Higher education costs continue to rise across the Gulf, but Bahrain has one of the more active scholarship ecosystems in the region — spanning government schemes, university-funded awards, and a range of international opportunities. This guide brings together the main options available to Bahraini students and residents in 2026, covering eligibility, how to apply, and what to realistically expect.

Government Scholarships for Bahraini Students

Crown Prince International Scholarship Programme (CPISP)

Established in 1999 and administered by the Crown Prince Court, CPISP is Bahrain’s most prestigious scholarship programme for undergraduate and postgraduate study abroad. It supports Bahraini students to study at leading universities in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries. Awards cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance.

Eligibility is competitive and applications are open to Bahraini nationals with strong academic records. The programme typically opens for applications in the first quarter of the year for the following academic intake. For full details and the current application window, visit the Crown Prince Court website.

Ministry of Education Scholarships

The Ministry of Education administers scholarships for Bahraini students to study both locally and abroad. These include awards for students admitted to Bahraini universities and colleges as well as sponsored places at overseas institutions in fields where domestic provision is limited — particularly in science, technology, engineering, and medicine. Applications are handled through the Ministry’s scholarship office, and eligibility criteria are updated annually.

Labour Fund (Tamkeen) Education Support

Tamkeen, Bahrain’s Labour Fund, provides financial support for skills development and professional qualifications for Bahraini workers and job-seekers. While not a traditional academic scholarship, Tamkeen funding can cover professional certifications, vocational training, English language courses, and in some cases degree-level study. Support is generally available to Bahrainis in employment or actively seeking work. Applications are made through the Tamkeen portal at www.tamkeen.bh.

University Scholarships in Bahrain

Most universities and higher education institutions in Bahrain offer their own scholarship and fee-reduction programmes. The availability and value of awards varies significantly by institution and year — always check directly with your chosen institution’s admissions or financial aid office.

University of Bahrain

The University of Bahrain (UoB) offers merit-based scholarships for high-achieving Bahraini students admitted to undergraduate programmes. Awards are typically tied to secondary school results and renewed subject to maintaining academic performance. UoB also periodically offers fee waivers for students from lower-income backgrounds — contact the university’s student affairs office for current availability.

Royal University for Women (RUW)

RUW administers a range of scholarships for Bahraini women, including merit awards, need-based bursaries, and targeted support for students in STEM and business programmes. As a partially government-supported institution, RUW’s fees are already subsidised for Bahraini nationals — scholarships reduce costs further for eligible students.

Ahlia University and Other Private Universities

Ahlia University, the Gulf University, and other private universities in Bahrain typically offer merit scholarships for incoming students with strong secondary school grades, as well as loyalty discounts for siblings of current students. Fees and scholarship thresholds vary by institution and faculty. Contact admissions offices directly for current scholarship availability and application deadlines.

Corporate and CSR Scholarships

Several major Bahraini and regional businesses fund scholarships through their CSR programmes — often in fields linked to their industry. These are not always widely publicised and can be worth researching directly with employers in your target sector.

• Bapco (Bahrain Petroleum Company) — has historically offered scholarships for students studying engineering and technical fields
• Alba (Aluminium Bahrain) — supports students in engineering, manufacturing, and related disciplines
• Bahraini banks and financial institutions — a number of banks fund scholarships for students in business, finance, and economics
• Telecom companies — Batelco and other providers have offered awards for students in technology and IT fields

Check company websites and annual reports, and follow the social media channels of major Bahraini employers, scholarship announcements are often made through these channels, sometimes with short application windows.

International Scholarships Open to Bahraini Students

Chevening Scholarships (UK Government)

Chevening is the UK government’s international scholarship programme, offering awards for one-year master’s degrees at UK universities. It is open to applicants from eligible countries including Bahrain. Chevening scholars are selected for their leadership potential and academic achievement. Applications typically open in August and close in November for entry the following September. See www.chevening.org for eligibility and current availability.

Fulbright Programme (US Government)

The Fulbright Foreign Student Programme supports students from eligible countries to pursue graduate study in the United States. It is administered in Bahrain through the US Embassy. Awards cover tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and flights. Applications are typically submitted one to two years before the intended start date.

Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission funds postgraduate study at UK universities for students from Commonwealth countries. Bahrain is not a Commonwealth member, but students may be eligible through other routes depending on their nationality. See cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk for current programme details.

Regional and Islamic Development Bank Scholarships

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) administers scholarship programmes for students from member countries, including Bahrain, to study in the sciences, technology, and development-related fields. The IsDB Merit Scholarship Programme and the IsDB Scholarship for Muslim Communities are the main routes — check isdb.org/scholarship for current cycles.

How to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application

• Start early — most competitive scholarships require applications six months to a year before the start of study. Missing a window means waiting another full cycle.
• Academic records matter — maintain the strongest grades you can throughout secondary school and any prior university study. Most awards set a minimum GPA or grade threshold.
• Extracurricular involvement counts — leadership roles, community projects, volunteering, and awards demonstrate more than grades alone.
• Personalise each application — generic personal statements are easy to spot. Address each scholarship’s specific criteria and explain why you are the right fit for that particular award.
• Get references lined up early — ask teachers, lecturers, or employers who know your work well, and give them time to write a considered letter rather than a last-minute one.
• Apply to multiple sources — do not rely on a single award. A combination of a partial university scholarship, Tamkeen support, and a smaller corporate award can be as valuable as one large prize.

Scholarship programmes and deadlines change each year. Gulf Education Insider recommends verifying all details directly with the awarding body before applying. This guide is updated annually.