Saudi Arabia's spat with Canada could have 'serious impact' for as many as 40 Algoma U. students

Algoma University says that diplomatic tensions between Canada and Saudi Arabia will have a “serious impact” on its Saudi student population.

The university currently has 40 Saudi students enrolled in full-time degree programs, which the school says is equivalent to roughly 25 to 28 full-time equivalency, or ten per cent of its international student body.

The Canadian Press reports that Saudi students in Canadian universities have been given notice by Saudi Arabia that their scholarships have been suspended, and have a month to finish their studies and leave the country.

“We recognize and remain concerned about the serious impact of the Saudi government’s decision on these young people, most of whom are entering their final year of study,” Algoma University president Asima Vezina told SooToday via email. “We will support our students through this situation in every way we are able and remain hopeful that a compromise can be reached that does not adversely impact this group of students.”

“Like all other Canadian universities, we are awaiting clarification of their status and next steps.”

The university is now in the process of trying to clarify with the Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau whether the suspension applies to only King Abdul Aziz Scholarship students or all Saudi students at the university.

Vezina told SooToday that international students pay approximately $18,000 in tuition, calling the impact on tuition revenue “significant.”

“The university has strategically been focused on diversifying the international portfolio to reduce risks associated with the international student recruitment strategy, currently only about ten per cent of our international student body is from Saudi Arabia,” Vezina said.

Algoma University has reached out to all Saudi students, pledging its support to them and their families, and that students are currently setting up appointments with the school in order to discuss the impact of Saudi Arabia’s decision.

“Most of the students studying at Algoma are a term or two away from meeting the requirements of their respective three or four year degrees,” Vezina said. “It is not just an easy transfer to another university - the process to help students get degree completion in other countries will be a complex process and while we will do what we can to help them work through this situation, we recognize the stress and anxiety these students are feeling as they try to determine what this means to each of their personal situations.”

Some media reports have suggested that more than 15,000 scholarships could be pulled from Saudi students across Canada.

- with files from The Canadian Press