Saudi Academic Framework for AI Qualifications
Saudi Arabia · Guideline · Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA)
Our summary
This framework provides guidance for developing, evaluating, and accrediting higher education programs in artificial intelligence across Saudi Arabia. It establishes minimum curriculum requirements and learning outcomes for AI qualifications from associate degrees through PhDs. The framework applies to post-secondary educational institutions and encompasses general AI programs while ensuring flexibility for institutions to adapt curricula to rapid field developments.
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Inside this policy
Every section of this policy in order. Our notes summarise each one in plain language and do not quote the official text, which is the authority.
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Chapter One Benchmarks
The 2020 National Qualifications Framework defines eight qualification levels from elementary to doctoral with specified minimum credit hours and learning outcomes, and the Saudi standard structure categorizes all forms of planned education including elementary through higher education, technical and vocational training, and adult education where participants receive recognized certificates meeting guideline standards. The Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations, approved by Council of Ministers Resolution No. 660 in 1441 AH and derived from the UN Economic and Social Council's international occupation standard, classifies job titles for local and international labor market comparisons.
Chapter Two AI Qualifications in the Kingdom of Saudi
Specifies seven types of AI qualifications at different levels according to the National Qualifications Framework: Associate Diploma (Level 4), Intermediate/Advanced Diploma (Level 5), multiple Bachelor's options including standalone AI and AI tracks in related fields (Level 6), Higher Diploma for specialists and non-specialists (Level 6), Master's Degree (Level 7), and Doctoral Qualification (Level 8). Each qualification has defined admission requirements, including secondary education background and English language proficiency for most levels.
Chapter Three Learning Outcomes for Each Qualification
Chapter Four Knowledge Units
Associate, intermediate, and advanced diplomas must include foundational units in computing, programming, statistics, machine learning, optimization, AI introduction, deep learning, ethics, and internship, with optional units in language processing and visual recognition. Bachelor's degrees must include mathematical foundations, programming fundamentals, algorithms, data structures, databases, and core AI topics plus specialized units in agents, analytics, language processing, visual recognition, robotics, ethics, and internship. Master's programs must complete all bachelor's core units plus advanced study in algorithms, AI, machine learning, and specialized topics in vision, robotics, or language processing, alongside project management and a capstone research project.
Appendix 1 Table of Reference Universities for Diploma Programs
This appendix provides reference lists of diploma, bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs in artificial intelligence and related fields at universities worldwide, including institutions in North America, Europe, Asia, and Saudi Arabia, with their program names and associated URLs.
Appendix 2 Link to Benchmarks Tables https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lq3vzlxf4xeht1kdmsgh1/.docx?rlkey=askuxq1b
Appendix 3 Link to Knowledge Units and Learning Outcomes Tables https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fk993pzhp17c3dmb1iep2/.xlsx?rlkey=x2n3nq
Controls
What this policy requires, forbids, grants or penalises, one control at a time and in our own words. Each control links to the official text, which is the authority. This is not legal advice.
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Chapter Three 6 controls
- Applies to: OthersDrafted by the Index
Associate Diploma graduates should be capable of applying AI theories, machine learning methods, and mathematical models to novel and specific situations.
- Applies to: OthersDrafted by the Index
Associate Diploma graduates should be able to break down moderately difficult and unfamiliar problems and apply, build, or use relevant AI approaches and systems to generate solutions.
- Applies to: OthersDrafted by the Index
Associate Diploma graduates should use critical analysis to develop novel and workable answers to software issues, optimize repetitive tasks, create intelligent decision support systems, and model real-world situations in moderately difficult contexts.
- Applies to: OthersDrafted by the Index
Associate Diploma graduates should be able to perform analysis or investigations into unfamiliar issues and obstacles.
- Applies to: OthersDrafted by the Index
Associate Diploma graduates should communicate AI answers and findings orally in a way that is intelligible to both expert practitioners and general audiences.
- Applies to: OthersDrafted by the Index
Associate Diploma graduates should demonstrate awareness of ethical standards for AI professionals and conduct themselves with integrity.
Chapter Four 4 controls
- ObligationApplies to: OthersDrafted by the Index
Associate and Intermediate Diploma programs should include essential knowledge units covering computing, programming, statistics, machine learning, optimization, AI fundamentals, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, ethics, and internship experiences.
- ObligationApplies to: OthersDrafted by the Index
Bachelor's degree programs should include knowledge units covering mathematics, programming, algorithms, data structures, databases, AI, machine learning, deep learning, knowledge-based reasoning, planning and scheduling, optimization, intelligent agents, data analysis, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, ethics, and internship.
- ObligationApplies to: OthersDrafted by the Index
Master's degree programs should include all basic knowledge units from undergraduate level plus advanced topics in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and one specialized area including computer vision, robotics, or natural language processing, along with project management and research or capstone projects.
- Applies to: OthersDrafted by the Index
Doctoral programs have flexibility to design knowledge units based on program objectives and dissertation focus rather than prescribing specific units, allowing institutions to adapt to the field's rapid evolution.
Change history
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