Kuwait University
Kuwait City, Kuwait • Founded 1966 • World Rank #1678
Overview
Founded in 1966, the Kuwait University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Kuwait City (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Al Asimah.
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education of Kuwait, Kuwait University (KU) is a large-sized coeducational Kuwaiti higher education institution. Kuwait University (KU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
This 57-year-old Kuwaiti higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
KU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Kuwait University's on-the-ground location and digital channels to engage with the institution. Library access for prospective students is often arranged separately through the main library team.
Academic Details
Kuwait University's institutional metrics and recognition context. Recognition reciprocity matters for credential portability — check whether your home country accepts Kuwait University's qualifications.
Academic Structures
Kuwait University's internal academic organisation — faculties, schools, and constituent units — is broken down below. Each unit handles a specific subject cluster and houses its own programmes and faculty.
Unit 10 items
- College of Allied Health Sciences
- College of Arts
- College of Business Administration
- College of Dentistry
- College of Education
- College of Engineering and Petroleum
- College of Law
- College of Medicine
- College of Pharmacy
- College of Sciences
Degrees
Kuwait University's study routes by degree level. Professional degrees (LLB, MD, BPharm) have their own conventions distinct from purely academic awards.
Bachelor's 18 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Architecture
- Arts and Humanities
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Business Administration
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Dentistry
- Education
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Islamic Law
- Islamic Studies
- Law
- Medicine
- Natural Sciences
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Pharmacy
- Public Health
Master's 72 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- Anatomy
- Arabic
- Architecture
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Biomedicine
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Comparative Literature
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Cultural Studies
- Curriculum
- Dental Technology
- Dentistry
- Earth Sciences
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics and Automation
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Food Science
- Geography (Human)
- Geological Engineering
- Geology
- Health Administration
- History
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Islamic Law
- Islamic Studies
- Koran
- Laboratory Techniques
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Technology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Natural Sciences
- Nutrition
- Occupational Health
- Operations Research
- Paediatrics
- Pathology
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Physiology
- Political Sciences
- Private Law
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Public Law
- Religion
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Surveying and Mapping
- Teacher Training
- Toxicology
Doctoral 13 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Biochemistry
- Biomedicine
- Chemistry
- History
- Islamic Law
- Mathematics
- Medical Technology
- Microbiology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Religion
- Translation and Interpretation
Diploma & Certificate 4 programs
Diploma and certificate routes deliver focused, applied training for fast entry into skilled occupations.
- Finance
- Paediatrics
- Psychology
- Public Administration
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Higher Education of Kuwait.
Arabic Regional Center for Environment Law (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Community Services and Continuing Education (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Distance Learning (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Health Sciences (Centre) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
- Health Administration
- Medical Auxiliaries
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Occupational Therapy
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Radiology
- Speech Therapy and Audiology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Allied Health Science (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Architecture (College) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Interior Design
- Visual Arts
Common Career Paths
- Architect
- Urban Planner
- Interior Designer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arts (College) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
- English
- Geography
- History
- Mass Communication
- Philosophy
- Psychology
Business Administration (College) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Finance
- Information Management
- Management
- Marketing
- Public Administration
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Dentistry (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
Common Career Paths
- Dentist
- Oral Surgeon
- Dental Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (College) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Curriculum
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Educational Psychology
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Secondary Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering and Petroleum (College) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Graduate Studies (College) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Earth Sciences
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Geological Engineering
- Molecular Biology
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Surveying and Mapping
Law (College) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Criminal Law
- International Law
- Law
- Private Law
- Public Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Life Sciences (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Pharmacy (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Public Health (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Public Health
Common Career Paths
- Public Health Officer
- Epidemiologist
- Health Policy Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (College) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Environmental Studies
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Sharia and Islamic Studies (College) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Comparative Law
- Islamic Law
- Islamic Studies
- Koran
Social Sciences (College) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Geography
- Information Sciences
- Library Science
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Every programme Kuwait University offers, searchable by name and grouped by level. Pathway programmes leading from foundation to bachelor entry are sometimes listed separately from full degree programmes.
Bachelor's Degree
60 programmes
Browse 60 programmes at Kuwait University for undergraduate entry. Each combines core theory with the credits needed to progress toward honours or a master's.
Bachelor of Education in Mathematics Mathematics
Bachelor of Education in Biology Biological Sciences
Bachelor of Education in Physics Physics & Astronomy
Bachelor of Education in Chemistry Chemistry
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting Accounting
Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics Business Administration
Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Financial Institutions Finance, Banking & Insurance
Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Business Administration
Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Bachelor of Business Administration in Public Administration Public Administration
Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Business Administration in Operations and Supply Chain Management Supply Chain & Logistics
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy Health Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Hearing and Speech Sciences Natural Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management Health Informatics
Bachelor of Dental Medicine Dentistry
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Mathematics
Bachelor of Science in Financial Mathematics Mathematics
Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Operations Research Mathematics
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science Natural Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry Biochemistry
Bachelor of Science in Microbiology Biological Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology Biological Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Plant Biology Biological Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Physics Physics & Astronomy
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Chemistry
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Computer Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Geology Earth Sciences & Geology
Bachelor of Science in Sea Sciences Natural Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science Environmental Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistics Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Cyber Security
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering Chemistry
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Computer Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Management Systems Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering General Engineering
Bachelor of Medical Doctor
Bachelor of Basic Medical Science Medicine
Bachelor of Laws Law
Bachelor of Arts in Arabic Language Linguistics & Language Studies
Bachelor of Arts in English Language English Language Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies Liberal Arts
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Bachelor of Arts in History History
Bachelor of Arts in French Language Linguistics & Language Studies
Bachelor of Education in Kindergarten Early Childhood Education
Bachelor of Education in Arabic Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Education in English English Language Studies
Bachelor of Education in Islamic Studies Islamic & Quranic Studies
Bachelor of Education in Social Science Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Education in Geography Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Education in Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Bachelor of Education in Psychology Psychology
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
80 programmes
Kuwait University offers 80 programmes at master's level — postgraduate programmes that deepen a specialism, usually over one to two years after a bachelor's degree.
Master of Education in Educational Foundation Education & Teaching
Master of Education in Educational Management Business & Management
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Master of Education in Educational Psychology Educational Psychology
Master of Education in Educational Administration and Planning Education & Teaching
Master of Education in Executive Leadership Education & Teaching
Master of Education in School Counseling Counselling & Psychotherapy
Master of Science in Accounting Accounting
Master of Science in Economics Economics
Master of Science in Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
Master of Business Administration Business Administration
Master of Science in Medical Imaging Technology Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation Sciences
Master of Science in Dental Materials Dentistry
Master of Science in Oral Microbiology Biological Sciences
Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences Pharmacy
Master of Sharia Law in Comparative Jurisprudence and Sources Shariah & Islamic Law
Master of Sharia Law in Prophetic Tradition and Science Shariah & Islamic Law
Master of Sharia Law in Quranic Interpretation and Sciences Shariah & Islamic Law
Master of Sharia Law in Islamic Belief and Contemporary Schools of Thoughts Shariah & Islamic Law
Master of Sharia Law in Quranic Readings Shariah & Islamic Law
Master of Arts in Geography Geography
Master of Science in Psychology Psychology
Master of Arts in Political Sciences Politics & International Relations
Master of Arts in Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Master of Arts in Social Work Social Work
Master of Arts in Information Studies Information Systems & Technology
Master of Arts in Anthropology Liberal Arts
Master of Science in Computing Information Systems Information Systems & Technology
Master of Science in Food and Environmental Toxicology Biological Sciences
Master of Science in Food Quality and Safety Food Science
Master of Science in Information Technology Information Systems & Technology
Master of Science in Nutrition Science and Food Science Nutrition & Dietetics
Master of Science in Applied Geosciences and GIS Natural Sciences
Master of Science in Environmental Sciences Environmental Sciences
Master of Science in Molecular Biology Molecular Biology
Master of Science in Architecture Architecture
Master of Public Health in Environmental and Occupational Health Public Health
Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management Public Health
Master of Science in Mathematics Mathematics
Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences Mathematics
Master of Science in Animal Biology Biological Sciences
Master of Science in Biotechnology Biotechnology
Master of Science in Statistics and Operations Research Mathematics
Master of Science in Biochemistry Biochemistry
Master of Science in Chemistry Chemistry
Master of Science in Computer Science Computer Sciences
Master of Science in Forensic Science Natural Sciences
Master of Science in Plant Biology Biological Sciences
Master of Science in Geology Earth Sciences & Geology
Master of Science in Physics Physics & Astronomy
Master of Science in Microbiology Biological Sciences
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering Chemistry
Master of Science in Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Master of Science in Computer Engineering Computer Sciences
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering
Master of Science in Industrial and Management System Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering General Engineering
Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences General Engineering
Master of Science in Anatomy Biological Sciences
Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Master of Science in Child Life Religious Studies
Master of Science in Clinical Nuclear Medicine Medicine
Master of Public Health in Epidemiology Public Health
Master of Science in Medical Biochemistry Biochemistry
Master of Science in Medical Microbiology Biological Sciences
Master of Science in Pathology Biological Sciences
Master of Science in Pharmacology Pharmacy
Master of Science in Physiology Biological Sciences
Master of Private Law Civil & Private Law
Master of Public Law Law
Master of Criminal Law Criminal Law & Justice
Master of Arts in Arabic Language and Literature Literature
Master of Arts in Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies Liberal Arts
Master of Arts in History History
Master of Arts in Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Master of Arts in Translation Translation & Interpreting
Master of Arts in Mass Communication Communication Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
15 programmes
Kuwait University delivers 15 programmes at doctoral level for graduates committed to advancing the frontier of their discipline through original inquiry.
Doctor of Philosophy in Comparative Jurisprudence and Sources Shariah & Islamic Law
Doctor of Philosophy in Prophetic Tradition and Science Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics Mathematics
Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry Chemistry
Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in Petroleum Engineering Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Nuclear Medicine Medicine
Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Biochemistry Biochemistry
Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Microbiology Biological Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Sciences Pharmacology Pharmacy
Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Sciences Pathology Biological Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology Biological Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy in Arabic Language and Literature Literature
Doctor of Philosophy in History Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in Translation Translation & Interpreting
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
4 programmes
These 4 programmes group Kuwait University's shorter and preparatory qualifications together: associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and foundation courses that suit focused or transitional study.
Graduate Diploma in Marriage and Family Counseling Counselling & Psychotherapy
Graduate Diploma in Public Administration Public Administration
Graduate Diploma in Islamic Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
Graduate Diploma in Commercial Arbitration Law
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Kuwait University
A practical five-step guide to applying to Kuwait University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Kuwait University offers 159 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Each programme at Kuwait 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.
- 3 Get your documents ready
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.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Apply directly via Kuwait University's online portal at www.kuniv.edu.kw. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +965 2481 1188. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kuwait University
Common questions students ask about Kuwait University — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.
When was Kuwait University founded?
Kuwait University was established in 1966 (approximately 60 years ago).
Where is Kuwait University located?
Kuwait University is located in Kuwait City, Kuwait.
Is Kuwait University a public or private institution?
Kuwait University operates as a public institution.
What is the student enrolment at Kuwait University?
Student enrolment at Kuwait University is around 20,000-24,999.
Where does Kuwait University stand in university rankings?
Kuwait University holds rank #1678 globally and #1 in Kuwait.
What qualification levels does Kuwait University offer?
Kuwait University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How is Kuwait University organised academically?
The institution comprises 10 academic units.
Who recognises Kuwait University?
Kuwait University is accredited by Ministry of Higher Education of Kuwait.
What is Kuwait University's official website?
Kuwait University's official website is www.kuniv.edu.kw.
Members of Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW)
Beyond Kuwait University, these universities also belong to Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW) — useful for students who weight inter-institutional partnerships, exchange programmes, or shared accreditation frameworks. Membership networks often translate into practical student benefits.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Beyond Kuwait 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.
Universities Often Compared with Kuwait University
Mid-career outcome data (5–10 year post-graduation) is harder to source but more revealing than starting-salary data. Where available for peer institutions, it is worth comparing.
