A new graduate empowerment program for media jobs launched in April 2026, offering fresh Saudi graduates a 12-month path into technical and specialized media careers. The program began with its April 2026 cohort and is delivered at the news training academy in Riyadh, with specialized programs building in the Al-Rayyan district.
The first cohort aims to qualify more than 300 trainees, part of a wider plan to train 900 job seekers in cooperation with the Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf). Participants in the April 2026 cohort were selected from over 10,000 applicants across 22 cities in Saudi Arabia.
The program is structured as eight specialized media training diplomas, covering tracks such as news and media production, graphics, translation and communication, media planning and influence, and artificial intelligence in media content. Each diploma is a long-form applied program combining theoretical study with hands-on training, including practical placements inside the Saudi Press Agency.
Support and requirements
The training is financially supported by Hadaf, with trainees receiving monthly stipends throughout the program. The diplomas are accredited by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), and completion leads to a recognized certificate along with pathways to private-sector media employment.
Eligibility requires Saudi citizenship, a bachelor's degree from an accredited university—with priority for majors in media, marketing, translation, and related fields—and passing initial screening, admission tests, and personal interviews. Applicants must also submit an applied project, commit full-time, have no prior use of Hadaf support programs, hold no active commercial registration during the study period, and register on the national unified employment platform Jadarat.
For the February–April 2026 intake, applications are submitted via the academy's online link tied to the Hadaf-supported program, with specified windows such as 17–27 February 2026. The initiative offers a practical route into media careers for young Saudis, backed by real-world experience and recognized qualifications.
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