Artificial Intelligence
Specialization
The Artificial Intelligence Specialization is a multi-level program offered to Saudi universities students and fresh graduates. The program consists of 4 main stages, with assessments in between each stage to get qualified to the following one. The program covers the field from the fundamentals to the advanced levels of AI technology with capstone projects showcasing the acquired knowledge.
Requirements
- You must be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree or graduated within a year from a Saudi university in computer science or a related field. Saudi residency applicants must have valid iqama at least until Sep 2025.
- Completion of the prerequisite courses on Coursera.
- Passing the assessments at each stage. Top qualified students will be invited to the next stage.
Application Announcement
- The application will open soon.
- Eligible candidates will be invited to the placement test.
- To be eligible for the qualification exam, the candidate must be enrolled in KAUST Academy/Coursera Program within 5 days of Coursera invitation and will have to complete the required pre-requisite courses.
Prerequisite Core Courses
To qualify for the Artificial Intelligence Specialization Program, you’ll need to sign up for Coursera within 5 days of receiving the invitation link at your registered email address, and then successfully complete the following courses to be eligible to take part in the placement test:
Python 3 Programming Specialization
Mathematics for Machine Learning and Data Science Specialization
Students with top scores in the placement test will receive invitation for (Introduction to AI) to join a one week in person training during university breaks. At the end of the course, students with top performance will be invited to another one week in person training (Advanced AI) and take an exam at the end of the course as well.
The top qualified students will receive invitation to participate in a variety of KAUST Academy Summer Programs at elite partners institutions in KSA and/or abroad including Summer School, Internships, and Research Programs.
Students who will not be selected after passing the placement test in October, will still have access to 200 courses, specializations, guided projects and more on Coursera until 31 July 2025. They will be eligible to receive a free certificate for each achievement on Coursera during that period.
Covered topics
in this course
- Mathematics for Machine Learning and Datascience
- Python Programming Skills
- Basic machine learning
- Computer Vision
- Graph Neural Networks
- Natural Language Processing
- Deep Unsupervised Learning
- Reinforcement Learning
- Applications of AI in Physical Sciences
- Additional courses on core skills, innovation and leadership
Skills you’ll gain
- Computer Vision
- Machine Learning
- Linear Algebra
- Optimization
- Deep Learning Libraries
- Large Scale Deep Learning
- Python Programming
- Artificial Intelligence Applications
Student Journey
Stage 1: Prerequisite Course
Important Note: Signing up for the prerequisite courses on Coursera (Stage 1) does not guarantee participation in subsequent stages. Students must demonstrate their knowledge and skills by excelling in the assessments to progress through the program. Certificates of Completion will be awarded at each stage to acknowledge participants’ achievements. Qualified students will be invited to the next stage.
Duration: 2 to 4 Weeks Completion Date: To Be Determined Method: Self-Paced, Online Courses
Description: The students are required to complete 2 dedicated specializations (Python 3 Programming Specialization, Mathematics for Machine Learning and Data Science Specialization) that will supply them with the knowledge for machine learning and artificial intelligence, including basics of linear algebra, calculus, optimization, and Python Programming.
Stage 2: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Duration: 5 Days Start Date: TBD during university breaks Method: Instructor-Paced, In-Person Lectures
Description: The qualified students will learn classical machine learning tools, including linear regression, logistic regression, decision trees, support vector machine. The students will also be introduced to neural networks, deep networks, and deep learning libraries. Qualified students will be invited to the next stage.
Stage 3: Advanced AI Course
Duration: 4 Days Start Date: TBD during university breaks Method: Instructor-Paced, In-Person Lectures
Description: The qualified students will learn about convolutional neural networks and their applications of convolutional neural networks to computer vision applications, including image classification, segmentation, and object detection. Qualified students will be invited to the next stage.
Stage 4: AI Summer Program
Duration: 8 Weeks Start Date: 29 June, 2025 Method: Instructor-Paced, In-Person Lectures
Description: Qualified students will be invited to the prestigious KAUST Academy Summer Program in one of KAUST Academy top partner institutions in KSA or abroad. Students will be provided with on campus accommodation and privileges.
The students will learn about the following areas of Artificial Intelligence.
1) Natural language processing
2) Reinforcement learning
3) Deep Unsupervised Learning
4) Graph Neural Networks
Recommended Agenda
Below you can find a suggested agenda, with a goal to complete the specified courses to attend the placement test and advance in the program.
Professor’s Take
on the Course
“Artificial intelligence isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the cornerstone of our future. The potential for AI to revolutionize industries, drive economic growth, and enhance the quality of life is unparalleled. At the AI Initiative, we are committed to bringing the best research, facilities, and products to the Kingdom. Our collaborations with global leaders and institutions ensure that we remain at the forefront of AI research and development.
Our mission isn’t just about technology; it’s about nurturing local talent to sustain our progress. We are partnering with KAUST Academy in providing programs that are meticulously crafted to educate and empower Saudi students with the skills needed to not only keep up with the rapid advancements in AI but to drive innovation themselves. By fostering a vibrant AI ecosystem, we’re ensuring that the Kingdom remains a frontrunner in the AI race”
Professor Bernard Ghanem, Deputy Director of AI Initiative at KAUST
Absolutely. The course emphasizes practical programming and covers foundational concepts that are applicable to real-world AI solutions.
This course is catered to University Students
(1st Stage) Prerequisite online course is self-paced, suggested completion time is 2 weeks.
(2nd to 4th Stages Introduction, Advanced, and Summer Program) are in-person and instructor-paced.
Yes, participants who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of completion to showcase their newfound AI knowledge and skills at each stage.
The program is currently offered with a full scholarship for talented students at all Saudi universities.
No, to qualify for the placement test, you are required to complete only the course(s) which are auto-enrolled to your access upon joining Coursera.
However, do not forget that you have free access to 200 courses, specialization, guided projects, and more through the KAUST Academy/Coursera license. We strongly recommend you complete and earn free certificates for as many courses as you like, during the entire period of the program.
Contact us for more information AR