Kuwait Study Visa – Funding, Application and Requirements
As an aspiring student, are you looking to study in one of the wealthiest countries in the world? Do you wish to learn a unique language and culture in a different environment? Would you love to study in the middle east, particularly in Kuwait? If yes, you will need a Kuwait Student Visa to enter this Persian country without any problem.
Although Kuwait is not a popular study-abroad destination, interested international students can study at Kuwaiti universities. However, you will need a visa to become an international student in Kuwait.
The country may not be as fanciful as other countries, but it cannot be dismissed as a poor study abroad option for students willing to embark on a new adventure. On the contrary, the government provides students with an abundance of activities. As a result, Kuwait’s attractions are among the best in the Persian Gulf region.
So, you must obtain a Kuwaiti student’s visa in your home country. You should always check for updated information on visa requirements before you start your application. In this blog post, we have simplified obtaining a Kuwait student visa. Find out everything you need about funding, application, and the requirements for a student visa in Kuwait.
About Kuwait
Did you know that the emirate of Kuwait is the fifth most prosperous country in the world? Due to its strategic location in the Persian Gulf – the top oil reserves in the world. Located in western Asia, Kuwait borders Iraq to the north and Saudi Arabia to the south. The country also shares a water boundary with Iran.
Although the Kuwaiti dinar is the world’s most valued currency unit, the country isn’t yet a popular tourist destination. But this does not mean that Kuwait is a small place to visit. On the contrary, the country is a fantastic destination for a first taste of the Arab world. Those who enjoy shopping will be delighted by the city’s abundance of malls and markets. Moreover, Kuwait City, the country’s capital, and the Grand Mosque are must-see attractions.
In schools, English is taught in almost all Kuwaiti schools, and most people in the tourism industry can communicate effectively. Hospitality is a long-standing culture in the Arab world, and Kuwait is no exception. That is why most hotels are upscale, with excellent customer services and Western-style amenities such as spas. In addition, international and local cuisines are available in hotel restaurants and the capital city.
What is Kuwait Student Visa?
Kuwait Student Visa is a multiple entry visa that allows international students to study in Kuwait. The visa validates for one year and will enable students to leave and return to Kuwait several times through the visa’s validity period.
Both in-country and international student visas are renewable after one year. If you are enrolled in a semester or year program, you must obtain a student visa before arrival. However, contact the Kuwaiti embassy if you cannot get the visa before you arrive.
Who is eligible for a Kuwait Study Visa?
All foreign nationals who are not citizens of Kuwait must obtain a visa to study in Kuwait. There are several ways to obtain a study visa – the online visa application (eVisa) and the consular visa application. Usually, you can get an electronic visa to visit Kuwait, but this permit lasts only three months. Since you will stay longer to complete your study, you must obtain a Kuwait student visa. To get yours, visit a Kuwaiti embassy in your home county.
Kuwait Study Visa Requirements
To apply for a Kuwait study visa, you must contact the nearest Kuwaiti embassy in your home country. They will inform you of the relevant document you will need. In general, you will most likely need to submit the following papers with your application:
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
- A Completed visa application form from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kuwait.
- Acceptance/Confirmation letter from your prospective institution in Kuwait.
- One passport-sized photograph
- Health certificate from a local physician confirming you’re in sound health with no contagious disease.
- Result of chest X-ray for Tuberculosis.
- Hepatitis B and C, syphilis, malaria, and Filariasis test results.
- HIV/AIDS test result
- Certification of No Criminal Record
- Proof of sufficient money to cover your living expenses throughout your stay in Kuwait.
- Proof of accommodation
- Students must be willing to return to their country after completing their studies.
How to Apply for Kuwait Study Visa
Kuwait provides overseas students with a range of study visas. The program determines the type of study visa you will require you are enrolled. The information below will help you apply for a Kuwait student visa.
You will need the following documents to apply for a Kuwait student visa:
#1. Apply to a Kuwaiti University
The first step to becoming an international student in Kuwait starts with your university application. This is because choosing a Kuwaiti university can, to a reasonable extent, determine the quality of your stay in the country. Some top schools in Kuwait you can choose from are:
- Kuwait University
- American University of the Middle East
- Gulf University for Science and Technology
- American International University
These universities typically require you to check your course eligibility, create an online account in the admission portal, and send supporting documents. Some options for connecting with an admission advisor to help navigate the process include visa application.
See also Kuwait Transit Visa
#2. Complete the Admission Process
The admissions process determines whether or not an international student will be accepted. First, you will be assessed based on your previous academic performance, as depicted in your submitted documents. Then, if you’re qualified, you will be offered admission.
After receiving an acceptance letter from your Kuwaiti school, complete your admission by submitting other needed documents or payments. It is the acceptance letter you will use to apply for a student visa to Kuwait.
In addition, some universities in Kuwait help with visa applications, especially the proof of residency requirement. Find out from your school if this is available.
#3. Collaborate with your Kuwaiti University Regarding Visa Application
At this point, focus on obtaining a visa to enter Kuwait and begin your studies. Even if you have a university acceptance letter, you must still apply for a student visa. Try to confirm with your host university how to apply for the visa. For example, you can ask the school if you need to pay for full tuition or pay a deposit before submitting your visa application.
Additionally, if you submit incomplete documents, it may also result in your visa application being rejected. So, submit the complete document as listed in the requirements.
#4. Visit the Kuwaiti Embassy in Your Country
To apply for a Kuwait study visa, you must visit the nearest Kuwaiti embassy in your home country. At the same time, your host school can also provide information about your visa application. In addition, the embassy will offer first-hand information about all the relevant documents you’ll need to obtain a study visa, such as the application fees, submission by appointment, processing time, etc.
This will help you to confirm with the embassy if you need to submit the documents in person, or you can do so by mail.
Read also Kuwait Family Visa.
#5. Submit your Documents to the Embassy
After you have confirmed everything with the embassy:
- Make a checklist of everything you need to submit for your Kuwait student visa application.
- Visit the Kuwaiti embassy when you are appointed to submit your documents.
- Make sure you arrive early enough before the set time.
- Pay the required visa fee, and prepare to move to Kuwait when you are done.
Kuwait Visa Exempt Countries
According to Kuwait’s current visa policy, citizens of five GCC countries do not require a visa to enter Kuwait. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These five countries are known as Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Citizens of these countries have unlimited stay in Kuwait upon presentation of a valid GCC ID card at Kuwait port of entry. However, Kuwait does not entirely grant visa-free entry to citizens from the GCC countries. For longer stays, citizens of GCC countries will need to apply for an eVisa to enter and remain in Kuwait.
What is the Duration of a Kuwait Study Visa?
A Kuwait study visa allows students to stay in the country for up to one year. From the time it is issued, it is valid for 365 days. You can use the visa to enter and leave Kuwait multiple times during those days.
Both in-country and international student visas are renewable after one year. However, if you are enrolled in a semester or year program, you must obtain a student visa before arrival.
Can You Apply for a Kuwait Visa Extension?
Before your visa expires, you can apply to the Kuwait Immigration Department to extend your stay. The Kuwait visa will be extended for one month.
Also Read: Kuwait Business Visa – Requirements, Validity, and Fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was my Kuwait Study Visa Application Rejected?
There are many reasons why your Kuwait study visa application may be rejected. The most common reasons are incomplete information, lack of proof of accommodation, insufficient funds, or inability to provide proof of admission to a Kuwaiti school. Remember to cross-check your eligibility before applying for a study visa in Kuwait because once you’ve paid the visa fees, you will not get a refund.
How can I get a Kuwait study visa?
To get a Kuwait study visa, you must submit the following documents:
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
- A Completed visa application form from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kuwait.
- Acceptance/Confirmation letter from your prospective institution in Kuwait.
- One passport-sized photograph
- Health certificate from a local physician confirming you’re in sound health with no contagious disease.
- Result of chest X-ray for Tuberculosis.
- Hepatitis B and C, syphilis, malaria, and Filariasis test results.
- HIV/AIDS test result
- Certification of No Criminal Record
- Proof of sufficient money to cover your living expenses throughout your stay in Kuwait.
- Proof of accommodation
- You must be willing to return to your country after completing your studies.
How much do I need to study in Kuwait?
To a great extent, a student’s lifestyle determines the amount of money he will need to study in Kuwait. Therefore, you can expect to spend between KWD 200 – 600 per month as a student. That is, around USD 600 to 1700, depending on your institution.
Conclusion
Kuwait is an excellent place to get a quality education if you like it more in the middle east. Although the country is not among the top study abroad destinations, Kuwait offers a lot.
Kuwait should be on your top list if you wish to learn a unique language and culture in a different environment while also pursuing your career. Moreover, as long as you have secured admission to a Kuwaiti school, it is relatively easy to get a Kuwait study visa. So, put in your best when applying for a Kuwaiti school, as this is your first step to obtaining your study visa.
Check out Kuwait visit visa.