Frequently Asked Questions

Exchange students are those enrolled at a university that has a formal cooperation or exchange agreement with Ahlia University.

Students from international universities who have completed their first year of a 3-year bachelor’s programme or their second year of a 4-year programme are eligible to enrol in compatible 3rd or 4th year courses at Ahlia University.

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

Yes. Exchange students come through an agreement between Ahlia and their home university, with pre-arranged academic compatibility, a standardised process, and no tuition fees at Ahlia. Visiting students pay tuition fees and must have their courses approved by their home university. We recommend that visiting students express interest well before the application deadline.

The Learning Agreement is a formal document listing the courses you plan to take at Ahlia University and their equivalents at your home institution. It must be approved by both universities and guarantees credit recognition after your exchange. This document is required for both exchange and visiting students. A template is available in the downloads section.

You can choose courses from Ahlia’s 3rd and 4th undergraduate years. While we do our best to match your preferences, final enrolment depends on course availability at the time of registration. For the Learning Agreement template and assistance, please contact the International Relations Office at [email protected].

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

Exchange students pay tuition to their home institution and do not pay additional fees at Ahlia. Visiting students must pay tuition fees for their semester at Ahlia University. For fee details, see the Mobility Options and Fees section.

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 MSc 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 tuition based on the courses they take at Ahlia. Undergraduate programmes range from 100–140 BD per credit hour. Postgraduate tuition varies by programme. For detailed information, please refer to the specific programmes via the following link.

As English is the primary language of instruction at Ahlia University, incoming students must demonstrate proficiency through a recognised certificate, a placement test, or secondary school English scores. Exemptions apply to native speakers and those educated in English-medium schools. For full details, see the "Language Requirements" under the Academic Information section.

No. English is the primary language of instruction at Ahlia University and is widely spoken across Bahrain—in shops, malls, businesses, and public institutions. Knowing basic Arabic can enrich your experience, but it is not required.

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” under the Living in Bahrain 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 considered one of the most open and tolerant countries in the Gulf region. While modest and respectful behaviour is advised, daily life is socially relaxed. Bahraini men and women interact freely, and expatriates mix easily with locals. The country is a popular destination for families and travellers from across the Gulf who appreciate its welcoming and safe atmosphere.

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. Bahrain offers facilities for many sports, including golf, horse riding, rugby, tennis, sailing, football, cricket, and basketball. Private clubs and resorts also provide access to beaches and swimming pools.

Visa application procedures depend on your nationality and the type of acceptance you receive. Once you receive a letter of acceptance and confirm your arrival, Ahlia will assist you in obtaining the Student Visa.
Fees for the visa total approximately 65 BD (150 EUR) per semester.

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, assisting with immigration procedures and transport to your accommodation. If you haven’t arranged housing, the team will suggest temporary hotel options. While securing accommodation is your responsibility, the International Relations team will support you with useful contacts to begin your search.