Abstract
According to the main strategic document in Saudi Arabia, Strategic Vision 2030, one of commitments is to continue investing in education so that young people are equipped for the jobs of the future. Currently, in Saudi Arabia there is no clear picture about the influence of that proclaimed strategical focus to the reality in public education, specifically in IT studies. Based on an empirical investigation in IT universities in Saudi’s capital city Riyadh, this paper reveals characteristics of the IT studies and its alignment to the job market needs, from the perspective of students. The research is conducted among students at the final years in public universities with IT department in Riyadh. Primary data is obtained by on-line survey, individual interviews and focus group discussions. Research findings showed that strategic planning decisions made by public authorities during previous years strongly influenced the part of the higher public education of information technology in Universities in Riyadh. It confirmed that large investments in education have yielded results in a high students’ satisfaction with: a) faculty equipment (education tools, libraries and computing facilities); b) computer based labs where research and hands-on activities are performed and c) the high level of applicability of the knowledge and skills gained during the study. Graduated students are flexible and ready to accept the job either in private or public organisation, with flexible working options or as lifetime employments. However, there are still low interests of students to build own business through entrepreneurial activities and they are relatively low interested to study, build career and live outside of Riyadh and other big cities in the country. According to student’s opinions, there is space for modernization and innovation of the study curriculum through the use of interactive software applications and e-learning