A Review of Saudi Scholarship Programs to North American Higher Education Institutions
Abdulrahman M. Abouammoh, Larry R. Smith, Abdul-Aziz M. Duwais

Abstract
The Saudi Arabian Government believes that having students undertake study at leading international universities is a key pillar underpinning the development of an international standard workforce for the Kingdom. North America (Canada and the USA) has been the major destination for Saudi students wishing to study abroad for many decades. Indeed, over 60% of all Saudi students currently studying at universities outside the Kingdom are studying in North America. This paper reviews the nature and effectiveness of the scholarship programs provided by the Government of Saudi Arabia to support students wishing to study at North American Higher Education institutions. It identifies a significant range of personal benefits to Saudi students from their engagement with academic and community life in North America, but proposes that significant research needs to be undertaken in order to clearly identify the impact of students studying in North America on the Kingdom itself, particularly in areas such as social and economic development, education, business management, urban planning and health.

Full Text: PDF