How to Study in Qatar for International Students
Qatar is a well-known tourist destination in the Middle East due to its stretches of desert, modern architecture, and rich heritage. Other than the country's wealth and progressive economy, it is also famous because of its superior educational system that is well-regulated by the government. In Qatar, you will experience top-notch facilities and training that will help you excel in your chosen career. Indeed, Qatar is an exemplary destination for international students who want memorable and best university experiences.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Qatar currently has 20 universities, from which 9 universities are a part of the public sector and 11 universities are private institutions.
Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Qatar you should definitely check out are Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar University, and Weill Cornell Medicine.
Being able to study in Qatar as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Qatar, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Qatar
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Qatar, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 26,400 QAR to 227,300 QAR, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 30,000 QAR and 120,000 QAR.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Qatar
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Qatar, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| University of Doha for Science and Technology | 43,900 QAR - 63,200 QAR | 39,500 QAR - 86,400 QAR |
| Qatar Aeronautical Academy | 89,100 QAR | |
| Texas A and M University at Qatar | 152,000 QAR | 103,400 QAR |
| MIE SPPU Institute of Higher Education | 28,000 QAR - 33,000 QAR | |
| Hamad Bin Khalifa University | 73,000 QAR | 36,000 QAR - 91,300 QAR |
| Qatar University | 26,400 QAR - 50,400 QAR | 52,800 QAR - 62,400 QAR |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Qatar
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University in Qatar | 225,800 QAR | |
| Northwestern University in Qatar | 227,200 QAR | |
| Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar | 112,400 QAR | 99,200 QAR |
| Al Rayyan International University College | 80,000 QAR | 95,000 QAR - 105,000 QAR |
| Doha Institute for Graduate Studies | 30,000 QAR - 90,000 QAR | |
| Carnegie Mellon University Qatar | 227,300 QAR | |
| CUC Ulster University | 75,000 QAR | 90,000 QAR - 120,000 QAR |
| Lusail University | 36,000 QAR - 90,000 QAR |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Qatar, check out the Cheap Universities in Qatar!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Qatar for International Students
Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Qatar, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.
Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.
In Qatar, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Qatar may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in Qatar are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.
To give you an idea, here are some universities in Qatar and their required minimum scores for each program level.
Al Rayyan International University College
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
- IELTS: 6.5
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
Carnegie Mellon University Qatar
Bachelor’s degree
- TOEFL: no minimum score
- IELTS: no minimum score
- Duolingo: no minimum score
- Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page
Community College of Qatar
Bachelor’s degree
- IELTS: no minimum score
- TOEFL: no minimum score
- Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page
Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.
Application Procedure to Study in Qatar
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Qatar have online applications available on their websites, like Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Qatar University. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Qatar.
Hamad Bin Khalifa University
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Qatar University
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Weill Cornell Medicine
Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.
After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!
The admission process in Qatar differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.
The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Qatar.
The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.
4. Visa Application for International Students in Qatar
Now that you’re accepted into your chosen institution, it’s time to apply for a student visa in Qatar. A student visa is an essential document for studying abroad. It’s an important government document that you need to present before going to Qatar as an international student.
In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Qatar. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Student Visa.
To start your student visa application in Qatar, you will need to present the following:
- Valid passport
- Passport-sized photos
- Proof of financial capacity to study
- Medical certificate
- Proof of housing accommodation
- Proof of enrollment to a Qatari institution
Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Qatar is 0 QAR.
After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:
- Access the visa application form on the official website of the Ministry of Interior - Qatar
- Write down your personal information and travel details.
- Make sure to completely fill out the visa application form with no blank sections.
- Pay the application fee once you are certain that all information is correct.
- Submit your application.
- Once you receive the results of your application, print it out.
For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.
That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Qatar. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!