There are many great reasons why you should study in Qatar as a foreign student. For one, you will not only have a more extensive academic experience, you will also benefit from a cultural perspective. The Qatar government has pushed for world-class education, recognizing its importance if it were to maintain its high economic status and become even more resilient for the future.
Qatar’s higher educational system is commendable. For example, the best local university, the Qatar University, currently ranks 401st in the World University Rankings. When it comes to international schools, Qatar has allowed some of the best schools in the world to have a campus in Education City. These schools include Northwestern, Carnegie Mellon, Georgetown, HEC Paris and University College London.
These Steps Will Help You Study at a University in Qatar
So what are the general requirements for studying in Qatar? Here they are:
Get a Permit
To study at a University in Qatar, you first need to apply for a Qatari resident’s permit. This requires having a Qatari sponsor, but you can only apply for this permit if you’re staying in Qatar during your application. If you’re applying from outside Qatar, then you have to secure a student’s visa first while you are applying for the University you want to study in.
The student visa requirement excludes citizens from other GCC countries. In some universities, like Qatar University, you need to upload required documents online as well. These documents may include the online application confirmation page, passport copy of the student, affidavit of financial sponsor, Qatar ID of sponsor, financial documents showing financial capacity of sponsor, health evaluation, certificate of good conduct, approval letter from parents or guardian, etc.
Be Good in English
The primary language used in universities in Qatar is English. The school you are applying for may require you to take the TOEFL or IELTS as proof that you are proficient in the language.
Get Your Credentials Recognized
Your credentials may not be immediately approved by Qatar’s Ministry of Education or the Qatari Embassy. If that is the case, then evaluation and finally certification is needed before you can push through. The country, however, acknowledges International Baccalaureate diplomas.
Look for Funding
If you need to you can apply for scholarships to help with the expenses of studying at a University in Qatar. In some cases, the University itself provides scholarships to deserving students. You can also obtain scholarships from private institutions. For example, at the Qatar University, if you are deemed an exceptional student, you don’t have to pay for tuition or book fees.
The Qatar Foundation also has a financial aid program. This is an educational loan that has zero interest, and is given to students annually. Each year, a student needs to reapply for the loan. Once you graduate, you can start paying off the loan on a monthly basis. Normally, you pay 15 percent of your month’s salary to pay off the loan.
Studying in Qatar as a foreign student is a rewarding experience. With the expenses though, perhaps the best way to study in Qatar is to find a sponsor or scholarship.
DISCLAIMER: The topics presented in this article are for information-sharing purposes only. They may be used as a personal guide, but they should not be used as a basis for actual student-related concerns. To learn more about studying in Qatar, visit the Qatar Government Portal Official Website.