Qatar has emerged as a global hub for academic excellence, attracting students from across the globe to its esteemed universities and institutions. With its commitment to fostering knowledge, research, and cultural exchange, Qatar offers a unique and unparalleled experience for those seeking a transformative educational journey overseas.
A number of universities and colleges have been set up in Qatar, and the number is ever-growing. The country has benefited from major investment in its Higher Education system. The recruitment of major academics and a busy schedule of international conferences are helping to raise the profile of the country's academic research. Major US and UK universities, including UCL and Georgetown, have satellite campuses in Qatar.
University entry conditions in Qatar
To join a university in Qatar as an international student, the basic requirements are as follows:
- Be a holder of an International Baccalaureate or equivalent
- Have completed 12 full years of study and be the holder of a secondary school certificate
- Entry tests are sometimes required. English proficiency is usually required and may be assessed with a TOEFL test. Passing scores may vary from institution to institution.
Fees for enrolling in universities in Qatar
Citizens of Qatar and nationals of the Council Countries Gulf Cooperation are exempted from tuition fees. However, international students in Qatar must pay tuition fees. Fees vary, depending on the course and the institution. As a reference, most subject fees at Qatar University (ranked in the world's top 500 universities) will range from 800-1000 QR per credit hour of your course. Medical students will pay between 60-120,000 Riyals per academic year, depending on the year of the course.
Choosing a university in Qatar
Research and identify universities in Qatar that offer programs in your field of study.
Some prominent universities in Qatar include Qatar University, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Texas A&M University at Qatar, and Northwestern University in Qatar.
Qatar University
Qatar University is the national university of Qatar, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. Programs offered include Arts and Sciences, Business and Economics, Engineering, Law, Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Education, and more. Admission requirements and enrolment conditions vary based on the specific program. Detailed information can be found on their website.
Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)
HBKU is a research-intensive university offering graduate programs across different fields. It comprises various colleges and institutes, including the College of Science and Engineering, College of Islamic Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Law, College of Public Policy, and Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute. Admission requirements and enrolment conditions differ based on the chosen program. Check their website for more information.
Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q)
WCM-Q is a branch of Weill Cornell Medicine in New York and offers a comprehensive medical education program in Qatar. It provides a six-year program leading to the Medical Doctor (MD) degree, as well as graduate programs in biomedical research. Admissions to the MD program are highly competitive, and specific requirements can be found on their website.
Texas A&M University Qatar
Texas A&M University Qatar is an extension of Texas A&M University in the United States and offers undergraduate programs in engineering disciplines. Programs offered include Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and more. Admission requirements and enrolment conditions vary depending on the program. You will find more detailed information on their website.
Northwestern University in Qatar
Northwestern University in Qatar offers undergraduate programs in communication and journalism. The programs focus on journalism, strategic communication, and media-related fields. Admission requirements and enrolment conditions can be found on their website.
Please note that specific details about admission requirements, programs, and enrolment conditions may change over time, so it is advisable to visit the respective university websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When choosing your university in Qatar, explore the programs and majors offered. Consider your academic interests, career goals, and the reputation of the program you are interested in. Familiarize yourself with the application process and deadlines for your desired university. Prepare and submit your application materials, ensuring they meet the specified requirements.
You are also advised to review the admission requirements for your chosen university and program. These requirements may include academic qualifications, standardized test scores (such as SAT, ACT, or IELTS/TOEFL for English proficiency), recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose.
Scholarships and financial aid in Qatar
There are a number of scholarships and financial aid programs available to international students in Qatar. These programs are offered by the government, universities, and private organizations.
The Qatar Foundation (QF) is a leading provider of scholarships and financial aid in Qatar. The QF offers a variety of scholarships to students from all over the world. These scholarships cover the full cost of tuition, housing, and living expenses.
Qatar University (QU) also offers a number of scholarships to students, covering a portion of the cost of tuition and living expenses.
In addition to the QF and QU, several other universities in Qatar offer scholarships and financial aid. These universities include:
- Texas A&M University at Qatar
- Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar
- Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar
- Northwestern University in Qatar
- HEC Paris in Qatar
- Georgetown University in Qatar
The eligibility requirements for scholarships and financial aid vary from program to program. However, most programs require students to have a high GPA, to be in good academic standing, and to demonstrate financial need.
To apply for scholarships and financial aid, students must typically submit an application, a personal statement, and official transcripts. Students may also be required to submit letters of recommendation and to interview with a representative from the scholarship or financial aid program.
The application deadlines for scholarships and financial aid vary from program to program. It is important to check the deadlines for the programs that you are interested in.
If you are interested in applying for scholarships and financial aid in Qatar, it is important to do your research and compare the different programs. You should also contact the universities and organizations that offer these programs to inquire about the application process and the eligibility requirements.
How to obtain a student visa in Qatar
If you are an international student, you will typically need to apply for a student visa to study in Qatar. Familiarize yourself with the visa requirements and process, and ensure you have the necessary documentation and financial means to support your stay.
To apply for a student visa in Qatar, you will need the following documents:
- Valid passport for at least six months beyond the end of your intended stay in Qatar;
- A duly completed visa application form;
- Letter of acceptance from a university in Qatar;
- Medical certificate that shows that you are in good health;
- Police clearance certificate from your home country;
- Proof that you have enough money to cover your living expenses in Qatar.
The application process for a student visa in Qatar can be time-consuming, so it is important to start the process early. You should also be prepared to provide additional documentation if required by the Qatari authorities.
Non-academic courses in Qatar
Apart from regular university courses, if you are interested in other non-academic courses, Arabic courses, etc., other locations are available.
If you do not wish to study for university credit but are interested in studying a language or a new skill in Qatar, many universities hold regular public lectures and have workshops throughout the year.
Arabic courses
FANAR, located next to the Souq Waqif, is a government organization dedicated to raising awareness of Islam and the Arabic language. They offer courses and information sessions and are free or low-cost. Qatar National Library
Whatever you're studying, you can visit one of the world's most impressive libraries. The newly designed Qatar National Library has a large collection of over 1 million books and has state-of-the-art study rooms and facilities. There is a historical archive. The website is regularly updated with special events and workshops.
Qatar Museums
Qatar Museums run a number of programs for adult learning, with regular workshops, lectures and special events. The Museum of Islamic Art also has a unique library for your own research purposes. Details are available on their website.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
