Bahrain has successfully attracted six international private higher education institutions and is in talks with two more, as part of a wider strategy to strengthen the kingdom’s position as a regional education hub and better align academic output with labour market needs.
The Higher Education Council revealed the details in a written response to a question submitted by Shura Council member Dr Anwar Al Sadah.
Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma, who also chairs the Higher Education Council and Bahrain University Board of Trustees, said attracting reputable international institutions was a strategic priority driven by quality, relevance and sustainability.
“Our focus is not on numbers alone, but on quality and impact,” Dr Juma said.
“We are working to ensure that international universities and academic programmes introduced in Bahrain genuinely contribute to national development, knowledge transfer and the preparation of highly skilled national talent.”
He said the strategy aims to position Bahrain as a leading educational destination while ensuring higher education institutions remain closely connected to the needs of the national economy.
According to the council, the six international institutions currently operating in Bahrain are delivering or hosting a total of 83 academic programmes in specialisations aligned with national economic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Procedures are underway to open admissions for additional programmes, while discussions continue with two further international institutions on establishing branches or hosting academic offerings in the kingdom.
Dr Juma said the expansion is guided by a clear strategic framework.
“There is a structured plan for the next phase, built on three main pillars: strengthening higher education’s contribution to the national economy, raising institutional competitiveness, and attracting international students and global academic expertise,” he said.
He added that partnerships with prestigious overseas universities, formalised through memoranda of understanding, play a key role in introducing world-class programmes that keep pace with rapid scientific and technological change.
On licensing standards, Dr Juma stressed that Bahrain applies a rigorous regulatory framework to ensure private higher education institutions deliver programmes that are relevant, credible and market-driven.
“Licensing is a strategic tool,” he said. “Every new programme is carefully assessed to ensure it adds real value to the economy and responds to the current and future needs of the labour market.”
The Higher Education Council requires proposed programmes to be supported by approved feasibility studies demonstrating demand and relevance to priority economic sectors. Institutions must also show that curricula include clear learning outcomes, modern teaching methods, practical components and field training.
“Our goal is to ensure graduates are ready to enter the labour market immediately, equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills,” Dr Juma said.
He added that institutions are required to regularly update their programmes to reflect changes in future jobs and emerging professions, while maintaining strong governance, transparency and financial stability.
The regulatory system also encourages international academic partnerships as a means of strengthening knowledge transfer and raising educational standards.
“We value this constructive engagement with the legislative authority,” he said. “Together, we are working to build a higher education system that serves our students, our economy and the future of Bahrain.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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