Education system
The education system in Bahrain is considered the best in the Arabian Gulf. The government provides free education to all children. The official language the curriculum is taught in is Arabic but English is commonly used. Education is compulsory for children aged between 6 and 15. The structure of the education system consists of primary, intermediate, secondary (general, commercial or technical) and higher education.
Children attend primary school from the ages of 6 through 12 and then go on to attend intermediate school from the ages of 12 through 15. Upon completion of intermediate education students are awarded the Intermediate Education Certificate.
Secondary education then prepares students for entry into higher education or direct entry into the labour market. The Intermediate Education Certificate (or equivalent) is required for entry into secondary school. Secondary education lasts for 3 years and is divided into 3 separate programs; general, commercial and technical. The credit-hours system allows students to study the subjects and courses that will best prepare them in pursuing their chosen vocation. Upon completion of secondary education students are awarded the Tawjahiya certificate in whichever program they studied.
The higher education sector in Bahrain consists of 19 universities and colleges mostly situated in Manama and the central business district. The leading universities are the University of Bahrain, Gulf University and Ahlia University.
There are also 67 adult education centres in Bahrain providing education for adults as part of the government’s scheme to reduce the country’s illiteracy rate.
