Home LearningDid You Know? Saudi Arabia Ranks First Globally in Technical and Vocational Education

Saudi Arabia Ranks First Globally in Technical and Vocational Education

by Eddie Rayner

According to the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) 2022, Saudi Arabia ranks first in the world in the percentage of students engaged in post-secondary non-tertiary education (ISCED 4), technical and vocational programs.

The index was created in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme by Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation. It delivers trustworthy data to assist countries and decision-makers in understanding and confronting real transformations and issues, as well as discovering future opportunities and viable paths.


The Global Knowledge Index contains seven composite sub-indices that focus on the performance of six vital knowledge sectors


The Global Knowledge Index contains seven composite sub-indices that focus on the performance of six vital knowledge sectors: pre-university education; technical and vocational education and training; higher education; information and communications technology; research, development and innovation; and economy.

Dr Al-Fahaid, Governor of the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), stated that expanding college and institute capacity on an annual basis is one of TVTC’s goals, which it has been working on since the launch of the National Vision 2030. The aim for 2021 was 24%, and TVTC was able to recruit more than 28% of high school graduates. In 2022, the TVTC goal was to admit 26% of high school graduates wishing to sign up for technical training programs.

Dr Al-Fahaid went on to say that the TVTC worked on numerous projects and programs that helped it achieve its goals in this area, the most notable of which are: extending bachelor’s programs and expanding training programs that begin with employment.

Among the initiatives were the provision of specialized programs that are compatible with the needs of the country’s existing and future labor markets, the establishment of many programs to secure employment for graduates of both genders, and the expansion of training and development programs for women.