EU Strengthens Higher Education Cooperation with Saudi Arabia through Erasmus+ Webinar
Riyadh – Asdaf News:
On 22 October 2025, the Delegation of the European Union to Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the Ministry of Education’s Council of Universities’ Affairs, hosted an online Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility (ICM) webinar. The event aimed to introduce Saudi universities to the Erasmus+ programme and promote future partnerships with European institutions. Over 125 participants from Saudi universities, higher education institutions, and key partners joined the webinar. This initiative is part of the EU’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation in education, research, and innovation—priorities closely aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the European Union’s global engagement strategy.
In her opening remarks, Ms Irina Gusačenko, Deputy Head of Mission at the EU Delegation to Saudi Arabia, emphasized Erasmus+ as a vital link between academic communities: “For over three decades, Erasmus+ has enabled millions of students and staff to learn, teach, and innovate across borders. We are proud to welcome Saudi institutions eager to join this network, fostering partnerships that advance excellence, diversity, and mutual understanding.”
The event featured presentations from H.E. Dr. Bjad Khalef Albudairy, Erasmus+ National Focal Point, and Mr Jens Lie Skobro, Policy Officer at the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture of the European Commission.
Dr Bjad Khalef Albudairy, Erasmus+ National Focal Point in Saudi Arabia and Advisor for University Relations and International Partnerships at the Council of University Affairs, underlined the importance of international cooperation for Saudi higher education institutions. Participants joining online heard from representatives of Saudi universities currently engaged in Erasmus+ projects, who shared their experiences of building successful partnerships with European counterparts for the benefit of their students seeking educational opportunities in Europe.
The Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility (ICM) programme, funded by the European Union, was set up ten years ago to enable the exchange of students, researchers, and academic staff between higher education institutions in Europe and more than 160 partner countries around the world. To date, more than 9,000 projects have been funded through the programme.
By extending its reach to the Gulf region in 2022, the programme has opened new pathways for Saudi universities to participate in international education, research collaboration, and innovation.
