About Bahrain
Economy of Bahrain:
Petroleum provides the largest economy for the country and varied programs are initiated to broaden the economy of the country. Developments are seen in the areas of commerce, construction, fishing, manufacturing and transportation. Bahrain is one of the major banking centers for Persian Gulf and it has large companies in the Middle East. The important industries in Bahrain includes shipping, manufactured goods such as aluminum products, liquid natural gas, ammonia, iron and refined petroleum products. The other major trades that bring that helps in development of the country are modern warehouse and port facilities. One of the important industries is the ship repairing sector and factories that produce aluminum, iron, and liquid natural gas, methanol, and petroleum products. In the coastal regions finish and shrimp are caught and farmers also grow fruits and vegetables and raise cattle and poultry
The country has excellent health care services and is considered as the healthiest countries of the Gulf. The country has more medical professionals, doctors, nurses and dentists per population. There are 4 State sponsored hospitals, 14 private institutions and number of clinics and maternity hospitals.
Land and climate:
The desert forms most of the land of Bahrain. Theentire country is occupied b y Bahrain and the other islands are Al Muharraq, Sitrah and Umm Nasan. The fresh water springs providing water for the northern island of Bahrain. The rainfall is about 3 inches a year during the winter months.
Transportation:
Bahrain has well connected road networks. Ring roads and highways are built to connect Manana to villages of the country. Well connected road slinks the four islands, towns and villages. The international airport in Bahrain is Muharraq east of Manama. It provides excellent connectivity throughout the region. It is the main base for Gulf Air, which has good duty free stopping. It offers ‘trasnsolet' beds and showers for free for passenger who waits for flights. The cost of living in Bahrain is not cheap. The dinner costs around B.D 4.) and rental cars at B.D 10-20/day. The currency of Bahrain is world's strongest currencies. The taxis provide services are good and always prepare to use London style taxis. Public buses ply in many parts of the country and fares are low. The crime rate and violence is low. Thefts occur. Summers are hot, drink plenty of water, use umbrella, stay hydrated. Cold stores sell bottled water throughout the country. Vendors offer chilled water bottles at high cost. Bahrain is an exciting place to visit and to pursue the careers.
Tourism:
Millions of visitors visit Bahrain as tourists. The Bahrain National Museum has artifacts dating back to 9000 years. The museum holds Islamic artifacts of the Quran. The major and popular historical attraction in the kingdom is the Al Khamis Mosque, on of the oldest mosques. The Arad fort in Muharraq, the Barbar temple, the Aali Buriate Mounds and the saar temple are places of interests.
A 400 year old, ‘a tree of life' grows in the Sakhir desert without any water nearby. Which is a popular attraction for tourist? The other major attraction of the country is the bird watching; horse riding and the scuba diving.The Manama Souq and Gold Souq are also popular spots for visitors. Annual festival called “spring of culture' by Bahrain every year which features renowned musician and artists giving performances in concert. Musicians and artists giving performances in concerts.
Education in Bahrain
Bahrain has the highest literacy rates in the Persian Gulf. Education is compulsory for children between 6 and 14th to attend schools across the country. Education is provided free for Bahrain children in public schools which command under Bahrain Ministry of education. The government also provides free test books. During 20th century only one form of education in Bahrain was the Quran schools which were traditional schools. These schools taught children and youth the Quran. The World War I paved way for western influences and the need for modern educational institutions appeared. In 1919 the modern public school Hidaya Al Khalifia School for boys was established in Muharrav. King Hamad schools for future were introduced in 2004 by King Kamad Ibn Isa Khalifa. This project uses information communication technology to support K-12 education. The private schools offers IB Diploma programme/united Kingdom A Levels. Bahrain encourages for higher learning programmes to increase Bahrainis nationals' pool with advanced degrees. The National Action Charter made way for private universities.
1. Pakistan Urdu School
This school was established in 1956 by overseas Pakistanis who lived in Bahrain at that time. The school is managed by a board of trustees. The school prepares the students for secondary and higher secondary examinations in arts and science and communication streams. The school is affiliated to Federal Board of intermediate and secondary education Islamabad, Pakistan and the education for girls and boys is separate. The school focuses on providing excellent academic education and encourages co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. The school aims at imparting knowledge to attain scholarly skills and to be productive to the society. It also emphasis on moral upbringing to make the students responsible members of the society. The schools consist of classrooms, canteen, state of art facility computer lab, library, play area, efficient transportation for students along with audio visual rooms.
2. Indian school
The CBSE affiliated Indian School was established in 1950 in Bahraib. The Indian School is the largest co-ed school in the Persian Gulf and is the oldest in Bahrain. It is also the largest expatriate schools in the Persian Gulf.
1. Bahrain science center was established in 2013 with interactive educational facility for children aged 6-18 years old. The exhibition topics include engineering, human health, the five senses, earth sciences and biodiversity and research.
2. National space science agency was created inn 2014 to work to meet the international space related programs such as outer Space related programmes such as outer space treaty, the Rescue agreement, Space liability and the moon agreement. It plans to create infrastructure for observing the outer space and Earth.
Universities of Bahrain
1. University of Bahrain
This university is the largest public university in Bahrain which is the only national university. The university is a member of international Association of universities and Islamic educational scientific and cultural organization. It was established in 1985. The university offers more than 86 academic programs and ranks first nationally and 62nd amongst Arab University.
2. Ahlia University
This university was established in 2001, the first private university by the Bahrain Government. It is an autonomous institution managed by private sector. The programmes offered by the university are recognized by Bahrain's higher education council and by U.K and U.S.A. The university has growing reputation of providing quality higher education in the kingdom of Bahrain. It is the first private university recognized by the Bahrain Government, Ahlia University focuses on becoming the outstanding regional and international academic institution. It emphasis on promoting the highest level of integrity in achieving excellence in education and research The university aims at providing a wide range of high quality professional services to the society.
3. The Royal University for women
This university was the first private multipurpose building, international university in Bahrain established in 2005 dedicated for only women. It offers programs in arts and fashion design, graphic, interior and architectural designs, post graduation masters degree in drawing and painting and design management.
4. Arab Open University
This university is a non-profit university started by HRH Prince Talal bin. Abdulaziz Al Saud. The university under the partnership agreement with the Open University UK offers a wide range of academic programs. The undergraduate programs include. B.A in business studies, English language, and literature, radio and television, public relation and education. B.Sc courses in graphics, multimedia, design, post graduate courses, masters degree programs in business administration, computing programme, education technology, education leadership.
5. Gulf University
The Gulf University was established in 2002 and is registered with the Ministry of Education. The university appeals to all international students who wish to study in multi diversity cultural environment. The university has a strong vision to provide high quality education with foundation base for intellectual and social development for the students. It helps them to become full contributors and global compassionate members of the society. The institution is private in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It aims at providing values of critical thinking and life long reflective learning. The institution encourages research activities with strong academic learning experiences.
Quick Facts
1.The official name Bahrain is Dawlat al Bahrayn.
2. The capital city of Bahrain is Manama.
3. The currency of Bahrain is Bahraini dinar.
4. The national religion of Bahrain is Islam and Arabic is the official language of the country.
5. The world's largest and the most modern oil refinery is located on the island of Sitrah.
6. Bahrain ranks as a major banking and financial center for the Persian Gulf region.
7. It is the first country to provide benefits for unemployment as a part of Labor reforms.
8, Bahrain is famous for its pearl fisheries.
9. It is the first country to convert to Islam.
10 Manana is known as the Arab Capital of Culture for 2012.
11. Manana is also known as Capital of Arab of Tourism for 2013 by the Srab League. Festival concerts starring Andrea Bocelli, Julio Iglesias and other musicians were featured in2012.
12.The national beverage of Bahrain is Qahwah the Arabic coffee.
Admission Process in Bahrain
Admission to Royal University of women is based on academic merit. For undergraduate studies the student should have completed secondary education and have minimum level of English language proficiency. The student should have the corresponding levels of proficiency, IETS overall band score 5.5/TOEFL with paper based 513, computer based 183, internet based 65, Royal University of Women English placement test overall band score of 5.5.
For graduate entry requirements, students must have a bachelor degree with a GPA of 2.3 the work experience will be considered, student should have English language proficiency. For general entry to masters degree with minimum GPA of 2.3 in one of the following areas of specialization in graphic arts, fine arts and architecture.
Student Visa Application Process
All individuals who wish to study in Bahrain and want to enter should have a visa. All non-Gulf Corporation Council students come under international students.
1. To obtain a student visa (resident permit) student need to apply for the visa and pay the visa fees. Then forward the receipt of transaction along with a copy of passport and the university which is chosen for study.
2. A copy of transaction receipts to be sent to student visa @rcsi-mub.com and fees @ rcsimub.com along with a scanned copy of your passport.
3. Ensure to mention your name and application ID in the email to order for finance department of the university to issue a visa receipt.
4. The student services department processes the student visa and its approval is subject to laws and regulations of immigration in Bahrain.
5. The students receive an email of confirmation from student services if it is approved.
6. No objection Certificate (NOC) is issued if the visa application is approved. NOC confirms that the student can be issued a residue permit.
7. Before the departure from your country take a NOC printout and show it to the immigration department on arrival at Bahrain International Airport.
8. With out original NOC you cannot enter the country. You need to produce the itinerary details of flight arrival date, time flight number, airline and the country of departure.
9. Students who are permitted multiple exit and entry from the Kingdom of Bahrain the passport required the visa label to be placed on it.
Requirements
1. Students need to find and sign for permanent accommodation. Request for a municipality letter which verifies the address with fee charge.
2. Electricity bill can also be produced for proof of address. Produce 2 passport size photos with a white background and submit the municipality letter with 2 photos and original passport to the student services office at the university.
3. Students receive appointment for smart card (smart card is a personal identification card that's used to verify the personal identity. This card is required for opening bank account, for public health care services, obtaining phone sim card and drivers license)
4. Students receive appointment for smart card and they have to attend for an appointment at Isa Town smart card directorate.
5. An official of Isa town office will help in taking fingerprints and signature on smart card.
6. Student services then contact the students when their passport with visa is placed along with smart card Bahrain.
Lifestyle
The culture of Bahrain is part of historical regions of Eastern Arabia. Bahrain is tolerant towards other religion, one finds orthodox churches, Hindu temples and Jewish Synagogue in Bahrain Island. The people are ethnically diverse. Bahrainin women wear traditional dress abaya, along loose fitting black gown with a black cloth on the head called the hijab. The people of Bahrain celebrate Qarque'an a biannual celebration on every 15th night of Islamic month of Shaban and on the 15th night of Ramadan. Children wear traditional attire and distribute nuts and sweets from neighbors. They sing traditional songs and this celebration has been passed on for hundreds of years and deeply rooted in Gulf culture. The new papers published in Bahraiin are in Arabic; Akhbar Al Khaleej, Al Ayam and Al waqt. The country's most popular daily newspaper is Al-wasat in Arabic. Gulf daily news, daily tribune is newspapers that appear in English in small numbers. The radio and television station broadcast program in Arabic and there are channels in English and Hindi in radio. The arts include the Quran reading and ceremonial dances with flat drums and story telling. Poetry verses are famous in Bahrain. Poets explore on new themes. Bahrainis indulge in large scale celebrations of the birth and marriages. They are famous for their artistic skills for pearling and fishing. They are also popular for their intricate traditional jewelry designs. Arabs folk music Khaleeji and Bahraini pearl diving tradition Fidjeri songs are popular.
The cuisine of Bahrain includes the dishes Biryeani, Harees, Khabeesa, Machboos, Qouzi and Zalabia. The Qahwah is the national beverage the brewed coffee of coffea Arabica beans. Tea is drunk for hospitatilty. Laban asalty butter milk, yoghurt drinks and soft drinks are also popular. Most of the foods are imported as Bahrain produces only small amounts of its food needs.
Cost of Living for Students
The cost of living varies in different universities but cheaper compared to western nations. The accommodation is not provided for international students who wish to pursue degree programs in the campus. Bahrain does not have any campus accommodation. The great ay to get student life fit is to easily accommodation the residential buildings around the campus. Students can share two/three bedroom flats near the opted university. The place is a safe destination for international students in Bahrain with crime rate being low. However the students need to be aware of the political unrest in the country. They have to protect themselves for their own safety to avoid becoming crime victims. The following measures are to be taken to be safe: to be careful in the traffic and with strangers, to be always having a planned home route and not to take taxis that do not have license, not to flash out expensive valuables, never to walk alone, to be always in groups and avoid carrying huge amount of money.
Reasons to Study in Bahrain
1. The country offers students diversity to all regardless of caste, creed, color and religion. The students are treated with respect and equally.
2. The international students get adequate opportunities to choose programs in a wide range of international professional courses.
3. Bahrain has some of the best universities in the world. The universities ensure providing rich experiences and high quality education.
4. The country provides programmes designed to meet the international standards. The institutions incorporate a array of international professionals programmes for students.
5. The locations of the country are amazing with beautiful sights which include blue skies, landscapes, beaches, formula and exciting shopping malls. The central Europe and Asia has the most breath taking sunsets.
6. Bahrain is the 4th overall in the best places in the world for expatriate.
Documents for University Admissions in Bahrain
Students need to meet the following requirements for higher education.
1. A minimum of 70% in General secondary school or its equivalent
2. The student has to attend an aptitude test and a personal interview.
3. Students should have language competency for the medium of instruction.
4. The student requires to be medically fit for the academic program. Medical fitness certificate from a recognized hospital.
5. Passport color copy and ID proof.
6. Passport sized 4 photocopies.
7. English proficiency original document.
8. High school certificates (10th , 11th and 12th) attested original copies
9. No objection letter.
9. Attested original bachelor degree copies and two recommended letters.
