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Ahlia University official logo

Ahlia University

Manama, Bahrain • Founded 2001 • QS 2027 #711-720

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: ahlia.edu.bh

Overview

English Name: Ahlia University
Local Name: الجامعة الاهلیة
Acronyms: AU
Founded: 2001
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #711-720 SCImago 2026 #4698
Motto: Your Global Future Begins Here
Colours: Red and white
Ahlia University official logo

Founded in 2001, the Ahlia University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Manama (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Capital Governorate.

Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Bahrain, Ahlia University (AU) is a very small-sized coeducational Bahraini higher education institution. Ahlia University (AU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study.

This 23-year-old Bahraini higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this Bahraini higher education organization a moderately selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

AU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Ahlia University's campus location, postal address, and admissions contact channels are below.

Address: Bld 41, Rd 18, Al-Hoora 310 Gosi Complex, Exhibition Road P.O. Box 10878
Phone: +973 (17) 298 999
Fax: +973 (17) 290 083
Social Media:

Academic Details

Ahlia University's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are below.

Recognition: Ministry of Education of Bahrain
Accrediting Agency: Higher Education Council, Ministry of Education
Admission Requirements: Applicants need a recognized secondary school certificate or equivalent, such as the Bahraini Tawjihia or an Arab Ministry of Education certificate; meeting the stated minimums does not guarantee a place. English proficiency must be shown through a recognized certificate (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL), an approved qualification such as Cambridge ESOL or City & Guilds Pitman Intermediate, or by passing Ahlia's own English placement test. Non-GCC citizens must secure a Bahrain residence permit before enrolling; admission is otherwise conditional and can be withdrawn. Programme-specific minimum secondary-school averages (commonly 50-65%) and, for some programmes, an aptitude test or interview, apply on top of these university-wide requirements.
Total Students: 2,500
Academic Staff Range: 100-199
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)

Academic Structures

The academic units through which Ahlia University delivers teaching are listed below.

Unit 6 items
  • College of Arts and Science
  • College of Business and Finance
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Information Technology
  • College of Medical and Health Sciences
  • Deanship of Graduate Studies and Research

Degrees

Also Master of Science in Engineering Management offered by George Washington University (USA) and PhD without residence offered by Brunel University London (UK)

Bachelor's 16 programs
  • Accountancy
  • Banking
  • Business Administration
  • Computer Engineering
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Information Technology
  • Interior Design
  • Management
  • Management Systems
  • Marketing
  • Mass Communication
  • Multimedia
  • Physical Therapy
  • Public Relations
  • Telecommunications Engineering
Master's 5 programs
  • Business Administration
  • Computer Science
  • Information Technology
  • Mass Communication
  • Public Relations

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Ministry of Education of Bahrain.

Arts and Science (College) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Interior Design
  • Mass Communication
  • Public Relations
Business and Finance (College) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Banking
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Information Management
  • Management
  • Management Systems
  • Marketing
Engineering (College) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Engineering
  • Telecommunications Engineering
Information Technology (College) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Information Technology
  • Multimedia
Medical and Health Sciences (College) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Physical Therapy
Graduate Studies and Research (School) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Programs Offered

Ahlia University's programme catalogue is grouped by level below.

28 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Bahrain

Bachelor's Degree 14 programmes

Showing 10 of 14.

Master's Degree 9 programmes

Doctorate 4 programmes

Doctorate in Information Technology and Computing
Information Systems & Technology
Start: Fall

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate in Management
Business & Management
Start: Fall

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Scholarships in Bahrain

Bahrain-wide scholarships, relevant to students considering Ahlia University or other institutions there.

Al Tamyoz Scholarship
AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation · Foundation funded
A postgraduate scholarship for outstanding, employed Bahraini adults to pursue Master's or PhD study at prestigious international universities in specialised fields tied to Bahrain's development priorities; the Foundation's own page does not state a coverage amount.
Crown Prince's International Scholarship Program
Crown Prince's International Scholarship Program · Foundation funded · Full Tuition · Covers Living
Fully funds a four-year undergraduate degree at a top international university of the scholar's choice, plus pre-departure English, SAT and leadership training; students coming through Ministry of Education schools are first placed in boarding schools for two years to complete an American High School Diploma or A-Levels before applying to university.
Isa bin Salman Bachelor's Scholarship Programme
Isa bin Salman Education Charitable Trust · Foundation funded · Combined
Funds tuition for Bahraini students at local and international partner universities at both undergraduate and postgraduate level; the Trust has funded over 400 Bahraini students across 4 international and 15 local university partners since it was set up in 2013.
MOE Scholarships and Grants Programme
Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Bahrain · Government funded · Combined
The Ministry of Education's annual scholarship round for Bahraini secondary-school graduates, covering both study at local universities and study abroad; the ministry runs it as a dedicated "Scholarships and Grants Service" among its official e-services, but the award terms and per-track coverage are published only inside the ministry's authenticated applica...
Rayaat Scholarship Programme
AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation · Foundation funded · Renewable · Combined · Covers Books
Launched in 2011, Rayaat fully sponsors university tuition fees plus a book allowance and a monthly financial incentive for outstanding students, and adds enrichment workshops, private- and public-sector internship placements and community-service opportunities; it is offered at three accredited Bahraini institutions: University of Bahrain, Bahrain Polytechn...

How to apply to Ahlia University

Step-by-step guidance for applying to Ahlia University, in five steps.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Ahlia University

    Use the programme finder to browse Ahlia University's 28 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Programme-level requirements at Ahlia University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Ahlia University processes applications through www.ahlia.edu.bh. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +973 (17) 298 999. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ahlia University

Common questions about Ahlia University, answered from data on record.

How old is Ahlia University?

The institution opened in 2001 (approximately 25 years ago).

Where is Ahlia University located?

Ahlia University is located in Manama, Bahrain.

What is Ahlia University's control type?

Ahlia University operates as a private institution.

What is the student enrolment at Ahlia University?

Student enrolment at Ahlia University is around 2,500.

Where does Ahlia University stand in university rankings?

Ahlia University holds rank QS 2027 #711-720.

What programmes are available at Ahlia University?

Programmes at Ahlia University cover bachelor's and master's programmes.

How is Ahlia University organised academically?

Ahlia University is organised into 6 academic units across its disciplines.

Is Ahlia University officially recognised?

The institution holds recognition from Higher Education Council, Ministry of Education.

How do I find Ahlia University online?

Ahlia University's official website is www.ahlia.edu.bh.

Members of Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)

These universities are also members of Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).

Faculties at nearby universities

Universities located near Ahlia University are listed below.

Where Else to Study Information Systems & Technology

Information Systems & Technology is also taught at these universities in Bahrain.

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