Study abroad
Study in Bahrain
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Bahrain
Bahrain is an island nation in the Arabian Gulf, and its universities and colleges welcome students from many countries. International students can look at undergraduate, postgraduate and, in some fields, research programmes, as well as shorter courses where institutions offer them. Study options span broad areas such as business, engineering, health, the sciences and the humanities, with finance, business services and energy shaping much of the country’s economy.
Manama, Muharraq and Riffa are among the places students often consider. Teaching is often in Arabic. English is also widely used. Use this guide to explore subjects, typical intakes, costs, scholarships and visa steps, then check the details with each institution.
Why study in Bahrain?
Students choose Bahrain for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in the Arabian Gulf. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Industry context: Finance, business services and energy matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Economics & Finance, Business & Management and Energy, Oil & Gas, with options differing between universities.
- Cities and campus life: Manama, Muharraq and Riffa each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Bahrain means everyday contact with Arabic and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Compare the structure of each programme, how it is assessed and what support is available for international students before you decide.
Top subjects to study in Bahrain
Here are some subject areas that fit well with study in Bahrain. We chose them editorially, with finance, business services and energy in mind, so treat them as ideas rather than a ranking.
- Economics & Finance
- Business & Management
- Energy, Oil & Gas
- Transport & Logistics
- Computing & Information Technology
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
Courses connected to finance, business services and energy can be a good fit for students who want their studies to relate closely to the local economy. Each subject has its own page for Bahrain on this site, with its specializations.
It helps to look at specializations within each area as well: two programmes with the same broad subject can lead in quite different directions.
Universities in Bahrain
- Arabian Gulf UniversityManama, Bahrain
- THE 2026 401–500
- University of BahrainSakheer, Bahrain
- THE 2026 1001–1200
Scholarships to Study in Bahrain
Funding for international students in Bahrain can come from several sources, and what is available depends on your nationality, level of study and subject.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Bahrain
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Most scholarships are competitive and have their own eligibility rules, so none can be taken for granted. Read the conditions carefully, apply early and check whether funding covers tuition, living costs or both. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Bahrain
In Bahrain, the main intake for many programmes is usually around September. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Bahrain
The cost of studying in Bahrain depends on the institution, the programme, the level of study and, sometimes, your nationality.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Bahrain
Most international students need permission to study in Bahrain, such as a student visa or residence permit, before their course begins.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Bahrain in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Bahrain
How much you spend while studying in Bahrain varies from student to student and from city to city. Costs in Manama can differ noticeably from those in Muharraq or Riffa and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
On islands and in remote areas, imported goods can raise everyday prices. Current cost estimates from your institution and official sources will help you build a realistic budget for the whole course.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Bahrain
Is Bahrain a good place to study?
It depends on your goals. Bahrain offers programmes across many subjects, a location in the Arabian Gulf and study in Arabic (with some English-taught options). Students interested in finance, business services and energy may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Bahrain?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Economics & Finance, Business & Management, Energy, Oil & Gas and Transport & Logistics. The subjects page for Bahrain lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in Bahrain?
Many programmes start around September. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Bahrain?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Bahrain?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Bahrain.
Are scholarships available for international students in Bahrain?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in Bahrain?
Manama, Muharraq and Riffa are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Bahrain?
Many courses are taught in Arabic. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
Free counselling
Not sure where to begin?
Explore your study-abroad options with guidance.