Financing for equity in primary and secondary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to schools
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
In Kuwait, the financing of education is highly centralised and managed primarily by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Ministry of Education (MoE). The MoE prepares its proposed education budget based on internal assessments of enrollment, staffing, and infrastructure needs, which is then reviewed, adjusted, and approved by the MoF in accordance with national budget regulations. The approved budget is allocated by the MoF to the MoE, which is responsible for implementing and overseeing public basic education (pre-primary, primary, lower secondary, and secondary). Local or municipal authorities do not have budgetary control.
Public education is free of charge for all Kuwaiti citizens and is fully financed by the government, covering teacher salaries, operational and capital expenditures, curriculum development, and special education services. Funds flow directly from the MoF to the MoE, and then to schools and educational districts for execution. The State Audit Bureau and Government Performance Monitoring Agency monitor budget implementation.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Kuwait’s education system operates under a centralised structure. The Ministry of Education (MoE) is responsible for the allocation of educational resources, policymaking, and overall administration. The MoE applies a standardized input-based approach across all educational districts, whereby resources are allocated centrally according to enrollment, staffing norms, and school type. Local governments do not exercise fiscal authority over education, and educational districts function as administrative extensions of the MoE without independent budgets. Considerations related to equity—such as student population size or geographic factors—are addressed through internal planning by the Ministry, rather than through formalised financial transfer mechanisms or allocation formulas.
2. Education resources to schools
The Ministry of Education (MoE) centrally allocates resources from the state budget to schools based on factors such as student enrolment, staffing requirements, and infrastructure needs. Schools do not receive lump-sum budgets; instead, each school is given funds dedicated to different departments or maintenance work. Teacher salaries, textbooks, supplies, furnishings, and major renovations are also designated from the central budget. The allocation of funding is not determined by a formalised formula, and schools do not have financial autonomy, as all budgetary decisions are made and managed at the central level.
Special Needs Education Programme
The Special Needs Education Programme is Kuwait’s primary government initiative supporting students with disabilities. Established in 1955 with the Al-Noor Institute for the Blind, it has evolved into a nationwide network of specialized schools serving students with visual, hearing, intellectual, and physical disabilities. The programme offers two main educational approaches: integration into the general curriculum for students with visual or physical impairments, and specialised curricula for those with intellectual or hearing disabilities. Over the years, it has introduced a range of services, including remote learning adaptations, audiobooks, an educational TV channel, standardised sign language dictionaries, vocational training pathways, autism-specific tracks, and rehabilitation services.
The structure and continued expansion of the programme suggest a targeted approach to resource allocation, tailored to distinct needs and higher costs associated with special education. Financial resources are allocated to students with special needs based on their specific requirements. Investments include purpose-built school infrastructure, accessible educational materials (e.g., Braille books, sign language resources), distance learning technology, specialised teacher training, and transportation.
Bidoon Private Education
The government also subsidizes private school tuition for some children of the Bidoon minority. Fees are paid by the public Charity Fund for Education through the MoE Undersecretary Assistant for Private Education.
3. Education resources to students and families
No information was found on direct financial transfers to students and families. However, as part of the provision of free education, the state provides free printed textbooks and core learning materials to all students across education types and levels. Textbooks are also available online through the student library portal where they are downloadable for free.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
No information was found.
5. School meal programmes
In 2019, the government initiated the Project for the Development of School Canteens to improve the provision of food which is available for purchase in schools. Pre-school, primary, secondary, and vocational schools are included in the programme. The selection offered varies by location and ranges from pre-packaged foods, to ready-made meals, and hot meals prepared by on-site kitchens. The programme is led by the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition in close coordination with the MoE and Ministry of Health. While provision is outsourced to private companies, the state regulates the prices at which school meals are sold. In 2025, the regulatory framework was updated to improve nutrition standards, banning foods high in fat, sugar, and sodium. Food inspectors and nutrition specialists are responsible for monitoring nutritional and health standards.
This profile was reviewed by Fawzia Mubarak AlFaqaan (فوزيه مبارك الفقعان), Planning and Implementation Supervisor for the Kuwait Ministry of Education’s Administrative, Financial and Technical Affairs Sector; and Khaled Alsabah, Associate Professor at Kuwait University.
