Goal 10 / 10.6 / 10.6.1
Does your university have a non-discriminatory or publicly explained admissions policy?
10.6.1 Does your university as a body have an admissions policy which is non-discriminatory or which details and explains the logic for any appropriate positive discrimination policies in admissions, which is publicly posted?
Admission Policy
1. Introduction
Ahlia University (AU) offers high quality education designed to produce graduates who are distinguished by their professional competence, uncompromising ethics and responsible global citizenship. Applications are welcomed from all students regardless of race, colour, gender, religion, nationality or physical or specific learning disabilities. Admission to AU is selective and competitive based on academic achievements, and up to the limits of available seats as determined by the university.
2. Inclusiveness and Diversity
In line with Ahlia University’s core values which include inclusiveness, the University is committed to widening access and participation through outreach and financial aid. Admission is purely based on merit whereby AU strives to ensure a clear, fair, and equitable admission process, that leads to diversity, and equal opportunity for all learners.
3. Disability and Special Needs
Ahlia University welcomes students with disability and special needs to any programme offered. Students with disability and special needs are identified as students with physical or specific learning/invisible disabilities that require additional support and care, in order to reach their full academic potential. Examples include, but are not limited to, hearing and vision impairment, limited motor skills, Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and limitations in executive functioning.
Applicants are required to officially declare their disability or special need during the application stage by filling in the relevant section in the application form.
4. Selection and Offers
Ahlia University operates a clear and transparent framework for application, selection, and admission. The Deanship of Student Affairs is responsible for overseeing the selection and offer process via a centralised and dedicated constituent directorate. The Directorate of Admission and Registration is responsible for all operational aspects of the process and provides advice and support to prospective students. The selection and offer process is conducted in partnership with the academic departments in all colleges.
The admission policy is designed to ensure the following:
’ Selecting motivated students based on their academic ability and potential
’ Providing students with accurate, transparent, consistent and timely information
’ Using appropriate methods to select suitable students for their chosen program
’ Selecting students that are committed and self-disciplined
An admission offers to Ahlia University is contingent on the applicant demonstrating sufficient academic preparation and potential for success.
5. Compliance
Ahlia University admission policy is carefully designed to ensure full compliance with the Bahrain Ministry of Education, and the Higher Education Council (HEC) rules and regulations relevant to student admission and credits transfer.
The University adopts best practice, in line with the standards and expectations set out by the Bahrain Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA). The University admission policy ensures full compliance through formal arrangements, clear admission requirements and equal opportunities for genders, students with special needs, and underrepresented groups.
Compliance with AU entry requirements does not necessarily entitle an applicant to admission. The University reserves the right to accept or reject applicants based on the university’s rules and regulation.
6. Application Integrity
Ahlia University regards integrity as a core value that encompasses honesty, truthfulness, and transparency. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete. The University reserves the right to reject or dismiss applications, cancel offers or withdraw registration if an applicant is found to misrepresent information through omission, data falsification, or fraudulent documentation.
7. Appeal against Admission Denial
Ahlia University believes that applicants who are denied admission or transfer to a programme offered by the University should be given the opportunity to appeal against the denial of admission/transfer decision. An appeal can be made by applicants who have a serious and compelling reasons to justify their appeals against their admission/transfer denial decision. Additionally, appeals against admission/transfer denial may not necessarily result in the acceptance of the admission/transfer requests.
Applicants who are denied admission/transfer to the University will be informed of their right to appeal against the denial decision immediately upon informing them of the admission/transfer denial decision and there will be no discrimination or prejudice against any applicants who makes an appeal. Applicants must apply for appeal within the period specified by the university.
8. Review
Ahlia University aims to regularly review its processes and practice. The admission process is monitored annually to ensure appropriate access and participation. The admission policy is normally reviewed by the Student Admission Committee (SAC) once every three years based on student performance, feedback from stakeholders, inter alia. Any changes proposed by the SAC are subject to the approval of the University Council.
Admission to master’s degree Programs
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/cms4/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Student-Handbook_Nov2020_WEB.pdf
Admission to master’s degree programmes in Ahlia University (AU) is selective based on academic
achievements. The most qualified candidates; regardless of race, colour, gender, religion,
nationality, sector or disabilities; will be selected to fill the available places.
General Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
To be eligible for consideration for admission to the master’s degree programmes, applicants must meet the following entry criteria set by the university in-line with Bahraini Higher Education Council requirements:
’ The applicant must hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
’ The applicant must hold a recognised secondary school certificate or its
’equivalent.
’ The applicant must be medically fit for the academic programme they wish
’to apply for.
’ All applicants will be interviewed by a relevant programme committee.
Only successful applicants in the interview will be considered for admission.
Equal Opportunity
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/equal-opportunity/
Since inception, Ahlia University has championed equal opportunity and women empowerment. This is manifest in the University’s core values: Excellence, inclusiveness, integrity, collegiality, ambition, and engagement.
What do we do about inclusiveness?
We champion inclusivity, diversity, and equity both within and outside the institution. We strive to mainstream the principle of equal opportunity in all our operations, and in relation to all stakeholders.
In 2017, Ahlia University established an Equal Opportunity Committee as part of the university’s formal governance structure. The committee is chaired by the President and oversees/advises on all issues relating to the principle of equal opportunity.
EOC Purpose
To mainstream the culture and practice of equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusivity across the University in line with the Bahrain Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goal 5.
Equal Opportunity Plan
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/equal-opportunity/
Equal Opportunity Plan Aims
To promote the principle of equal opportunity through gender-responsive policy design that achieves coherent linkage with the national legislative/policy framework within the context of multilevel (international, nationally, organizational) policy frameworks on inclusion, equal opportunity and women empowerment.
’ To empower women by integrating their needs in development programs.
’ To foster a safe and supportive work environment that ensures work-life balance, life-long learning, and competitiveness for women.
’ To collaborate with allies and partners to mainstream the culture of equal opportunity to society at large.
’ To support national strategies as a progressive and model organization for women.
’ Develop a systematic and sustainable approach to equal opportunity and women empowerment through institutionalization of practice.
’ Create a centralized advisory body to oversee progress and institutionalize practice
’ Employ a targeted approach vis-’-vis professional development, capacity-building, and up-skilling programs to redress gender imbalance issues
Initiative 2
’ Leverage partnerships for knowledge sharing and exchange of best practice in the areas of equal opportunity and women empowerment.
’ Organise conferences/symposia with a focus on equal opportunity and/or women topics
’ Develop a common understanding and framework with local and international partners on topics related to equal opportunity and women in STEM
Initiative 3
’ Champion the principle of equal opportunity through awareness campaigns, activities, and events.
’ Plan and organise women-focused events for students and staff
’ Develop gender-responsive policies that foster work-life balance and life-long learning
’ Develop and utilise data collection instruments to gauge and measure awareness/impact
In the course of student participation in the educational life at the university, academic and non-academic, Ahlia University is committed to a discrimination-free learning environment for all students -- regardless of race, color, gender, religion, nationality, sect or disability -- . based on principles of fairness and equity.
’ To foster a safe and supportive work environment that ensures work-life balance, life-long learning, and competitiveness for women.
’ To collaborate with allies and partners to mainstream the culture of equal opportunity to society at large.
’ To support national strategies as a progressive and model organization for women.
Admission and Registration
Ahlia University offers high quality education which aspires to produce graduates who are distinguished by their professional competence, humanistic outlook and uncompromising ethics. The main aim of the admission policy of Ahlia University is to offer admission to students based on academic achievements; regardless of race, colour, gender, nationality, sect or disability.
Ahlia University admission policy is responsible for ensuring the following:
’ Selecting students based on their academic ability and potential
’ Providing students with accurate, transparent and consistent information
’ Using appropriate methods to select suitable students for their chosen programme
’ Selecting students that are committed and self disciplined
’ Compliance with Ahlia University programmes entry requirements does not necessary entitles applicants for admission; the university reserves the right to accept or reject applicants based on the university’s rules and regulation.
Ahlia University accepts all people who want to study and meet the requirements, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or nationality, AU is based on merits to choose its new students and always maintaining the gender equality.
Admission Policy
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/cms4/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Admission-Policy-from-the-student-guide.pdf
After knowing this, the student must take into account the documentation that is necessary to make the application to the University, here we can determine that there is no bias with the women who make the application.
Equity and diversity policy of Ahlia University
As a higher educational institution Ahlia University is committed to maintain equity amongst its diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The University ensures that all members of the university community are treated equitably and with respect ın accordance with the following definitions:
Diversity: Appreciation and acknowledgement of differences amongst the members of the university community that promote acceptance and belonging, regardless of factors that span age, color, disability, employment status, ethnic or national origins, language, family status, marital status, race, religious or spiritual belief, gender, socio-economic circumstances and taste.
Equity: A standard of treatment of people that involves reasonable efforts to ensure fairness in decisions impacting all members of the university community. However, equitable treatment does not necessarily mean equal treatment as a range of interests impacting all parties need be balanced.
I. Equity and diversity among the student body is as follows:
Ahlia University believes that all students, regardless of color, race, religion, and physical or learning disability, have the right to the best education. Admission to Ahlia University is selective based on prior academic achievement. The most qualified candidates -- regardless of race, color, gender, religion, nationality, sect or disability -- will be selected to fill the available places. In the course of student participation in the educational life at the university, academic and non-academic, Ahlia University is committed to a discrimination-free learnıng environment for all students -- regardless of race, color, gender, religion, nationality, sect or disability. based on principles of fairness and equity’[3].
II. Equity and diversity among staff is as follows:
Ahlia strives to treat its staff fairly by maintaining a healthy, safe and productive work environment which is free from discrimination based on any other factor that is unrelated to Ahlia legitimate interests. Ahlia shall not tolerate any offensive, intimidating or inappropriate statements or behavior undermining equity ın the work environment. Harassment in all its manifestations is prohibited. Committed to applying an effective recruitment policy that is based on the principles of equity and fairness, and equal employment opportunity, Ahlia shall ensure to identify, efficiently and effectively, the right candidates for vacancies in Ahlia and recruitment shall be based on qualifications, experience, and merit. Supervisors and managers are expected to ensure that work-related decisions regarding task allocation, compensation, performance evaluations, the administration of Ahlia benefits et. al. reflect principles of fairness and equity.
The University mandates that members of the University community pay heed to applicable codes of conduct as well as to the University’s Anti-Harassment Policy.
Undergraduate Programs Application Form
Among the documents to apply for admission, there are the documents of "Undergraduate Programs Application Form" and "Master's Programs Application Form", where it can be seen that they apply for the gender, only to keep a record of the number of men and women who make the request.
The ’Undergraduate programme application form’ is:
Postgraduate program application form
Online application Form
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/online-application-form/
When the student has all the necessary documents, she/he can make her/his application for admission Online, where it can be seen that the gender is requested, this only in order to measure the number of men and women who make the application, to be able to seek strategies, if necessary, to eliminate the gap between the difference between men and women entering the University [6].
’
Student Handbook
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/cms4/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Student-Handbook-MAR19-RFW.pdf
The Undergraduate steps to enter Ahlia are [10], Page 34:
Figure 11. Undergraduate steps to enter Ahlia, taken from [10], page 34
The Postgraduate steps to enter Ahlia are [11], Page 20:
Figure 12. Postgraduate steps, taken from [11], page 20
In the last year, Ahlia University as a body, fulfilling its commitment to students, has maintained and implemented its policy of equity and diversity from admissions and registration department. For Ahlia University, equity and diversity are priorities in terms of a fair access education, in which admission is promoted based on the merits of the applicant, in this way the university adapts to allow inclusion, promoting an environment of mutual respect that allows the integration of the different minorities.
Ahlia University recognizes the diversity among its members therefore, focuses its efforts on forming a diverse community that does not discriminate age, color, disability, employment status, ethnic or national origin, language, family status, marital status, race, religion, spiritual belief, gender, socioeconomic circumstances, and taste. Ahlia University's admissions policy is non-discriminatory. Accordingly, Ahlia University seeks the best qualified candidates without any discrimination.
Ahlia university actively seeks a culturally and socially diverse student population. Decisions regarding admission are based on consideration of: potential for success in the chosen field of study based upon past academic or professional achievement, regardless of race, color, nationality, gender, physical, learning disability, spirituality or religious beliefs. Ahlia university seek motivation for educational and personal development; and the congruence of the applicant's interests with the philosophy and purpose of the program and the university.
STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/cms4/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Student-Handbook_Nov2020_WEB.pdf
Ahlia University welcomes students with special needs to any of the programs offered. Admission of students with special needs is considered by a special needs admission committee which assesses the potential of the candidates to succeed in their chosen academic program.
Students with special needs are given all necessary support and guidance by Ahlia University faculty and staff. Further, a special needs committee has been created to specifically look after the welfare of the students with special needs. Students with special needs can refer to the Directorate of Student Guidance and Counselling for additional support and guidance.
Special Needs Students
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/directorate-of-student-services-activities/
1. The university forms a committee consisting of:
Head of special needs
Medical doctor
Academic councilor
Student councilor
2. The committee members meet the student with special needs. The student must provide all the medical reports then the committee decide the acceptance and provide services to support them. Head of special needs responsibilities:
All special needs medical cases to be displayed in the student class list names to noting lecture about their medical cases.
To follow up with special need students’ academic status, solve any kind of social or academic issues.
4th Equal Opportunities Conference
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/4th-equal-opportunity-conference/
The emergence of Covid19 and the resultant public health crisis has brought societal inequalities into sharp relief. How different countries have chosen to respond is not only shaping the current moment but is also having a crucial impact on the shape of the future; on who has access to vital resources and who is denied. This year’s conference will focus on the way in which the global pandemic is shaping our collective futures in new and unexpected ways and what that means to the ongoing objective of equal opportunities. More specifically how has and how should activity in the fields of health, education, law and business respond to what might be considered a pivotal moment that will set the direction and economic & social impacts for the coming decades. Decades in which responses to climate change, public health crises and economic imperatives must find a way to align with each other. What can be learnt from responses in health, education, law and business that serve to advance the objectives of equal opportunities? What must we do to avoid losing ground and ensure that the drive to maintain and build more equal opportunities and equitable futures continues unabated? We invite you to submit 15-20 minute papers and presentations which explore specific elements of these broad questions.
International Students
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/international-students/
Ahlia University (AU) was established in 2001 as the first private university in Bahrain. AU is accredited by the Bahrain Higher Education Council, and our programmes and courses are accredited by numerous international professional bodies such as the ACCA, CIM, and CIMA. AU consistently ranks amongst the top 50 best universities in the Arab region, as recognised by QS World University Rankings.
Based in the island nation of Bahrain, AU offers international students the opportunity to live and study in a different culture and learning environment; in one of the safest, friendliest, and most welcoming countries of the Arabian Gulf.
International students wishing to expand their educational and cultural exposure have multiple avenues available to them.
We will provide guidance and assistance to all international students that wish to apply. Once you have submitted a formal application and after you have received a letter of offer or acceptance, the international team will assist students with visa and immigration documents. This process may take anywhere between 1 week and 2 months and is entirely contingent on the outcome of the application lodged with the Nationality, Passport & Residence Affairs.
Applicants for any of the degree programmes offered by us will not be considered fully registered unless they have obtained a Higher Education Council (HEC) number. Once the applicant is accepted, we will proceed to forward the application to the HEC.
Students need to provide authentication and/or endorsement of their transcripts and certificates, as part of the HEC request. This process may take some time, so students must be prepared to provide the HEC with original copies of their transcripts and/or certificates, accredited by their country’s Ministry of Education, to proceed with the request for endorsement.
Study Abroad
If your institution has a partnership or formal agreement with Ahlia University, you may be eligible to study at Ahlia University for up to one full academic year. No tuition fees are applicable, and you would pay tuition fees only to your home institution. Credits earned whilst studying at Ahlia University may be transferred back to your home institution towards your degree.
Study Abroad Options
Exchange Programme
If your institution has a partnership or formal agreement with Ahlia University, you may be eligible to study at Ahlia University for up to one full academic year. No tuition fees are applicable, and you would pay tuition fees only to your home institution. Credits earned whilst studying at Ahlia University may be transferred back to your home institution towards your degree.
Study Abroad
If your institution does not have any formal agreements with Ahlia University, you may still apply to study at Ahlia University as a visiting student. A visiting student can spend up to one full academic year at Ahlia University and would pay tuition fees directly to Ahlia University. Credits earned whilst studying at Ahlia University may be transferred back to your home institution towards your degree.
International Study Tours
Ahlia offers an exciting 5-day ’Entrepreneurs Across Borders’ programme that is carefully designed to engage, inspire, and challenge students to challenge themselves. The 5-day programme includes a number of cultural tours and site visits that will support students’ informal learning and allow them to socialize, relax, and reflect on their experiences. The cultural tours allow students to learn more about Bahrain; its history, people, and culture, and inspire them to consider it as a launchpad for their future startup!
Ahlia University offers international students and partner institutions the opportunity to engage in other customised short-term study abroad programmes that range from 1 week to 2 months.
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