The University of Ulster has signed a multi-million pound contract to train Saudi Arabian nurses.
The 10-year deal announced today - the first of its kind in Ireland - will see a minimum of 1,000 nurses get training from the university's School of Nursing.
The deal is between the university and SAAD Nursing and Allied Health Science College of Al-Khobar and will support the development of the nursing profession in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States.
Students will follow a five-year programme involving e-learning in Saudi Arabia on a course provided by a dedicated team of lecturers - blended with traditional nurse education techniques - including a year long internship.
The course will result in successful students being awarded a BSc [Honours] in Nursing from the university.
The contract was signed following a worldwide search by the Saudi college to find a preferred supplier. The University Of Ulster said it beat off stiff competition from the United States and continental Europe.
The first group of students - a minimum of 25 - will begin their studies in September, with further groups following at regular intervals.
PA