Ministry of Education launches study leave program for nursing staff

• Kuwaiti nationals seeking nursing study leave must have a high school diploma or higher, study at a recognized institution, be in good health, and agree to work for the Ministry of Health or a related government agency after qualification.

• Study leave may only be temporarily suspended or postponed for compelling reasons documented with evidence. The individual on leave will bear the consequences and must resume work during the temporary suspension.

• If an individual’s study leave is canceled or if they do not serve the state for a period equal to their leave, whether due to resignation or dismissal, they must repay the salaries and expenses incurred by the state during the leave.

The Ministry of Education has released a general bulletin about applying for study leave under the National Program for Upgrading Nursing Staff for the 2024/2025 academic year, according to Al Rai newspaper.

This initiative, which includes options for Diploma and Bachelor’s programs in nursing, is coordinated with the Civil Service Bureau. The bulletin follows the bureau’s letter No. (58105) dated July 24, approving the secondment plan for the 2024/2025 year.

The Ministry of Education has detailed the conditions for applying for study leave in nursing. Applicants must be Kuwaiti nationals with a high school diploma, diploma, or university degree. The study must be pursued at a recognized institute or university, either within Kuwait or abroad. Applicants should be in good health and agree to transfer to the Ministry of Health or another government agency with health sector services after completing their qualification.

The ministry pointed out that for those who meet the conditions for obtaining study leave, the following must be adhered to:

1. The leave period must not exceed the minimum duration set by the study authority. It may be extended for one year only, and exceptionally for two semesters and an additional six months, in accordance with Circular (8) of 2015, with approval from the Civil Service Bureau.
2. Changing the academic specialization for which the student was granted study leave is prohibited.
3. Study leave may only be temporarily suspended or postponed for compelling reasons (such as health or academic security) documented with evidence. The individual on leave will bear the consequences and must resume work during the temporary suspension.
4. Students on study leave will receive a book allowance of 350 dinars annually upon success, for a period not exceeding the prescribed study period.
5. Upon completing the study leave, the individual is obligated to serve the state for a duration equivalent to the study leave period.
6. If an individual’s study leave is canceled or if they do not serve the state for a period equal to their leave, whether due to resignation or dismissal, they must repay the salaries and expenses incurred by the state during the leave. If the leave was with salary only, the repayment is required in full; if it was with full salary and allowances, the repayment is 100 percent. They are exempt from some repayment obligations if they fulfilled their service commitment to the state after their study leave.
7. Priority in nomination will be given to those who meet these conditions.

The ministry also specified the conditions for studying outside Kuwait. The most important condition is that the study must be conducted at an institute or university recognized and accredited by the Cultural Office or the relevant government agency, the Ministry of Higher Education, and the National Authority for Academic Accreditation, which can be verified through the website www.nbaq.edukw.