Study abroad
Study in Qatar
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Qatar
Qatar is on the Arabian Peninsula, and its universities and colleges welcome students from many countries. International students can look at undergraduate, postgraduate and, in some fields, research programmes, as well as shorter courses where institutions offer them. Study options span broad areas such as business, engineering, health, the sciences and the humanities, with energy, infrastructure and business services shaping much of the country’s economy.
Doha, Al Rayyan and Al Wakrah are among the places students often consider. Teaching is often in Arabic. English is also widely used. Use this guide to explore subjects, typical intakes, costs, scholarships and visa steps, then check the details with each institution.
Why study in Qatar?
Students choose Qatar for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life on the Arabian Peninsula. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Industry context: Energy, infrastructure and business services matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Energy, Oil & Gas, Engineering and Business & Management, with options differing between universities.
- Cities and campus life: Doha, Al Rayyan and Al Wakrah each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Qatar means everyday contact with Arabic and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Doha's Education City brings together branch campuses of several international universities on one site.
Talking to current students and reading official course pages will give you a realistic picture of what studying here is like, beyond what any general guide can say.
Top subjects to study in Qatar
These subject areas are a useful starting point for students looking at Qatar. They are editorial suggestions based on the country’s wider economy and institutions, not a ranking.
- Energy, Oil & Gas
- Engineering
- Business & Management
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Media, Entertainment & Gaming
- Computing & Information Technology
Courses connected to energy, infrastructure and business services can be a good fit for students who want their studies to relate closely to the local economy. Each subject has its own page for Qatar on this site, with its specializations.
It helps to look at specializations within each area as well: two programmes with the same broad subject can lead in quite different directions.
Scholarships to Study in Qatar
Funding for international students in Qatar can come from several sources, and what is available depends on your nationality, level of study and subject.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Qatar
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Most scholarships are competitive and have their own eligibility rules, so none can be taken for granted. Read the conditions carefully, apply early and check whether funding covers tuition, living costs or both. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Qatar
Many programmes in Qatar start around August or September, which is the main entry point for most new students. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Application deadlines can fall many months before the course begins, especially for competitive programmes and for students who need a visa. Start by checking the deadline for your specific course, then work backwards to leave time for documents, language tests, applications for funding and the visa process.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Qatar
There is no single price for studying in Qatar. Fees are set by institutions and differ by course, level and type of institution.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Check the latest fees on each institution’s website and confirm whether they can change during your course.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Qatar
Before you travel, check what kind of study permission Qatar requires for your nationality and course.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Qatar in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Qatar
Living costs in Qatar depend a great deal on where you live and how you live. Costs in Doha can differ noticeably from those in Al Rayyan or Al Wakrah and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Current cost estimates from your institution and official sources will help you build a realistic budget for the whole course.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Qatar
Why should I study in Qatar?
It depends on your goals. Qatar offers programmes across many subjects, a location on the Arabian Peninsula and study in Arabic (with some English-taught options). Students interested in energy, infrastructure and business services may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Qatar?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Energy, Oil & Gas, Engineering, Business & Management and Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies. The subjects page for Qatar lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in Qatar?
Many programmes start around August or September. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Qatar?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Qatar?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Qatar.
Are scholarships available for international students in Qatar?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in Qatar?
Doha, Al Rayyan and Al Wakrah are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Qatar?
Many courses are taught in Arabic. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
Free counselling
Not sure where to begin?
Explore your study-abroad options with guidance.