The State of Kuwait, through its Ministry of Higher Education and Kuwait University, offers scholarships to international (non-Kuwaiti) students every year. Most places are for bachelor's degrees, with some master's and PhD places at Kuwait University.
What the scholarship covers
- Full tuition
- A monthly allowance (the amount varies by institution)
- Free or subsidised on-campus housing, with separate housing for men and women
- Health insurance
- One return flight each year
- Visa and residency fees
Host institutions
- Kuwait University
- Abdullah Al-Salem University
- The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET)
- The Higher Institute of Musical Arts
- The Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts
Who can apply
- Non-Kuwaiti students
- Bachelor's applicants: usually aged 25 or under, with a secondary school certificate issued in the last two years
- Strong grades: usually 80% or above for science subjects and 85% or above for arts subjects
- Language: most programmes are taught in Arabic. Some programmes, such as medicine, engineering and sciences, use English and ask for IELTS (6.0+), TOEFL or a university English test.
- Medically fit, and not a previous Kuwait government scholarship holder
Two ways to apply
- Direct online application through Kuwait University or the Ministry of Higher Education portal, for applicants who meet the academic requirements.
- Embassy nomination through the Kuwaiti embassy or consulate in your home country. This route is mainly for countries with cultural agreements with Kuwait, and places vary each year.
Documents you usually need
- Application form
- Secondary school certificate and transcripts (or your bachelor's degree for postgraduate study)
- Passport copy
- Medical fitness certificate
- English or Arabic language certificate, if required
When to apply
The direct online window usually opens in March and closes in May, for studies starting in September. Embassy nomination dates differ by country, so contact the Kuwaiti embassy in your country early.
Tips
- Start learning Arabic now if you want the widest choice of programmes.
- Contact the Kuwaiti embassy in your country to ask about this year's nomination places.
- Keep your documents ready, including certified copies and a medical certificate.
- Applying is free. Never pay anyone who promises a Kuwait scholarship.