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International Student Admissions

The American University of Bahrain (AUBH) is well-known for its outstanding academic programs. These programs attract students who are eager to expand their knowledge and skills from all over the globe. 

AUBH is dedicated to maintaining high academic standards while fostering an encouraging and supportive environment so that students can excel and discover their true interests

How to Apply as an International Student

College of Business & Management; College of Media & Design:

  • An overall GPA of 2.3 (75%) or equivalent.
  • English language proficiency such as IELTS (academic) with a score of (6.0 IELTS) or equivalent such as TOEFL or Duolingo.
  • Passing the AUBH personal interview. (if applicable)

College of Engineering & Computing:

  • An overall GPA of 2.3 (75%) or equivalent.
  • The student should have successfully completed a minimum of one science subject at high school (e.g., Physics, Biology, Chemistry) and one math subject with a GPA of 2.3.
  • English language proficiency such as IELTS (academic) with a score of (6.0 IELTS) or equivalent such as TOEFL or Duolingo.
  • Passing the AUBH personal interview. (if applicable)

To be admitted, you must provide the following original documents or proof of pending results

  • Graduation statement / high school diploma
  • High school transcripts:
    • Semesters 1 to 6 for government schools
    • Grades 9-12 for private schools

Please ensure that your high school transcript and graduation statement receive the necessary stamps from your respective embassy and/ or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for attestation.

  • English language proficiency such as IELTS (academic) or TOEFL.
  • Passport copy
  • National ID
  • A medical report from a public health center or an approved private hospital.
  • High resolution passport size photograph (soft copy)

If you have completed any of the following advanced high school examinations/certificates, you may be exempted from some of the general education courses offered at AUBH: 

  1.    A-level
  2.    IB Diploma
  3.    Other equivalent international certifications

For more information, please contact the Admissions Office: 
admissions@aubh.edu.bh or +973 3366 3343

If you received your degree from outside Bahrain, the Higher Education Council (HEC) of Bahrain mandates all students starting their studies in Bahrain to authenticate their High School/Secondary Transcript, Diploma, and Degree.

You will be required to obtain the necessary official stamps on the documents from both your respective embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bahrain.

  • Example 1: If you completed your degree from the UK, you must stamp your documents from the British Council and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Example 2: If you completed your degree from KSA, you must stamp your documents from the KSA Embassy in Bahrain and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Example 3: If you completed your degree from the US., you must obtain the apostille stamp as well as a stamp from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

*Please contact the Admissions Office if you are unsure where to attest your documents.

The American University of Bahrain (AUBH) typically accepts applications for its programs on an ongoing basis. However, it is important to note that specific deadlines may vary depending on the program and the academic year. It is recommended to check our academic calendar to ensure you receive the accurate and up-to-date information regarding the application deadlines for your desired program at AUBH.

For More information on application deadlines, please visit the following pages: 

Applicants who have completed any post-secondary coursework elsewhere and wish to apply AUBH as a transfer student must submit the same documents to the Admissions Office as those required for freshman admission. In addition, a transfer applicant must submit the following:

  • Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities.
  • Course descriptions and/or syllabi in English for all coursework completed at all previously attended colleges/universities.

A transfer applicant must also meet the following conditions:

  • Undergone the postsecondary course of study within the past five years.
  • Obtained a minimum CGPA of 2.3 (75%) and above or equivalent, based on the most recent transcript presented by the student. Refer to Appendix 1 for students transferring from British universities.
  • A transfer applicant must be in good academic standing from the transferring institution (i.e., not on probation, suspended, or dismissed)
  • A transfer applicant must be transferring from a recognized and accredited institution of higher education that offers learning experiences equivalent to those offered at AUBH

The official evaluation of transfer credit is completed by the relevant college at AUBH once course descriptions, syllabi, and official transcripts are received by the Admissions Office. All transcripts received become the property of AUBH, transcripts will not be returned, reissued to the transfer applicant, or forwarded to another institution. The official evaluation of transfer credit is kept in the applicant’s academic file.

After having completed all procedures required for transfer admission, an applicant with advanced standing is provided with a statement identifying the credits accepted for transfer. Transfer credit is only to be awarded for courses that have an equivalency at AUBH and show an earned grade of “C” or better from a university-level institution or program with admission standards acceptable to AUBH.

Transfer credit is evaluated and can be applied in one of the following ways:

  • Parallel credit: The transferred coursework must have involved at least the same amount of class time and the same content.
  • Electives: The transferred coursework must be clearly related to the applicant’s academic program and career goal, thereby serving as a major elective. In some cases, transferred coursework deemed liberal arts may be accepted as general electives if such coursework is not specifically offered at AUBH.

Transfer credits are recorded as credits earned but are not computed into the GPA at AUBH or enrollment status for any given term. No more than 50% of the credits required to earn a degree from AUBH may be considered as transfer credit.

College of Business & Management; College of Media & Design:

  • An overall GPA of 2.3 (75%) or equivalent.
  • English language proficiency such as IELTS (academic) with a score of (6.0 IELTS) or equivalent such as TOEFL or Duolingo.
  • Passing the AUBH personal interview. (if applicable)

College of Engineering & Computing:

  • An overall GPA of 2.3 (75%) or equivalent.
  • The student should have successfully completed a minimum of one science subject at high school (e.g., Physics, Biology, Chemistry) and one math subject with a GPA of 2.3.
  • English language proficiency such as IELTS (academic) with a score of (6.0 IELTS) or equivalent such as TOEFL or Duolingo.
  • Passing the AUBH personal interview. (if applicable)

To be admitted, you must provide the following original documents or proof of pending results

  • Graduation statement / high school diploma
  • High school transcripts:
    • Semesters 1 to 6 for government schools
    • Grades 9-12 for private schools

Please ensure that your high school transcript and graduation statement receive the necessary stamps from your respective embassy and/ or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for attestation.

  • English language proficiency such as IELTS (academic) or TOEFL.
  • Passport copy
  • National ID
  • A medical report from a public health center or an approved private hospital.
  • High resolution passport size photograph (soft copy)

If you have completed any of the following advanced high school examinations/certificates, you may be exempted from some of the general education courses offered at AUBH: 

  1.    A-level
  2.    IB Diploma
  3.    Other equivalent international certifications

For more information, please contact the Admissions Office: 
admissions@aubh.edu.bh or +973 3366 3343

If you received your degree from outside Bahrain, the Higher Education Council (HEC) of Bahrain mandates all students starting their studies in Bahrain to authenticate their High School/Secondary Transcript, Diploma, and Degree.

You will be required to obtain the necessary official stamps on the documents from both your respective embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bahrain.

  • Example 1: If you completed your degree from the UK, you must stamp your documents from the British Council and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Example 2: If you completed your degree from KSA, you must stamp your documents from the KSA Embassy in Bahrain and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Example 3: If you completed your degree from the US., you must obtain the apostille stamp as well as a stamp from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

*Please contact the Admissions Office if you are unsure where to attest your documents.

The American University of Bahrain (AUBH) typically accepts applications for its programs on an ongoing basis. However, it is important to note that specific deadlines may vary depending on the program and academic year. It is recommended to check our academic calendar for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding application deadlines for the desired program at AUBH.

For More information on application deadlines, please visit the following pages: 

The process of obtaining a student visa for Bahrain typically involves several steps and can take up to three months to complete. In this time frame, applicants are required to complete the necessary paperwork and adhere to the admissions requirements set by the government.

  • Visa Application Form: One of the initial steps in the Bahrain student visa process is the filling out of the visa application form. This form is provided by the government and must be completed accurately and honestly. The form typically requires personal information, educational background, and details about the intended course of study in Bahrain.
  • Documents: Once the visa application form is completed, it must be submitted along with the required supporting documents. These documents include a valid passport, proof of acceptance, proof of financial means to cover tuition fees and living expenses, and a medical certificate.
  • Processing: Once the application and supporting documents have been submitted, the Bahraini government will review the application. This review process can take several weeks, and during this time, the applicant may be required to provide additional documents or attend an interview.

After the government has reviewed the application and supporting documents, a decision will be made regarding the issuance of the student visa. If approved, the applicant will receive a visa approval letter, which will allow them to travel to Bahrain for their studies.

Important Links: 

To be eligible for a visa application, students are required to be enrolled at the American University of Bahrain and fulfill the seat reservation fee deposit.

After applying for a visa to study at the American University of Bahrain (AUBH), there are several steps to follow to get your CPR Card:

    • Proof of address certificate: If you are a resident in Bahrain, you will need to obtain a proof of address certificate through one of our accommodation providers if you don’t already have one. This process typically takes around 2 weeks.

Applying for a CPR (Central Population Registry Card): Once you have obtained the Proof of address certificate, you will need to provide a copy of  the following documents listed below to the (NPRA) to obtain a CPR Card. The processing time for this step is usually around 1 week.

      1. Proof of address certificate
      2. Passport
      3. Passport size photo (Photo Requirements)
      4. Student visa

Submit CPR copy and original passport to AUBH: After completing the previous steps, you will need to submit a copy of your CPR and the original passport to the American University of Bahrain enrollment office. This is necessary for the university to issue your residency document. The processing time for this step is typically around 2 weeks. It is important to note that until your residency document is issued, you may not be able to leave the country.

*It is important to keep in mind that these timelines are approximate and can vary depending on individual circumstances and any potential delays in the process. It is recommended to stay in touch with the university and follow their instructions closely to ensure a smooth transition and completion of the necessary steps after applying.

International Student Admissions Criteria

Applicants who met the University’s entry requirement and submitted their complete documents such as high school diploma, transcripts and passports to the university Admission Office will receive a Full Admission letter issued by the Admission Office.

Applicants who did not submit the complete documents such as high school diploma, transcripts and passports to the university Admission Office may be admitted on a conditional basis and will receive a Conditional Admission letter until all documents are received by the Admission Office.

Applicants who fail to meet full admission requirements but show potential for academic success at the university level may be admitted on a provisional basis. These admitted students are required to follow stipulations outlined in a Provisional Admission letter and may be enrolled in the Intensive English Language Program (IEP) or in the Foundation year program. The University works closely with provisionally admitted students to develop a plan for meeting the required stipulations and achieving regular admission status. Students typically remain under provisional admittance status for one semester or up to one year. A regular student status can be obtained after meeting the admission criteria.

Applicants who have completed any post-secondary coursework elsewhere and wish to apply for admission to AUBH as a transfer student must submit the same items to the Office of Admissions as those required for freshman admission. In addition, a transfer applicant must submit the following:

  • Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities
  • Course descriptions and/or syllabi in English for coursework completed at all previously attended colleges/universities

A transfer applicant must also meet the following conditions:

  • Undergone the postsecondary course of study within the past five years.
  • Obtained a minimum CGPA of 2.3 (75%) and above or equivalent, based on the most recent transcript presented by the student. Refer to Appendix 1 for students transferring from British universities.
  • A transfer applicant must be in good academic standing from the transferring institution (i.e., not on probation, suspended, or dismissed)
  • A transfer applicant must be transferring from a recognized and accredited institution of higher education that offers learning experiences equivalent to those offered at AUBH

The official evaluation of transfer credit is completed by the relevant AUBH college once course descriptions, syllabi, and official transcripts are received by the Office of Admissions. All transcripts received become the property of AUBH. Transcripts will not be returned, reissued to the transfer applicant, or forwarded to another institution. The official evaluation of transfer credit is kept in the applicant’s academic file.  

After having completed all procedures required for transfer admission, an applicant with advanced standing is provided with a statement identifying the credits accepted for transfer. Transfer credit is only to be awarded for courses that have an equivalency at AUBH and show an earned grade of “C” or better from a university-level institution or program with admission standards acceptable to AUBH. 

Transfer credit is evaluated and can be applied in one of the following ways:

  • As parallel credit: The transferred coursework must have involved at least the same amount of class time and have involved the same content.
  • As electives: The transferred coursework must be clearly related to the applicant’s academic program and career goal thereby serving as a major elective. In some cases, transferred coursework deemed liberal arts may be accepted as general electives if such coursework is not specifically offered at AUBH.

Transfer credits are recorded as credits earned but are not computed into the GPA at AUBH or enrollment status for any given term. No more than 50% of the credits required to earn a degree from AUBH may be transfer credit.

Visa & Document Requirements

The process of obtaining a student visa for Bahrain typically involves several steps and can take up to three months to complete. In this time frame, applicants are required to complete the necessary paperwork and adhere to the admission requirements set by the government.

  • Visa Application Form: One of the initial steps in the Bahrain student visa process is the filling out of the visa application form. This form is provided by the government and must be completed accurately and honestly. The form typically requires personal information, educational background, and details about the intended course of study in Bahrain.
  • Documents: Once the visa application form is completed, it must be submitted along with the required supporting documents. These documents include a valid passport, proof of acceptance, proof of financial means to cover tuition fees and living expenses, and a medical certificate.
  • Processing: Once the application and supporting documents have been submitted, the Bahraini government will review the application. This review process can take several weeks, and during this time, the applicant may be required to provide additional documents or attend an interview.

After the government has reviewed the application and supporting documents, a decision will be made regarding the issuance of a student visa. If approved, the applicant will receive a visa approval letter, which will allow them to travel to Bahrain for their studies.

Important Links: 

In order to apply for a visa, students must be enrolled at the American University of Bahrain and have paid the seat reservation fee.

After Applying for a Visa

After applying for a visa to study at the American University of Bahrain (AUBH), there are several steps to follow to get your CPR Card:

    • Proof of Address Certificate: If you are a resident in Bahrain, you will need to obtain a proof of address certificate through one of our accommodation providers if you don’t already have one. This process typically takes around 2 weeks.
    • Applying for a CPR (Central Population Registry Card): Once you have obtained the proof of address certificate, you will need to provide a copy of  the following documents listed below to the (NPRA) to obtain a CPR Card. The processing time for this step is usually around 1 week.
      1. Proof of address certificate
      2. Passport
      3. Passport size photo (Photo Requirements)
      4. Student visa
  • Submit CPR copy and original passport to AUBH: After completing the previous steps, you will need to submit a copy of your CPR and the original passport to the American University of Bahrain Enrollment Office. This is necessary for the University to issue your residency document. The processing time for this step is typically around 2 weeks. Please note that you may not be able to leave the country until your residency document is issued. 

*It is important to keep in mind that these timelines are approximate and can vary depending on individual circumstances and any potential delays in the process. It is recommended to stay in touch with the University and follow their instructions closely to ensure a smooth transition and completion of the necessary steps after applying.

Accommodation

As an international student coming to Bahrain for the first time, you will experience a safe and welcoming environment while living and studying alongside an international community. Fly Residence, situated in Zallaq, Bahrain, is a well-known housing choice among international students, offering convenient access for international students.

Location and Accessibility
Fly Residence is situated in Zallaq, a coastal area in Bahrain known for its beautiful beaches and resorts. The accommodation is conveniently near the American University of Bahrain Campus, making it easily accessible for international students. This proximity ensures a hassle-free journey for students, especially those who are new to the country.

Accommodation Facilities
Our accommodation caters to international students’ needs with a variety of amenities. The residence offers comfortable and well-furnished rooms, ensuring a pleasant stay for residents. These rooms are equipped with essential amenities such as beds, study desks, storage spaces, and en-suite bathrooms.

Property Amenities

Nearby Facilities

Location:

Transportation

It is important to note that the availability of transportation depends on demand. This means that if there are enough students who require transportation, the University may consider providing transportation services in the future. 

Life in Bahrain

There are multiple activity options available for thrill-seekers. 

  • Pearl Diving, hunt for pearls in the temperate waters of the Gulf, and discover how pearl divers of the past spent months at sea searching for these underwater treasures.

  • Bahrain’s first indoor skydiving center, Gravity Village, located near campus, is a great place to hangour with friends, hosting an outdoor gym, green space, and various cafes.

  • Bahrain’s biggest outdoor waterpark, the lost Paradise of Dilmun, complete with wave pool and beach cabanas, is a short drive from campus and offers student discounts and ladies-only nights.

Admissions FAQ

Our University offers an American-model university education which fosters interaction and collaboration between students, faculty and the professional community, resulting in a unique educational journey for students, going beyond what’s taught in the classrooms. 

Conceived as an institution to raise the bar of educational standards in the Arab world, AUBH’s purpose-built campus in Riffa is a second home to a new caliber of potential graduate, nurtured and mentored by hand-picked faculty from the best of international and local expertise. 

Complete with the latest in learning technology, library, labs, fitness center, football and basketball courts, our campus is alive with the buzz of academic and extra-curricular life amongst a multi-cultural student body.

Under the College of Engineering & Computing:

  • A Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
  • A Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
  • A Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
  • A Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
  • A Bachelor of Science Industrial Engineering
  • A Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering
  • A Master of Science in Engineering Management

Under the College of Business:

  • A Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
  • A Bachelor of Business Administration in Management
  • A Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources
  • A Bachelor of Business Administration in Digital Marketing & Social Media
  • A Master of Business Administration

Under the College of Media & Design

  • A Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Design

Under the College of Business:

  • A Master of Business Administration.

Under the College of Engineering & Computing:

  • A Master of Science in Engineering Management.

AUBH is proud to be licensed by the Higher Education Council of the Ministry of Education of Bahrain. 

The American University of Bahrain (AUBH) has officially received U.S. accreditation through the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), one of the seven best known accrediting agencies in the USA. This makes AUBH among only a handful of other universities accredited by this world-renowned commission in the GCC and MENA region.

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