Education and Schools in Kuwait

Thanks to significant government investment, the education and schools in Kuwait have improved a lot in recent years. As a legal Kuwaiti resident, you can get free public education at all levels, including tertiary school. Still, most expats prefer not to use public schools because of language and cultural differences.

Instead, many expats choose to send their children to private international schools that offer the curriculum from their home country.

Public schools in Kuwait

In Kuwait, the Ministry of Education oversees both public and private schools. Public schools are free for all Kuwaiti citizens, but many families decide on private schools instead.

Education in Kuwait is compulsory for all children aged six through 14. Basic education is divided into three levels:

• Primary school continues for five years (ages 6 to 11)
• Intermediate school is for four years (ages 11 to 14)
• Secondary school lasts for three years (ages 15 to 18)

Arabic is the language of instruction at public schools in Kuwait, although English is taught as a second language. Within the public education system, single-sex schools are the norm.

Useful links

• Kuwait Ministry of Education

Private and international schools in Kuwait

Kuwait has many private schools. Some follow the Kuwaiti system and teach in Arabic, while others offer international programmes.

International schools are popular with expats in Kuwait. Most of these schools are co-educational and follow different curricula, such as those in the US, UK, Canada or India, or the International Baccalaureate (IB).

No matter where your child goes to school in Kuwait, they will need to take Arabic classes. Schools must also offer Islamic studies, but only Muslim students are required to take this subject.

As an expat parent in Kuwait, be prepared to spend a significant part of your budget on private education. Besides high tuition fees, you’ll also need to pay for uniforms, textbooks, extracurricular activities, bus services, and a non-refundable admissions fee.

International schools are in high demand, so it’s a good idea to start researching schools early. Waiting lists are common, and spots fill up fast.

For younger children, you’ll find plenty of preschools, kindergartens, and daycare centres in Kuwait. Some are part of larger international schools, while others are independent. Many follow popular educational approaches like the Montessori method or the English National Curriculum.

See International Schools in Kuwait for more on the top private schools in the country.

Special-needs education in Kuwait

There aren’t many schooling options for children with disabilities or special education needs in Kuwait, especially if you’re looking for an integrated classroom experience. That said, some schools focus on special-needs education, most of which are located in Kuwait City. One of the top schools with a special-needs department is Kuwait National English School.

It’s a good idea to look into international schools in Kuwait to see what services they offer. Some may only be wheelchair accessible without specialised programmes or support teachers. Others provide more help for students with mild special needs, learning disabilities, physical or visual disabilities, and speech or hearing challenges. Many private international schools also have counselling and wellness programmes.

Useful links

• Kuwait Government Online – List of Public Special-needs Schools

Tutors in Kuwait

Whether your child goes to a regular school or is homeschooled, tutors can be a great help. They are instrumental if your child is having trouble with a subject, requires extra support, or wants guidance before exams. You can find tutors through online platforms like TeacherOn or at private tutoring centres.

Useful links

• TeacherOn
• MyPrivateTutor Kuwait