The Ultimate Guide to Studying in Qatar in 2023
Browse all PhD programmes in Qatar
- Sep-Jun Academic Year
- 2 Listed Institutes
- 14,000 Int. Students
- 41,000 Students
- 2,980,000 Population
Study in Qatar
Qatar is a sovereign country in Southwest Asia, known worldwide mainly for its great oil and gas reserves that had placed it in the top of the richest states in the world.
In Qatar, you can pursue a degree, benefit of a completely safe environment and immerse in the Arabic culture. In recent years, Qatar has been involved in building a national strategy for helping the education system grow and evolve. According to Qatar’s Permanent Constitution, education is a basic foundation for the progress of society.
Students who speak Arabic or who want to improve their Arabic skills will find Qatar an interesting study abroad destination. However, Qatar has been registering many international students due to the country’s partnerships with many American universities, thus offering a huge palette and variety in terms of English taught programmes. From arts and design to science and technology, you can follow your dream study in any field you want.
Education system
The education system in Qatar is managed by the Supreme Education Council (SEC) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) at all levels. These institutions have set the following strategies for developing higher education: optimize student talents and capabilities, develop student knowledge and skills that are according to labour market demands, and support the needs and aspirations of the society. Universities are also enhancing scientific research in order to keep aligned with other international universities worldwide.
The academic year starts in September and lasts until June. Some courses are offered in the summer as well. The higher educational institutions use the American system for grading and awarding credit hours.
General Application Requirements
Usually universities in Qatar have an easy application system that allows candidates to register for an application form online.
Here is a list of the most common requirements for the application process:
- Complete Online Admissions Application
- Official and certified high school transcript
- Health Certificate issued inside Qatar
- Photocopy of the applicant's ID card
- Two (2) recent identical passport size photographs (size 4 x 6 cm) with white background
- Official test score reports for applicants to Colleges that require Foundation Program
*Extra documents based on the student's status may be required, according to each university’s policy, so always check with the university you want to enrol.
Study Options
In Qatar, you can find two public and national universities and several universities established in partnerships with universities from U.S. The famous "Education City" is located in Doha and includes branches of American universities. University offerings includes a wide range of programmes in fields like: art, design, media studies, engineering, science and technology, business, law, medicine, Sharia & Islamic Studies. Studies are available for both undergraduate and graduate degree.
Language of Instruction
International students that are not proficient in Arabic can find plenty of study options in English, as this language is considered the second language in Qatar. English-taught programmes are available for Bachelor’s degree, but especially for Master and PhD programmes. For example, all science and engineering courses are instructed in English.
Regarding the language requirements, students who want to enrol in Arabic-taught courses should first pass the Arabic Placement Test or provide a certificate of ALPT (Arabic Language Proficiency Test). For the English language entry requirements, IELTS or TOEFL are commonly accepted.
English language preparation for studying in Qatar
Develop your academic English language skills in order to meet the English language requirements at Qatari universities offering degree studies for international students. Choose an English language school anywhere in the world and pick your preferred English exam preparation course from diverse language course options.
Living in Qatar
- In Qatar, the cost of tuition fees range between 8,500 and 16,000 USD/year.
- The cost of living in Qatar is very high, usually an average student would need a minimum amount of 1,000 USD/month for its expenses (without accommodation).
- The student visa does not allow you to work in Qatar, except for on-campus jobs; you can only engage in a work opportunity after the end of your studies.
- The currency of Qatar is the Qatari riyal.
- Due to the fact that Qatar is a socially conservative Muslim country, the consumption of alcohol is strictly controlled and you are also advised to dress modestly when going out.
- An event that is not to be missed in Qatar is the traditional camel race that is held in Al Shahaniya every winter.
- Weekends in Qatar fall on Friday and Saturday and most shopping stores are usually closed on Friday mornings until the afternoon prayer.
- Karak tea is one of the most popular beverages in Qatar.
- The famous media company Al Jazeera is based in Doha, the capital of Qatar.
- The most part of Qatar’s population from today is, or originated from, Bedu tribes. The word Bedu means inhabitant of the desert.
About Qatar
Qatar, or officially the State of Qatar is a sovereign country located in Southwest Asia, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the north-eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Qatar is bordered with Saudi Arabia to the south, while the rest of its territory is surrounded by the Persian Gulf.
On 3 September 1971, Qatar officially gained its independence from the United Kingdom and became an independent sovereign state.
Qatar's monarchy is the Al Thani family, which has been ruling Qatar since the family house was established in 1825. There is no independent legislature, and political parties are forbidden. Sharia law is the main source of Qatari legislation according to Qatar's Constitution.
Qatar has experienced a moderate degree of liberalisation, including the launch of the Al Jazeera television station, giving women the right to vote in municipal elections and the draft of the country’s first written constitution.
Qatar has the highest GDP per capita in the world since 2012, relying mainly on foreign labour to grow its economy, as migrant workers make around 90% of the workforce.
Qatar is a high income economy backed by the world's third largest natural gas reserves and oil reserves. The oil reserves and gas fields that account for over 10% of the global resource, making Qatar the richest state per-capita in the world.
Qatar has a warm weather throughout the whole year, with really hot summers. The rainfall season occurs between December and March.
Popular traditional sports include Arabian horse racing, camel racing, and falconry, all rooted in the country's nomadic past.
Universities, colleges and schools in Qatar
Ar Rayyan
- Hamad Bin Khalifa University (11 PhDs)
Doha
- Qatar University (6 PhDs)
Interesting programmes for you
Find PhDs Degrees in Qatar
What subject to study in Qatar?
- Agriculture & Forestry 0 Masters
- Applied Sciences & Professions 0 Masters
- Arts, Design & Architecture 0 Masters
- Business & Management 2 Masters
- Computer Science & IT 3 Masters
- Education & Training 0 Masters
- Engineering & Technology 5 Masters
- Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences 1 Masters
- Hospitality, Leisure & Sports 0 Masters
- Humanities 1 Masters
- Journalism & Media 0 Masters
- Law 2 Masters
- Medicine & Health 4 Masters
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 Masters
- Social Sciences 3 Masters
Recent international policies promote international university cooperation and student exchange between countries worldwide. High-quality study and PhD degrees are made more available to students in order to create a global educational network, achievable through student and staff mobility. Career and research oriented programmes support international student development.
University cooperation enables students study worldwide, for instance in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States and provides ways of recognizing previous degrees. Different study options offer appropriate alternatives to students, depending on their preferred mode of study.
Many study programmes in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America are English-taught. The most popular international student destinations include the following countries: Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, the United States, and more. However, these are not the only countries offering English-taught education. The rest of the world is full of endless study choices, from highly ranked to smaller, more specialized, universities.
PhD (postgraduate) Degrees
If you want further education beyond the undergraduate level or if you want more personal development or a career in academia, you could obtain a PhD degree. PhD degrees are postgraduate programmes that usually follow a Master's, MPhil or MRes, but there might be additional requirements depending on the university. Students are required to do their own research in a chosen topic. With the help of a supervisor, you develop knowledge and analytical skills in a specific or multidisciplinary field and you carry out independent research. The duration of a PhD degree differs per country and institution. Sometimes your own research is accompanied by work for the department such as giving seminars or small group teaching.
PhD students are required to study on campus under close supervision, but there are universities that accept students enrolled into a part-time distance education PhD degree. Studying on campus can also be full-time as well as part-time, in which case the part-time variant is normally twice as long as the full-time study.
Discover other countries
The Netherlands is a very popular study destination. Internationals choose this beautiful country because Dutch universities are some of the best in Europe, the living standards are high, foreigners are always welcome, and you get to live in one of the happiest and safest countries in the world. The Netherlands is also renowned for innovative technologies and engineering solutions, which is reflected in the wide range of Engineering degrees offered by universities.
English is spoken by around 90% of Dutch citizens, so forget about language barriers. Also, bike lanes and the “cycling culture” will help you to stay fit and healthy, and there are diverse job opportunities and internships for international students.
Finland is an excellent choice for all internationals and especially for EU/EEA students who can study at local public universities for free. The beautiful Nordic country has one of the best education systems in the world and ranks among the safest and happiest nations in the world. You can also choose from over 400 English-taught programmes.
In your spare time, you can explore the breathtaking Finnish nature and landscapes, as well as the numerous lakes that give the country the nickname ‘The Land of a Thousand Lakes.’ From here, you can easily travel to neighbouring countries like Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, or Estonia.
Ireland is among the top countries in the world in terms of quality of life, peace, safety, and development. It represents an appealing blend of beautiful landscapes, English-speaking environments, and a strong, welcoming, and rich culture — of which the Irish people are very proud. International students also enjoy the full support of Irish universities, which hire and train staff that are able to help with accommodation, studies, visa details, or any other challenge.
Norway is a paradise for anyone who wants to study abroad for free. Public universities don’t charge any tuition fees. This policy applies to all international students, regardless of their nationality. The academic standard is very high, and professors are easy to approach, always willing to go the extra mile for their students. Additionally, classes are organised in small groups, which further improves learning and cooperation.
You can choose from a wide range of English-taught programmes, and you don’t need to worry about language barriers outside of classes either, because most Norwegians speak English as a second language. Internationals should find it easy to adapt to Norway’s society, which is based on equality and fair opportunities — reflected both in the legal system and in people’s behaviour.
Greece is the cradle of European civilization and the birthplace of philosophy. Greek universities and colleges have a long history in academics, attracting international students from all over the world. Classes are not typically formal, so you can expect open discussions between students and professors, in line with the classical philosophical debate tradition. EU/EEA students don’t pay any tuition at public universities, while non-EU/EEA citizens pay low fees.
In Greece, you’ll also enjoy the well-known local hospitality and the wonderful Mediterranean climate. There are many landmarks and monuments waiting to be explored, including the Acropolis, Delphi, the Parthenon, and many others.
Sweden is a very ambitious, eco-friendly, and visionary country. For example, by 2040, it aims to produce all its energy from renewable sources. Universities play an important role in achieving development goals, thanks to their world-class research facilities. If you’re from the EU/EEA, you can study at public universities for free.
As a student, you will discover and easily adopt the three main values of Swedish society: freedom, equality, and sustainability. These values are reflected in every aspect of the local society, and you’ll quickly learn to appreciate them. Language barriers are also almost non-existent since around 80% of Swedes speak English.
Switzerland has one of the most advanced free-market economies, which is reflected in the high living standards and the satisfaction of people living here. In terms of higher education, Swiss universities are constantly ranked among the best in Europe, and they shine in areas like Business, Tourism, Culinary Arts, and Engineering.
When compared to Western universities, tuition fees in Switzerland are affordable, and all studies — especially PhD programmes — are world-class. You’ll have the opportunity to develop in a multilingual environment and try learning international languages like German, French, or Italian. If you settle down here, the unemployment rates are low, and salaries are well above the European average.
Universities in the UK are some of the most highly regarded in the world, and for good reasons. Some of the world's most highly regarded research takes place in British universities, which are regularly featured in international rankings. While studying in the UK, you will be able to develop in a highly multicultural environment with high chances of pursuing lucrative careers after graduation. The teaching in the UK is designed to encourage new idea generation, encouraging individual research and group cooperation, through class discussions and creative assignments.
Canada is one of the most popular study destinations in the world due to its high focus on the quality of its universities and its emphasis on attracting international students who can later immigrate. Canadians are very welcoming to international students and they invest a lot into making sure students are safe, treated fairly, and enjoy their stay in the country. Study in one of the strongest economies in the world while enjoying a high living standard and a flexible study environment. Classes have smaller student groups ensuring everyone gets the attention they need, and encouraging group assignments and debates.
The United States is home to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the world. With over 150 universities featured in international rankings, the U.S. has some of the best business schools, medical schools, and engineering schools. Universities and colleges in the U.S. are well known for academic flexibility and ways to customize your study experience with optional studies and extracurricular activities. Depending on where you will be studying, you will be able to visit iconic places like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Goldengate Bridge, The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Disney's Magic Kingdom Park, and much more.
Israel attracts international students through high standards of education and a wide range of English-taught degrees. Local universities shine in areas like Technology, Sciences, Business, and Entrepreneurship. In fact, Israel is a renowned land of innovation, having earned itself the nickname ‘Start-Up Nation’.
While living and studying here, you will discover a wonderful culture developed throughout 4,000 years of history; different cultural influences are noticeable everywhere, especially in Israeli food, art, and history.
In major cities, English is widely spoken, so communication shouldn’t be a problem. In your spare time, you can visit one of the over 400 nature reserves and 80 national parks.
By studying in Australia you will take advantage of the great student environment both inside and outside classrooms. In addition to some of the best business and engineering schools in the world, you will be able to explore a greatly developed country that still retains its wild side with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and the Great Outback, with over 500 national parks. Many Australian universities provide internships and work placements, preparing students early on for the job market.