Verified Facts

Official NameKingdom of Bahrain
CapitalManama
Population1.6 million
Area765.0 km²
LanguagesArabic
CurrencyBahraini dinar (.د.ب)
TimezoneUTC+03:00
RegionAsia / Western Asia
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API

Economic Indicators

GDP per Capita (PPP)$66,941 (2024)
Inflation Rate0.9% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$1,176 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend28.7% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)1.9% (2023)
Source: World Bank Open Data

The cost of education in Bahrain varies depending on the type of institution and the level of education, with public schools being generally free or subsidized for Bahraini citizens, while private and international schools can range from $2,000 to $10,000 per year.

Quick Facts

Education Spend (% GDP)1.9% (2023)
Literacy Rate95.7%
School System12 years of compulsory education
Academic Year10 months
CurrencyBHD

Education System Overview

The education system in Bahrain is divided into public and private sectors, with the public sector being free or subsidized for Bahraini citizens. The quality of education in public schools is generally good, but may not be on par with private schools, which often have better facilities and more experienced teachers. The language of instruction in public schools is Arabic, while private schools may offer instruction in English or other languages. Compulsory education in Bahrain lasts for 12 years, from the age of 6 to 18, and includes primary, intermediate, and secondary education. International schools are also available in Bahrain, offering a range of curricula, including British, American, and International Baccalaureate.

The education system in Bahrain is overseen by the Ministry of Education, which is responsible for setting curriculum standards, accrediting schools, and ensuring that schools meet certain standards. Private schools, on the other hand, are overseen by the Ministry of Education, but also have a degree of autonomy in terms of curriculum and teaching methods. International schools in Bahrain are popular among expatriates, and offer a range of curricula and teaching methods. Some of the most popular international schools in Bahrain include the British School of Bahrain, the American School of Bahrain, and the International School of Bahrain.

School Fees

School TypeAnnual Fee (USD)Notes
Public Primary$0 (free)High-quality education, but limited availability for expats
Private Primary$2,000-$5,000Range of quality and prices, with some schools offering bilingual education
Public Secondary$0 (free)Good quality education, but may not offer as many extracurricular activities as private schools
Private Secondary$3,000-$7,000Wide range of prices and quality, with some schools offering specialized programs
International School$5,000-$10,000High-quality education, with a range of curricula, including British, American, and International Baccalaureate

University Tuition

Institution TypeAnnual Tuition - Local (USD)Annual Tuition - International (USD)Notes
Public University$1,000-$2,000$2,000-$4,000University of Bahrain is the largest public university in the country
Private University$2,000-$5,000$4,000-$8,000Range of prices and quality, with some universities offering specialized programs
Top-Ranked University$3,000-$6,000$6,000-$10,000Arabian Gulf University is a top-ranked university in the region

Other Education Costs

ItemCost (USD)Notes
Preschool / Daycare (monthly)$200-$500Range of prices and quality, with some schools offering bilingual education
Private Tutoring (per hour)$20-$50Wide range of prices and quality, with some tutors offering specialized subjects
Language Course (monthly)$100-$300Range of prices and quality, with some schools offering Arabic, English, and other languages
School Supplies (annual)$100-$200Basic supplies, such as textbooks, notebooks, and pens
School Uniform$50-$100Required for most schools, with some schools offering customized uniforms

Education Quality & Tips

  • The British School of Bahrain and the American School of Bahrain are two of the most popular international schools among expats, offering high-quality education and a range of extracurricular activities.
  • Scholarships are available for Bahraini students, as well as for international students, with some universities offering full or partial scholarships.
  • Online learning options are available in Bahrain, with some universities offering online courses and degree programs.
  • Education quality in Bahrain is generally good, with some schools offering specialized programs and high-quality facilities.
  • Expats should research schools thoroughly before making a decision, taking into account factors such as curriculum, teaching methods, and extracurricular activities.
  • The Ministry of Education is a good resource for information on schools and education in Bahrain, with a range of resources and guides available for parents and students.
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