As an international student (non-resident of Bahrain) coming to study in Bahrain, you are required to comply with the mandatory requirements set out by the General Directorate of Nationality, Passport and Residence (GDNPR). The Student Services Department in RCSI Bahrain will aid and guide you in complying with these procedures.
How can I start my student visa process?
To start the application for a student visa, you are required to submit the following through registration link.
- A passport copy showing your name, nationality, and date of birth.
- Kindly state your current country of residence and attach copies of any other residency permits you have Pay the visa fee of USD 650 (non-refundable).
- If you have already completed this payment, please just attach the receipt.
- How can I pay the student visa fees?
The student visa fee is payable by electronic bank transfer to the below account.
| Account Name | Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Medical University of Bahrain S.P.C. |
| Account Number | 01-9053468-01 |
| Bank | Standard Chartered Bank |
| Swift | SCBLBHBM |
| IBAN | BH50SCBLUSD01905346801 |
| Bank Address | PO Box 315, Building 180, Road 383, Block 315, Government Road, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. |
Please ensure to reference the payment with your application number, full name and SCB account details as above (account number, IBAN, swift code, Beneficiary Name, please also detail the reason for the money transfer (New Student Visa). Once payment has been arranged, please attach a copy of the proof or remittance and your passport copy through this link.
The granting of the Visa is at the discretion of the General Directorate of Nationality, Passport and Residence (GDNPR) of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Please note that while the University will do all that it can to assist by providing all the requisite documentation, RCSI Bahrain cannot guarantee that there will be no delay or rejection of the Visa application. If the visa is rejected, the visa fees paid are not refundable.
When should I start my student visa application?
The student visa can take up to two months or longer to process, depending on the nationality of the applicant and other factors. You should submit the above documents at the earliest possible once you confirm your offer.
The Student Services team will start submitting visa applications to immigration in to ensure the visas are valid in time for the student’s arrival to Bahrain.
Visa applications submitted less than two months in advance might not be approved on time.
What if I’m late applying and my student visa wasn’t issued in time for my arrival?
Should the student visa not be processed in time for the start of the academic year, applicants may apply to enter Bahrain on a visit visa until such time as the approval is granted. A visit visa and extensions (if necessary) carry additional charges to the individual applicant – on top of the student visa fees – and are dependent on the applicant’s nationality.
How will I know if my visa has been issued?
You can track your visa application with the University by using the reference number which you will receive upon completing the registration in the mentioned link.
Why do I need to share my travel dates with Student Services?
You will not be able to enter Bahrain without a copy of your documents being sent to the immigration authorities at the airport. Please make sure that you attach the documents in the (link) otherwise you might be held up at the airport and we will not be able to provide immediate solutions.
What do I need to do after I arrive at Bahrain
After your arrival, you should email the student services office to book an appointment to finalise your visa arrangements
Despite having your visa approved, the NOC is a temporary document that allows you to enter the country and pass through immigration only once. In order to get your full student visa finalised, you need to do the following:
1. Confirm your permanent address in Bahrain:
The student services office will assist you in finding suitable accommodation by providing you a list of accommodation options. Once you have found an apartment and signed a lease contract, you will have to get a ‘proof of address letter’ from the municipality office. The Student Services team will provide you with further details and instructions on how to get this letter when you visit their office.
2. Apply for a Smart Card (Bahraini National ID)
In essence, the Smart Card is an identification card, which is used to verify the holders’ identity.Personal details such as name, date of birth and nationality are printed on the card and additional information is stored on a chip on the card such as address, place of study, etc. Every Citizen and resident in Bahrain is issued with this card. The Smart Card allows you to:
– Open a bank account
– Register your home electricity bill
– Register a mobile account
– Visit and be treated at public medical centres for a nominal fee
– The cost of the Smart card is included in the visa cost. The Student Services team will organise for you to attend an appointment at the government office to obtain your smart card, however this cannot be organised until you have a place of residence in Bahrain.
3. Once you’ve been on your smart card appointment, the student visa process should be finalised and you should be getting back:
– Your passport with the Multiple Re-entry Visa.
– Your Smart Card