Six Overseas Universities Brought to Bahrain, Talks Ongoing for Two More

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Manama: Bahrain has successfully attracted six overseas private higher education institutions to operate in the Kingdom, with discussions under way with two more universities about opening branch campuses or offering their academic programmes locally.

The figures were revealed by the Higher Education Council (HEC) in a written response to a question from Shura Council member Dr Anwar Khalifa Al Sada, who sought details on how Bahrain attracts international university providers, the number currently operating, and future expansion plans.

In its response, the council said Bahrain’s higher education strategy prioritises improving the quality of institutions and academic programmes, enhancing regional and international competitiveness, and aligning education with labour market demands and economic priorities.

The approach also aims to build local skills and encourage knowledge transfer through partnerships with reputable global universities.

The council’s General Secretariat encourages private higher education institutions to introduce high-quality international academic programmes through memoranda of understanding with recognised universities abroad. These programmes are designed to meet the needs of Bahrain’s labour market while keeping pace with scientific and technological developments.

The work is regulated under Law No. 3 of 2005 on higher education and Resolution No. 206 of 2023, which governs private higher education institutions.

According to the council, 83 hosted academic programmes are currently offered in Bahrain, covering disciplines aligned with national economic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals. Procedures are also under way to open admissions for additional hosted programmes.

The council said its future expansion plans are based on three main objectives: enhancing the contribution of higher education to the national economy, increasing the competitiveness of university institutions, and attracting international students and global academic expertise.

On programme licensing, the council said it operates under an integrated legislative and regulatory framework overseen by its General Secretariat in coordination with other government bodies to ensure educational quality and effective outcomes.

The Board of Trustees closely reviews new programme applications to ensure they add genuine economic value and encourages institutions to regularly update their offerings to reflect evolving job market needs.

Applicants are required to submit approved feasibility studies demonstrating demand for proposed specialisations and their relevance to priority economic sectors. Programmes must also include clear learning outcomes and modern study plans that combine academic theory with practical training and fieldwork to prepare graduates for employment.

The council added that licensing procedures place strong emphasis on governance, transparency, financial stability, and approved guarantees, while also promoting international academic partnerships to support long-term knowledge transfer.