Kuwait’s Ministry of Higher Education has revised its Foreign Missions Regulations in an effort to enhance academic standards for students studying abroad. The changes, which will take effect starting from the 2025/2026 academic year, focus on improving student performance, raising English proficiency requirements, and ensuring fairer scholarship distribution.
The amendments come after a comprehensive evaluation of the scholarship system, which examined past outcomes and the effectiveness of policies. The Ministry sought to address academic failures and ensure that the best opportunities are available to deserving students.
Lamia Al-Malhem, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, explained that the revisions aim to raise the quality of graduates and reduce academic struggles. A key change includes replacing the preliminary English language stage with a mandatory minimum IELTS score of 5.5. Students will also need to meet the specific language requirements for their chosen specialization before they are admitted to their universities. Accepted students will now have up to a full calendar year from the announcement of acceptance to meet these criteria.
The changes stem from an analysis of the reasons behind students’ academic failures. The Ministry found that many students completed the language program with only the bare minimum score, which hindered their ability to use English effectively in academic settings. As a result, these students struggled in their specialized studies, which contributed to high failure rates.
In addition to language requirements, the Ministry also revised the Excellence Scholarship criteria. To remain eligible for the scholarship, students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.67 on a 4-point scale or its equivalent throughout their studies. These changes aim to ensure that only the most dedicated and capable students are awarded scholarships, aligning with the Ministry’s goal to promote academic excellence.
The Ministry is also committed to providing equal opportunities for all students. New regulations require that applicants who have previously received a scholarship for their first university degree (Bachelor’s) in Kuwait must reimburse the expenses if they apply for another scholarship. This measure aims to optimize the use of resources and give fairer chances to more students.
Furthermore, Al-Malhem encouraged students to prepare early for their English language tests to meet the new standards and gain admission to prestigious universities. She also highlighted the upcoming “Wajihni” campaign, which will provide additional academic guidance and support to students throughout the application process.
The Ministry’s focus remains on enhancing education quality and improving student success abroad. By addressing language barriers and increasing accountability, the Ministry hopes to produce graduates who are capable of excelling both in Kuwait and in the global job market.
