Are you moving to Bahrain with your family? Or are you looking to study in a Middle-East country and wondering if Bahrain is a good option? This guide gives you an overview of Bahrain's higher education system, including available universities, key institutions, estimated costs, and the enrolment and visa challenges international students may face.
Bahrain's educational landscape is rapidly evolving, with both local and international universities offering diverse programs tailored to new and international students. The Kingdom's strategic location, robust infrastructure, and multicultural environment make it an attractive destination for studies in fields such as business, engineering, healthcare, and the arts.
Good to know:
University programs in Bahrain are offered in both English and Arabic, ensuring accessibility for students from around the globe.
Prominent universities and institutions of higher learning in Bahrain
University of Bahrain (UoB)
The biggest public university and the most important one, the University of Bahrain (UoB) is the backbone of higher education in the country. It was established in 1986. The university offers a variety of programs such as undergraduate, Postgraduate and doctoral degrees across different faculties.
Faculties at UoB include:
- College of Arts;
- College of Science;
- College of Business Administration;
- College of Engineering;
- Bahrain Teachers College;
- College of Information Technology;
- College of Law;
- College of Health Sciences.
The University of Bahrain has a good rating, especially for its ability to publish and collaborate with foreign institutions. Most of the popular programs emanate from engineering, health sciences, or business administration streams. Health-related programs, administration programs, and engineering programs are the most sought-after.
Tuition fees
Reasonably priced education is provided at UoB to both local and international students. Most of the undergraduate programs take up to 4,000-5,000 BHD (USD 10,600 - 13,300) per year on average for tuition. For Postgraduate programs, institutions provide lower fees than average fees charged in the region, but the fees are generally high.
Accommodation
UoB has no student accommodation, but many types of student accommodation are available on the market. It is reported that appropriate accommodation is any shared type, and its price is 150-300 BHD (USD 400 - 800) per month.
Ahlia University
Located in Manama, Ahlia University has established itself as one of the leading private institutions in Bahrain today due to the quality of education offered and the international collaborations it has. Founded in 2001, Ahlia University has filled itself with a number of undergraduate and a variety of postgraduate programs.
Faculties at Ahlia University are:
- College of Arts and Science;
- College of Business and Finance;
- College of Engineering;
- College of Medical and Health Sciences;
- College of Information Technology.
International students interested in Ahlia University are mostly top-quality students or professionals due to the schools of their partnerships, like Brunel University London, which is a PhD program without residence, and George Washington University, which does partnerships in the Master of Science of Engineering Management program.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for undergraduate programs range between BHD 5,000 and 7,000 (USD 13,300 and 18,600) per year. Shorter programs, such as the Master of Science Postgraduate Degree, can be offered for a maximum of BHD 9,000 (UDS 23,850) per academic year.
Accommodation
Students at the institution have to live off campus because Ahlia University does not provide student accommodation on campus. Generally, students reside within the city in room shares that are average and rather low-cost, ranging from 200 - 350 BHD (USD 530-930) per month.
College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain)
For medical and nursing careers in this region, RCSI Bahrain is a reputable college. Set up in 2004, RCSI Bahrain became a branch of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and it's the only college that offers both a bachelor's degree and a postgraduate degree in medicine and nursing.
Programs available at RCSI Bahrain are the following:
- Bachelor in Medicine and Surgery (MB BCh BAO);
- BSc in Nursing;
- MSc in Nursing;
- PhD in medical research.
As is evident from the courses listed, admission to RCSI can be pretty challenging due to the competitiveness of the medical field. The curriculum follows international standards, so students who want to enter healthcare professions do not have to look too far.
Tuition fees
As RCSI Bahrain is highly specialized, its fees are among the highest in the country. Annual tuition for the medical program is around BHD 35,000 (approximately USD 93,000). Nursing programs are cheaper, with average tuition fees of around BHD 8,000-10,000 (USD 21,200 - 26,500) per year.
Accommodation
RCSI Bahrain does not provide on-campus accommodation, but students can find housing within walking distance of the university. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the area ranges from BHD 300 to 400 (USD 800–1,060).
Bahrain Polytechnic
Bahrain Polytechnic was founded in 2008 to fulfill the vocational education requirement of Bahrain's labor market. Its programs have been purposively constructed with an industry perspective and incorporate considerable training and practical learning.
Faculties at Bahrain Polytechnic:
- School of Business;
- School of Engineering;
- School of ICT (Information Communication Technology);
- School of Design and Visual Arts;
- School of Foundation Studies.
Bahrain Polytechnic broadens career prospects for students willing to practice in business, engineering, ICT, and visual arts spheres. The project-based learning mode of the organization guarantees that the graduates are well-prepared for the labor market and have the skills needed in the particular industry.
Tuition fees
Bahrain Polytechnic does not charge its students a high fee compared to private institutions. The rates charged for undergraduate programs range from BHD 3,500 to 5,000 (around USD 9,300 to 13,300), depending on the course.
Accommodation
Similar to other universities in the country, Bahrain Polytechnic does not have its own accommodation facilities within the vicinity, but housing facilities are available around. The average accommodation prices range from BHD 200-300 (USD 530-800) per month for shared flats.
British University of Bahrain (BUB)
British University of Bahrain (BUB) offers courses at Salford University in the UK. The concentration areas and postgraduate activities offered include business, engineering, and computing, approved under British standard education. Students obtain a Salford University degree, which guarantees them international qualifications while studying in Bahrain.
Faculties at BUB are the following:
- School of Business;
- School of Business Computing, Science & Engineering;
- School of Environment and Life Sciences.
BUB focuses on encouraging both learning and employability. Students are trained not only in academic concepts but also gain hands-on experience through work placements, internships, and other practice opportunities.
Good to know:
The undergraduate transition selection process at BUB aims to identify scholars suitable for the appropriate active learning format available at BUB.
Tuition fees
Upon admission to BUB, students are required to pay tuition fees in line with British standards, accredited by UK institutions. Undergraduate program fees range from BHD 7,000 to 10,000 (USD 18,600–26,500), reflecting the high-quality education provided. Postgraduate fees typically fall within a similar range, offering competitive value for the standards delivered.
Accommodation
On-campus accommodation is not available, but students in Bahrain can find shared housing options ranging from BHD 300 to 450 (USD 800–1,200).
Arab Open University (AOU) Bahrain
The Arab Open University (AOU) has several branches in different Middle-East countries including Bahrain. Establishing the first branch in 2003, AOU Bahrain adopts a panoply of blended learning that integrates face-to-face classes with online education, and thus is fully attractive to working people and those willing to be educated part-time.
Faculties at AOU Bahrain are the following:
- Faculty of Business Studies;
- Faculty of Information Technology and Computing;
- Faculty of Language Studies;
- Faculty of Education.
AOU is widely recognized for its business studies and IT programs, which are well-suited to local and regional economic needs. Additionally, its partnerships with UK universities allow students to earn internationally recognized degrees.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees at AOU Bahrain are competitively priced compared to what is typically available to international students. Depending on the program and the student's level of study, annual tuition ranges from BHD 2,500 to 4,000 (USD 6,600–10,600).
Accommodation
AOU Bahrain does not provide on-campus accommodation, but students can secure housing in nearby areas. Rental costs are comparable to other universities in Bahrain, averaging BHD 200–300 (USD 530–800) per month.
AMA International University Bahrain
Established in 2002, AMA International University Bahrain is a privately owned institution under the AMA Education System in the Philippines. AMA Bahrain specializes in offering quality technical and vocational education with a major focus on engineering, IT, and business.
Faculties at AMA Bahrain are the following:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science;
- Bachelor of Science in Business Informatics;
- Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering;
- MBA and other graduate programs.
Widely recognized for its technology-focused courses, AMA International University produces graduates who are well-equipped to meet the demands of the IT and engineering industries. The GCC region values the university's programs for their significant impact on the development of these sectors.
Tuition fees
At AMA, undergraduate programs cost approximately BHD 3,000 – 5,000 (USD 8,000 - 13,300) per year. However, tuition for graduate programs, such as an MBA, is commensurately higher, with the average fees being BHD 6000 – 8000 (USD 15,900 - 21,200) per year.
Accommodation
AMA does not provide on-campus accommodation. However, students can expect to spend between BHD 250 and 350 (USD 660 and 930) per month when they rent accommodation in the Salmabad area, where the university is located.
Vatel Bahrain
Vatel Bahrain is part of the largest hospitality management training network in the world, Vatel International Business School. In Vatel Bahrain, a student can undertake international hotel management studies in bachelor's and MBA programs, providing essential transferrable competencies to students applicable to the international marketplace.
Courses offered at Vatel Bahrain include:
- Bachelor in Management of International Hotels,
- MBA in International Hotel Management
Vatel Bahrain's resources help its students gain practical skills and receive advanced training while participating in practical classes and working in prestigious hotels in Bahrain or international ones during their internships. Moreover, the organization has proven to offer strong links to its business activities, encouraging graduates to obtain jobs in leading hotel companies around the world.
Tuition fees
The cost of studying at Vatel Bahrain is affordable for a specialized institution. The bachelor's degree costs BHD 5,000 - 7,000 (USD 13,300 - USD 18,600) per year, and the master's degree costs BHD 10,000 - 12,000 (USD 26,500 - USD 31,800) per year.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not offered on the Vatel campus, but students can rent accommodation nearby or in the City Center of Manama at an estimated average rate of BHD 300-400 (USD 800-1,060) per month.
Other universities and higher education institutions in Bahrain
Aside from the leading universities already mentioned, Bahrain has also other institutions offering specialized programs and degrees:
Gulf University
Gulf University offers degrees in business, law and information technology. The tuition fees are between BHD 2,000–4,000 (USD 5,300 – 10,600) per year.
Applied Science University (ASU)
ASU offers programs in business, law and engineering. Tuition fees are within BHD 3,000–6,000 (USD 8000 - 15900) per year.
Requirements for studying in Bahrain
To study in Bahrain, it's essential to understand the visa and admission requirements.
Getting a student visa
Students wishing to study in Bahrain must obtain a student visa before enrolling in any university. The student visa is typically issued for one year but can be extended for the duration of the program. You will generally need to provide the following documents:
- A formal letter of admission from a recognized university in Bahrain;
- Proof of financial ability (documents that demonstrate you can afford tuition fees and living costs in Bahrain);
- Health insurance covering the entire period of your stay in Bahrain.
- A fully filled-out application form for the student visa.
Many universities in Bahrain assist students in navigating the visa application process.
Academic requirements
The academic qualifications needed for admission vary depending on the university and the level of study:
- Undergraduate studies: Applicants are typically required to provide a high school certificate or its equivalent.
- Postgraduate studies: A bachelor's degree is required, along with any other necessary documents as per the university's specific requirements.
- English proficiency: If your native language is not English, you will need to prove your proficiency through tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Good to know:
While many universities have programs in English, some of them are entirely in Arabic, so it is advisable to verify the medium of instruction before making an application.
Cost of living for international students in Bahrain
While Bahrain offers a higher standard of living compared to many other Gulf states, students still need to budget for essential expenses, such as rent, food, transportation, and personal needs. The estimated monthly living costs range between BHD 300 and BHD 500, which is roughly equivalent to USD 795 to USD 1,325. When factoring in additional lifestyle and accommodation costs, the total range would be between BHD 800 (approximately USD 2,120) and BHD 1,330 (approximately USD 3,510).
As mentioned above, tuition fees in Bahrain vary depending on the institution and level of study, with significant differences between public, private, and international universities. Here's an overview of the average tuition costs:
- Public universities: The introduction of privatization, including the establishment of private and international branch campuses from GCC countries, has led to an increase in fees. For instance, tuition at Bahrain's public universities typically ranges from 4,000 to 5,000 BHD per year for undergraduate students, which is approximately USD 10,620 to USD 13,275.
- Private and international universities: Bahrain is home to some of the region's most expensive private universities. Tuition fees for certain programs can range from 5,000 to 7,000 BHD per year, which is equivalent to USD 13,275 to USD 18,585 , depending on the specialization.
Some universities, like Al Ahlia University, offer scholarships and financial support options for eligible students, including those with disabilities, orphans, and based on academic performance. For specific scholarship opportunities, it's recommended to contact the universities directly to confirm available options.
Conclusion
Overall, Bahrain offers a diverse range of higher education options, including public universities like the University of Bahrain and private institutions. With competitive tuition fees, a multicultural environment, and strong global job market connections, Bahrain is an ideal destination for those seeking quality education in the Gulf. International students should consider living costs, visa requirements, and the language of instruction when choosing a university to ensure a smooth and rewarding academic experience.
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