The Middle East Supplement
The Landscape of Higher Education in Kuwait
What are the challenges, considerations and opportunities that Kuwait's higher ed environment face?
By Prof. Bassam Alameddine, President, Gulf University for Science & Technology
“By fostering stronger collaboration between academia and industry, institutions are enhancing experiential learning opportunities and bridging the gap between education and the labour market.”
Similar to its peer Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) neighbours, the state of Kuwait is experiencing a transformative period in higher education, driven by a substantial growing youth population and the country’s ambitious economic diversification goals. Approximately 37 percent of Kuwait's population is under the age of 14, and another 35 percent falls between 15 and 34. This means that in the upcoming years, a significant number of students will enter higher education institutions, further emphasising the need for universities to expand capacity and enhance the quality of education. By 2030, the youth labour force is projected to increase by 53 percent compared to 2015, reinforcing the demand for highly skilled graduates who can contribute to a diversified economy.
Kuwait, historically reliant on oil revenues, is actively diversifying its economy to reduce financial dependence on this sector. On the other hand, it is noteworthy that 85 percent of the Kuwaiti workforce is employed in the public sector, which also poses challenges to economic diversification but presents an opportunity for institutions of higher education to create upskilling programmes. These programmes would support employees transitioning from the public to private sectors, whether as skilled professionals or entrepreneurs. Unemployment among the youth is estimated at 16.5 percent, further reinforcing the urgency for universities to align their programmes with labour market needs.
As part of its New Kuwait 2035 vision, the Kuwaiti government is heavily relying on reforming higher education to produce highly skilled, competitive graduates through significant investments in the sector. A major milestone in this effort was the ~$6 billion development of the new Kuwait University campus (Sabah Al-Salem University City), which was inaugurated in 2021, providing state-of-the-art facilities and expanded capacity for students to 40,000. Additionally, Abdullah Al Salem University was established in 2019 as Kuwait’s second public university, reflecting the government’s commitment to increasing access to higher education.
Furthermore, following the establishment of Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) as the first private university in the State of Kuwait, the country has seen a rise in private sector investments in higher education. This has led to the establishment of 14 private universities, with more in development down the road to accommodate growing demand. The Ministry of Higher Education has instated the Private Universities Council (PUC) and the National Bureau for Academic Accreditation and Education Quality Assurance (NBAQ), to oversee the quality and strategic direction of private universities and colleges. These institutions play a key role in diversifying higher education offerings and increasing accessibility for students. These initiatives demonstrate Kuwait’s dedication to fostering a knowledge-based economy. However, aligning education with labour market needs remains a key priority, as universities must focus on equipping students for a future where innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship play a pivotal role in economic progress.
GUST, as a pioneer in private higher education, has consistently prioritised academic excellence, innovation and alignment with Kuwait’s national vision. By integrating internationally recognised curricula, fostering research excellence, and emphasising entrepreneurial and technology-driven education, GUST has positioned itself at the forefront of Kuwait’s higher education sector. Through its commitment to academic rigor and industry alignment, GUST continues to play a significant role in shaping the future of higher education in Kuwait.
Universities and colleges are increasingly integrating career-focused education, equipping students with hands-on experience to enhance their employability. The expansion of public and private institutions has contributed to greater access to higher education and efforts continue to refine academic programs to meet evolving industry needs. By fostering stronger collaboration between academia and industry, institutions are enhancing experiential learning opportunities and bridging the gap between education and the labour market. Additionally, there is a growing recognition of the value of both academic and technical education, with institutions working to provide diverse pathways that cater to different career aspirations. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the future, contributing to a dynamic and knowledge-driven economy. Addressing these considerations requires continuous innovation, further university-industry symbiosis, and a strategic shift toward fostering entrepreneurial mindsets among students.
GUST is home to three colleges: the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Business Administration, and the College of Engineering & Architecture, reflecting a commitment to offering a comprehensive range of academic disciplines tailored to meet Kuwait’s evolving economic and professional landscape. GUST continuously refines its academic programs to meet industry demands, ensuring students graduate with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving economy. The university has also fostered strong international partnerships with prestigious institutions, including but not limited to the George Washington University, Northwestern University, and University of Ottawa in the Americas. In addition to the University of Leeds and the University of Liverpool in the UK, as well as the University of Salzburg and Autonomous University of Madrid in Europe. Such partnerships provide faculty and students with access to a global network enhancing curricula and research opportunities, therefore, reinforcing GUST’s commitment to delivering a world-class education.
Furthermore, GUST has distinguished itself through its rigorous accreditation processes, continuously working to match international education standards. The university has also invested in seven modern research centers, focusing on accounting, business, finance, economic growth, fundamental and applied sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities, emerging technologies, and sustainability, all of which contribute to Kuwait’s broader economic transformation.
GUST is committed to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and advancing technology-driven education to equip students with the skills necessary for a rapidly evolving economy. The university has established a robust Tripod of Entrepreneurship, which provides students with a complete practical experience, business mentorship, and the resources needed to transform their ideas into viable ventures and businesses. These initiatives ensure that students are not only prepared for traditional employment but are also empowered to create their own career paths through entrepreneurship and innovation.
GUST’s commitment to technological advancement is reinforced through its Innovation Hub, through its partnerships, including those with AWS, Huawei, and the global Fab Lab Network. These programs provide students with industry-recognized certifications and exposure to cutting-edge technologies. This hub serves as a center for innovation, offering hands-on learning experiences in fields such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to contribute to Kuwait’s digital transformation.
Furthermore, GUST has established strategic alliances with leading industries renowned for their innovation and technological expertise. The university collaborates with key players across various sectors, including banking and financial services, education, technology, energy, medical and health sciences, and public administration. These partnerships offer students unparalleled opportunities for internships, research collaborations, and career placements, bridging the gap between academia and industry while ensuring that graduates gain real-world experience.
Kuwait is undergoing a major transformation in its higher education landscape, driven by demographic growth, economic diversification, and national development plans. While challenges remain—including employment mismatches and capacity constraints—the outlook is positive, with substantial investment in education reforms and new university initiatives.
As Kuwait continues to advance its higher education sector, universities are urged to take an active role in shaping the future of education and contributing to the nation’s knowledge-based economy. Institutions are called upon to embrace innovation, foster entrepreneurial thinking, and align their programs with the evolving demands of the workforce. The transformation of Kuwait’s academic landscape is a shared responsibility, and collaboration across universities will be key in ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to drive sustainable progress.
The path forward is promising, and as Kuwait's higher education sector progresses, institutions will continue to lead by driving positive change and contributing to the nation's long-term success. With the ongoing evolution of Kuwait’s higher education landscape, enhancing collaboration, research, and innovation will be crucial in developing the next generation of global leaders. By maintaining a commitment to educational excellence and technological advancement, GUST is dedicated to playing a pivotal role in this fundamental transformative experience.