Study in Kuwait

Who this applies to

Students at Kuwaiti universities. Arabic at Kuwait University (+ English in medicine/engineering/sciences); private universities largely English & American/British-modeled.

Governing authority

Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE); Public Universities Council + Private Universities Council.

Degree system

Bachelor 4 yrs · Master · PhD. 2 public universities + ~18 private universities/colleges (most affiliated with Western partner institutions).

Admission

How

Thanawiya Amma (General Secondary Education Certificate) score-based admission to public university; private universities set own (often English-proficiency) requirements; international students apply directly.

Language

Arabic (English in sciences/medicine/engineering; private universities English).

Tuition

Public

Free/heavily subsidized for Kuwaiti nationals at Kuwait University; generous government scholarships for study abroad.

Private

Fee-paying (often subsidized for nationals via government grants).

Note

Oil-funded welfare state; many private universities affiliated with US/UK/Australian partners (GUST↔Missouri-St. Louis, AUK↔Dartmouth).

Student visa & residence permit

Student residence for non-nationals.

Scholarships

Generous government scholarships (domestic & abroad).

Sources & references

• councils — https://www.mohe.edu.kw/site/en/CustomPage?PageID=52 (2026-06-12)
• civil universities list — https://e.gov.kw/sites/kgoenglish/Pages/CitizensResidents/Education/Universities.aspx (2026-06-12)