Arabian Gulf University
Manama, Bahrain • Founded 1979 • World Rank #2493
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1981, the Arabian Gulf University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban 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, Arabian Gulf University (AGU) is a very small-sized coeducational Bahraini higher education institution formally affiliated with the Islamic religion. Arabian Gulf University (AGU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 43-year-old Bahraini higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this Bahraini higher education organization a least selective institution.
AGU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, financial aids and/or scholarships, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Location pin, postal address, phone, email, website, and social profiles for Arabian Gulf University. Always verify channels through the official domain to avoid third-party impersonators.
Academic Details
Academic statistics for Arabian Gulf University — including its student body and academic staff numbers. Read these alongside rankings; institution scale changes how rankings should be interpreted.
Academic Structures
Arabian Gulf University's teaching architecture in the units below. New faculties (formed in the last decade) signal where the institution is investing for the future.
Unit 3 items
- College of Graduate Studies
- College of Medicine and Medical Sciences
- French Arabian Business School
Degrees
Pick your degree level at Arabian Gulf University from the breakdown. Late-entry and transfer options vary by level and country — fewer universities accept mid-degree transfers at master's than at bachelor's.
Bachelor's 1 program
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Nursing
Master's 11 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Artificial Intelligence
- Business Administration
- Cybersecurity
- Education of the Gifted
- Educational Technology
- Environmental Management
- Industrial Management
- Molecular Biology
- Natural Resources
- Special Education
- Water Management
Doctoral 5 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Education of the Gifted
- Management
- Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Special Education
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education of Bahrain.
Graduate Studies (College) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Artificial Intelligence
- Business Administration
- Cybersecurity
- Education of the Gifted
- Educational Technology
- Environmental Management
- Industrial Management
- Management
- Molecular Biology
- Natural Resources
- Special Education
- Water Management
Medicine and Medical Sciences (College) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Nursing
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
All active programmes at Arabian Gulf University are listed by degree level. Cross-reference against the divisions section to identify which faculty owns each programme — that determines admissions handling.
36 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Bahrain
Bachelor's Degree 2 programmes
Master of Business Administration 2 programmes
Master's Degree 19 programmes
Showing 10 of 19.
Doctorate 7 programmes
Diploma 4 programmes
Higher Diploma 1 programme
Postgraduate Diploma 1 programme
How to apply to Arabian Gulf University
The standard application path for Arabian Gulf University, broken into five practical steps with the documents and channels you will need at each stage.
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1
Identify the right programme
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Arabian Gulf University offers 36 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Check entry requirements
Each programme at Arabian Gulf University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Submit via the institution
Apply directly via Arabian Gulf University's online portal at www.agu.edu.bh. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +973 (17) 239 999. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Arabian Gulf University
Common questions about Arabian Gulf University answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.
When did Arabian Gulf University open?
Arabian Gulf University traces its founding to 1979 (approximately 47 years ago).
Where can I find Arabian Gulf University?
The institution is located in Manama, Bahrain.
What is Arabian Gulf University's control type?
Arabian Gulf University is a private institution.
How many students does Arabian Gulf University have?
The institution has a student body of 1,000-1,999.
Where does Arabian Gulf University stand in university rankings?
It ranks #2493 globally and #1 in Bahrain.
What programmes are available at Arabian Gulf University?
Arabian Gulf University delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
Does Arabian Gulf University have a religious affiliation?
Yes, Arabian Gulf University is affiliated with Islam.
What is Arabian Gulf University's academic structure?
The institution comprises 3 academic units.
Is Arabian Gulf University officially recognised?
Arabian Gulf University is accredited by Higher Education Council, Ministry of Education.
Where can I learn more about Arabian Gulf University?
Arabian Gulf University's official website is www.agu.edu.bh.
Members of Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW)
Universities sharing Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW) affiliation with Arabian Gulf University offer comparable mobility and recognition benefits. Affiliated institutions often coordinate on academic standards and credit-transfer pathways.
Other Bahraini Universities Affiliated with Islam
Beyond Arabian Gulf University, several other universities affiliated with Islam operate with similar values, campus life, and pastoral support — useful comparisons if faith identity is part of your decision. Pastoral support varies meaningfully between affiliated institutions.
Faculties at nearby universities
Within easy reach of Arabian Gulf University, these institutions host comparable faculties and admissions structures — useful for regional shortlisting. Regional universities often coordinate on credit transfer and joint programme delivery.
Universities Compared with Arabian Gulf University
Rankings methodologies differ across peer institutions to Arabian Gulf University. National, subject-specific, and international rankings can all tell different stories about the same set of universities.
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