Academic Year
The academic year at Ahlia University consists of two semesters and exam terms that take place at the end of each semester. Additional, summer semester, is primarily used for summer school programmes, short-term activities and workshops, and usually don’t involve credit transfer. Exact start dates and exam dates are published 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 |
For the exact dates of the actual annual academic calendar, please see: https://ahlia.edu.bh/academic-calendar/
Credit Hours
Courses are weighted in terms of credit hours. One semester credit hour equals 15 lecture hours per academic term, or 30 to 45 laboratory/training hours. Courses are designated by an index of three numbers: the first number indicates weekly lecture hours, the second shows laboratory hours, and the third represents total credit hours. For example, a course indexed as (3-2-4) means three lecture hours and two laboratory hours per week, totalling four credit hours for the semester.
Academic Load
The number of credit hours a student takes during a semester constitutes their academic load. A full-time student typically carries between 12 and 19 credit hours, not exceeding six courses. In special circumstances, the department chairman may permit a student to register for fewer than 12 credit hours for one semester only. Students may register for 21 credit hours with the Dean’s approval if they meet one of these conditions:
- A GPA of 3.00 or higher
- Need 12 credits to complete graduation requirements
During the summer term, the academic 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 award ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System)
- European institutions typically award 2 ECTS credits for every 1 credit hour granted by US institutions.
- In the US, one academic year generally corresponds to 30 credits. In EU – 60 credits.
- A common rule of thumb: 1 ECTS credit ≈ 0.5 US credits.
Language Requirements
At Ahlia University, English is the medium of instruction for all academic programs.
For prospective international students, a minimum English proficiency level equivalent to B1 is recommended, while visiting faculty and staff are encouraged to have at least a B2 level proficiency. These benchmarks align with widely recognized international language proficiency standards.
If English is not your first language, or you have not been previously taught in English, or you do not hold a valid English language certificate, you will need to demonstrate your proficiency by either:
- Taking a placement test conducted by Ahlia University, or
- Attending an interview with an Ahlia representative.
These assessments are designed purely to confirm your ability to perform academic work in English.
Ahlia University also offers English orientation lessons to support students. Applicants who meet one of the following English proficiency criteria will be exempted 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 foreign students are welcome to select equivalent courses from Ahlia’s 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year of undergraduate programmes, depending on the structure of study programmes at their home universities. Students from our international partner universities can consult the relevant office at their home institutions to find out about the approved courses they can take at Ahlia.
Students from universities without an official exchange or cooperation agreement with Ahlia University are classified as visiting students but are still encouraged to apply. For more details on the differences between “exchange students” and “visiting students,” as well as the mobility options available, please refer to the subsection “Mobility Options.”
Exchange and visiting students have the flexibility to select courses within their designated field of study, as outlined in their mobility agreement, or explore other subjects offered by Ahlia University, provided they meet the prerequisite requirements. However, please note that the availability of specific courses cannot be guaranteed until the official registration period begins.
Available 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/
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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
