Free games & esports diplomas for KAU students

Students at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Jeddah can now enroll in two specialized diplomas focused on the fast-growing games and esports sector, offered fully free of charge through Savvy Academy's Level-Up university program. The diplomas cover Games Production and Esports Management, and are available starting from the academic year following 22 July 2025, with both listed as active offerings in 2026.

Tuition for enrolled KAU students is set at SAR 0. The diplomas are fully free, and partner institutions are not permitted to add any tuition or extra charges. Program operational costs are funded by Savvy Games Group and its partners, while required software licenses are handled at the institution level at SAR 225, purchased online by the university rather than paid by students.

Students register through KAU's standard academic registration systems. The diplomas blend academic coursework with practical, industry-driven training tied to the needs of the Saudi games and esports labor market, giving graduates hands-on experience in game development project management and professional esports event organization.

Why it matters

The diplomas are described as accredited specialized vocational diplomas within the Saudi higher-education framework, with no reduced validity or expiry changes reported for 2026. They form part of a broader set of 2025-2026 memorandums of understanding with the Ministry of Education and universities aimed at integrating games and esports into secondary and higher education nationwide.

For students in Jeddah seeking vocational pathways into one of the Kingdom's emerging industries, the program offers a no-cost route to recognized qualifications and market-ready skills. School-level programs within the same ecosystem are accessed through Savvy Academy's official website and institutional channels.

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