A Survey on the Needs for English for Academic Purposes Courses among Graduate EFL Students in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) is an important component of graduate education, particularly for students who use English for academic study and research. Although previous research has examined EAP needs in different educational contexts, research focusing specifically on graduate EFL students in Saudi Arabia remains relatively limited. This study investigates the perceived EAP needs of graduate EFL students in Saudi universities across nine dimensions: individual skill wants, learning motivation, learning strategies, teacher quality, curriculum design, classroom teaching, learning resources, teaching materials, and assessment methods. The study used a quantitative survey design to examine graduate students’ perceptions of their academic English needs. The study collected data from 1,200 graduate students at Saudi universities and analyzed them using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The findings indicate that participants reported substantial needs across the EAP dimensions examined, with academic skills, learning support, instructional practices, learning resources, teaching materials, and assessment representing important areas of students’ perceived needs. The findings further indicate that graduate students’ EAP needs extend beyond individual language skills to include curriculum, classroom instruction, learning resources, teaching materials, and assessment. The study highlights the importance of aligning EAP provision with graduate students' academic requirements and their study and research activities. The findings provide empirical evidence that may support developing and refining EAP courses for graduate EFL students in Saudi universities.