Move aims to attract Kuwaiti and GCC nationals to fill gaps in key subjects 

Kuwait, May 12, 2025: Kuwait has approved a financial bonus for Kuwaiti and other Gulf nationals teaching rare or undersupplied subjects in schools in a bid to curb teacher shortages, according to local media reports. 

The decision, made by Kuwait’s Civil Service Commission, applies to teachers currently employed by the Ministry of Education during the 2023–2024 academic year. 

The incentive targets educational specialisations where Kuwaitis and GCC nationals make up less than 30% of the workforce, as per the approved regulations. 

The bonus will be disbursed for subjects that meet this scarcity threshold. The Ministry of Education is expected to coordinate annually with the commission to reassess staffing needs. 

The initiative aims to stimulate interest among national and Gulf talent in joining the education sector and to help bridge existing workforce gaps. 

Current shortages include high school subjects such as French, mathematics and physics, where the proportion of Kuwaiti teachers stands at around 18%, 5%, and 11.2%, respectively. Similar shortages are also reported in science teaching roles at the primary and middle school levels.