Algonquin College to operate men-only English language campus in Saudi Arabia

Hopes to reap annual revenue of $25 million from expanded partnership in Jazan

Algonquin College plans to offer programs such as business, construction and electrical engineering at a 2,000-student English-language campus in Saudi Arabia.

The college has formed partnerships with several overseas countries, and announced it has won a bid to operate one of 10 new colleges in a public-private partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Technical and Vocational Training Corp.

Based on full enrolment, it expects the campus in the Jazan Economic City to bring in annual revenue of more than $25 million. Profits are to be reinvested in college infrastructure and services in Saudi Arabia and Canada, it said.

“In addition to being a revenue generator for the college, at a time of reduced government funding, this new campus will provide more international connections for Algonquin College faculty, staff and students,” the college stated in an announcement on its website.

The campus is to roll out 10 programs over five years, and offer a “foundation year” focused on English competency and study skills.

It will be for men only, according to the college, which was unsuccessful in a separate bid for a women-only college in the country.

The college said it had already provided the Jazan Economic City Polytechnic with its curriculum and faculty.

“That partnership will now be expanded, with Algonquin College managing all campus operations including staff and student recruitment, program development and delivery, quality assessment, college services, and facilities maintenance,” it stated.

The existing campus will also be renamed the Algonquin Jazan College of Excellence, it said, and the first cohort of students is expected in September.

The college also offers programs at campuses in countries such as China, India and Montenegro. Another program is being set up in Kuwait for 2014.