This exhibition comes as part of the implementation of the strategic plan to attract international students to study at higher education institutions in Jordan for the years (2023-2027), a plan prepared by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in cooperation with its strategic partner, the Jordan Tourism Board. The goal is to promote educational tourism in the Kingdom and increase the number of international students attending Jordanian universities.
The exhibition, inaugurated today (Wednesday) under the patronage of Ambassador Dr. Abu Al-Foul, is organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in collaboration with the Jordan Tourism Board, the Jordanian Embassy in Riyadh, the Jordanian Consulate General in Jeddah, and Icon International for Exhibition and Conference Organization. It will be held in the cities of Riyadh and Tabuk in Saudi Arabia during the period from April 16–20, 2025. A total of 22 public and private Jordanian universities and colleges are participating, with the exhibition running for two days in each city. Ambassador Abu Al-Foul opened the exhibition and toured the participating university and college booths.
During the exhibition, the Ministry will present the key advantages of Jordanian universities in particular and the higher education sector in Jordan in general. This includes facilities provided to international students and newly introduced academic programs. Informational brochures and guides will be distributed, highlighting the Jordanian universities, their offered specializations, and their credit hour fees, which are considered competitive compared to regional universities.
Dr. Mamoun Al-Dabie, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chairman of the Committee for Attracting International Students within the Higher Education Council, stated that the Ministry and the Jordan Tourism Board, through the attraction committee, are making great efforts to implement all the items outlined in the strategic plan for attracting international students (2023-2027). One of the most important initiatives is organizing or participating in international exhibitions in various target countries to promote studying in Jordan.
He added that Jordan is known for its prestigious educational institutions, internationally accredited and ranked, and has received many regional and global awards in scientific research. This reputation has enabled Jordan to attract students from all over the world. He also pointed out that Jordan offers a diverse range of educational institutions, allowing students to choose what best fits their academic goals, including prestigious public universities, distinguished private universities, foreign-partnered universities, and institutions engaged in joint academic and research projects with world-renowned scientific centers, in addition to university colleges.
Al-Dabie emphasized Jordan’s pride in its academic and scientific figures, who enjoy a good reputation regionally and globally and who pass on their expertise and experiences to students.
Dr. Abdulrazzaq Arabiyat, Director General of the Jordan Tourism Board, said that the Board’s participation in educational exhibitions held in Saudi Arabia is part of a strategic plan with its partners to promote Jordan as a leading educational destination in the region, in addition to its role as a prominent tourist and cultural destination.
He added that educational exhibitions are an ideal platform for direct communication with students and parents, offering accurate information about academic programs, living costs, and the benefits of Jordan as a safe and developed educational destination. He stressed that the Board aims to enhance cooperation between educational institutions and the tourism sector to create an integrated experience for international students that combines higher education with cultural and tourism activities, thereby supporting the economy and promoting educational tourism. Arabiyat concluded by reaffirming the Board's ongoing efforts to promote Jordan’s educational product in regional and international forums, particularly in the Gulf region. He described the Saudi market as one with great potential and promising opportunities, requiring continuous presence and dedicated efforts for promotion and direct communication.
Ambassador Abu Al-Foul also stated that Jordan is always proud of the graduates of its universities, who return to their countries equipped with knowledge, culture, and various skills that prepare them to enter the workforce. He added that Jordan is proud of the Saudi students studying at various Jordanian higher education institutions, as they exhibit distinguished academic performance and high moral standards, adding great value to the student community on campus.
He emphasized that the geographical and social proximity between the two countries is a key factor in attracting Saudi students to study in Jordan, expressing hope that this exhibition will serve as a significant opportunity to promote Jordanian universities and their unique academic offerings and increase the number of Saudi students studying in Jordan.
It is worth noting that the number of newly enrolled international students in Jordanian higher education institutions for the current academic year 2024–2025 has reached 11,814, while the total number of international students currently studying at Jordanian institutions is 51,647 from 113 countries around the world. They make up approximately 11% of the total student population currently enrolled.