List of 19 Best Universities in Bahrain (2025 Fees)

Dubbed as the “two seas”, Bahrain has the oldest public education system in the Arabian Peninsula. Even though it is a small country, Bahrain has its share of reputable educational institutions. The first institution of higher education in Bahrain, the Gulf Polytechnic, was established in 1968 as the Gulf Technical College. In 1984, the Gulf Polytechnic merged with the University College of Art, Science, and Education (UCB) to create a national university offering Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees among the top universities in Bahrain. To date, new public and private universities in Bahrain have been established to accommodate the influx of both local and international students.

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Table of Contents

• Facts about Universities in Bahrain
• What is education like in Bahrain?
• Quick Facts about Bahrain

Facts about Universities in Bahrain

• Universities in Bahrain follow a gender classification requirement.
• Bahrain has four main public universities, namely, the Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain Polytechnic, College of Health Sciences, and the University of Bahrain.
• The Ahlia University, Arab Open University, Gulf University, Medical University of Bahrain, and the Royal University for Women are the most popular choices for students who want to study in a private university.
• The Royal University for Women is an international school dedicated for women’s education.
• Most degree programs in Bahrain are taught in Arabic, although there is a recent move to add to English-taught programs.
• The academic year in Bahrain typically starts in September and ends in June of the following year. A summer break happens in July and August.
• Education costs in Bahrain are significantly low for international students. Usually, tuition fees for an academic year are at $6,630.

What is education like in Bahrain?

The education system in Bahrain is considered as one of the best in the Arabian Gulf. It is overseen by the country’s Ministry of Education. Public schools in Bahrain are segregated according to gender consistent with the traditions of Islam. Children are required to attend primary school and intermediate school. Secondary school is optional and will lead to tertiary education. Students who choose to pursue an undergraduate degree may choose from among Bahrain’s public and private universities.

Quick Facts about Bahrain

• Bahrain is an archipelago made up of 33 islands.
• It is the first Arabian country to discover petroleum.
• Bahrain is said to be the location of the biblical Garden of Eden.
• A Mesquite tree called “Tree of Life” in a desert in Bahrain is a well-known tourist attraction because of its age (400 years) and its unknown water source.

Studying in Bahrain could open new possibilities for you and your friends. Excited to discover more of Bahrain?

Here is a comprehensive list of all universities in Bahrain (Manama, Riffa, Muharraq, Hamad Town, A'ali, Isa Town, Sitra, Budaiya, Jidhafs, Al-Malikiyah, Jid Ali, Adliya, Sanabis, Tubli, AlSeef, Saar, Mahooz, Al Dur, Hoora, Qudaibiya, Salmabad, Jurdab, Diyar AlMuharraq, Amwaj Island, Hidd, Arad, Busaiteen). Edarabia strives to offer students the latest updates, helping you find the best universities in Bahrain, with details on tuition fees, videos, photos, location map and community reviews.

Edarabia showcases all universities and colleges in Bahrain which can be filtered by courses and tuition fees. International students looking to get a degree in Bahrain can choose from a diverse range of programs and diplomas and obtain their Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhDs (or MBAs) from some of the top-rated institutions. Some universities also offer online courses through which students can apply for distance learning and get an online degree in certain fields.

Students who require financial aid can apply for scholarships in order to study higher education at a lower cost. Student visas and accommodation are also provided to students at many universities. There are study abroad and exchange programs offered in order to promote language development skills while giving students the opportunity to interact with other cultures around the world. Additionally, each university/college has ratings based on student reviews and are ranked below accordingly.

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