IAU Celebrates a New Cohort of Outstanding Talent at the Closing Ceremony of the Student Fellowship Program (Second Cohort 2025).
Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University concluded, on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, the activities of the Student Fellowship for Skills Excellence Program in its second edition for the year 2025. The ceremony was held under the patronage of the University President, Prof. Fahad A. Al-Harbi, and in the presence of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Abdullah M. Al-Muhaideb, along with a number of academic leaders, experts, parents, and partner organizations.
The second cohort of the program was launched in October 2025 with the participation of a select group of talented university students from eight Saudi universities. Participants completed an intensive training track focused on developing future-ready skills, strengthening personal and leadership capabilities, and enhancing employability through a strategic partnership with the University of Turku in Finland.
During the closing ceremony, graduates, mentors, and trainers were recognized, and winners of the program’s six excellence award categories were honored. The event also featured the announcement that the Student Fellowship Program had received an international Certificate of Recognition from the QS Reimagine Education Awards as one of the distinguished innovative programs. A dedicated exhibition was also held, showcasing the graduates’ projects and practical achievements developed under the supervision of expert mentors throughout the fellowship period.
In his speech, the General Supervisor of the Program, Dr. Mohammed S. Alkathiri, emphasized the importance of the Student Fellowship in building the skills and competencies required to face future challenges and succeed across various fields, especially in light of global shifts influencing job expectations and the evolving skills landscape.
He further noted that the Student Fellowship Program is closely aligned with the objectives of the Human Capability Development Program and the core principles of Saudi Vision 2030. The program was designed according to leading global frameworks and tailored to the national context to support lifelong learning and serve as a transformative starting point for Saudi youth by equipping them with the values, skills, and knowledge needed for professional and personal excellence.
Dr. Alkathiri highlighted that the program achieved international recognition through its global partnership with the University of Turku in Finland and has now advanced to full international acknowledgment with the international recognition it received. He also extended his gratitude to the entire team whose efforts contributed to the program’s success and distinguished outcome.
For more information about the Student Fellowship Program, please visit: https://sf.iau.edu.sa
