Market intelligence for international student recruitment from ICEF

Insider tips on student recruitment in Bahrain

Recently, we sat down with Sara Abdulla from Al Mawred Education Services based in Bahrain to pick up a few tips on how to appeal to Bahraini students. Our video interview below begins with a market background on Bahrain's education system, which is "the cornerstone of national development and the bridge to a bright future," according to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The country places a high value on education and has been recognised for its impressive literacy rate of 97.3%. Bahrain has benefited from a fast growing economy, but seeks to reduce its dependency on oil and create a globally competitive economy driven by the private sector and an even stronger education system. The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) has outlined an Economic Vision 2030 to serve as a guide to achieve this. "Over the next 10 years, the size of Bahrain's workforce will double. Currently, approximately 4,000 Bahrainis a year are entering the job market with at least a college degree. If present economic trends continue, the quality and number of jobs available will not satisfy the demand."

Their vision is to boost the middle class with an "ultimate aim to ensure that every Bahraini household has at least twice as much disposable income - in real terms - by 2030."

More disposable income means a greater ability to afford an education overseas, making Bahrain a country with long-term appeal. And with an increasing population base, the K-12 sector is receiving particular attention: "E-learning is being used on a large scale in [our] schools," said Minister of Education Dr Majid bin Ali Al-Naimi. Furthermore, the vocational and technical education sector has been identified as key to boosting skills and employability, and Bahrain agency Tamkeen has partnered with TVET UK to share best practices. The total number of students in government education in 2012/13 was 128,741 vs. 84,552 in non-government education. Most private schools in the country teach in English, but language skills are strong regardless of the type of school one attends. "Bahrain has the highest level of English language speakers in the region, which makes it very easy for the students to go abroad," explains Ms Abdulla, who also reveals the study preferences of Bahrainis, giving a glimpse into what educators might expect from these students. In Part 2 of our interview, we dig deeper into the nuances, exploring the differences between school and location choices in larger destinations such as the UK vs. the US and particularly on how Bahrainis adjust when abroad. We also look at the appeal of Arabic-speaking destinations such as Turkey and Malaysia, and Ms Abdulla stresses, "the [choice of] destination is dependent on how active this country or this institution is in marketing itself in Bahrain." Finally, Ms Abdulla discusses how to market to Bahraini students and parents  - which marketing messages will resonate with each audience - as well as the strong influence advertising and social media have along with in-person visits to Bahrain.

Most Recent

  • US Office of Management and Budget grants budget reprieve to key exchange programmes Read More
  • Canada: How is study permit processing taking shape this year? Read More
  • UK study visa grants strengthening in first half of 2025 Read More

Most Popular

  • Which countries will contribute the most to global student mobility in 2030? Read More
  • Research shows link between study abroad and poverty alleviation  Read More
  • Beyond the Big Four: How demand for study abroad is shifting to destinations in Asia and Europe Read More

Because you found this article interesting

US Office of Management and Budget grants budget reprieve to key exchange programmes In a highly unusual intervention in an area of Congressional authority, the US Office of Management and Budget...
Read more
Canada: How is study permit processing taking shape this year? There are two important and recurring themes in our conversations with education agents over the last few months...
Read more
UK study visa grants strengthening in first half of 2025 A 21 August 2025 data release from the UK Home Office shows that student visa grants were up...
Read more
Asian destinations show their strength in latest ranking of student cities The QS Best Student Cities 2026 rankings were released last month, and, for the first time ever, Seoul...
Read more
Students are switching to AI for search. Are you ready? The early research is in and recent studies are pointing to a broad trend in that AI tools...
Read more
Many foreign students want to stay in Germany but need more help with the transition to life after study Early findings from an extensive survey of international students in Germany finds that two-thirds would like to stay...
Read more
How post-study work rights can make or break the return on investment for study abroad The following is a guest post contributed by Tim O’Brien and Claire Clifford from INTO University Partnerships, where...
Read more
Australia prioritises amendments to ESOS Act in legislative agenda The Australian government has signalled that amendments to the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 are back...
Read more
What are you looking for?
Quick Links