Education For Everyone
Saudi Electronic University has an ambitious new strategy, with e-learning, advanced technology, and sustainability at its core.
Saudi Electronic University (SEU) is a kingdom-wide, public university with 11 branches and 25,000 learners enrolled. Established in 2011, the university’s mission is to lead the utilization of technology in education in order to contribute to national development.
SEU has vowed to increase the number of enrolled students by 150% and to extend its reach, with plans to operate 20 branches around the world and expand its Arabic e-learning program to 10 million global users over the next five years.
Committed to serving as a pioneer in the future of learning, SEU is responding to fundamental changes in the world by capturing new opportunities created by local and global trends relating to economics, demographics, culture, technology, regulations, job markets, and the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among the local trends impacting SEU’s new strategy are Saudi Arabia’s shift towards the privatization of education, improved access to technology, and the issuance of new university bylaws. Another driving force behind SEU’s strategy is rapid development of the country’s e-learning ecosystem underpinned by increased demand, with e-learning in MENA experiencing an estimated CAGR of 10.5% since 2018. Further important local factors include the current skills gaps in technology and health, and the future of jobs, including those and risk and those most in demand as the kingdom’s economy continues to change and grow.
On the global stage, meanwhile, increasing adoption of blended and e-learning, demand for skills rather than traditional degrees, the advancement of technologies that facilitate collaboration and interaction, and ongoing appetite for continuous learning, are all impacting SEU’s strategic thinking.
With a holistic outlook, SEU is positioned to be at the forefront of e-learning, delivering services to learners across the Arab and Islamic worlds. Recognized as Saudi Arabia’s first mover in e-learning, SEU plans to extend its education technology services to the 2.2 million users currently benefiting from the university’s digital infrastructure. SEU will also continue to leverage its international partnerships to promote the internationalization of education, while supporting the development of education locally, too.
SEU’s operating model has provided the university with high
efficiency and effectiveness advantages, resulting in 70%-plus gains in operational efficiency and a 10% improvement in the utilization of physical spaces compared to traditional universities. Looking ahead, SEU’s strategy focuses on moving from operational efficiency to financial sustainability by 2025, with a plan that will save the university SAR 633 million ($169 million) in operational costs.
At the national level, SEU’s fiveyear strategy will create 2,000 new jobs and will result in 21,000 highlyqualified workers entering the Saudi labor market. It will also lead to the upskilling and reskilling of 700,000 members of the workforce through SEU short courses. In terms of economic impact, SEU’s strategy is expected to contribute SAR 9 billion ($2.4 billion) to Saudi Arabia’s GDP and generate SAR 4 billion ($1.07 billion) in non-oil government revenue.
SEU’s new strategy is inspired by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and his primary goal for Saudi Arabia to be an exemplary and leading nation in all aspects. It is also inspired by the determination of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz to fulfil citizens’ dreams, hopes, and ambitions, by providing opportunities for all through education and training.
SEU’s strategic vision is built around five themes: Learners’ Empowerment, E-learning Leadership, Digital Innovation Commercialization, Community Development, and Financial Sustainability. These five strategic goals are derived from the university’s unique competitive advantages, and the kingdom’s Vision 2030.
In particular, SEU aims to provide outstanding education that empowers learners to achieve their academic and professional aspirations. To achieve this, the university is striving to deliver market-oriented and interdisciplinary programs, improve the academic environment, develop teaching and learning methods, and develop programs, curricula, and teaching evaluation systems. It is also focusing on improving student services and the overall student experience, attracting and retaining outstanding faculty members, and expanding learning opportunities to all segments of society.
In addition, SEU is committed to earning a reputation as a regional leader in e-learning through improving its ranking on global indices, obtaining local and international certification and accreditations, strengthening local and international strategic partnerships, and expanding its geographical presence, both locally and regionally. Also among SEU’s priorities are developing a system to adopt, transfer, and localize emerging practices and technology in e-learning, all the while, strengthening its brand equity.
At SEU, digital innovation matters, too. As part of its mission, the university plans to grow “Techpreneurship” through strengthening the entrepreneurial and innovation culture, developing its applied scientific research capabilities with a focus on e-disciplinaries, and strengthening its consultancy services and engagement with communities across Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, SEU has developed a universitywide digital transformation strategy designed to enhance its digital capabilities and its adoption of emerging technologies. It has also established experience centers dedicated to innovation in e-learning, and the transfer of technologies and best practices.
Adding to its ambitious vision, SEU also aims to build an efficient, effective, and financially sustainable institute, by providing staff with a unique value proposition, developing efficient administrative and operational systems, and expanding the university’s revenue streams.
At the core of SEU’s strategy, is the belief that technology will be the greatest disruptor of higher education over the next five years, with a plethora of digital tools rising to overcome the limitations of the physical classroom and offer a more personalized learning experience. The leadership at SEU also believes that universities will become increasingly global and collaborative, sharing courses, teaching, and expertise.
In the context of an exciting future, SEU is capturing local and regional opportunities, and providing nation-wide access to quality education that will contribute to social, cultural, and economic growth.
SEU’s new strategy sets it to be part of Saudi’s transformation journey, supporting the achievements of 11 primary and 38 secondary objectives of Vision 2030.
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