- University of New Haven gets Saudi approval to open a Riyadh campus in 2026.
- The campus will support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 with specialized academic programs.
- Enrollment is expected to surpass the Connecticut campus by 2033.
The University of New Haven will open its first campus in the Middle East next fall after receiving approval from the Saudi government. This makes it the first university in the world to gain permission for an international branch campus in Saudi Arabia.
The Riyadh campus is part of the university’s plan to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a national reform initiative aimed at diversifying the economy. The campus will house the College of Business and Digital Innovation, College of Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing, and the College of Arts and Applied Sciences, offering undergraduate, graduate, executive education, and micro-credential programs.
University President Jens Frederiksen called the approval 'a historic day' and highlighted the university’s 20 year history of educational engagement with Saudi Arabia. He added that the Riyadh campus will help create bright futures for Saudi students and support the kingdom’s workforce development goals.
Also Read: UAE Universities to Include Work Experience in Curriculum
The Riyadh campus is projected to enroll 13,000 students by 2033, surpassing the university’s current Connecticut enrollment of just over 9,000. Students will have access to resources from the main West Haven campus, the Tuscany campus, and global academic and career networks.
The university and Saudi Arabia are collaborating to connect students with industry partners, internships, scholarships, and training programs to strengthen career opportunities and contribute to the kingdom’s long-term economic vision.
