Providing Specialised Learning Opportunities for Students
Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud, the Culture Minister of Saudi has announced the launch of Saudi’s first cultural scholarship program which will provide specialized learning opportunities to students at prominent international institutions. Prince Badr said that education was the main pillar on which the Kingdom’s cultural sector was being built, backed by the great support of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He also noted that the courses that come under the cultural scholarship program include archaeology, design, museums, music, theatre, filmmaking, literature, visual arts and culinary arts at Ph.D., bachelor’s and master’s degree levels.
Decision Hailed by the Artists
Saudi Artist Rashed Al-Shashai was highly pleased by the ministry’s scholarship program launch and its promotion of the arts and culture. “Arts education is important; it will surely produce new talent and grow the arts sector significantly. Although many have had success after years of trial and error and without having an educational degree in the arts, through gaining experience and understanding, I believe graduates will return with an understanding of new concepts of contemporary art, as their education should open their horizons,” said Al-Shashai. A culinary arts graduate Rayan Alayash from Le Cordon Bleu cookery school in London, said the experience he gained from working with top chefs in the British capital helped him a lot, provided him with the knowledge to return to the Kingdom and realize his ambition. Organizations such as the Red Sea Film Festival Foundation offer growing opportunities for talent.
The Registration Process
The registration for the cultural scholarship program will begin online from January 19, 2020. There will be three main tracks for applying for the program.
- The Saudi students who are currently pursuing study abroad at their own expenses in the cultural field will be included in this program under its regulations and mechanisms
- Students who have previously applied for the scholarships will also be included in this scholarship program.
- This program also includes male and female students who want to apply to join the cultural scholarship program for the academic year of 2021.
