Admission requirements for gifted technical schools: 90% and English is mandatory
The Saudi Ministry of Education has officially announced updated admission criteria for gifted technical schools for boys and girls for the upcoming academic year 1448 AH, setting precise conditions aimed at attracting top-tier students. The Ministry emphasized that achieving a minimum cumulative grade point average of 90% in the third year of middle school, in addition to proficiency in English, are two crucial and non-negotiable requirements for accepting applicants.
Context of National Transformation and Vision 2030
This significant step comes within the framework of a broader strategy adopted by the Kingdom under Saudi Vision 2030 , specifically the Human Capital Development Program, which aims to transform the national economy into a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. Technical schools for gifted students are a direct outcome of this approach, as the Ministry seeks to bridge the gap between the outputs of general education and the demands of the future labor market, which relies entirely on emerging technologies and artificial intelligence.
Technical education in the Kingdom is no longer just a secondary option, but has become a strategic path for creating the digital leaders of the future, which explains the emphasis on academic standards to ensure that enrolled students have a solid knowledge base that enables them to absorb advanced sciences.
Why is English a prerequisite?
The school regulations clarified that English proficiency is not a luxury, but a necessity dictated by the intensive, internationally-oriented curriculum students will study. This curriculum covers specialized fields such as computer science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and mechatronics . Given that primary scientific resources, programming languages, and global technological platforms rely on English as a fundamental component, fluency in the language is key to comprehension, practical application, and competitiveness on the international stage.
Strategic partnership with Tuwaiq Academy
To ensure the quality of educational content, these requirements are aligned with the strategic partnership between the Ministry of Education and the Tuwaiq Academy . Students receive a high-quality education that integrates theory and practice within six main programs, including summer training and participation in international competitions. This partnership aims to graduate a generation of qualified national talent capable of leading major digital transformation projects in the Kingdom.
Scope of acceptance and screening mechanism
These selective criteria target first-year secondary school students in five major educational districts: Riyadh, Jeddah, the Eastern Province, Qassim, and Madinah . The Ministry confirmed that students who pass the initial screening based on GPA and language proficiency will undergo a rigorous evaluation process that includes specialized entrance exams and personal interviews to assess their passion and leadership qualities. The Ministry urged parents and eligible students to seize this opportunity and register through the website to become part of shaping the Kingdom's technological future.
