Universities in Bahrain

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 11 Universities in Bahrain

The Kingdom of Bahrain is divided into 4 governorates. The majority of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are located in the Capital Governorate, situated in the northern part of the country. This governorate hosts Bahrain's capital, Manama, and is the most densely populated in Bahrain. The following uniRank sub-rankings and league tables consider all governorates with at least one Bahraini higher education institution that fulfill the uniRank selection criteria.

Bahrain Island (1)  
Capital Governorate (6)  
Southern Governorate (3)  

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Overview of Bahrain Universities

Bahrain's higher education system features 11 universities accredited by the Ministry of Education, characterized by English-language instruction and international partnerships. Predominantly private (91%), these institutions emerged after Bahrain's first public university (1986), with accelerated growth following 2001 educational reforms. Universities offer undergraduate to doctoral programs across business, engineering, IT and healthcare fields, with specialized institutions focusing on banking, women's education and applied sciences. The sector emphasizes employability through industry-aligned curricula and professional certifications.

Top 10 Bahrain Universities

1. University of Bahrain (جامعة البحرين) - UoB
   Country Rank: 1 | World Rank: 2856
   Location: Sakhir, Southern Governorate | Founded: 1986
   Public | Comprehensive university offering STEM, humanities and professional programs
2. Arabian Gulf University (جامعة الخليج العربي) - AGU
   Country Rank: 2 | World Rank: 7469
   Location: Manama, Capital Governorate | Founded: 1981
   Private | Specialized in medical sciences and graduate education
3. Ahlia University (الجامعة الاهلیة) - AU
   Country Rank: 3 | World Rank: 8301
   Location: Manama, Capital Governorate | Founded: 2001
   Private | Comprehensive programs in IT, business and design
4. Bahrain Institute for Banking and Finance (معهد البحرين للدراسات المصرفية والمالية) - BIBF
   Country Rank: 4 | World Rank: 8479
   Location: Manama, Capital Governorate | Founded: 1981
   Private | Specialized institute for finance certifications and degrees
5. Applied Science University (جامعة العلوم التطبيقية) - ASU
   Country Rank: 5 | World Rank: 9058
   Location: Manama, Capital Governorate | Founded: 2004
   Private | Comprehensive programs with industry-focused curricula
6. Gulf University (الجامعة الخليجیة) - GU
   Country Rank: 6 | World Rank: 9230
   Location: Sanad, Capital Governorate | Founded: 2001
   Private | Comprehensive university with UK academic partnerships
7. University College of Bahrain (کلیة البحرین الجامعیة) - UCB
   Country Rank: 7 | World Rank: 9831
   Location: Manama, Capital Governorate | Founded: 2002
   Private | Business and IT-focused undergraduate programs
8. Kingdom University (جامعة المملكة) - KU
   Country Rank: 8 | World Rank: 10057
   Location: Riffa, Southern Governorate | Founded: 2002
   Private | Comprehensive programs with U.S. accreditation links
9. Royal University for Women (الجامعة الملكية للمرأة) - RUW
   Country Rank: 9 | World Rank: 10313
   Location: West Riffa, Southern Governorate | Founded: 2005
   Private | Women's university offering business, law and design
10. University of Technology Bahrain (الجامعة التكنولوجية البحرين) - UTB
    Country Rank: 10 | World Rank: 10742
    Location: Salmabad, Bahrain Island | Founded: 2002
    Private | Specialized in engineering technology and logistics

Analysis of University Types

Bahrain's 11 universities demonstrate strong private sector dominance:

• Public universities: 1 institution (9.1% of total)
• Private universities: 10 institutions (90.9% of total)

This distribution reflects Bahrain's market-driven higher education model, with private institutions established primarily after 2001 regulatory reforms. The sole public university serves as the national flagship with the broadest program range.

Global Ranking and Standing

While no Bahrain universities currently rank in the global top 200 (see world top 200), national institutions are developing international profiles:

• Top 200 representation: 0 universities (0%)
• Top 1,000 representation: 0 universities (0%)

The highest-ranked Bahrain institution places at #2,856 worldwide. Development priorities include enhanced research output and international accreditation to boost global competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is Bahrain's top-ranked university?
  The University of Bahrain consistently ranks #1 nationally per uniRank data.
• Are Bahraini degrees internationally recognized?
  Yes, most universities hold international accreditation through UK, Australian or U.S. validation partners.
• What are popular fields of study in Bahrain?
  Business administration (all universities), banking/finance (BIBF specialism), IT, engineering and healthcare sciences.
• Do universities offer programs in English?
  Yes, English is the primary instruction language across private universities and most public university programs.
• Are scholarships available in Bahrain universities?
  Most institutions offer merit-based scholarships and corporate-sponsored programs, particularly in banking and technology fields.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Bahraini universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Bahrain
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Bahraini post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Bahrain
  Search for Bahraini higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Bahraini Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Bahraini town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Bahrain
  Discover Bahraini public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Bahrain
  Find out about Bahraini private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Bahrain
  Explore Bahraini not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Bahrain
  Look for Bahraini for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Bahraini Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in Bahrain have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Bahraini Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in Bahrain that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Bahraini Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in Bahrain are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Bahraini Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Bahrain with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.