Qatar is a relatively small but developed state in the Middle East. In recent years, it has emerged as the preferred international study destination for students from all around the world. But why would plummeting oil and gas refineries, an air filled with the aroma of spices, and thick Middle Eastern culture attract international students? These things may cajole you to plan a trip to Qatar, but convincing a student to leave their home behind and pursue their degree there takes a lot more.
And that is precisely what Qatar realised despite building the education city with campuses of top universities worldwide. Qatar also offers multiple scholarships to international students. Over the years, the country has found it necessary to adopt a knowledge-based economy and has invested in education, including sponsorship for international students.
These scholarships span all disciplines and offer fee waivers, accommodations, airfare, and cost-of-living expenses to facilitate learning for outstanding learners who want to pursue quality education in Qatar. In this blog, we’ll explore the details of the 10 most popular scholarships for international students who would like to study in Qatar.
Why Study in Qatar?
Before delving into the details of the offered scholarship programs, let me briefly explain why Qatar has grown into one of the most pursued destinations for studying abroad.
The Education City: The education city of Qatar holds campuses from top universities worldwide, from the Ivy League to large libraries. Everything can be found within the city's 12 square kilometre area. Apart from these universities, Qatar is also home to many accredited universities, such as Cornell University, Georgetown University, and Texas A&M University.
Cultural Diversity: Qatar has become multicultural due to its immigration policy of employing expatriate workers. International students can witness and benefit from the best of the Middle East in the country.
Research Opportunities: Qatar has a significant investment in education and encourages research and innovation through institutions such as the Qatar Foundation. There are countless programs that fund and encourage students to get involved in frontline research work in engineering, medicine, and social sciences, among other fields.
Financial Support: Qatar provides several scholarships that include tuition fees, living costs, and other expenses that enable many international students to afford to study here.
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Top Qatari Scholarships for International Students
Having discussed the reasons why many students willing to study internationally are attracted to studying in Qatar, let us move to the national and international scholarships available for international students.
Qatar University Scholarships
QU is the national university of Qatar and among the leading universities in this region, providing a large variety of undergraduate and graduate programs with main courses offered in engineering, business and management, health professions, law, humanities, social sciences and many others. The following are notable scholarships:
- Admission Scholarship
- International Students Scholarship
- H.H. the Emir of Qatar's Scholarship for Academic Excellence
- Outstanding Performance Scholarship
- GCC Qatari States Scholarship
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What you need to know |
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Eligibility |
All undergraduate and graduate students at Qatar University can apply for the scholarships. Students who maintain a 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA are eligible. All applicants must be continuously enrolled in the degree to continue receiving the scholarships. A few scholarships are awarded to Qatari Nationals only. Those students must have a residence permit. Students applying for International Scholarships must have a valid passport. |
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Coverage |
Generally, Qatari Nationals are exempt from tuition and textbook fees. A few international scholarships also provide a monthly stipend, housing and a round-trip ticket to the scholarship holders. |
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How to Apply |
Applicants can apply for the scholarships online in the “Scholarship Application” section on the website. |
Qatar Foundation Scholarships
The QF for Education, Science and Community Development is one of Qatar's biggest and most popular organisations, and it is especially active in education and research. In partnership with The Education City, the Qatar Foundation offers several scholarships to exceptional undergraduate students every year. It is also home to some of the most renowned learning institutions in the world, including Carnegie Mellon University, Georgetown University and Weill Cornell Medical College.
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What you need to know |
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Eligibility |
Applicant must be an international student residing in Qatar or applying from overseas. Only students enrolled in undergraduate degrees in these universities are eligible:
The applicant must have completed at least two semesters at one of the universities. Must display financial need Have a Legal Guardian Follows the Education City’s standards. |
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Coverage |
The scholarships are fully funded. |
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How to Apply |
Applicants can apply for the scholarships online in the “Scholarship Application” section on the website. |
Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarships
Designated as a non-profit, the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies is a private institute dedicated to research and education. The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies has master's and doctorate programs in public administration, the social sciences and development. DI offers scholarships to Qatari nationals and Qatari mothers to encourage leadership in the Arab world.
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What you need to know |
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Eligibility |
Be a Qatari National (or Qatari mother).
Cleared medical tests Clean Criminal record |
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Coverage |
Full tuition fee coverage free accommodation A monthly stipend Health insurance Two Tickets to and from home. |
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How to Apply |
Applicants can create an ID on the DI admissions portal and apply for a scholarship on the website. |
Lusail University Qatar Scholarships 2025
Proud to be the first private university in Qatar, Lusail University offers exceptional opportunities for international students to study there. The scholarships, supported by the Qatar Fund for Development, aim to cover all the expenses of international and domestic students.
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What you need to know |
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Eligibility |
Applicants must have completed high school. Applicants must be proficient in the mandatory language of instruction for the chosen program. A partner university in Qatar must first accept applicants before being considered for the scholarship program. |
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Coverage |
Full tuition fee coverage Fully furnished accommodation A monthly stipend Round Trip Tickets Local Transport Coverage |
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How to Apply |
You can apply directly through Lusail University. If the university or any other partner university accepts you, you become directly eligible for the program |
Hamad-Bin-Khalifa University Scholarships
The Hamad bin Khalifa University offers a plethora of scholarships to students. The scholarships aim to attract more students to the country and the campus premises. The scholarships also allow Qatari nationals who are not financially fortunate to pursue higher education at a top-class university. Let’s discuss the details of the scholarships provided by the university
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What you need to know |
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Eligibility |
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Coverage |
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How to Apply |
You can apply online for any program you desire on the University’s online portal. |
Qatar Airways Scholarships for Cadet Pilots
A fast-growing airline, Qatar Airways, based in the State of Qatar, offers scholarships to those students who wish to pursue business/management, engineering and airline-related disciplines. This scholarship aims to help Qatari nationals or children of Qatari mothers pursue an undergraduate degree within or outside Qatar. After completing their undergraduate studies, students will join Qatar Airways under the Graduate Development Program.
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What you need to know |
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Eligibility |
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Coverage |
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How to Apply |
You can apply for the scholarship online on Qatar Airways' website. |
Al-Faisal University Qatar Scholarships
The Al-Faisal University Qatar provides several scholarships to international students every year. The scholarships are offered to undergraduate students and are bestowed at the start of every year at the beginning of the new year. Currently, around 44% of students at Al Faisal are receiving some kind of scholarship. The university offers multiple scholarships, such as sports scholarships, merit-based and need-based scholarships.
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What you need to know |
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Eligibility |
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Coverage |
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How to Apply |
You can apply for the scholarship online on the university’s website. |
Take Away
Many scholarship opportunities are available to international students in Qatar to ensure talented students from all corners of the globe achieve their dreams of studying in world-class universities in a stimulating, research-oriented environment. Whether you’re looking to get an undergraduate degree, further your education in one of the master’s programs, or earn your PhD, there are numerous opportunities to secure financial help while completing your education in one of the world's most vibrant and actively developing countries.
These scholarships also help give more than just money: the offers bring opportunities and exposure along with connections to experiencing and working in one of the most progressive and prosperous countries of the world. If you are an international student who wants to study on a 21st-century campus in a globally connected nation, Qatar is a perfect choice for you.
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