Bahrain enforces tuition stability for private university students

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Private university fees in Bahrain will stay the same for enrolled students, with the government vowing to enforce rules that prevent mid-course increases.

The assurance came in a written response to Parliament after concerns were raised over rising costs.

MP Dr Maryam Al Dhaen, speaking in yesterday’s session, said families were struggling with tuition hikes and warned that parents with more than one child at university were under growing financial strain.

“The cost of a private degree starts weighing on parents early and only gets heavier as their children near graduation,” she said. “If a family has more than one child studying, the pressure is immense and can throw their plans off course.”

She had called for the Higher Education Council to oversee tuition fees, arguing that private universities benefit from state backing and should offer Bahraini students a fair deal.

Proposal

The government, in its written reply, said it had reviewed the proposal and stressed the need to balance students’ rights with the running costs of private institutions.

Some universities, it noted, run courses linked to wellknown overseas institutions, which require payments to maintain academic standards.

It also pointed to the costs of securing accreditation, keeping standards high, and drawing in overseas students.

“The government has given private universities more say in running their academic, financial, and administrative affairs while keeping a watchful eye to ensure they follow the rules,” it said.

Regulation

A regulation introduced in 2023 bars universities from raising fees for current students.

Any fee hike applies only to new students and must be cleared by the Higher Education Council at least six months before the academic year begins.

The government said checks were carried out to make sure rules were being followed, with inspectors sent to campuses.

Breaches trigger an inquiry, with penalties laid out in a separate decision covering enforcement measures for private institutions.

Fully committed

“The government remains fully committed to providing a high standard of education that meets students’ needs while ensuring private universities can continue operating,” it said, adding that the proposal was approved within legal and procedural limits.

Dr Al Dhaen insisted that students should not be priced out of higher education.

“Bahraini students deserve access to a fair-priced degree that meets their ambitions, without their families having to carry an endless financial burden,” she said.