Studying in Bahrain
The universities and colleges in Bahrain are too numerous to mention. The majority are Bahrain institutions, but there are a number of overseas universities with a Bahrain Campus. The courses on offer cover a wide range of subjects. Qualifications range from diplomas through to PhD.
Admission requirements in Bahrain
Before coming to study in Bahrain, you will need to obtain a student visa. These are issued for a twelve-month period for students who enrol for full-time study. The requirements to obtain a visa vary with nationality and the program you wish to study. In the first instance, contact the university for up to date information. The admission department will be well versed in obtaining visas for overseas students.
When applying for a visa, you will have to prove your enrolment with the university, have valid health insurance, and that show you have sufficient funds to live on while you are in Bahrain.
Good to know:
While most of the courses are in English, some are taught solely in Arabic. Ensure your chosen course is delivered in a language you understand.
Choosing your university in Bahrain
Each university will have its own admission policy but expect to pay the full fee for the academic year before commencing your study.
Few universities have halls of residence or student accommodation. Research carefully before enrolling as inexpensive accommodation may be some distance away from the campus. Ask the admissions office for advice. Finding a place to stay can be time-consuming, so arrange this before you arrive then all your concentration will be on your studies.
Bring only those items you definitely need. It is amazing how much you will accumulate while you are here, and it all has to be transported back home. Find out more in our article "Relocating to Bahrain".
Studying overseas can be extremely rewarding. Bahrain is a multicultural society, and you will make friends with people of many different nationalities and from a wide range of backgrounds.
Courses on offer in Bahrain
It would not be possible to cover all the courses on offer in Bahrain or list all the further education establishments. A good place to start is the Edarabia website which lists many of the universities. You can also ask for assistance from the Bahrain embassy or consulate in your country. To find your nearest, Embassypages lists all the embassies and consulates together with the countries currently diplomatically represented in Bahrain. The following universities give a cross-section of what is on offer to you as an overseas student in Bahrain.
University of Bahrain
Situated adjacent to the F1 circuit at Sakhir, the university offers qualifications ranging from diplomas to PhD and has the following colleges:
- Arts
- Science
- Information Technology
- Business Administration
- Applied Studies
- Engineering
- Bahrain Teachers College
- Health Sciences
- Law
Vatel-Bahrain (College of Hospitality)
For those of you looking for formal qualifications in hospitality, this would be the university for you. Courses on offer lead to either a Bachelor's or an MBA degree in international hotel management.
Ahlia University
A favourite with international students, Ahlia University is located in Manama. The university offers practical advice for international students on the website.
Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are offered through the following colleges:
- College of Arts & Science
- College of Business and Finance
- College of Engineering
- College of Information Technology
- College of Medical & Health Sciences
The university also offers a Master of Science Degree in Engineering Management in conjunction with the George Washington University, and PhD Without Residence in conjunction with Brunel University, London.
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Medical University of Bahrain
Some of you may opt for a career in medicine, and this university offers courses for both doctor and nursing professionals, as well as the opportunity to do research in medicine. The website contains useful information for overseas students which is not only useful to students at the RCSI but anyone else who is thinking of coming to study in Bahrain.
Useful links:
Universities
