Education in Jordan
Jordan runs an Arabic-language education system (with English widely taught and used in higher education) known for high literacy — among the highest in the Arab world — and for being a regional education hub that attracts students from across the Middle East. University admission hinges on the high-stakes Tawjihi examination. Jordan also carries a significant load educating large refugee populations.
Structure & stages
The system is organized as:
- Basic education (10 years)Compulsory, ages ~6–16
- Secondary (2 years)Academic or vocational, ending with the Tawjihi
Compulsory education & enrolment
Basic education (ten years) is free and compulsory, beginning around age 6. Public schooling is free, and the school year runs roughly September to June. To manage demand — including from refugee communities — some schools run in double shifts.
Public schools
Most students attend free public schools, with instruction in Arabic and English taught throughout. Jordan hosts large numbers of Syrian and Palestinian refugees, and the education system has expanded (including double-shift schooling) to accommodate refugee children.
Private & international schools
Jordan has a large private and international-school sector, offering British, American, IB, and other curricula, concentrated in Amman — popular with Jordanian and expatriate families.
Curriculum & language of instruction
The curriculum covers Arabic, English, mathematics, the sciences, social studies, and Islamic (or Christian) education, with academic and vocational tracks in secondary school. English proficiency is emphasized.
Exams & qualifications
The pivotal assessment is the Tawjihi (General Secondary Education Certificate Examination), taken at the end of secondary school — a high-stakes exam whose results determine university admission and field of study.
Higher education
Higher education is led by the University of Jordan (Amman, founded 1962, the oldest and largest), the research-focused Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), and Yarmouk University, alongside many private universities. Jordan's universities have a strong regional reputation, particularly in medicine and engineering.
Studying in Jordan from abroad
Jordan is a notable regional destination for international students:
- Regional drawJordanian universities enroll many students from across the Arab world, especially in medicine, engineering, and the sciences
- Arabic studyAmman is a popular place to study Arabic, including Modern Standard Arabic
- LanguageHigher education uses both Arabic and English; many programs are English-medium
- PracticalitiesInternational students obtain a student visa/residence and confirm program requirements directly
Special education & support
Jordan supports inclusive education, integrating students with disabilities into mainstream schools with support, alongside special provision; the government has prioritized expanding inclusion.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is uncommon in Jordan; the large public and private/international school sectors cover most needs.
Costs & funding
Public education is free. Private and international schools charge tuition, and universities charge fees (subsidized public places plus fee-paying and international programs). The currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD).
Key facts for families
- LanguagesArabic (main), English (widely taught/used)
- StructureBasic education (10) + Secondary (2)
- CompulsoryBasic education (10 years), free
- University entryVia the Tawjihi
- Higher edUniversity of Jordan, JUST; a regional education hub
- School yearSeptember to June
Where to verify the details
This guide is a starting point, not the final authority. For current, official details: