Saudi education is noted for its religious content. As of 2011, religious studies average a total of nine periods a week at the elementary/primary school level, compared to an average about twelve periods a week total for math, science, geography, history, and physical education.[1] At the university level, nearly two-thirds of graduates earn degrees in Islamic subjects.[2]
However the education system has also been criticized for "poorly trained teachers, low retention rates, lack of rigorous standards, weak scientific and technical instruction", despite generous budgets, that have compelled the kingdom to depend on large numbers of expatriates workers to fill technical and administrative positions.