Student Life in Bahrain: Scholarships and Housing

Published on September 30, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Located in the heart of the Persian Gulf, Bahrain offers a unique and stimulating environment for international students, blending tradition with modernity. Studying in Bahrain is a rewarding experience thanks to a quality education system and diverse scholarship opportunities to ease the financial burden of tuition fees. Students can enjoy vibrant campus life with suitable accommodations, ensuring a supportive environment both academically and personally. Immerse yourself in this world where Bahrain’s welcoming culture combines with a range of educational opportunities for an unforgettable experience.

Finding Study Scholarships in Bahrain

Students wishing to pursue their studies in Bahrain can access different types of scholarships depending on their profile and academic project.

Types of scholarships available:

• Government scholarships: Primarily intended for Bahraini citizens, sometimes open to international students through bilateral agreements. They typically cover tuition fees and may include a monthly allowance.
• University scholarships: Offered by institutions like the American University of Bahrain, accessible to local and international students. Some are based on academic merit or financial need.
• Private/International organization scholarships: Provided by foundations, companies, or NGOs to support specific fields (science, engineering, management…). These scholarships may be fully or partially funded.

Scholarship Type	Target Audience	Financial Coverage	Examples
Government	Local/International	Fees + Allowances	Ministry of Education
University	Local/International	Fees + Internship	American University of Bahrain
Private Organization	Local/International	Partial/Full	Elm Fund, Local Companies

Typical application procedures:

• Fill out an online form on the program’s website
• Submit an application package containing:
  • Detailed CV
  • Motivation letter
  • Diplomas and transcripts
  • English certificate (IELTS/TOEFL if required)
  • Academic recommendations

Some programs also require writing an essay or participating in an interview.

Common eligibility criteria:

• Excellent academic performance (high grades)
• Sufficient English proficiency (recognized test)
• Eligibility for the chosen program (undergraduate/master’s/PhD level)
• Sometimes socioeconomic criteria or extracurricular involvement

Deadlines to respect:

Most applications open between January and May with a deadline often set in June for the following academic year. It’s essential to check the exact dates each year on official websites.

• Applications open from February-March
• Deadline typically between May and July

Useful resources for searching/applying for scholarships:

• https://greatyop.com/regions/bahrein/page/19/: Portal listing all opportunities in Bahrain
• https://mina7portal.com/bourses-etudes-entierement-financees: International scholarship directory
• Bahraini university websites (example: American University of Bahrain)

Other recommended links:

• Bahraini Ministry of Higher Education portal
• Official social media of local universities

Practical tips to maximize your chances:

1. Highlight your academic achievements in your CV and letter.
2. Customize your letter for each program.
3. Carefully prepare your application package:
   • Proofread all documents,
   • Strictly follow the required format,
   • Have your letter reviewed by a professor or mentor.
4. Start early to have enough time to gather all required documents.
5. Participate in valued extracurricular activities: volunteering, academic competitions…
6. Carefully prepare any required language proof (TOEFL/IELTS).
7. Regularly track your application status via email/portal follow-up.

For in-depth research:

Always consult multiple specialized portals to broaden your options and always check directly with the relevant universities for their specific criteria and updated deadlines.

Student Housing Options in Bahrain

Types of student housing options in Bahrain

Housing Type	Average Monthly Cost (BHD)	Popular Locations	Available Additional Services
University Residences	200-400	University campuses, Isa Town	Proximity to classes, security, common areas, sometimes meals and cleaning
Private Apartments	300-800	Manama (Juffair, Seef, Reef Island), Isa Town, Sanad, Jid Ali	Pool, gym, parking, security, maintenance
Shared Housing	150-400 (share of rent)	Student neighborhoods, Manama, Juffair, Adliya	Shared expenses, common areas, internet
Homestay	150-350	Residential areas near universities	Meals included, cultural immersion, supervision

Description of main housing types

• University residences: Single rooms from 9 to 20 m², often furnished, with shared or private kitchen and bathroom. Advantages: proximity to university, reduced cost, vibrant student life.
• Private apartments: Studios or furnished apartments (often modern), available in luxury or simpler buildings. Common amenities: pool, gym, security, parking. Popular areas: Juffair, Seef, Reef Island (for high-end), Isa Town, Sanad, Jid Ali (more affordable).
• Shared housing: Ideal for reducing costs, sharing expenses, living in a friendly environment. Sought after in student neighborhoods and near universities.
• Homestay: Economical and immersive solution, suitable for discovering local culture and benefiting from a family environment.

Available additional services

• Transportation: Proximity to bus routes, sometimes university shuttles from residences.
• Amenities: Easy access to shopping malls, supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies, gyms.
• Security: Most residences and modern buildings have 24/7 security.
• Internet: Connection generally included in residences and modern apartments.

Important criteria for international students

• Proximity to university or public transportation
• Neighborhood and residence safety
• Availability of amenities (supermarkets, restaurants, leisure)
• Overall budget (rent + utilities)
• Rental contract flexibility (duration, exit conditions)
• Possibility of shared housing or not

Recommendations for finding suitable housing

• Start searching several months in advance, especially for university residences where demand is high.
• Use specialized platforms, student groups, and university services.
• Visit the neighborhood and housing before signing a contract.
• Check for essential services (internet, air conditioning, transportation).
• Prioritize neighborhoods close to universities to save time and transportation costs.
• Compare offers and negotiate rents, especially for private rentals.
• Consider additional costs (water, electricity, internet) in budget calculations.

Key takeaways

Student housing options in Bahrain are varied, ranging from economical university residences to high-end apartments, including shared housing and homestays. The selection will depend on budget, comfort preferences, location, and desired services.

Tips for Successful Student Life in Bahrain

Resources for international students

Many universities in Bahrain offer scholarships covering all or part of tuition fees and sometimes living expenses.

International students can apply for scholarships from the University of Bahrain, the Ministry of Education, Arab organizations, and in some cases, foreign embassies.

Modern campuses provide orientation services, legal advice, health insurance, and administrative support to facilitate integration.

Main universities welcoming international students include University of Bahrain, Arabian Gulf University, Royal University for Women, Ahlia University, and AMA International University.

Student housing

Housing Type	Main Characteristics	Monthly Budget (BHD)
University Residence	Campus proximity, community life, moderate cost	150-300
Shared Apartment	More autonomy, shared expenses, local immersion	200-400
Individual Rental	Independence, higher cost, administrative procedures	350-600

Prioritize university residence to facilitate exchanges and integration.

Compare offers and consider proximity to campus and transportation.

Best practices for integrating into the academic community

• Participate in student clubs, cultural associations, and campus-organized events.
• Take advantage of mentoring or tutoring programs offered to newcomers.
• Join multicultural activities to better understand the country’s diversity and build connections with students from different backgrounds.
• Learn about local customs (respect for religious traditions, dress codes, social practices) to avoid misunderstandings and integrate harmoniously.

Balancing student life and relaxation in a rich and diverse environment

• Explore the local cultural scene (museums, festivals, traditional markets) to enrich your personal experience.
• Take time to visit Bahrain’s historical and natural sites, taking advantage of student offers for outings.
• Discover local cuisine and participate in sports or artistic activities to vary pleasures outside of studies.

Practical tips for effective time management and benefiting from opportunities

• Establish a weekly schedule including classes, study time, leisure, and rest.
• Use digital tools provided by universities (learning platforms, online libraries, discussion forums).
• Anticipate exam periods and administrative deadlines by maintaining an updated calendar.
• Take advantage of career counseling services, personal development workshops, and professional meetings offered by the institution.
• Build a network of contacts (students, professors, alumni) to benefit from advice and internship or job opportunities.

Fully integrating into student life in Bahrain means knowing how to leverage available resources, opening up to cultural diversity, and organizing your daily life with discipline to succeed in your studies while living an enriching experience.