At a glance
- Basis
- Equivalent rate: school % + aptitude tests
- Medicine weights
- 75% school, 15% English, 10% maths
- Engineering weights
- 65% school, 15% English, 20% maths
- Minimum to apply
- 70% scientific, 78% literary
- 2026/2027 applications
- 18 to 28 July 2026, online
Weights and extra conditions by college, 2026/2027
From Kuwait University's published table of aptitude tests and weights for 2026/2027, checked on 6 October 2026.
| College | School % | English test | Maths test | Extra condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine | 75% | 15% | 10% | 85% or more at school |
| Dentistry | 75% | 15% | 10% | 85% or more at school |
| Pharmacy | 70% | 15% | 15% | 80% or more at school |
| Allied Health Sciences | 70% | 20% | 10% (chemistry test for placement only) | 80% or more at school |
| Engineering and Petroleum | 65% | 15% | 20% (chemistry test for placement only) | 80% or more at school |
| Architecture | 70% | 15% | 15% | None listed |
| Business Administration | 70% | 15% | 15% | 40% or more in the English test |
| Life Sciences | 70% | 15% | 15% | Interview for communication disorders |
| Science | Not on the equivalent rate | Placement only | Placement only | Admitted on school results |
Education, Arts, Sharia and Social Sciences give the school percentage 80% to 90% of the weight and mostly use an Arabic test. TOEFL or IELTS results can replace the English aptitude test in the calculation, according to KU's 2026/2027 application announcement.
How the equivalent rate works
Each part is multiplied by its weight and added. An engineering applicant with 92% at school, 80 in the English test and 75 in the maths test scores 0.65 x 92 + 0.15 x 80 + 0.20 x 75 = 59.8 + 12 + 15 = 86.8. A medicine applicant with 96%, 85 in English and 80 in maths scores 0.75 x 96 + 0.15 x 85 + 0.10 x 80 = 72 + 12.75 + 8 = 92.75. Applicants are then ranked against the seats in each college, so the required rate moves every year.
The weights explain where effort pays. For engineering, the maths test carries a fifth of the result; for medicine, the school percentage carries three quarters and must be at least 85% just to compete. The minimum to apply at all, 70% for the scientific stream and 78% for the literary stream according to KU's acting dean of admissions in July 2026, is far below what competitive colleges admit.
Who applies, and when
KU's 2026/2027 announcement invited Kuwaiti graduates of government, religious institute, American and English schools to apply online through the KU admission portal between 18 July and 28 July 2026. Non-Kuwaiti applicants are admitted in limited categories with separate rules, so families should read KU's admission regulations for their category. KU publishes aptitude test dates on its website.
Kuwaiti students also compete for the Ministry of Higher Education's external scholarships. For 2026/2027 the ministry accepted 2,704 students from the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 graduating classes across government, private and foreign schools, prioritising fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and medical and allied health specialities. Medicine and engineering applicants were ranked by equivalent rates.
What to do in Grades 11 and 12
- Choose two or three target colleges and write down their weights and minimum school percentage.
- Protect the school percentage: in medicine it carries 75% of the result.
- Prepare for the KU English and maths aptitude tests, or plan a TOEFL or IELTS score to use instead of the English test.
- Watch KU's site for aptitude test dates so the scores are ready for the July application window.
- If studying abroad on a scholarship is an option, check the ministry's plan of fields and countries as soon as it is published.
How tutoring helps
The equivalent rate rewards two things: a high school percentage and strong maths and English test scores. A tutor who teaches your child's curriculum (British, American or the national system) can support the school subjects through the year and, before the aptitude tests, drill the maths and English question types. LiveTutor lessons are one to one, 60 minutes and online, so they fit after the Kuwait school day.
Common questions
What is the minimum percentage for Kuwait University?
To apply at all, 70% for the scientific stream and 78% for the literary stream, according to KU in July 2026. Competitive colleges need far more, and medicine and dentistry require 85% at school.
How is the Kuwait University equivalent rate calculated?
School percentage and aptitude test scores are multiplied by college-specific weights and added. Medicine uses 75/15/10 (school, English, maths); engineering uses 65/15/20.
Can I use IELTS or TOEFL instead of the KU English test?
Yes. KU's 2026/2027 announcement says TOEFL or IELTS results can replace the English aptitude test when the equivalent rate is calculated.
Does the College of Science use the equivalent rate?
No. Science and Law are the exceptions; Science uses the aptitude tests for placement only.
How much do LiveTutor lessons cost in Kuwait?
Each one-to-one 60-minute lesson is $15, on a weekly plan of 1 to 5 lessons billed monthly. The first lesson is a free trial.
Sources
Dates and figures on this page come from these official and published sources. Always confirm deadlines on the official page before acting on them.
- Kuwait University, aptitude tests and weights by college 2026/2027 (PDF, Arabic)
- Al Jarida, Kuwait University minimums: 70% scientific, 78% literary (7 July 2026)
- Al Jarida, Kuwait University opens applications for 2026/2027 (11 May 2026)
- Al Jarida, Ministry of Higher Education accepts 2,704 for external scholarships (11 July 2026)