Frequently Asked Questions

Exchange students are those enrolled at a partner university that has an established partnership or formal agreement with Ahlia University.

Students from international universities who have completed their first bachelor year (for a 3-year bachelor's program), or their second year (for a 4-year bachelor's program) are eligible to enrol in compatible academic programs at Ahlia University for their 3rd or 4th year.

Yes. If your university doesn’t have an agreement with Ahlia, you can join as a visiting student for one or two semesters.

Exchange students are pre-arranged through an agreement between Ahlia and their home university, ensuring compatible study programs, a standardized procedure, and no tuition fees at Ahlia. Visiting students, however, pay tuition fees for their semester at Ahlia, and their academic compatibility must be pre-checked with their home university. Therefore, we advise visiting students to express interest earlier than the application deadline.

Credits earned at Ahlia University can be transferred back to your home institution. To ensure credit transfer, you will need a valid Learning Agreement, which must be signed before your study period and approved upon completion.

A Learning Agreement is an official, binding document that outlines the courses a student plans to take during their study period at Ahlia University, and the equivalent courses they will replace at their home institution. The Learning Agreement requires approval from both your home university and Ahlia University. It ensures that credits earned at Ahlia are recognized by your home institution upon your return. This document is mandatory for both exchange and visiting students. For a Learning Agreement template, please visit the downloads section.

You can choose courses from the 3rd and 4th undergraduate years. While we aim to accommodate your course preferences, final enrolment depends on availability during registration. For a Learning Agreement template and guidance on completion, please contact our International Relations Office.

Exchange students typically stay for one semester, but you may choose to stay for up to one full academic year.

Exchange students continue paying tuition fees to their home institution and do not incur additional tuition fees at Ahlia University. Visiting students pay tuition fees for their semester stay at Ahlia University.

Ahlia University offers a wide variety of programs at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels across five colleges. For more details, please refer to the program offerings:

• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Brunel PhD Without Residence

• The George Washington University Master of Science Degree in Engineering Management

Ahlia University has five colleges:

1. The College of Arts & Science
2. The College of Business & Finance
3. The College of Engineering
4. The College of Information Technology
5. The College of Medical & Health Sciences

Visiting students pay for the courses taken during their stay at Ahlia. Tuition for undergraduate degree programs ranges from 100–140 BD per credit hour. Tuition for postgraduate programs varies. For more information regarding tuition fees please refer to the particular programs on the following link.

English is the primary language of instruction at Ahlia University. Incoming students must demonstrate language proficiency by presenting recognized certificates, passing the placement test, or providing secondary school English scores. Exemptions apply to native English speakers and students who completed their education at English-medium schools. For more details, see the "Language Requirements" section.

No, English is the primary language of instruction at Ahlia University and is widely spoken throughout Bahrain, including shops, malls, businesses, and even public institutions. While learning basic Arabic words and phrases can enhance your experience and cultural immersion, it is not a requirement.

The cost of living in Bahrain is lower than in many other countries in the region. Monthly expenses, depending on your lifestyle, are estimated to range from 450 to 550 BHD (approximately 1200 to 1400 EUR) per person. For more information on prices, please refer to the “Costs of Living” section.

Bahrain is exceptionally safe, with a very low crime rate and rare instances of violent crime.

Women can dress as they wish, although it is recommended to dress modestly in public.

Yes, Ahlia University provides a safe and supportive environment for female students. Since its inception, Ahlia University has championed equal opportunities and women’s empowerment, with a proven track record that demonstrates this commitment.

Bahrain is known for its openness and tolerance in the Gulf region, although modest and polite behavior is advisable if you wish to respect the country and its citizens. Bahraini men and women socialize freely, and expatriates mix with Bahrainis across various social settings. Bahrain is the favorite cityscape destination for families and travelers from across the Gulf who come here to enjoy its welcoming and safe atmosphere.

International students can drive in Bahrain with a valid international driving license or can convert their home country license if it meets Bahrain’s requirements. However, as a convenient, safe, and cost-effective alternative, we recommend using taxis, which are readily available throughout the Kingdom.

Although Muslim Bahrainis generally do not eat pork or drink alcohol, supermarkets sell pork in designated sections, and alcohol can be purchased from licensed stores, hotels, and restaurants.

Bahrain is known for its respect for religious freedom, with places of worship for Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and others. Islam is the official religion, and Islamic customs and values are respected throughout the Kingdom.

The average summer temperature is between 37–40°C. However, most outdoor locations have shade, and buildings are air-conditioned. Temperatures are milder from October to May, averaging between 21–27°C.

Sport is a major cultural pastime in Bahrain. The island has facilities for a wide variety of sports, including golf, horse riding, rugby, tennis, sailing, soccer, cricket, and basketball. Private resorts and clubs also offer beaches and swimming pools.

Visa application procedures depend on your nationality and the type of acceptance you receive. If you are an exchange student, the Ahlia International Relations team will assist you throughout the application process. Please refer to the Bahraini government’s immigration website for more details.

When packing for your trip to Bahrain, make sure to bring the following:

• Passport

• Student Visa or Immigration Certificate (provided by the university)
• Ahlia University Letter of Offer

You will need to purchase food and book temporary accommodation before opening a bank account and securing permanent housing. Almost every shop in Bahrain accepts credit cards. Ensure that your bank is aware of your travels to avoid any issues while using it abroad. Note: most Bahraini banks limit daily cash withdrawals to 500 BD.

Bahrain’s climate is warm for most of the year, so you won’t need heavy winter coats. However, closed, air-conditioned spaces can be much colder than expected. It’s recommended to bring layered clothing for easy adjustment. Sunscreen is essential if you plan to spend time at the beach during the summer months.

The university offers a ‘meet and greet’ service at the airport. The team will assist with immigration procedures and provide transportation to your accommodation. If you have not arranged accommodation, they will recommend temporary hotels until you find a permanent place. Finding accommodation is the student’s responsibility, but the International Relations team will assist by providing contacts to help start the search.