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Bahrain's new polytechnic has been launched and will start its academic year 2008/2009 from September 14 with 250 students.
A further 400 students will be offered places in second semester programmes starting in February next year.
Bahrain Polytechnic is part of the National Education Reform Initiative headed by Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Muhammad bin Mubarak Al Khalifa which was launched in June last year.
The initiative is part of the economic reform strategy led by Crown Prince and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of BDF Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa which is one of the three key reform areas the Crown Prince has identified that will lead Bahrain forward on the path of advancement and economic growth.
Mr John Scott, Bahrain Polytechnic CEO, said: 'Congratulations to all the students who have been accepted. We were impressed with the quality of students who applied for the Polytechnic, but note that this made the selection very competitive. The mean GPA for the students selected for the first semester at Bahrain Polytechnic is 89.5 per cent.'
Competition for securing a place in the bachelor of business and bachelor of information and communication technology programmes was very strong.
Ninety students have been selected in business, 45 for bachelor of engineering technology qualifications, 60 in information and communications technologies, 30 for diplomas in office administration and 15 for higher diplomas in transport, freight and logistics.
All will start their academic and training courses in September.
Every applicant had to undergo an entry test, the primary objective of which was to ensure they met the minimum English language requirement (IELTS 4 equivalent) to study at the Polytechnic.
'It is very important that the students have the required minimum English language level for them to be successful as bachelor degree learners at the Polytechnic,' said academic director Dr Chris Coutts.
'In future when the polytechnic has increased its teaching staff and facilities we look forward to being able to offer more students assistance, where needed, with their English language studies before entering our degree programmes.'
