Eligible expatriate families in Qatar can still register their children in government schools for the 2026–2027 academic year, with the current registration period open until October 1, 2026.
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education reopened registration on August 25, 2026 for eligible students from different nationalities.
Private-Sector Families Must Meet Extra Conditions
For expatriates working in Qatar’s private sector, government-school admission is more limited.
The Ministry has allocated 18 government schools in outlying areas and villages for children of qualifying private-sector resident workers.
Families must show proof that they actually live in an eligible area. This may include a notarized rental contract or an electricity document under the guardian’s name.
Admission also depends on available school seats.
Children who do not speak Arabic may be required to take an Arabic-language assessment before placement.
Documents Parents Should Prepare
Parents should prepare the child’s and guardian’s Qatar ID, birth certificate, health records, and other school registration documents.
Children of resident workers may also need an employment certificate from the parent.
For Grade 1, the child must generally meet the age requirement based on the Ministry’s cutoff rules for the 2026–2027 school year.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted online through Qatar’s Ma’aref Public Services Portal.
Parents can also use the Ministry’s “Where Is My School?” service to check which government schools serve their residential area.
For OFW families, it is best to confirm eligibility first because government-school access depends on the parent’s employment sector, residential area, and available school capacity.
