Official government website of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
A delegation from Qassim University, headed by the Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research, Professor Dr. Waleed bin Saleh Al-Battah, participated in the Saudi-Canadian Educational Partnership Forum, which was held from March 30-31, 2026, in Toronto, Canada, with the participation of more than 70 Saudi and Canadian institutions.
The Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, during his participation in the forum in the session «Building Institutional and Research Partnerships,» emphasized the importance of deepening Saudi-Canadian research cooperation as a partnership based on knowledge integration and the exchange of research expertise. He clarified that effective partnerships are based on mutual benefit and are built to serve the goals of both parties and enhance their developmental impact, emphasizing the importance of discussing opportunities for scientific research development by supporting joint research and forming research teams that address national priorities.
“Al-Battah” pointed out the importance of postgraduate programs as a primary pillar of research activity, through joint and dual programs and curriculum alignment. He noted the opportunities for researcher and student exchange as a tool for enhancing knowledge transfer and building research capabilities, linking research cooperation to the development goals of both countries. In addition, he highlighted the importance of attracting joint research funding by applying for grants from Canadian bodies such as NSERC and CIHR, alongside Saudi bodies, which would multiply the impact and enhance financial sustainability.
The university delegation held several meetings with a number of Canadian universities, including: the University of British Columbia, McGill University, the University of Alberta, McMaster University, the University of Ottawa, and the University of Guelph. The delegation visited Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and its business incubator (DMZ), and the University of Toronto, and met with academic leaders.
The university's participation in the forum's activities comes as part of its efforts to strengthen international academic and research partnerships, learn from Canada's leading experience in higher education, showcase the university's initiatives in education, research, and innovation, and enhance the university's presence on the map of international academic partnerships.
The forum represents a platform for showcasing the university's initiatives in education, research, and innovation, strengthening the link between research and application, highlighting projects with economic and societal impact, thereby supporting the building of international partnerships, attracting joint funding, developing joint scientific programs, activating cooperation in emerging technologies, and enhancing presence in global research networks.
