Higher education in Bahrain and background information on this Arab Gulf country are considered. Bahrain, similar to other Gulf States, depended heavily on expatriates as teachers, most of whom were from Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon. Bahraini students have pursued college studies in other countries. Higher education in the country started as separate colleges based on needs. In 1983 there were four higher education institutions. By 1970 Bahrain established the Gulf College of Technology, which was the only college in the region to focus on technology and accept students from other Arab Gulf States. By 1976 Bahrain established the College of Health Sciences and Hotel and Catering Training Center. In 1978 The University College of Bahrain was established. The Polytechnic College and The University College of Bahrain served as the nucleus of the present University of Bahrain, while the College of Health Sciences became the first college of a newer regional university, the Arabian Gulf University (AGU). The establishment of AGU with funds from seven countries will provide for needed studies in certain areas. Graduate studies are still sought outside Bahrain. A proposed undergraduate special education program is described. (SW)