Verified Facts

Official NameHashemite Kingdom of Jordan
CapitalAmman
Population11.7 million
Area89,342 km² (34,495 sq mi)
LanguagesArabic
CurrencyJordanian dinar (د.ا)
TimezoneUTC+03:00
RegionAsia / Western Asia
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API

The education system in Jordan is a well-structured and diverse network of public and private institutions, with a strong emphasis on providing quality education to its citizens and international students.

Quick Facts

Literacy Rate95.4%
School System12 years of compulsory education
Language of InstructionArabic
Academic CalendarSeptember to June
International Schoolsavailable
Top University Rankingranked among the top 500 universities globally

Education System Overview

The education system in Jordan is divided into three main stages: primary education, which lasts for six years, secondary education, which lasts for six years and is further divided into two stages, and tertiary education, which includes universities and community colleges. The quality of education in Jordan is generally considered to be high, with a strong focus on sciences, mathematics, and languages. Public schools are free for all citizens, while private schools offer a more diverse range of curricula and are often preferred by wealthy families. The government has implemented various reforms to improve the quality of education, including the introduction of new curricula and the establishment of specialized schools for gifted students.

The public education system in Jordan is overseen by the Ministry of Education, which is responsible for setting policies, curricula, and standards for all schools. Private schools, on the other hand, are regulated by the Ministry of Education but have more autonomy in terms of curriculum and teaching methods. The education system in Jordan has undergone significant changes in recent years, with a focus on improving the quality of education and increasing access to education for all citizens.

Despite the many strengths of the education system in Jordan, there are also some challenges, including a shortage of qualified teachers, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of resources. The government has implemented various initiatives to address these challenges, including teacher training programs and investments in school infrastructure.

Top Universities

UniversityLocationKnown ForEst. Tuition (USD/year)
University of JordanAmmanEngineering, Medicine, and Sciences5,000 - 10,000
Jordan University of Science and TechnologyIrbidEngineering, Information Technology, and Agriculture4,000 - 8,000
Yarmouk UniversityIrbidArts, Humanities, and Social Sciences3,000 - 6,000
Hashemite UniversityZarqaBusiness, Economics, and Law4,000 - 8,000
German-Jordanian UniversityAmmanEngineering, Information Technology, and Business6,000 - 12,000
Princess Sumaya University for TechnologyAmmanInformation Technology, Engineering, and Business5,000 - 10,000

International Schools

  • International schools are widely available in Jordan, particularly in Amman and other major cities, offering a range of curricula including International Baccalaureate (IB), British, and American.
  • These schools cater to the children of expatriates and wealthy Jordanian families, offering a high-quality education and a range of extracurricular activities.
  • The cost of attending an international school in Jordan can be high, with tuition fees ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per year.
  • International schools in Jordan are often accredited by international organizations, such as the Council of International Schools (CIS), and are recognized by universities and employers worldwide.
  • Some of the top international schools in Jordan include the Amman Baccalaureate School, the International Community School, and the American Community School.

Studying as a Foreigner

  • To study in Jordan, international students need to obtain a student visa, which can be obtained through the Jordanian embassy or consulate in their home country.
  • Language proficiency is a requirement for admission to most universities in Jordan, with English being the primary language of instruction for many programs.
  • Jordan offers a range of scholarships to international students, including government scholarships and scholarships offered by individual universities.
  • The cost of living in Jordan is relatively low compared to other countries in the region, with rent, food, and transportation costs ranging from $500 to $1,000 per month.
  • International students can work part-time while studying in Jordan, with many universities offering part-time job opportunities on campus.
  • Jordan is a safe and welcoming country for international students, with a rich culture and history to explore.

Education Quality & Challenges

  • One of the major strengths of the education system in Jordan is its emphasis on sciences and mathematics, with Jordanian students consistently performing well in international competitions.
  • However, the education system in Jordan also faces some challenges, including a shortage of qualified teachers and inadequate infrastructure in some schools.
  • The government has implemented various reforms to improve the quality of education, including the introduction of new curricula and the establishment of specialized schools for gifted students.
  • Despite these efforts, some schools in Jordan still lack resources, including textbooks, technology, and other educational materials.
  • The education system in Jordan is also competitive, with students facing significant pressure to perform well on exams and secure places at top universities.