Education in Bahrain for Austria citizenship

To receive education in Bahrain, you need a student’s visa. A student’s visa need to be obtained in the  country of origin. 

To begin your online application process, you need to provide the following:

• Send a copy of your passport that states your name, citizenship and date of birth to the consulate. 
• In an email, state your current country of residence and add copies of any residence permits available. Pay the visa fee of 650 American dollars (non-refundable).
• If you have already made this payment, provide a bill. 

Visa payment details

• Provide a letter of enrollment confirming that the applicant has been granted a full-time place in a recognized educational institution.
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves in the country.
• It is necessary to prove that the cost of the course has been paid in full.
• It is necessary to take out private health insurance and provide documentary evidence of this.
• There must be a clear intention of the candidate to return to his country after the study period.

Student visa processing can take up to two months or more, depending on the applicant's nationality and other factors. You must submit the above documents as soon as possible once you have confirmed your offer.

1. If you were denied a visa?

If a student visa is not issued in time for the start of the academic year, applicants may apply to enter Bahrain on a visa until approval is granted. A visitor visa and its extension (if necessary) incurs an additional fee for the individual applicant – in addition to the student visa fee – and depends on the applicant's nationality.

1. How will I know if my visa has been issued?

The Student Services team will notify you as soon as visa approval has been granted. Approval is given in the form of a "No Objection Certificate (NOC)" issued by the Bahraini immigration authority. The Student Services team will send you an electronic copy of your NOC and ask for your travel information to continue the process.

1. Why do I need to communicate my travel dates with Student Services?

You will not be able to enter Bahrain without sending the original documents to the immigration office at the airport. If you arrive without notifying Student Services at least a week in advance, you may be detained at the airport and immediate help may not be provided.

1. What do I need to do after arriving in Bahrain?

Upon arrival, you should email the Student Services office to make an appointment to complete your visa application. 

Despite the approval of your visa, NOC is a temporary document that allows you to enter the country and go through immigration service only once. In order to obtain a full student’s visa, you need to do the following:

• Confirm your permanent address in Bahrain:

The Student’s Office will help you find appropriate housing, providing you with a list of options for accommodation. After finding an appropriate place and signing a rental agreement you will need to obtain an “address certificate” from the municipality. The Student Services team will provide you with further information and instructions on how to collect this letter when you visit their office.

• Apply for a smartcard (Bahrain National ID)

In essence, a smartcard is an identification card that is used to verify the owner's identity. Personal details such as name, date of birth and nationality are printed on the card, while additional information is stored on a chip on the card, like address, place of education, etc. This card is issued to every citizen and resident of Bahrain.

The smartcard allows to:

• Open a bank account
• Register your electricity bill
• Register a mobile account.
• Visit medical facilities

The cost of the smartcard is included in the cost of the visa. The Student Services team will arrange an appointment for you at the government office to collect your smartcard, however this cannot be arranged until you have residency in Bahrain.

https://www.rcsi.com/bahrain