Kuwait Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in kuwait, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Education and Training
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Capital:  Kuwait City

Population:  3.0 million (July 2021 est.)

GDP (Purchasing Power Parity): $209.7 billion (2019 est., in 2017 dollars)

Currency: Kuwaiti dinars (KD)

Language: Arabic (official), English widely spoken

 

UNESCO Student Mobility Number


Kuwait has 24,437 students studying abroad according to UNESCO.

CIA World Factbook


39.25% of the population in Kuwait is under 25 years of age.

OVERVIEW 

Kuwait spends heavily to improve its educational system, rebuild old schools and create new facilities. The budget allocated for the fiscal year 2022/2023 is $7.36 billion.

Scholarships and Study Abroad

Kuwaiti students who have a high school diploma or equivalent are eligible to apply for the Ministry of Higher Education Scholarship Program so undergraduate studies can study abroad in specific majors and at approved universities. There is no limit on the number of scholarships available. In July 2022, the Kuwaiti government provided 3,454 external scholarships including 1,234 specifically for the United States. The overall number of university scholarship recipients abroad decreased in Academic Year 22-23. However, the percentage of recipients of scholarships to the U.S. increased from 31% to 36%, 

Schools and Universities in Kuwait

In total, there are approximately 1,300 public and private elementary and secondary schools in Kuwait. The Ministry of Education (MOE) has begun to revamp its entire curriculum, starting at the primary school level. The project is to be phased in over a period of five years and will cover all subjects, from social sciences to mathematics and science. Industry experts expect the demand for training programs in a variety of fields will increase due to Kuwait’s multi-billion-dollar national development plan. Of the 30 international schools, eight are American and the rest follow Canadian, British, French, or Indian curricula, with English-language programs. 

There are 15 universities in Kuwait. Kuwait University, the only public university, graduates approximately 4,000 students each year in a variety of programs. On May 4, 2004, the government issued a decree establishing a new Kuwait University City in the Shedadiya area, with a campus including various colleges, scientific centers, and other facilities, allowing an increase in the university’s student body. The University has partially (some faculties) opened the doors to students in September 2019.  Another public university “Sabah Al Salem University City” is expected to open in September 2023. The facility is under construction and should integrate facilities and six colleges within one campus.

Training 

There is high demand for vocational and non-degree training in Kuwait. The government is keen to educate the next generation of Kuwaitis to lead diversification and development of Kuwait.  The government of Kuwait provides vocational training through the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET).  PAAET provides trainings in a number of fields: Telecommunication & Air Navigation, Electricity & Water Training, Industrial Training, Establishment Training, Nursing, Vocational Training, and Administrative Office Training. PAAET also manages the licensing process for private training companies. PAAET is looking for new training programs and technology to better educate students.

Sub-Sectors 

Best Prospect Services 

  • ESL and TOEFL 
    • Certified Programs: executive training, management training, IT training, security training, and ongoing professional development 

· Undergraduate degrees in pharmacy, engineering, dentistry and cybersecurity and graduate business degrees 

· Exam review courses for U.S. medical board exams  

· Learning software and course management software

Opportunities 

The Government of Kuwait has prioritized studies in dentistry, nursing, and pharmacy, due to the high demand for healthcare workers, as well as science, technology and engineering and math (STEM) programs including cybersecurity and meteorology. U.S. universities seeking to recruit Kuwaiti students should approach the Cultural Office of the Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Washington, D.C. and request inclusion on its list of pre-approved universities. Universities must meet the specific criteria to be on this list. To confirm if your university is already on the list, visit the SIS Kuwait Culture D.C. website.  

An effective way to promote your university to Kuwaiti high schools is via the U.S. Commercial Service Gold Key Service. We can arrange 1-2 days of appointments with high school counselors and principals. Universities that have utilized this service have found it to be very effective in establishing business relationships with local international and bilingual schools. 

Resources 

For additional information, please contact Commercial Specialist Rasha Al-Muhtaseb on rasha.al-muhtaseb@trade.gov