Offshore and out of touch? The curly questions confronting Australian universities overseas

The university says its fees will be in line with local expectations – courses delivered offshore generally cost half the price or less of a degree completed in Australia. Unlike the way universities in Saudi Arabia have traditionally operated, classes will not be segregated by gender.

While the federal government has encouraged universities to expand their offshore offerings, the sector’s response to a campus in Saudi Arabia has been mixed. The tension between the Gulf State and liberal values of equality, diversity and academic freedom is top of mind for many observers.

“We are fairly shocked, human rights issues in Saudi Arabia are such that this decision needs to be called into question,” NTEU University of Wollongong branch president Dr Susan Engel said.

Key concerns for the union are academic freedom and the safety of female staff, she said.