University Spotlight: How Saudi Arabia’s University of Prince Mugrin Is Transforming Higher Education through Digital Innovation

Overview + challenges

Established in 1434 AH, the University of Prince Mugrin bin Abdulaziz (UPM) is a nonprofit private institution in Medina, Saudi Arabia, and is committed to integrating creativity with learning. In 2023, UPM recognized that traditional educational approaches were no longer sufficient for preparing graduates to succeed in the rapidly evolving economy.

The challenge was complex. Students needed verifiable skills that extended beyond traditional degrees—capabilities in data analysis, digital marketing, and emerging technologies that employers actively seek. Faculty faced mandatory National eLearning Center (NeLC) certification requirements, demanding expertise in online pedagogy and digital assessment tools. Without this accreditation, the university’s entire e-learning initiative would stall. Traditional programs couldn’t scale efficiently or provide current industry perspectives, while curriculum revision cycles lagged behind the pace of technological change.

Administrative staff also lacked structured pathways for professional growth. Without cost-effective upskilling opportunities, the university struggled to build internal capacity for digital initiatives. These interconnected challenges demanded a comprehensive solution that could serve diverse stakeholders while maintaining academic rigor and delivering measurable career outcomes.

The university’s location and mission added urgency to these challenges. As Saudi Arabia accelerates its Vision 2030 goals, educational institutions must produce graduates equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical, industry-relevant skills. UPM needed a scalable platform that could modernize teaching methods, enhance student competitiveness, and position the institution as a leader in educational innovation.

The partnership

In 2023, UPM launched a strategic partnership with Coursera, deploying the platform across all university units, from academic departments to specialized centers. This wasn’t a pilot program or limited initiative. It was an institutional transformation designed to create a unified ecosystem where all university members could thrive.

Content accessible to UPM community:

• Industry-aligned Professional Certificates from global innovators

• AI-powered Coursera Coach for customized learning support

• Course Builder for rapid content creation for faculty

• Curated learning pathways aligned with roles for staff

UPM’s implementation strategy focused on embedding Coursera at every institutional touchpoint. The Career Center aligned job preparation sessions with Google and IBM certificates. The Entrepreneurship Center leveraged startup skills training. The Research Center incorporated data science courses into graduate programs. Even alumni gained access as part of the university’s ongoing engagement strategy.

“One feature that truly delighted us was Coursera’s curated learning pathways, which allowed us to align courses with specific roles and development goals for students, faculty, and staff,” noted Sanaa Askool, University President’s Consultant. This focus on role-specific learning proved especially valuable for faculty development.

The partnership addressed faculty needs through mandatory Coursera courses in instructional design and digital pedagogy. AI-powered Coursera Coach helps instructors scale student support while reducing routine inquiries, enabling faculty to focus on higher-value educational activities. Dr. Angelene McLaren, Manager of eLearning and Electronic Education, highlighted the transformative role of technology: “I found the new Coach AI assistant particularly useful. It enhances the teaching and learning experience within the Coursera platform for both faculty and students.”

For students, academic departments embedded micro-credentials into credit-bearing courses, allowing them to earn industry credentials alongside their degrees. These Professional Certificates directly addressed current labor market demands, in fields ranging from cloud computing to project management.

Impact

UPM’s strategic partnership with Coursera has delivered significant outcomes across all stakeholder groups, establishing new benchmarks for innovation in Saudi higher education.

Students are now earning industry-recognized certificates from partners like Google, IBM, Microsoft, and Meta. These credentials have created tangible career advantages, with students reporting direct support for internship and job applications. The impact is particularly notable in high-demand fields like data analysis, digital marketing, and project management.

“At a recent campus career fair, employers noted their satisfaction seeing UPM students develop skills outside the traditional classroom,” Dr. Angelene McLaren reported. Students actively showcase their certificates on LinkedIn profiles and resumes, helping them stand out in Saudi Arabia’s competitive job market.

We were also impressed by the responsive support from the Coursera team, who provided valuable guidance during onboarding and helped us quickly roll out the platform across multiple departments.

Sanaa Askool, University President’s Consultant

Faculty adoption has been significant. Within six months, instructors were integrating new technology resources and industry content into their courses. The comprehensive professional development program was implemented based on the NeLC’s requirements , showing UPM’s commitment to educational excellence and helping secure necessary e-learning licenses.

The university expanded  in-house training programs with Coursera, reducing costs and expanding course offerings. Administrative and technical staff strengthened competencies in digital tools and project management, which has led to efficiency gains. HR goals included increased employee engagement and faster onboarding through targeted pathways, with a recommended 40-hours of  annual professional development.. The Career Center, Research Center, and Entrepreneurship Center also aimed to align training offerings using Coursera content, creating a unified institutional approach.

Looking ahead

UPM has established a sustainable model that positions the university as a leader in Saudi Arabia’s educational transformation. The comprehensive approach—spanning student employability, faculty development, and staff productivity—creates a blueprint for other institutions while generating continued benefits including improved staff retention and reduced HR costs.

Dr. McLaren’s observation captures the forward-looking spirit: “Faculty use Coursera to stay updated on emerging topics, leading to more dynamic and innovative classroom experiences.” This commitment to continuous improvement ensures UPM graduates, faculty, and staff will thrive in an economy where adaptability and verified skills determine success. 

As Saudi Arabia advances toward its Vision 2030 goals, UPM’s partnership with Coursera demonstrates how educational institutions can bridge the gap between academic excellence and workforce readiness, creating opportunities for everyone to build relevant skills for the digital age.