History

The Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM), an affiliate of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Australia, is an executive tool facilitating the implementation of the King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP) and other scholarship programs run by Saudi ministries, universities and corporations. SACM established its office in Canberra, Australia in 2004.  We supervise and provide services and support to the largest cohort of sponsored students in Australia. SACM is the largest foreign cultural mission in Australia geared towards promoting bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Australia in the academic, cultural, scientific and technological fields.

Prior to the establishment of SACM Australia, academic affairs had been handled through SACM Pakistan. In the early years of its establishment, SACM Australia had operated on the premises of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Canberra.

Premises of Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Canberra

Due to a limited number of Saudi Arabian cultural missions in East Asia and the Pacific region more than a decade ago, SACM Australia used, back then, to handle King Abdallah Scholarship Program and serve sponsored students in New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. Later, cultural missions were established in these countries, according to the Saudi Ministry of Higher Education’s policy to establish an independent mission to handle cultural and academic affairs in each of the scholarship countries.

The number of sponsored students in Australia rapidly increased from less than 200 students in 2005 to more than 8000 students, as in 2014. As a result of the increased number of students, there was a need for venue expansion. Responsively, SACM rented a separate building as a transitional step toward its own premises. Mid 2010, with full support from the Saudi Ministry of Higher Education, SACM purchased its current own premises in the heart of the Australian capital, Canberra. The building is accessible and provides a well set and equipped environment for the employees to accomplish their work to high standards and quality.

SACM’s current premises in Canberra

Our Vision

Builds lasting bilateral cultural and educational bridges between Saudi Arabia and Australia.

Our Mission

Showcases the cultural and educational achievements of Saudi Arabia, and explores areas of synergy with Australia to serve the bilateral interests.

Mission’s scope:

  • Introducing the cultural and educational achievements and aspirations of Saudi Arabia.
  • Engaging effectively with Australian cultural and educational institutions.
  • Supervising Saudi students who study in Australia.
  • Coordinating scholarships for Australians to study in Saudi Arabia.
  • Encouraging cultural dialogues.