Jordan Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in jordan, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Education
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Overview

The United States has a strong reputation for higher education among Jordanian students, and there are opportunities for increased collaboration between the U.S. and Jordanian higher education sectors, through student recruitment, exchange programs, and engagement with academic advising agencies. UNESCO indicates that the United States is the second leading destination country for Jordanian students (after Saudi Arabia).  According to the 2022 Open Doors report on international education, 2,426 students from Jordan studied in the United States during the 2021-2022 academic year, an increase of 3.8 percent from the prior year.   During the 2021-2022 academic year 835 Jordanian students pursued undergraduate study and 1,151 pursued graduate study, while 97 Jordanians were non-degree seeking students and 343 were Optional Practical Training (OPT)  students.

Jordan offers free education to all citizens in public schools, compulsory up to the age of 16, and boasts a high adult literacy rate of 98 percent.  The education system is comprised of two years of preschool education, followed by ten years of compulsory basic education, and two years of secondary education (academic or vocational).  Only the academic stream qualifies students for entrance to universities, whereas the vocational stream qualifies students for entrance to community colleges.  In the public system, while Arabic is the language of instruction, English is a mandatory course for 10 years.   In the private system, English is often the language of instruction and is widely understood among upper and middle classes.

Jordanian students complete one of the following high school programs:

  • Tawjihi (General Secondary Examination) offered in the majority of schools
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) offered in a very limited number of private schools
  • International General Certification of Secondary Education (IGCSE) offered in some private schools
  • Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) offered only in some private schools
  • Advanced placement (AP) is offered in a small number of private schools

Standardized undergraduate admissions testing for U.S. and international academic institutions is available in-country the TOEFL, IELTTS, SAT, and ACT. 

Since the establishment of the University of Jordan in 1962, the country has witnessed a significant increase in newly established universities, making Jordan one of the fastest-growing education sectors in the Middle East. Jordan has ten  public universities, 18 private universities, two universities operating under special law, nine university colleges, one regional university and 39 community colleges. With rapid population growth, the number of enrolled students has tripled in the last twenty years from 110,000 in 2000 to over 330,000 today.   Furthermore, the Jordanian higher education system is witnessing unprecedented demand from international students.

Opportunities

U.S. universities and colleges interested in attracting students from Jordan should develop strategies to build partnerships with Jordanian universities, educational institutions, and student recruitment agencies. The Commercial Service can organize promotional events and facilitate introductions to relevant contacts.  Additionally, U.S. academic institutions should be aware of EducationUSA events organized through the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section that include monthly webinars, pre-departure orientations, outreach to American Corners and programming during International Education Week.

RAWABET (“Connections”) Program/U.S Jordanian University Cooperation Network facilitates university-to-university linkages among Jordanian and American institutions, and is expanding opportunities for collaboration on vocational-technical education, applied research, and career education.

Resources

  • Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
  • AMIDEAST Jordan
  • EducationUSA - based in the U.S. Embassy, Amman
  • UNESCO
  • Jordanian American Commission for Educational Exchange (JACEE) (aka The Binational Fulbright Commission in Jordan)
  • Open Doors

For additional information, please contact U.S Commercial Service - Jordan at office.amman@trade.gov

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