Sustainable Development Goals Initiatives 2023–2024

 5.3.3 Women’s access schemes

The university recognizes that high tuition fees and living costs can exclude capable students from higher education. To ensure affordability and equitable access, the university offers a multi-layered package of financial support:

• Tuition subsidies: As the Kingdom’s national university, the university keeps tuition low by providing a generous government-funded subsidy: Bahraini nationals pay only about 10 % of the actual cost of their studies, and international students receive an 84 %.
• Scholarships: In partnership with public and private sponsors, the university awards merit-based and need-based scholarships and bursaries. These awards supplement the standard tuition subsidy and are aimed at high-achieving or financially vulnerable students.

	15 Contributors for the Exemption Program.
Fee exemptions: Students from low-income households can apply for full or partial tuition fee waivers. The Exemptions & Part-Time Employment Division of the Deanship of Student Affairs oversees these applications, evaluates cases, and finalises exemptions at the start of each semester. Regulations for tuition fee exemptions.
	546 Students received full fee exemptions in 2024.
Furthermore, the University of Bahrain promotes equal access to higher education through a structured scholarship scheme aligned with CSB Instruction 2019-05. Under this policy, Teaching and Research Assistants are eligible for fully funded scholarships to pursue postgraduate degrees (Master’s or Doctoral), allowing them to develop academically and professionally. The scheme uses clear, merit-based criteria and offers equal opportunities for both male and female staff. This initiative supports career development and enhances women’s access to postgraduate education.