ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES (ESP) FOR ENGINEERING STUDENTS IN SAUDI HIGHER EDUCATION

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v23.6318

Keywords:

English for Specific Purposes, Engineering Education, Needs Analysis, Saudi Arabia, Task-Based Learning, AI-Enhanced Instruction, Curriculum Reform

Abstract

Introduction: The Vision 2030 of Saudi Arabia highlights the necessity to provide certain language skills to engineering graduates. Though the application of Preparatory Year Programs (PYP) in Saudi Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) had been implemented for several decades, one hardly can find a lack of evidence proving that there is no gap between the language competencies necessary for engineers and those developed by means of preparation programs for fulfilling them. English for Specific Purposes (ESP) learning proves to be the most widespread approach towards overcoming that gap; however, ESP learning theory, practice, and assessment continue developing rapidly because of a fast growth of discipline and technology background. Aims: This paper presents the findings of a thematic review related to the ESP training of undergraduate engineers in Saudi HEIs within the period of 2020-2025. The aims of the present study include the analysis of (1) the types of tasks presented for Saudi engineering undergraduates; (2) the current ESP curricula in terms of students' needs; (3) the role of technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) as instruments for ESP instruction; and (4) the ESP program reform proposals based on the ABET standards and Vision 2030. Methods: The study is aimed at performing a systematic thematic review on the ESP training of engineering undergraduates through the use of Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, Google Scholar, and Saudi Digital Library with the PRISMA methodology. Thirty articles published in the range from 2020 to 2025 have been selected and thematically analyzed. Results: There have been found the discrepancies between ESP learning needs and curricula of preparatory courses in all analyzed studies. Technical writing, oral presentation, academic reading, and specialized vocabulary are identified as the most popular ESP skills for engineering students in Saudi Arabia. ESP learning in STEM areas is significantly facilitated by the use of technologies and AI. The inconsistency between the views of students and subject teachers on task performance depends on educational and specialization levels. Conclusion: Evidence-based ESP curriculum reform recommendations are made.

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Published

2026-05-04

How to Cite

Aziz, M. A. (2026). ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES (ESP) FOR ENGINEERING STUDENTS IN SAUDI HIGHER EDUCATION. Veredas Do Direito, 23(7), e6318. https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v23.6318

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Vol. 23 No. 7 (2026): Veredas do Direito, v. 23, n. 7 2026

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