Ahlia University
Manama, Bahrain • Founded 2001 • World Rank #4698
Updated May 2026
Overview
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
Where Ahlia University sits geographically, plus the contact channels students use during admissions. Alumni-office inquiries are separate from admissions and have their own contact page.
Academic Details
These figures give a quick read on Ahlia University's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing. Use them to ground decisions about programme fit and institutional capacity.
Academic Structures
Ahlia University's academic structure — the schools, colleges, and divisions inside the institution — is laid out below. Use this map when figuring out which faculty owns the programme you want.
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
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- 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
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- 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
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business and Finance (College) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Banking
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Finance
- Information Management
- Management
- Management Systems
- Marketing
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Information Technology (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Information Technology
- Multimedia
Common Career Paths
- IT Consultant
- Network Engineer
- Cybersecurity Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medical and Health Sciences (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physical Therapy
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Graduate Studies and Research (School) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Programs Offered
Ahlia University's programme finder filters by name across all degree levels. Departmental admissions criteria sometimes differ from institutional minimums — verify against the programme page before relying on either.
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 of Business Administration 1 programme
Master's Degree 9 programmes
Doctorate 4 programmes
How to apply to Ahlia University
Five steps that capture how most applications to Ahlia University flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Frequently asked questions about Ahlia University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
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 1,000-1,999.
Where does Ahlia University stand in university rankings?
Ahlia University holds rank #4698 globally and #7 in Bahrain.
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.
Top-Ranked Universities in Bahrain
The institutions topping Bahrain's rankings give national context for Ahlia University. Context matters because employer perception in Bahrain often correlates with national rankings.
Members of Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Joint research grants among Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) members create funded collaborations that often extend to graduate-student opportunities. The network listed below collaborates regularly with Ahlia University.
Faculties at nearby universities
Beyond Ahlia University, the surrounding area hosts several universities with overlapping research strengths and faculty mixes. They are worth comparing if location flexibility matters to your decision and you want to keep options open within the same region.
Where Else to Study Information Systems & Technology
Other universities in Bahrain that teach Information Systems & Technology appear below — useful for comparing programme depth against Ahlia University. Programme structures differ even within the same country, so detailed comparison is worth the effort.
Universities Compared with Ahlia University
Cross-institutional admissions sharing exists in some networks — peers of Ahlia University sometimes accept shared application materials or recognise admissions decisions. Worth checking when batching applications.
Studying in Bahrain: guides and resources
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