Financing for equity in higher education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to institutions
3. Education resources to students
4. Support for students' living costs
Introduction
Key financing indicators (UIS Data)
The gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education for both sexes (UIS) was 51.9% in 2021. Initial government funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita (UIS) was last reported for 2004 and stood at 110.19%. Data on the initial household funding per tertiary student (UIS) is not available.
Tuition-free status
Article 40 of the Constitution (1962) states that education is free and compulsory at the primary stages for Kuwaiti citizens, however, no such guarantee is made for higher education. In practice, undergraduate studies at public university has been provided tuition-free for nationals since Kuwait University was established as the country’s first public university. However, there is a fee structure in place for graduate studies at Kuwait University. The explanatory note for Article 40 explains that the provision of free education has been expanded to all levels but that this is a matter of policy and is not enshrined in the law. Accessing free, public university is also contingent on students achieving the secondary school marks necessary to qualify for admission.
Governance
The overarching governing bodies responsible for overseeing the financing of higher education in Kuwait are the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), which was established by Decree 168 of 1988. The MoHE is primary responsible for financing scholarships. The MoHE submits its budget to the MoF, according to Decree 31 of 1978, and the state budget must ultimately be approved by the National Assembly in line with Article 140 of the Constitution (1962).
Funding for universities is regulated by Law No. 76 of 2019. It stipulates that public universities have “attached budgets,” meaning that the MoF designates funds for universities and these are added/attached to the budget of the MoHE. The Council of Public Universities, which is chaired by the Minister of Higher Education, is responsible for overseeing and approving the university budgets. Financing for post-secondary technical and vocational education flows through the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET). Similarly to public universities, the PAAET has an attached budget that is overseen by the MoHE.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Funds for higher education are managed centrally rather than through subnational funding mechanisms.
2. Education resources to institutions
Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions
No funding for private universities was identified.
Allocation and equity
There are two public universities in the country; 1) Kuwait University; and 2) Abdullah Al Salem University. According to Law No. 76 of 2019, these two universities have attached budgets, which means they are responsible for allocating and administering their funds. However, the public university budgets are still closely overseen by the Council of Public Universities.
No government allocations targeting equity were identified.
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
Access to higher education is restricted for the Bidoon, a stateless minority community in Kuwait. The community was historically excluded from admission to Kuwait University. Since 2013, they have been allowed to apply to public universities, but their admission is capped at a 100-person quota. Bidoon students must also score a 90% average in high school and receive security clearance in order to qualify.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
The government provides scholarship several types of scholarships for Kuwaiti citizens largely based on merit and labour market needs. While undergraduate studies at public universities are already provided free of charge for citizens, Kuwait University also provides some scholarships for master's and doctoral studies.
For those studying at private universities in Kuwait, the Private Universities Council, chaired by the Minister of Higher education, negotiates with MoF to allocate a scholarship budget. These scholarships cover full tuition fees according to Decision No. 206 of 2025. The decision also states that students with disabilities are permitted to apply and have a 10% lower grade point average cutoff to qualify. Additional scholarships for students with disabilities are provided through the Public Authority for Special Needs Affairs.
The MoHE together with the Cultural Offices of Kuwaiti embassies sponsor citizens to study at foreign universities for undergraduate and graduate degrees. According to MoHE Ministerial Decision No.58 of 2013, these scholarships are restricted to certain fields according to the needs of the labour market and national development. Students must meet grade criteria and pass a language test to qualify. Children of diplomats stationed abroad also qualify without the same restrictions to field of study. The scholarships cover full tuition costs and university fees as long as students maintain a C average. The programme also provides incentives for excellence, granting an extra financial stipend for outstanding students and those who graduate early. The Distinguished Scholarships Programme also allocates a 25-50% larger stipend to students enrolled at prestigious institutions.
In addition to these scholarships for recent secondary school graduates, government agencies grant scholarships to civil service employees to study at universities in and outside the country for continued professional development.
Lastly, scholarships are available for foreign students to study at Kuwaiti Universities. The MoHE finances many and also manages scholarships funded by other government departments. Other scholarships are financed through available funds within the budget of Kuwait University. These most often cover full tuition costs.
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
Foreign students with scholarships to study at Kuwait University are provided transportation. These students, as well as Kuwaiti students studying abroad are also provided a round-trip ticket between their country of residence and place of study each academic year.
Accommodation
Scholarship students at Kuwait University may be provided with university accommodations and free food. They also receive a monthly stipend of KD 100 and more for graduate students. An additional KD 150 is provided to support spouses.
Kuwaitis on scholarships abroad are similarly entitled to a monthly stipend and clothing allowance. Further stipends are provided for supporting a spouse and up to three children, with additional funds allocated for children with disabilities. The education costs of dependents while abroad are also covered by the government.
Textbooks
All scholarships include textbook allowances. For example, Kuwaitis studying at private universities receive an allowance of KD 100 for books. Kuwaitis abroad also receive a computer.
