ASU Educational Resources for Non-Students

Applied Science University (Bahrain) – External Access to Educational Resources

Access for the General Public and Professionals

Library & Campus Facilities:

ASU Bahrain’s library is not limited to enrolled students – it serves the broader academic community. In fact, the Library offers on-campus access to external researchers (including those from other Bahraini universities) who can consult print materials, journals, and even online databases using guest computers or Wi-Fi within the libraryasu.edu.bh. This on-site access is typically free of charge, though borrowing privileges and off-campus logins are reserved for current students/faculty. The library provides ample study space (reading areas and research rooms) during extended hours (Sun–Thu 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–5pm) to accommodate visitorsasu.edu.bh. Guests may need to register at the library’s information desk to obtain temporary credentials for computer or Wi-Fi use, but no formal membership fee is indicated for in-library use of resources.

Open Seminars & Public Webinars:

ASU often hosts public seminars and virtual events that anyone interested can attend (usually free with an online sign-up). For example, during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2020, ASU – in partnership with Tamkeen (a national labor fund) – organized a virtual seminar on “Funding Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs in the COVID-19 Era.” This event featured expert panelists and was explicitly aimed at Bahraini youth, aspiring startup founders, and SMEs, with the university’s leadership expressing pride in hosting an event to benefit the wider communityasu.edu.bhasu.edu.bh. Such webinars are typically advertised via ASU’s website and social media, and interested members of the public can join online by registering through a provided link. Additionally, ASU’s “Local Seminars Series” (run by the Deanship of Research) offers periodic academic talks – often virtually – which, while primarily targeting the university’s own students and staff, are sometimes open to outside academics or professionals in the topic areaasu.edu.bh. Recorded sessions of major public events are often made available on ASU’s YouTube channel for on-demand access.

Continuing Education Courses:

Through its Training, Development and Continuing Education Centre, ASU Bahrain extends learning to individuals and corporate professionals outside the university. The Centre offers a wide range of short courses, workshops, and certification programs open to the public on a registration basisasu.edu.bhasu.edu.bh. These courses are typically paid programs (fees vary by course) focusing on professional development and practical skills. For instance, ASU became Bahrain’s first Authorized Training Partner of the Project Management Institute (PMI), enabling it to deliver globally recognized project management training and certification prep courses to students, alumni, and the wider community (including working professionals)egypt1015.rssing.comegypt1015.rssing.com. Interested participants can enroll via ASU’s continuing education portal or contact the Centre; schedules and sign-up forms are published on ASU’s website and announcements. Such programs give external learners access to ASU’s instructors and facilities (e.g. workshops may be held in ASU’s computer labs or classrooms) even if they are not enrolled in degree programs. Notably, the PMI courses and similar offerings provide valuable credentials but are fee-based (the PMI workshops would require course fees and PMI exam fees), whereas some shorter public workshops (for example, a free career skills workshop co-hosted with the Alumni office) may be offered at no cost as a community service.

Open Digital Resources:

ASU Bahrain also makes certain educational content openly accessible online. The university publishes an academic journal (JASU) and other research publications on its websiteasu.edu.bh, which are open-access for readers globally. Additionally, ASU’s media channels (e.g. an online “Video Gallery” and YouTube) contain recorded guest lectures, panel discussions, and educational webinars from past eventsasu.edu.bhasu.edu.bh – these can be freely viewed by the public without any login. While the university’s subscribed e-databases (ProQuest, EBSCO, etc.) are licensed for on-campus use only, ASU’s library site does list a number of open educational resources and databases useful to visitors. In summary, general public users can benefit from ASU Bahrain’s resources by attending public events/webinars, accessing open publications, or enrolling in continuing education offerings that leverage the university’s academic expertise. Registration for events is usually via an online form or email RSVP, and continuing courses require a simple application (and payment if applicable) through the Training & Development Centre’s page.

Resources and Services for Alumni

Library & E-Resources:

ASU alumni retain certain privileges to continue learning. Although off-campus access to paid library databases is restricted to current students, alumni are welcome to visit the campus library in person to use print materials and designated public computer terminals for researchasu.edu.bh. In practice, an alumnus can request on-site access – for example, to consult journals or use the library’s guest Wi-Fi – without charge. (ASU’s library director notes that its services extend to “researchers from outside the university,” which implicitly includes alumni scholarsasu.edu.bh.) Alumni cannot directly borrow books unless a special arrangement (such as an alumni library card or community borrower scheme) is in place, but the text suggests alumni may use materials within the library freely. Alumni can also access ASU’s online alumni portal (MyASU) which provides them with continued use of their ASU email and some online resources like the e-library catalog and alumni services platformasu.edu.bhasu.edu.bh. (If alumni have kept their ASU login, they may access limited online databases through on-site library computers or any alumni-specific database subscriptions the university offers.)

Alumni Office Programs:

 The Career Development & Alumni Affairs Office at ASU actively engages alumni with skill-development programs and events. Alumni are invited to free workshops, seminars, and networking events to enhance their skills and career growthasu.edu.bh. For example, the alumni office has organized career workshops (often in collaboration with the Continuing Education Centre) on topics like entrepreneurship, CV writing, and industry trends – alumni can register (usually at no cost) via the alumni office. There is also a strong focus on career support: alumni can avail career counseling services and job placement assistance. The university hosts an annual Job Fair (and in recent years virtual career forums) where both current students and alumni connect with employersasu.edu.bh. Alumni are explicitly encouraged to attend these job fairs and have their own “Alumni Reunion” events around graduation timeasu.edu.bh, fostering networking between graduates and the university community. These events are free for alumni; registration is typically done through an online form or by RSVP to the Alumni Affairs Office. ASU’s Alumni Club also organizes social and educational meet-ups for graduates – e.g. an alumni reunion day or panel discussions led by successful alumni – aimed at continual learning and university engagementasu.edu.bh.

Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning:

Alumni are welcome (and often given priority or discounts) in ASU’s continuing education courses. As noted, programs like the PMI certification training include alumni in their target audienceegypt1015.rssing.com. This means an ASU graduate can enroll in professional courses offered on campus to upskill, usually for a fee but sometimes at a preferential alumni rate (this detail would be obtained from the course sign-up information). Additionally, alumni are kept informed of public lectures on campus – for instance, if a prominent guest gives a talk or if the College of Law holds a “cultural and scientific” seminar, alumni may attend as part of the broader ASU family. In sum, ASU treats its alumni as lifelong learners by providing them free access to certain resources (library visits, career services) and opportunities to participate in continuing education and campus events. Alumni can sign up for these offerings through the alumni website or by contacting the Alumni Affairs Office; eligibility is generally just having alumni status (no additional cost unless it’s a paid course).

Programs for High School Students and Youth Outreach

ASU Bahrain engages with pre-university students through outreach initiatives and special programs:

• Competitions and Camps:

In the 2021/2022 academic year, ASU launched the First Edition of a Nationwide High School Competition, a pioneering initiative in Bahrainasu.edu.bh. This competition invited high school students from across the country to participate in academic and skill-based contests hosted by ASU. (For example, such contests might include science and innovation challenges or design competitions judged by ASU faculty.) High schoolers competed, showcased their talents on campus, and winners were recognized by the university. The program was free to enter – ASU’s aim was to inspire and identify talented youth. Given its success, it’s likely to become an annual event where schools can register teams or students via an application form provided by ASU. Another recent youth program, as shared in ASU’s news, is the “Future Builders” competition, which offers an “exciting opportunity for high school students, university students, and startups to showcase their creativity” in fields like technology and design (noted via ASU social media). Such recurring competitions are usually publicized through ASU’s website and direct coordination with secondary schools; interested students typically sign up through their school or online, and participation is free as part of ASU’s community outreach.

• Campus Visits and Open Days:

ASU hosts University Open Days where high school students and their parents can visit the campus, tour facilities (classrooms, labs, library, etc.), and attend informational sessions about university programs. These events are open to any prospective student (generally advertised through schools and local media). During open days, high schoolers gain access to resources like the library and labs in a guided setting – for example, they might attend a sample lecture or lab demo. Participation is free; registration can be done online or on-site. Additionally, ASU’s academic colleges sometimes arrange workshops for school students – e.g. a one-day coding workshop in the computer labs or an art/design workshop – to give youth a taste of university-style learning. Eligibility for these is typically targeted by age (e.g. Grade 11–12 students), and sign-ups are collected via an online form or through the school counselor.

• Partnership Programs with Schools:

The university has partnered with certain local high schools on initiatives like dual enrollment or preparatory courses. While ASU doesn’t run a full “bridge program” for high schoolers (aside from its official Bridging Programme for post-diploma students), it has been involved in community education fairs. For instance, ASU participates regularly in the annual Bahrain Training and Education Exhibition (Pre-Employment Expo), where high school students can interact with university representativesasu.edu.bh. It also collaborates with organizations like INJAZ Bahrain in events such as the Young Entrepreneurs competitions and Junior Achievement programs, where ASU provides mentorship or judging panels. Notably, ASU’s Business Incubation Centre and entrepreneurship faculty have supported events for youth entrepreneurship – giving high school startup teams access to ASU’s mentorship and sometimes workspace during competitions.

• Summer Programs:

 In 2025, ASU hosted its first international student summer program, welcoming a delegation of 15 students from France (per social media reports). While that program was for university-level students, ASU is exploring similar short-term programs that could include advanced high school students in the future. Any such summer school or youth camp would typically require an application; some might be free if sponsored, while others could charge a tuition if offering college credit or certificates.

Overall, ASU’s outreach to high schoolers is robust and growing – from competitions and fairs to on-campus learning experiences. These initiatives are free of charge in most cases (being part of ASU’s social responsibility). High school students usually join by responding to ASU’s announcements (through their school or ASU’s website) and must meet basic criteria (e.g. currently enrolled in a secondary school). Such programs have become recurring; for example, ASU’s high school competition is expected annually, creating a sustained link between ASU and the pre-university communityasu.edu.bh.

Partnerships and Shared Academic Programs with External Institutions

ASU Bahrain actively partners with government agencies, industry bodies, and other institutions to share its academic expertise and facilities with a broader audience. These collaborations often allow non-students to benefit from ASU’s resources:

• Workforce Training Agreements:

One notable example is ASU’s MoU with Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior under the national Alternative Sentencing (Open Prisons) Program. Under this agreement, ASU faculty provide educational and training programmes to “Open Prisons” beneficiaries (individuals serving alternative sentences) to develop their skills and improve their employment prospectsasu.edu.bh. This program saw ASU deliver coursework and workshops on campus for these participants, concluding with a graduation ceremony in February 2025 honoring those who completed the training. The beneficiaries – who are not regular students – accessed ASU’s classrooms and learning materials as a result of this partnership. The costs were covered by the government, making it free for the trainees. Registration and eligibility were managed by the Ministry (selecting suitable candidates in the rehabilitation program), while ASU provided the curriculum and instructors. This is a recurring initiative as new batches of beneficiaries undergo training each year, illustrating ASU’s role in national social programs.

• Professional Associations:

ASU has forged partnerships with professional bodies to co-host events and training for industry practitioners. For instance, in 2024 ASU signed an MoU with the Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB) to jointly develop banking talenttradearabia.comtradearabia.com. This collaboration involves periodic workshops, guest lectures, and even curriculum input: ASU and BAB organize joint conferences and training sessions for bank employees and ASU students/graduates, often held at ASU’s facilities. Through this, external audiences (e.g. bank staff or finance professionals) come to campus for executive education modules or industry seminars. One outcome is an integrated effort to align academic courses with market needs and offer practical training opportunities for graduates and even current bank employeestradearabia.com. These sessions might be free or subsidized for attendees as part of the partnership. Similarly, ASU has an MoU with the Bahrain Society for Human Resource Management, aiming to “strengthen bilateral cooperation” – likely by sharing ASU’s training resources with HR professionals and co-hosting HR certification courses or forums (details announced via ASU newsasu.edu.bh). Registration for such partner events is typically handled through the partner organization (e.g., BAB invites its member banks’ staff to sign up) or via ASU’s Continuing Education Centre, and events can recur annually or biannually.

• Authorized Training Partnerships:

As mentioned, ASU’s status as a PMI Authorized Training Partner exemplifies partnership with an international instituteegypt1015.rssing.com. This allows ASU to deliver PMI’s project management curriculum to the public. It effectively shares ASU’s facilities and instructors with PMI’s audience – local professionals seeking PMP certification – under PMI’s quality standards. Interested individuals register through ASU’s PMI training announcements; these courses run in scheduled cohorts (e.g. evening classes over several weeks) at ASU. They are paid programs (competitive with private training centers’ fees) but come with the backing of both ASU and PMI. This partnership is ongoing, with multiple sessions per year, and significantly opens ASU’s doors to the professional community for advanced certification trainingegypt1015.rssing.com.

• Academic and Community Events:

ASU also partners with regional and international educational institutions to host events that external audiences can attend. For example, ASU has collaborated with the GCC Commercial Arbitration Centre (per a 2025 MoU) to host joint seminars and training in arbitration lawasu.edu.bh. This means legal professionals and law students from outside ASU could join workshops on campus led by ASU law faculty and Center experts. Moreover, ASU frequently welcomes external guest speakers (diplomats, industry leaders, etc.) and opens those lectures to the public or targeted groups. One highlighted event was when ASU celebrated being an official Training Partner of the Bahrain Institute of Public Administration by hosting a series of open lectures on leadership (as noted in an ASU newsletter). These partnerships often entail free public admission to events, with simple online RSVPs. Additionally, ASU’s campus facilities are occasionally used for national events (for instance, ASU hosted coordination meetings of Bahrain’s Sports Federationasu.edu.bh and engineering day celebrations), reflecting an open-campus policy for community activities.

In summary, ASU Bahrain leverages partnerships to extend its educational infrastructure beyond its student body. Audiences such as government program participants, professionals in banking/HR sectors, and members of the general public have designated pathways to access ASU’s resources through these collaborations. Costs vary: many partner-driven events (conferences, public lectures) are free, whereas specialized training courses (like PMI or bespoke corporate trainings) may be funded by the partner or offered at a fee. Registration is usually handled via the partnering entity or ASU’s relevant department, often requiring an online sign-up or official nomination. These recurring programs and one-off events underscore ASU Bahrain’s commitment to community engagement and lifelong learning, reinforcing its role as a hub of knowledge for students and non-students alike