12 Cheapest Universities in Qatar for International Students

Search Courses:

In Qatar, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Qatar without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Qatar, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 20 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Qatar, make sure to read more!

Apply for 2025 Intake!

Applications for 2025 Intake are open. Search through the degrees around the world!

Apply Now

Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Qatar for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Qatar ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Qatar University 26,400 QAR - 50,400 QAR 76%
MIE SPPU Institute of Higher Education 28,000 QAR - 33,000 QAR 75%
Lusail University 36,000 QAR - 90,000 QAR 67%
University of Doha for Science and Technology 43,900 QAR - 63,200 QAR 60%
Hamad Bin Khalifa University 73,000 QAR 33%
CUC Ulster University 75,000 QAR 32%
Al Rayyan International University College 80,000 QAR 27%
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar 112,400 QAR -3%
Texas A and M University at Qatar 152,000 QAR -39%
Georgetown University in Qatar 225,800 QAR -107%
Northwestern University in Qatar 227,200 QAR -108%
Carnegie Mellon University Qatar 227,300 QAR -108%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 109,000 QAR for universities in Qatar.

Search Bachelor's Courses for International Students!

Search through the bachelor's courses that are currently open for international students!

Apply Now

1. Qatar University

Qatar University (QU), one of the leading universities in the Middle East, provides numerous academic opportunities for students seeking internationally recognized degrees. QU offers educational programs that are aligned with the country’s development priorities. And to maintain the quality of education, its curriculum is tailored to meet international standards and accrediting agencies worldwide.

2. MIE SPPU Institute of Higher Education

MIE SPPU Institute of Higher Education was established following the partnership between Milestone International Education (MIE) in Qatar and Savitribai Phule Pune University, which is a reputed institute of higher education in India. The campus has international students from around 30 different countries. The degrees awarded at MIE-SPP are of high value and recognized across the globe. MIE-SPPU aims to become a reputed higher education provider in Qatar in all areas related to knowledge and research.

3. Lusail University

Lusail University is the first private Qatari university founded in 2020. This young university provides undergraduate studies for domestic and international students, including a wide range of academic disciplines, from business, education, and law to information technology. Its primary goal is to introduce new advanced programs that will adapt to the market needs.

4. University of Doha for Science and Technology

Established in 2022 in its current form, the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) is Qatar’s first national university specializing in applied, technical and professional education. The university’s vision is to become a premier institution that champions excellence in applied education and research, and contribute meaningfully to the development of Qatar and the world. Recognized as a Center for Excellence in technical and vocational education, the university offers several undergraduate and graduate programs across a range of fields.

5. Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Founded by Qatar Foundation, the Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is a public institution that provides tertiary education to Qatari and international students. It was established to nurture students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset by providing innovative and practice-based learning that would enhance their creativity and resourcefulness. With its vibrant environment, HBKU students will gain personal and educational progress by engaging and building strong bonds between students, academic staff, collaborators, lecturers, and more.

6. CUC Ulster University

CUC Ulster is an up-and-coming institution in Doha, Qatar. It stands out for its partnership with Ulster University, which benefits Qataris and international students who want to earn a UK-accredited degree and receive an internationally vetted education while studying in Qatar. To achieve its goal of delivering world-class programs to more students, CUC Ulster will have a second campus in the City of Lusail.

7. Al Rayyan International University College

Formerly known as Stenden Qatar University, Al Rayyan International University College is a private institution in Doha established by H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani in 2000. It is the oldest private university in Qatar and has contributed immensely to its growth by training several leading academics and professionals in Qatar. The university aims to become internationally recognized as the top university in Qatar.

8. Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) was established in 1998 through a partnership with the Qatar Foundation and the prestigious university in Virginia, United States. The first American campus established in Doha’s pioneering Education City, VCUarts Qatar has expanded over the years to offer excellent facilities, including cutting-edge labs, studios, and libraries. Offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, it is one of the leading providers of education in the fields of art and design in the region.

9. Texas A and M University at Qatar

Texas A&M University Qatar was established in collaboration with Texas A&M University in the United States. The university came about due to Qatar’s venture of importing higher education of international standards from the US. The curriculum offered in Qatar closely resembles the one offered at the main campus in the US. All courses are taught in English in a co-educational setting.

Texas A&M University Qatar aspires to provide premium higher education in the field of engineering and become a renowned global contributor of knowledge as well as a crucial resource to Qatar.

10. Georgetown University in Qatar

Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) was established in 2005 in partnership with the Qatar Foundation in Doha. The campus in Qatar builds on the work of Georgetown University in Washington DC, which has developed an outstanding reputation for quality education and research since its establishment in 1789. GU-Q, a part of Qatar Foundation’s Education City initiative, aims to support and grow education in the region through its programs.

11. Northwestern University in Qatar

Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) was established in 2008 in Doha to train media, journalism, and communication professionals in the region. It is one of the six U.S. universities in Qatar Foundation’s flagship initiative, Education City. NU-Q has one of the biggest media education campuses in the world, employing state-of-the-art technology and equipment. It has world-class facilities and infrastructure, including production studios, automated newsrooms, and even a museum.

12. Carnegie Mellon University Qatar

Carnegie Mellon University was first established in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with the merging of 2 educational institutes originally founded by Andrew Carnegie, and Andrew Mellon respectively.

Carnegie Mellon University Qatar was established with the idea of offering higher education programs outside of Pittsburgh to meet the increasing global demand for education.

The university aspires to have a transformative impact on society by adopting an innovative approach to the development of entrepreneurship, research, creativity, and education.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Qatar for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Qatar ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Doha Institute for Graduate Studies 30,000 QAR - 90,000 QAR 58%
Hamad Bin Khalifa University 36,000 QAR - 91,300 QAR 49%
University of Doha for Science and Technology 39,500 QAR - 86,400 QAR 45%
Qatar University 52,800 QAR - 62,400 QAR 26%
Qatar Aeronautical Academy 89,100 QAR -26%
CUC Ulster University 90,000 QAR - 120,000 QAR -27%
Al Rayyan International University College 95,000 QAR - 105,000 QAR -34%
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar 99,200 QAR -40%
Texas A and M University at Qatar 103,400 QAR -46%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 70,600 QAR for universities in Qatar.

Search Master's Courses for International Students!

Search through the master's courses that are currently open for international students!

Apply Now

1. Doha Institute for Graduate Studies

Doha Institute for Graduate Studies was established to provide postgraduate education in Qatar. One of the main features of the institute is the use of Arabic as the main language, with fluency in English also a requirement. DI utilizes a student-centered approach to education and encourages the promotion of interdisciplinary research. Students are also provided with intense leadership-focused training with the idea of producing competent individuals who would contribute to the nation’s intellectual advancement and sustainable development.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 30,000 QAR to 90,000 QAR annually for their master's degree.

2. Hamad Bin Khalifa University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Hamad Bin Khalifa University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University is 36,000 QAR to 91,250 QAR.

Founded by Qatar Foundation, the Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is a public institution that provides tertiary education to Qatari and international students. It was established to nurture students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset by providing innovative and practice-based learning that would enhance their creativity and resourcefulness. With its vibrant environment, HBKU students will gain personal and educational progress by engaging and building strong bonds between students, academic staff, collaborators, lecturers, and more.

3. University of Doha for Science and Technology

Established in 2022 in its current form, the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) is Qatar’s first national university specializing in applied, technical and professional education. The university’s vision is to become a premier institution that champions excellence in applied education and research, and contribute meaningfully to the development of Qatar and the world. Recognized as a Center for Excellence in technical and vocational education, the university offers several undergraduate and graduate programs across a range of fields.

The tuition fee at University of Doha for Science and Technology for incoming international master’s students is 39,500 QAR to 86,400 QAR. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Qatar University

Another affordable university to consider in Qatar is Qatar University.

Qatar University (QU), one of the leading universities in the Middle East, provides numerous academic opportunities for students seeking internationally recognized degrees. QU offers educational programs that are aligned with the country’s development priorities. And to maintain the quality of education, its curriculum is tailored to meet international standards and accrediting agencies worldwide.

The tuition fee in Qatar University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 52,800 QAR.

5. Qatar Aeronautical Academy

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Qatar Aeronautical Academy has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 89,100 QAR yearly.

Qatar Aeronautical Academy was first established as the Civil Aviation of the Gulf States. It is currently the leading institute of aviation training in the Gulf. The institute offers a great list of full-time courses in the field of aviation.

QAA aims to nurture competent cadres of the highest international standards and to contribute to the development of the country’s aviation industry.

6. CUC Ulster University

CUC Ulster is an up-and-coming institution in Doha, Qatar. It stands out for its partnership with Ulster University, which benefits Qataris and international students who want to earn a UK-accredited degree and receive an internationally vetted education while studying in Qatar. To achieve its goal of delivering world-class programs to more students, CUC Ulster will have a second campus in the City of Lusail.

7. Al Rayyan International University College

Formerly known as Stenden Qatar University, Al Rayyan International University College is a private institution in Doha established by H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani in 2000. It is the oldest private university in Qatar and has contributed immensely to its growth by training several leading academics and professionals in Qatar. The university aims to become internationally recognized as the top university in Qatar.

8. Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) was established in 1998 through a partnership with the Qatar Foundation and the prestigious university in Virginia, United States. The first American campus established in Doha’s pioneering Education City, VCUarts Qatar has expanded over the years to offer excellent facilities, including cutting-edge labs, studios, and libraries. Offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, it is one of the leading providers of education in the fields of art and design in the region.

9. Texas A and M University at Qatar

Texas A&M University Qatar was established in collaboration with Texas A&M University in the United States. The university came about due to Qatar’s venture of importing higher education of international standards from the US. The curriculum offered in Qatar closely resembles the one offered at the main campus in the US. All courses are taught in English in a co-educational setting.

Texas A&M University Qatar aspires to provide premium higher education in the field of engineering and become a renowned global contributor of knowledge as well as a crucial resource to Qatar.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Qatar?

Applying to cheap universities in Qatar requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Qatar for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Qatar?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Qatar. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Qatar is the Al Rayyan International University College, which offers International Hospitality Management, International Tourism Management, and International Business Management to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Al Rayyan International University College offers Global Hospitality Management, Business Management, and Tourism Management.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Qatar, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Qatar as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Qatar for international students was helpful!