US universities reconsider ties with Saudi Arabia

Colleges and universities in the United States have received more than US$350 million from the government of Saudi Arabia over the past 10 years. But some of these institutions are reconsidering their ties with the government following the killing of Saudi journalist and writer Jamal Khashoggi, reports VOA.

Khashoggi’s death has led to international criticism of the oil-rich nation. The Associated Press (AP) examined US federal records for information about the flow of Saudi money to American higher education. The news agency found that at least US$354 million from the Saudi government or organisations it controls has gone to 37 American schools since 2011.

Much of the money was provided through a special scholarship programme. It paid tuition fees for Saudis studying in the United States. But AP researchers found that at least US$62 million came through deals with or gifts from Saudi Arabia’s nationally owned companies and research centres.
Full report on the VOA site