Education and Training

Formal Education
The Kingdom of Bahrain stands as a regional leader in education since the establishment of its first schools in 1919. The nation is distinguished by a robust, inclusive educational system that prioritizes access and excellence. This commitment is evidenced by Bahrain’s 95% literacy rate and its consistently high standing on the Human Development Index. Bahrain’s education system is structured to promote lifelong learning and to nurture the full potential of every student, reflecting a national vision of progress, innovation, and social inclusion.

Education for All
In accordance with Bahrain Education Law No. 27, 2005, Article 6 "Education for All" (PDF, Arabic), Bahrain guarantees free, quality education for all children—both citizens and residents. The policy of inclusivity is central, ensuring that students with special needs are fully integrated into mainstream education and benefit from specialized support. The Education’s Strategic Plan 2023-2026 (PDF, Arabic) underlines this commitment, with targeted investments in infrastructure, updated curricula, and contemporary teaching practices.

Compulsory education spans nine years, beginning at age six and encompassing both primary and intermediate levels. Upon completion, students progress to three years of secondary education, which offers diverse academic tracks before advancing to tertiary studies. Bahrain’s education system is designed to respond dynamically to global developments, providing modern facilities and digital resources that keep pace with international trends in teaching and learning.

Digital Empowerment in Education
Recognizing the transformative power of technology, the Ministry of Education launched the Digital Empowerment in Education Program in 2015, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted globally. Central to this initiative is eduNET, the national e-learning platform, which serves all public schools. This digital environment supports not only teachers and students but also actively involves parents in their children’s educational journey.

Key features include interactive e-learning resources, digital libraries, and administrative tools designed to improve learning outcomes and foster self-directed study. Notably, initiatives such as the "My Digital Library" (Arabic) provide open access to high-quality digital educational content, developed collaboratively by teachers and students. This resource has received recognition, including the ISESCO Prize for Open Digital Educational Resources (2018) and the Arab Government Excellence Award (2023). All content is evaluated according to clear standards and is freely accessible as Open Educational Resources (OER), supporting a culture of knowledge-sharing in line with UNESCO’s OER Report (Chapter 2).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, these digital resources ensured uninterrupted learning for all students, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of Bahrain’s educational system.

Support for Students with Disabilities and Special Needs
Bahrain’s public schools are well equipped with advanced facilities and specialized educators to support students with disabilities and special needs. These measures are integral to the Kingdom’s vision of educational equity, providing every student with the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to society.

STEAM Education
STEM education in Bahrain has become key element of the educational system blending Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics to foster innovation and critical thinking to prepare young leaders for a rapidly evolving job market. Through hands-on learning, creative problem-solving, and collaboration, STEAM education in Bahrain bridges academic knowledge with real-world applications. Bahrain’s focus on STEAM reflects its commitment to cultivating future-ready leaders and boosting national competitiveness

Investment and Innovation in Education
With a long-established education system and a dynamic, pro-business economy, Bahrain is an attractive destination for international investment in education. The Kingdom actively encourages the development of specialized higher education programs and executive training. Modern universities such as University of Bahrain, Bahrain Polytechnic, and Bahrain Teachers College offer academic programs in cutting-edge fields such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, while establishing innovation labs to cultivate talent.

In collaboration with global leaders like Apple Inc., Bahrain Polytechnic has established the Kingdom’s first Apple-authorized training center, offering internationally recognized courses in coding and design. Bahrain Teachers College continues to develop the next generation of educators, driving innovation and creativity throughout the education sector.

Training and Workforce Development
Bahrain ranks second in the Arab world and 35th globally in workforce skills, according to the Human Development Index 2022. This achievement highlights the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to align workforce skills with evolving labor market needs, addressing skills gaps through targeted training in critical thinking, innovation, and emerging technologies.

A central pillar of national development is the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), which supports private sector growth and invests in training and certification programs to develop a skilled, competitive workforce. The Institute of Public Administration offers diverse programs—including leadership development and specialized short courses—designed to prepare public sector employees for leadership roles and future challenges.

Recent initiatives, such as the Technical Development Program, offer intensive, on-the-job training in ICT for new graduates, complemented by international certifications and employment opportunities in both public and private sectors. These programs reinforce Bahrain’s strategy of lifelong learning and skills development.

Choosing the Right Future: Bahrain’s Recommended University Search Tool
Source: Bahrain National Portal – Recommended Universities Service
SDG: 4 – Quality Education

These services, provided by the Ministry of  Education, enable users to search for recommended universities and programs. Users may also submit requests for the ministry’s evaluation of specific programs not on the official list and track the status of these requests directly online. This transparent and user-centered approach empowers students to make informed decisions about their academic futures.

Building Future Generations: Ministry of Education’s Digital Services
Source: Bahrain National Portal – Students and Schools Page
SDG: 4 – Quality Education

The digital educational portal, eduNET, offers an extensive suite of eServices that complement those available via the National Portal, bahrain.bh. New students at several private elementary schools may enroll online through the Ministry of Education’s website, while others continue registration through their respective school platforms.

• Education Ministry’s portal wins major award • BNA: Recognized among the top technological projects in education for 2020.
• Over 387,000 visits to educational portal in few days • BNA: Demonstrates strong community engagement with over 387,000 visits at the start of the academic year.

Scholarships and Government Education Funding
Source: Bahrain National Portal – Education Scholarships
SDG: 4 – Quality Education

The Ministry of Education provides robust scholarship support for students pursuing higher education, both locally and internationally. For students studying within the Kingdom, tuition, textbook fees, and a monthly allowance are provided. Students awarded scholarships abroad also receive coverage for tuition, boarding, and living expenses, with allowances tailored to the destination and field of study.

• Isa bin Salman Education Charitable Trust opens applications • BNA: Scholarship eligibility includes a minimum GPA of 98% for medical fields, 90% for engineering, and 88% for other disciplines.
• Education Minister approves allocated scholarships and grants • BNA: Annual scholarships are granted based on academic excellence and merit.