Bahrain (BH)

A compact, English-friendly Gulf island state with no personal income tax, strong banking and professional services, liberal social norms by regional standards, and a practical base for Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway.

Capital: Manama

Region: Middle East

Language: Arabic

Currency: BHD (BD)

Cost of living: Moderate (index 58)

Emergency: 999

Education & Schools

Schools, universities, and language courses in Bahrain.

👶 Childcare & Kindergarten

Nursery BD 120-350 depending on location and hours

Age: 3 months-4 years

Apply directly with passport, CPR if available, vaccination record, birth certificate, and emergency contacts.

⏱️ Popular nurseries in Saar, Janabiya, Amwaj, Riffa, and Juffair fill quickly for September starts.

Pre-school / KG BD 150-450/month or term billing

Age: 3-5 years

Apply directly to nursery or school; assessment may be required for international schools.

⏱️ Apply 6-12 months early for British, American, Indian, and IB schools.

Nanny / domestic worker BD 120-250+ salary plus visa, LMRA, insurance, flights, and accommodation obligations

Age: All ages

Hire through a licensed agency or sponsor directly through LMRA domestic worker processes.

⏱️ Check references carefully and budget all sponsorship costs, not just salary.

🏫 Schools

Primary school Free

Government primary / private international primary

Ages: 6-11 · Language: Arabic in government schools; English, Arabic, French, Hindi/Indian curricula, or bilingual models in private schools

Expat families usually use private schools. Apply with passport, CPR/residence status, birth certificate, prior school records, vaccination record, photos, and entrance assessment.

Government schooling primarily serves Bahraini citizens and Arabic-speaking families; private school fees vary widely.

Secondary school Free

Preparatory / secondary school

Ages: 12-18 · Language: Arabic in government schools; English and international curricula in private schools

Apply directly to schools; older students may need transcripts, attested transfer certificates, subject placement, and exam-board compatibility checks.

Common curricula include British GCSE/A-level, American diploma/AP, IB, Indian CBSE, and Philippine curriculum.

International Schools

Major expat schools include St Christopher's, British School of Bahrain, Bahrain School, Ibn Khuldoon National School, Nadeen, Riffa Views International School, Multinational School Bahrain, New Millennium, Asian School, Indian School Bahrain, and Philippine School Bahrain. Fees (2025/26): St Christopher's BD 3,000–5,500/year; British School of Bahrain (BSB) BD 3,003–7,923/year; Indian curriculum schools considerably lower. Budget separately for transport, uniform, and activities.

University

Tuition fee

University of Bahrain is cheaper for citizens; private universities and branch campuses commonly cost BD 2,000-8,000+ per year depending on programme.

Semester fee

Varies by institution; budget registration, lab, technology, and exam fees.

Student visa

International students need valid residence status sponsored by family, university, or other lawful route.

Health insurance

Private medical cover is usually required or strongly recommended for expat students.

Application process

Apply directly with secondary transcripts, English tests where needed, passport/CPR, equivalency or attestation, and programme-specific requirements.

🗣️ Language Courses

Arabic for non-native speakers

Provider: Private language centres and tutors · Duration: Flexible · Levels: Beginner to conversational Gulf Arabic/MSA

BD 8-20/hour for tutoring; courses vary

Useful for government offices, Arabic documents, and social integration.

English language support

Provider: British Council, private centres, universities · Duration: 4-12 weeks · Levels: A1-C2 / IELTS prep

BD 80-250/course

Useful for spouses, students, and career changes.

Corporate Arabic / cultural training

Provider: Private training companies · Duration: Short courses · Levels: Workplace phrases and Gulf business culture

Employer-funded or BD 150-600

High value for client-facing and government-facing roles.

Premium Section

Education & Schools

Unlock the complete Education & Schools guide for Bahrain — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.

Become a Supporter

Support the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere