Exchange Opportunities for International Students
Academic Year
The academic year at Ahlia University includes two semesters, each followed by an exam period. An additional summer semester is mainly used for summer schools, short-term activities, and workshops, typically without credit transfer. Exact start and exam dates are announced at the beginning of each academic year.
| First (Autumn) Semester | Second (Spring) Semester | Summer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | Mid July | Mid November | End of March |
| Classes Start Date | Mid September | Second half of January | End of May |
| End of Semester | Beginning of January | Mid May | End of July |
| Recommended Arrival Date | First half of September | Mid January | Mid May |
Swipe right for full table. For the exact dates of the actual annual academic calendar, please see our annual academic calendar.
Credit Hours
Courses are measured in credit hours. One semester equals 15 lecture hours, or 30 to 45 hours of lab or training. Each course is labelled with three numbers: lecture hours per week, lab hours per week, and total credit hours. For example, (3-2-4) means three lecture hours and two laboratory hours per week, and four credit hours in total.
Academic Load
A student’s academic load is defined by the number of credit hours taken in a semester. Full-time students usually register for 12 to 19 credit hours, with a maximum of six courses. In special cases, the department chairman may approve fewer than 12 credit hours for one semester only. Students may take up to 21 credit hours with the Dean’s approval if they have a GPA of 3.00 or higher or need 12 credits to graduate. In the summer term, the load ranges from 3 to 10 credit hours.
Grading System & Grading Scale
The university has adopted a letter grading system that includes plus (+) and minus (-) indicators. The following table shows each letter grade with its equivalent in terms of grade points and percentage:
| Letter Grade | Grade Points | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| A | 4.00 | 90 - 100 |
| A- | 3.67 | 87 - 89 |
| B+ | 3.33 | 84 - 86 |
| B | 3.00 | 80 - 83 |
| B- | 2.67 | 77 - 79 |
| C+ | 2.33 | 74 - 76 |
| C | 2.00 | 70 - 73 |
| C- | 1.67 | 67 - 69 |
| D+ | 1.33 | 64 - 66 |
| D | 1.00 | 60 - 63 |
| F | 0.00 | Below 60 |
General Credit Conversion Guidelines
- European universities use the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).
- Typically, 2 ECTS credits = 1 US credit hour.
- One academic year equals 30 credits in the US and 60 ECTS in the EU.
- As a general rule: 1 ECTS = 0.5 US credits.
Language Requirements
English is the language of instruction at Ahlia University for all academic programmes.
International students are advised to have at least B1-level proficiency, while visiting faculty and staff should have B2-level proficiency, based on international language standards.
If English is not your first language, and you lack previous English-medium education or a valid language certificate, you must demonstrate your proficiency by:
- Taking Ahlia’s placement test, or
- Attending an interview with an Ahlia representative
These assessments ensure you can manage academic work in English.
Ahlia also offers English orientation lessons. Applicants who meet one of the following proficiency criteria are exempt from these courses:
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall Score in Secondary School Certificate (Tawjihia) or its Equivalent | ≥ 85% |
| Average Score in English Language Courses studies in the Secondary School Certificate (Tawjihia) or its Equivalent | ≥ 85% |
| Private Schools – where English language is used as a mean of instruction | Exempted |
| TOEFL | ≥ 500 or its equivalent |
| IELTS | ≥ 5.0 or its equivalent |
| Pass English Placement Test | 60% |
Course & Programmes
Exchange and visiting students may select courses from Ahlia’s 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year undergraduate programmes, depending on the structure at their home institutions. Students from partner universities should consult their home international office for a list of approved courses.
Applicants whose universities have no formal agreement with Ahlia are considered visiting students and are still welcome to apply. For distinctions between exchange and visiting students, see the “Mobility Options” section.
Students may choose courses within their field of study, as outlined in their mobility agreement, or explore other subjects at Ahlia, if they meet prerequisites. Please note that the availability of specific courses cannot be guaranteed until the official registration period begins.
Available Courses
The following link opens in a new tab as a digital brochure and leads to Ahlia University’s current academic year course catalogue. The next academic year’s catalogue will be published in June, and course availability may vary.
Here you can find detailed descriptions of all courses.
International students may select from Ahlia’s 3rd and 4th-year courses, depending on the structure of their home bachelor’s programme. Students in a 3-year programme can attend Ahlia during their 2nd or 3rd year; those in a 4-year programme may join in their 3rd or 4th year.
You are strongly advised to consult academic staff at your home institution to help you prepare a preliminary Learning Agreement with equivalent Ahlia courses.
Other Information
Detailed information about Ahlia University’s general academic regulations, applicable to all students, including the credit hour system, grading policies, academic load, attendance requirements, graduation criteria, and more, can be found on the official Academic Regulations page: www.ahlia.edu.bh/academic-regulations/
ON THIS PAGE
ON THIS PAGE
ON THIS PAGE
Connect With Us
Directorate of International Relations
- +973 17 29 8999 Ext. 8900
- [email protected]
- GOSI Complex 1st Floor, Office 1F-11
- Sunday to Thursday - 10 AM to 5 PM
Ahlia University
- +973 17 29 8999
- [email protected]
- Bld 41, Rd 18, Al-Hoora 310 Gosi Complex, Exhibition Road
- Sunday to Thursday - 8 AM to 5 PM
