Studying in Kuwait

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Updated by Lama Al Haqhaq on 02 August, 2024

Kuwait may not be the first place that comes to mind when considering studying abroad. Nevertheless, the country has a range of universities and colleges for students who wish to venture to this small Gulf country.

The higher education system in Kuwait

Kuwait is home to fifteen universities and colleges. Some of these universities are specialized, such as the Gulf University for Science and Technology, the College of Aviation & Technology, and the Kuwait Maastricht Business School. Similar to other countries, the college or university you choose will be based on your desired program of study, as each university offers a different selection of majors.

Universities in Kuwait generally begin their Fall semester mid-September, with final exams taking place towards the end of December. The spring semester begins early in February, with final exams happening between mid and end of May.

Other holidays students will get depend on public holidays and usually include:

Isra and Miraj: January 27, 2025;
National & Liberation Day: February 25–26, 2025;
Eid Al Fitr: March 31–April 2, 2025;
Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha: June 6–9, 2025;
The Prophet's Birthday: September 4, 2025.

Government universities in Kuwait

Kuwait University

Kuwait University (KU), Kuwait's national public university, was established in 1966. It is the oldest and largest university in Kuwait and has 16 colleges with 92 undergraduate programs and 89 graduate programs.

Tuition fees are counted per credit and vary based on the chosen program. Below are estimated costs for some of their most popular programs:

Undergraduate programs:

Science and Engineering: 305 KWD per credit;
Humanities and Social Sciences: 230 KWD per credit;
Medicine and Health Sciences: 460 KWD per credit.

Graduate programs:

Master's Programs: 380 KWD per credit;
Doctoral Programs: 460 KWD per credit.

Admission requirements also vary based on the chosen program. However, there are some general requirements applicable to everyone:

High school diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.0;
English proficiency test score (TOEFL or IELTS);
Personal statement;
Letters of recommendation.

Applications can be submitted online through the university's online admission system.

Abdullah Al Salem University

Abdullah Al Salem University (AASU) was established in 2019 through an Amiri Decree. The university consists of 3 colleges as well as 10 research centers. The university's name honors the memory of one of Kuwait's late Amirs, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem. The Amir was seen as the founding father of modern Kuwait and is seen as someone who continues to inspire those looking for intellect and education in order to move Kuwait forward.

Some key areas of undergraduate study at AASU include:

Engineering;
Sciences;
Business Administration;
Humanities and Social Sciences;
Information Technology.

The university also offers the following master's programs:

Cyber Security Engineering;
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence;
Energy Systems Engineering;
Finance / Risk Management / FinTech.

Tuition varies from one program to another but ranges from between 2,450 KWD to 3,060 KWD per year.

Admissions to AASU differ slightly depending on the college or program you are applying for. Below are some of the specific requirements per college.

College of Business & Entrepreneurship

The final overall grade in high school (secondary school) should not be less than 80% for science graduates and 85% for arts graduates.

College of Computing & Systems / College of Engineering & Energy

The final overall grade in high school (secondary school) should not be less than 80% for science graduates.

Masters in Cyber Security Engineering

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, computer science, information technology, or a related field.

Masters in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, computer science, information technology, or a related field.

Energy Systems Engineering

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in energy engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field.

Finance / Risk Management / FinTech

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, economics, accounting, mathematics/statistics, computer science/information technology, engineering, or a related field.

When it comes to graduate programs, applicants are able to apply for more than one program (given that they meet all the specific requirements mentioned). Acceptance into each program will be determined separately by the relevant admission committees.

Private universities in Kuwait

Gulf University for Science and Technology

Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) was established in 2002 and was the first private university in Kuwait. It currently has 3 colleges, consisting of a total of 15 programs.

The College of Arts and Sciences:

Department of Computer Science;
Department of English (English, Linguistics—Translation; English Literature; English Education);
Department of Humanities and Social Sciences;
Department of Mass Communication and Multimedia;
Department Of Mathematics & Natural Sciences.

The College of Business Administration:

Accounting;
Business Administration (Emphasis in International Business; Emphasis in Management and Organizational Behavior);
Marketing;
Finance;
Management Information Systems;
Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA).

The College of Engineering & Architecture:

Electrical & Computer Engineering;
Engineering Management.

Admissions into GUST's undergraduate program are reliant on high school performance as well as the university's own English and Mathematics placement tests. Applicants who have taken and passed a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL/IELTS) do not need to take the GUST English placement test.

The following are required for admission:

Completed GUST Admissions Application Form;
Official high school transcripts;
One certified copy of an officially recognized secondary school certificate;
An iBT TOEFL, IELTS* score, or the results of a recently taken GUST English Placement Test;
The GUST Mathematics Placement Test;
20 KWD non-refundable application fee;
Three recent passport-size photographs;
A copy of valid a Civil ID and passport must be included.

Applications can be made online through the university website.

American University of Kuwait

The American University of Kuwait (AUK) was established in 2003 by an Amiri Decree. The university received its Institutional Accreditation from the Private Universities Council in 2006. AUK consists of 3 colleges and 16 undergraduate programs.

College of Arts and Sciences:

BA in Design;
BA in Communication & Media;
BA in English;
BA in International Relations;
BA in Social & Behavioral Science.

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences:

BE in Computer Engineering;
BE in Electrical Engineering;
BE in Systems Engineering;
BE in Computer Science;
BE in Information Systems.

College of Business and Economics:

BBA in Accounting;
BBA in Marketing;
BBA in Finance;
BBA in Management;
BBA in Economics;
BBA in Human Resource Management.

Tuition fees at AUK are calculated per credit hour. The cost of 1 credit hour is 210 KWD, with the exception of engineering credits, which are 230 KWD per credit hour.

Admission requirements for AUK are as follows:

Personal photo and a copy of your Civil ID/passport;
Complete application form with a non-refundable application fee (20 KWD);
High school equivalency and official final high school transcript certified by the Kuwait Ministry of Education;
Proof of English proficiency (official TOEFL or IELTS scores);
Personal essay;
Official high school transcripts complete up to the time of application;
Official scores from any accelerated programs such as Advanced Placement (AP), A-Level (IGCSE), French Baccalaureate, or International Baccalaureate (IB).

Applications can be submitted online through the university website.

Australian University

The Australian University (AU), previously known as the Australian College of Kuwait - was established in 2004. It was one of the first private universities to open and operate in the State of Kuwait. AU consists of 4 colleges and schools and a total of 24 programs.

College of Engineering:

Diploma of Civil Engineering;
Diploma of Electrical and Electronics Engineering;
Diploma of Petroleum Engineering;
Diploma of Mechanical Engineering;
Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical and Electronics);
Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Petroleum);
Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil);
Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Mechanical).

College of Business:

Diploma of Management;
Diploma of Marketing;
Diploma of Human Resources Management;
Diploma of Accounting;
Bachelor of Business (Management);
Bachelor of Business (Marketing);
Bachelor of Banking & Finance;
Bachelor of Events Management;
Bachelor of Management Information Systems.

School of Aviation:

Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Mechanical) B1.1;
Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Avionics) B2;
Diploma of Logistics;
Diploma of Air Traffic Control;
Bachelor of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering;
Bachelor of Aviation and Airport Operation.

Maritime:

Advanced Diploma in Nautical Science.

AU's tuition fees vary based on the chosen program but range from 160 KWD to 2,000 KWD per credit hour. More details can be found through their “student fees” section.

The following requirements are applicable to all candidates applying for admission to AU:

High School Certificate;
Government and Arabic Private School Graduates:

One true copy of the High School Certificate in Arabic authenticated by the Ministry of Education;
One true copy of the High School Certificate in English authenticated by the Ministry of Education;

Foreign Private School Graduates (American, British, Indian, Pakistani, etc.) and Graduates from outside of Kuwait:

One copy of the High School Transcript;
One original Equivalency Letter issued by the Private Education Department addressed to the Australian University;

British School Graduates:

One copy of the IGCSE certificates;
One original Equivalency Letter issued by the Private Education Department addressed to the Australian University;

Graduates from outside of Kuwait:

One copy of the High School Transcript;
One original Equivalency Letter issued by the Private Education Department addressed to the Australian University;

Valid passport copy;
Valid Civil ID copy;
One photograph (4×6);
Applicants must register for AU's English Placement Test and pay a non-refundable 25 KWDTest fee or submit one of the following certificates:

IELTS English Certificate ( minimum score required is 3);
TOEFL Internet-Based English Certificate (the minimum score required is 71).

The application can be submitted online through the university website.

American University of the Middle East

The American University of the Middle East (AUM) was established in 2005 in Kuwait. It consists of two colleges, a Liberal Arts Department, and an English Preparatory Program. As of 2024, AUM is ranked first in Kuwait in the QS World University Rankings.

The undergraduate programs offered by AUM are:

Accounting;
Civil Engineering;
Finance;
Management Information System;
Marketing;
Human Resource Management;
Industrial Engineering;
Computer Engineering;
Electrical Engineering;
Mechanicl Engineering;
Chemical Engineering;
Information Systems and Technology;
Telecommunications and Networking Technology;
Architectural Engineering.

The graduate program offered by AUM is:

Masters of Business Administration (MBA).

Tuition fees at AUM are calculated per credit hour and range from 240 KWD to 260 KWD per credit hour. You can find more details through the university's “tuition fees structure” section on the website.

Admission requirements to the American University of the Middle East are as follows:

Completed Admission Application form;
Copy of passport;
Copy of high school certificate;
Copy of Civil ID;
A 30 KWD fee for the placement test and file opening;
AUM Skill Assessment Tests in English and Math.

Specific high school GPAs are required depending on the college you are applying to:

College of Engineering and Technology: Science Section: 2.50 (70%) or above;
College of Business Administration: Science and Art Sections: 2.0 (60%) or above;
All credentials must be certified by the Kuwait Ministry of Education.
High school certificates must be issued within the last 3 years;
The average percentage may be recalculated for certain certifications.

AUM's English Language Skill Assessment Test score (for all colleges):

Minimum score required: 110 points;
Applicants scoring 90 points or above can retake the test once. The higher score will be considered;
If the English Language Skill Assessment Test is not passed, applicants can reapply during subsequent admission periods when announced, provided the student's admission has not been rejected for other reasons under AUM Admission Policy.

AUM's Math Skill Assessment Test score (for all colleges):

Minimum score required: 40%;
Applicants scoring 20% and above can retake the test once. The higher score will be considered;
If the Math Skill Assessment Test is not passed, applicants can reapply during subsequent admission periods when announced, provided the student's admission has not been rejected for other reasons under the AUM Admission Policy.

Applications can be submitted online through the university website.

Non-profit university in Kuwait

Arab Open University

The Arab Open University (AOU) is a non-profit, private university that was established in 2002, with its headquarters in Kuwait. The university has an academic partnership with the United Kingdom's Open University. The university consists of 3 faculties and a total of 8 degree programs.

Faculty of Business Studies:

Bachelor of Business Studies (Accounting);
Bachelor of Business Studies (Economics);
Bachelor of Business Studies (Management Information Systems);
Bachelor of Business Studies (Management);
Bachelor of Business Studies (Marketing);
Bachelor of Business Studies (Systems Practice).

Faculty of Computer Studies:

Bachelor of Information Technology and Computing.

Faculty of Language Studies:

Bachelor of English Language and Literature.

Tuition fees are calculated per credit hour and vary based on the program you wish to pursue:

Language Studies - 23 KWD per credit hour;
Computer Studies - 25 KWD per credit hour;
Business Studies - 25 KWD per credit hour.

The application process for the Arab Open University is as follows:

Applicants must upload all documents online through the university's application form;
Once the application has been submitted and the application fees have been paid, students will receive an electronic appointment for the English placement test exam that will be shown in the application receipt;
All the following documents must be submitted to the Admission and Registration counter:

An official copy of the high school transcripts or equivalent thereof;
A high school equivalency letter from the Ministry of Education (private education sector) for the students that have finished their high school from outside Kuwait or any private school in Kuwait;
Work experience certificate with a minimum of four years if the high school percentage is less than 60% out of 100% or less than 2 out 4 GPA and the authorization of signature for the work experience certificate;
Valid original Civil ID and a copy of it;
2 personal photos;
The original passport and a copy of it;

For non-specified nationalities, a valid security ID card and a copy are required for non-Kuwaiti students whose mother is a Kuwaiti citizen: a copy of the birth certificate and the nationality document and a copy of it;
After attending the placement test exam, the student submits the documents directly to the Admission and Registration Counter;
The Admission and Registration employee will check the documents and issue a new student ID immediately;
After issuing the student ID, the student will be directed to the Admission and Registration lab to register for courses and pay the fees;
Payment will be online or at the financial counter;
Payment should be made within 72 hours after registration.

International students in Kuwait

Although Kuwait is not a popular study-abroad destination, it is possible to study at Kuwaiti universities as an international student. To become an international student in Kuwait, you will need a student visa. After acceptance to the university, the admissions office will issue a visitor visa while they process the student visa, which should be completed within 30 days. Admission will require two official high school or university transcripts in sealed envelopes and the original high school diploma. All students will be required to purchase health insurance per Kuwaiti law. The student can choose whether they would like the government health insurance plan or a private insurance plan.

Obtaining a student visa in Kuwait

Students choosing to study in Kuwait are eligible for a residency visa, and the duration of this visa will depend on the length of your academic program.

You will first need to be accepted into one of Kuwait's universities in order to begin your residency visa process. The school administration has to accept and approve your visa application before it is submitted. The application form can either be obtained online or from the Kuwaiti Embassy or Consulate in your country.

The requirements for obtaining a student residency visa are:

Passport with a validity of at least 2 years from the date of arrival in Kuwait;
Completed visa application issued by the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
A passport-size photo;
HIV test (AIDS test) results copy;
A health certificate from a local doctor showing that the applicant is in good health and does not have a contagious disease. (Tests which need to be made are for hepatitis B and C, syphilis, malaria, filariasis, and chest X-rays for tuberculosis);
Police clearance showing no criminal record.

Student life in Kuwait

Unlike many other countries, you will not find that dormitory-style living is common at Kuwait's universities. While Kuwait University does offer dormitory accommodation for international students, most local students continue to live at home with their families as they complete their studies. This is part of the family-centred Kuwaiti culture. Kuwait is also small enough that a commute from your home to your desired university would be minimal.

International students planning to attend universities other than KU are required to find and provide for their housing arrangements for the entirety of their stay in Kuwait.