For a long time, a need was felt for having a university in Kuwait that would be at par with well-known international universities and provide quality education to students. The aim of the university was to prepare the next generation to meet the demands of a new technology-driven world. In January 1997, the Kuwaiti Academic Group, a group of 41 faculty members from Kuwait University, was established to assess the feasibility of a proposed “University of the Future”. Thus came into existence the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST).
GUST entered into a strategic partnership with the University of Missouri at St Louis to develop into a world-class university. A temporary campus with required infrastructure was set up in Hawally, Kuwait. The first academic year for the university began in 2002-2003.
As would be expected from any university of repute, GUST has been expanding its infrastructure and other facilities with time. This has also led to an increase in enrollment over the years. At the first commencement ceremony in 2007, around 400 graduates were awarded diplomas. Most of these graduates were absorbed by leading business entities in Kuwait.
The quality of students makes a huge difference in raising the bar for a university. At GUST, a uniform policy is followed with regards to admitting first time students. The applicants are reviewed on the basis of their high school performances as well as on their scores in the GUST English and Mathematics Tests.
GUST aspires to become a centre of excellence in higher education and wants to achieve the highest standard in teaching, learning, research and services.
The university has a Center for Career Services and Alumni (CCSA) that provides comprehensive career planning services to its students. Its A.M. Al-Refai Library has space earmarked for individual study and has separate discussion areas. Apart from providing students with Internet access, it stocks a large number of newspapers and periodicals. A new campus has been opened at Mishref.
Recently, GUST bagged the third place winner’s position in the 4th round of Kuwait E-Prize 2011-2012, a contest organised by the Kuwait Foundation for Advancement cience (KFAS).
