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)
- Texas A&M University at Qatar (1 PhD)
Interested in scholarships for Qatar? Check out our scholarship search page.
How to Apply to a Master's in Qatar
If you've decided to study a Master's degree at a university in Qatar, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.
What documents do I need to provide to apply in Qatar?
To apply to a university in Qatar you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:
- birth certificate;
- recent photos;
- your passport or national identity card;
- one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
- copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor's degree;
- academic transcripts;
- letter of intent;
- Curriculum Vitae;
- Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.
Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master's, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. Check if your programme requires any of these, or others.
The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in Qatar so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents, or translations in the local language.
Prove your English skills
Because you’ll study an international degree in English, you'll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.
Application deadlines for Qatar
The deadlines for applying to a Master's in Qatar are usually during summer (June-July), or in winter (January-February). Keep in mind that some universities don’t have application deadlines, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.
To avoid delays or missed deadlines send your required documents with plenty of time in advance.
