female talent as a knowledge and professional asset. She also emphasized the importance of enabling Saudi students to benefit from research and practical opportunities during their studies, and to develop their capabilities in line with their academic and career ambitions.

She reported that 544 Saudi students at top US universities, representing 57.3% of the total, are concentrated in five leading academic institutions. This presence, she said, provides opportunities to benefit from advanced educational and research environments, build scientific relationships with researchers and specialists, and participate in projects and research teams related to their fields.

The cultural attaché stressed that making the most of scholarship opportunities requires combining academic achievement with practical experience through training, research participation, and developing communication and teamwork skills. She explained that linking studies to the needs of national sectors is essential for turning acquired knowledge into professional and practical contributions after graduation.

She concluded by affirming that the presence of Saudis at leading universities and institutions in the US and Canada reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to building high-quality human capital. Continuing to qualify Saudi students and linking their knowledge and experience to development needs will help prepare national talent capable of competing globally and contributing effectively to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.