How to Study in Doha for International Students

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Doha, one of the beautiful cities in Qatar, is a city that needs to be considered when planning on studying abroad. Here, you can immerse yourself in a rich local culture and learn about its history and the factors that make it unique.

When it comes to the choices that are available, Doha currently has 18 universities, from which 8 universities are a part of the public sector and 10 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 Doha you should definitely check out are Qatar University, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and University of Doha for Science and Technology.

Being able to study in Doha 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 Doha, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!

1. Cost of Studying in Doha

When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Doha, 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 Doha

To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Doha, 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
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 Doha

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

If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Doha, check out the Cheap Universities in Doha!

Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.

2. Requirements to Study in Doha for International Students

Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Doha, 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 Doha, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Doha 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 Doha 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 Doha and their required minimum scores for each program level.

University of Doha for Science and Technology

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Georgetown University in Qatar

Bachelor’s degree

Northwestern University in Qatar

Bachelor’s degree

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 Doha

The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Doha have online applications available on their websites, like Qatar University and Hamad Bin Khalifa University. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Doha.

Qatar University

Hamad Bin Khalifa University

University of Doha for Science and Technology

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 Doha 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 Doha.

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 Doha

If you’re going to study in Doha, you will need to apply for a student visa in Qatar

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 Doha, you will need to present the following:

  1. Valid passport
  2. Passport-sized photos
  3. Proof of financial capacity to study
  4. Medical certificate
  5. Proof of housing accommodation
  6. 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:

  1. Access the visa application form on the official website of the Ministry of Interior - Qatar
  2. Write down your personal information and travel details.
  3. Make sure to completely fill out the visa application form with no blank sections.
  4. Pay the application fee once you are certain that all information is correct.
  5. Submit your application.
  6. 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 Doha. 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!