Bahrain Universities to Consider for Higher Education
*T&C Apply
From the established University of Bahrain to American-style institutions, Bahrain offers options for students seeking quality education in the Middle East. If funding is a concern, an education loan for Bahrain can help you cover tuition, accommodation, and other student expenses. Understanding the cost of studying in Bahrain, intakes in Bahrain, and recognition criteria is essential before applying.
Universities in Bahrain – Fees Overview
The cost of studying in Bahrain includes application processing charges, tuition fees, and monthly living expenses like accommodation, food, utilities, and local transport.
Tuition Fees in Bahrain
| Category | Tuition (BHD) | Tuition (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Programme (per semester) | BHD 3,050 | ₹7,45,268 |
| Bachelor's Degree – per credit hour range | BHD 100 – 220 | ₹24,435 – ₹53,757 |
| Bachelor's Degree – per semester (typical 15 credits) | BHD 1,500 – 3,600 | ₹3,66,525 – ₹8,79,660 |
| Bachelor's Degree – annual (two semesters) | BHD 3,000 – 7,200 | ₹7,33,050 – ₹17,59,320 |
| Master's Degree (per credit hour) | BHD 120 – 150 | ₹29,322 – ₹36,653 |
| Application fee (one-time) | BHD 20 – 50 | ₹4,887 – ₹12,218 |
Disclaimer: All Bahraini Dinar (BHD) to INR conversions are approximate and based on an exchange rate as of 4 March 2026. Actual exchange rates may vary due to market fluctuations. Students are advised to check the latest rates before making financial decisions.
Universities in Bahrain
| University | City/Location | Notes (type/recognition) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Bahrain (UOB) | Sakhir | Public university; established 1986; 9 colleges; over 30,000 students |
| Arabian Gulf University (AGU) | Manama | Regional public university; specialized in medicine and health sciences |
| Bahrain Polytechnic | Isa Town | Public polytechnic; established 2008; applied and technical education |
| College of Health Sciences | Manama | Public college; healthcare education |
| American University of Bahrain (AUBH) | Riffa | Private university; WASC accredited; American-style education |
| Ahlia University | Manama | Private university; established 2001; first private university in Bahrain |
| Applied Science University (ASU) | Al Ekir | Private university; business and IT focus |
| Arab Open University (AOU) | A'ali | Distance learning institution; regional network |
| AMA International University | Salmabad | Private university; established 2002 |
| Royal University for Women (RUW) | Riffa | Private university; women-only institution |
| Kingdom University | Riffa | Private university |
| University College of Bahrain (UCB) | Saar | Private university college |
| RCSI Bahrain | Busaiteen | Medical college; branch of Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland |
Why Study in Bahrain
- Both institutions and academic programmes in Bahrain must be licensed and approved by the Ministry of Education and accreditation bodies to ensure quality standards are maintained.
- Bahrain's universities hold various international accreditations including AACSB for business programmes, ABET for engineering, WASC for American-style universities, and other professional body recognitions.
- English-taught programmes are widely available, particularly at private and American-style universities, making education accessible for international students without Arabic language requirements.
- The multicultural environment in Bahrain, with a significant expatriate population, creates a welcoming atmosphere for international students from diverse backgrounds.
- Strategic location in the Gulf provides access to major Middle Eastern cities and career opportunities across the GCC region in sectors like finance, technology, and petroleum.
- Modern infrastructure and safety make Bahrain comfortable for students, with quality facilities, transportation, and amenities supporting student life.
Main Intakes in Bahrain: How It Works
Bahrain universities follow a semester system with two main intakes in Bahrain throughout the academic year, broadly aligning with Fall and Spring semesters globally.
- Fall Intake (September): This is the primary intake in Bahrain, with the widest range of programmes available across universities. The academic year begins in September, with classes starting mid-September at most institutions. Application periods typically run from early in the year through summer, with specific deadlines varying by university.
- Spring Intake (February): This secondary intake begins in late February, offering flexibility for students who missed the fall intake in Bahrain. Not all programmes are available in this intake, particularly specialised courses. Application deadlines are generally December through January.
- Planning timeline: Students should prepare applications several months in advance, allowing time for document preparation, English proficiency tests where required, application submission through university portals, and processing of admission decisions and student visas through the Ministry of Education.
Source:
https://aubh.edu.bh/admissions-faq
https://www.polytechnic.bh/current-students/student-administration/academic-calendar/
https://www.uob.edu.bh/academic-calendar/
Student Cities in Bahrain
| City | Why students choose it |
|---|---|
| Manama | Capital city; universities including Ahlia University and College of Health Sciences; urban environment; business and cultural hub |
| Sakhir | Home to University of Bahrain; educational zone with purpose-built campus facilities |
| Riffa | American University of Bahrain and Royal University for Women; residential area with modern amenities |
| Isa Town | Bahrain Polytechnic; central location; good connectivity across the island |
| A'ali | Arab Open University; accessible location for distance learning students |
| Busaiteen | RCSI Bahrain; proximity to medical facilities |
Source:
https://www.uob.edu.bh/
https://aubh.edu.bh/admissions/
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/
https://www.polytechnic.bh/
List of 10 Fields to Study in Bahrain
| Course/Field | Why it's popular |
|---|---|
| Business Administration | Strong regional business environment; finance sector presence; entrepreneurship opportunities |
| Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical) | Infrastructure development; petroleum industry; regional construction projects |
| Information Technology & Computer Science | Digital transformation initiatives; growing tech sector; cybersecurity demand |
| Medicine & Health Sciences | Healthcare infrastructure development; regional medical education hub |
| Finance & Banking | Major financial services sector; Islamic banking specialisation |
| Multimedia Design & Communications | Creative industries growth; media sector development |
| Applied Sciences | Polytechnic programmes; technical skills for workforce needs |
| Architecture | Urban development projects; building design demand |
| Law | Developing legal frameworks; commercial law focus |
| Education | Teaching programmes; educational sector development |
Source:
https://www.uob.edu.bh/
https://aubh.edu.bh/
https://www.polytechnic.bh/
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/
Business & MBA Universities in Bahrain
| University | City | Programme Type |
|---|---|---|
| American University of Bahrain | Riffa | Bachelor's in Business Administration |
| Ahlia University | Manama | Bachelor's in Business |
| Ahlia University | Manama | MBA |
| University College of Bahrain | Saar | Business programmes |
Source:
https://aubh.edu.bh/undergraduate-tuition-and-fees-2026/
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/international-students/
Engineering & IT Universities in Bahrain
| University | City | Programme Type |
|---|---|---|
| University of Bahrain | Sakhir | Engineering programmes (ABET accredited) |
| Bahrain Polytechnic | Isa Town | Engineering & IT programmes |
| American University of Bahrain | Riffa | Computer Science, Engineering |
| Ahlia University | Manama | Engineering & IT programmes |
Source:
https://aubh.edu.bh/undergraduate-tuition-and-fees-2026/
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/international-students/
https://www.uob.edu.bh/ https://www.polytechnic.bh/
Medical Education in Bahrain
| University | City | Programme Type |
|---|---|---|
| RCSI Bahrain | Busaiteen | Medicine (MBBS) |
| RCSI Bahrain | Busaiteen | Nursing programmes |
| Arabian Gulf University | Manama | Medicine & Health Sciences |
| College of Health Sciences | Manama | Healthcare programmes |
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