International Students

Why should Bahrain be your destination?

History

Bahrain has a long history that dates back to ancient times. Bahrain is believed to have been the home of the lost civilization of Dilmun, often labeled the Garden of Eden, dating back to the third millennium BC. The Dilmun civilization eventually succumbed to the influence of the Roman Empire as Alexander the Great commissioned two ships to arrive to Bahrain and use the island as a base for trade routes due to its strategic location. Historical records provide evidence that the island was termed land of “a million palm trees” and revealed the existence of natural springs of fresh water, which explains the name Bahrain, which means in Arabic “two seas” (fresh and sea waters).

Bahrain embraced Islam peacefully and willingly after the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) sent an envoy to introduce the religion to the island. The people of Bahrain played a significant role in Islamic conquests and provided expertise in navigation and sailing. Evidence of the ancient civilizations is still present in Bahrain, such as the Khamis Mosque and the ancient forts and burial grounds.

In 1783, Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa returned to Bahrain and gained status as a leader. Bahrain pioneered the development of education in the region with the establishment its first school for boys in 1919, quickly followed by a school for girls in the same year. The discovery of oil in 1932 accelerated the development of the island. Bahrain gained full independence from the British on August 15, 1971.

The Kingdom of Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy. The Head of State is His Highness King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa.

Why choose Bahrain for your studies?

Bahrain has grown substantially in the past 10 years. As the country realized that its oil reserves were diminishing, and were no longer a dependable source for the countries' income, Bahrain channeled its efforts into diversifying its economy: through a very welcoming environment for entrepreneurs, the development of land reclaimed projects (Amwaj Islands, Durat Al Bahrain), through the development of tourism and by becoming an international banking center and a regional capital for Islamic Banking. Bahrain has also substantially developed in terms of technology and information systems. The Bahrain International Circuit (Formula 1) also promotes the Kingdom as a successful international racing event.

Bahrain is a true multicultural nation and has the reputation of being the most liberal country in the region. As a legacy of the British presence, the English language is the most common language spoken in the Kingdom after Arabic. Along its fast modernization, the country is very attached to its tradition and its national treasures (archeological digs and forts).

Admission Policy:

For further information please see our Admission Requirements page.

Admission procedures: complete procedure and steps are available in the Student Handbook.

Credit Transfer and Exemption:

For further information please see our Transfer Student page.

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

RUW offers a limited number of partial scholarships at the beginning of each academic year.

• Applicants eligible for partial scholarships must show evidence of having high academic standing in their high school grade. Only applicants with a high school average of 85% and above will be considered.
• Note: High academic grades do not guarantee a scholarship.
• Partial scholarship covers only an approved percentage over tuition fees only.
• RUW offers financial aid in the form of partial scholarships on tuition fees only depending on the written appeal and evidences provided.
• The scholarship committee will assess each application on its own merit and make recommendations.
• Applicants are required to follow the usual admission procedure by submitting all necessary documentation along with a request letter explaining their financial situation.
• The Office of the Registrar will be responsible to follow up with the applicant and to inform the applicant regarding the final decision.

Other Sponsorships:

Students may be sponsored by government organizations, public institutions or private individuals.

International Student Discount:

RUW offers a discount for international students 15% to 20%, to study our undergraduate & postgraduate programmes. 

Student Exchange:

If there is a student exchange agreement between your university and RUW, you might not be required to pay tuition fees in your home institution only and not at RUW.

Information for prospective students:

We would like to welcome all prospective students to RUW and help them know more about the university.

Once you have completed the application process at the Admissions Office you should then obtain your acceptance letter. In order to confirm your application, you should proceed with the payment of your registration fees. By doing so, you move one step further from being a prospective student to an officially registered student. The following outlines what is needed to be done before the start of your first semester;

• Getting an ID number & ID card
• Contacting Human Resources Department for your student visa
• Getting an RUW email account & My RUW Portal account
• Getting a copy of the academic calendar for that relevant year
• Getting a copy of your Students’ Handbook
• Getting to know your academic advisor
• Registering for courses & getting a copy of your academic schedule

Housing

The Residence is located on the RUW Campus and only available to females. It offers spacious and comfortable single and double units, with great views of the University and the Riffa Valley. There is twenty four hour security controlling access to Campus, but students are free to come and go as their timetables permit.

Please access the following page for all information pertaining to housing
Residence page

Office of Student Affairs

The Office of Student Affairs is a home away from home for international students and provides various services. OSA organizes activities for students (field trips) and oversees our outstanding facilities.

RUW Clinic

RUW is committed to the health and safety of students and staff. A full time nurse manages the well-equipped Campus Clinic, located in the ground floor of the Student Centre. The nurse is also trained to respond to emergencies anywhere on campus.

A Social Worker is also available in the campus clinic. The Social Worker is responsible for the emotional wellbeing of all students. She monitors campus activities and help students deal with personal and interpersonal issues.

Student Centre

The RUW Student Centre located in the middle of the campus offers several services for students including a student clinic, a women-only prayer room and a majlis only for students.

Coffee shops and restaurants

There are several coffee shops and restaurants available on campus.

Sports Centre

RUW is proud to provide students and visitors with a modern sports and recreation facility. Students can also avail of beautiful, luxurious spa facilities, such as sauna and steam rooms. A 25 meter heated pool accommodates lessons in various swimming styles under the supervision of a qualified instructor. A well-equipped aerobics room offers the latest machines to keep body and mind fit. Students also have access to a dance studio with full length mirrors, table tennis, billiards or foosball. The student- operated clubs in soccer and basketball get support from a coach.