How to Register to a School in Qatar

Parents who plan on enrolling their child to a private school in Qatar need to find out when the school will post their registration requirements. Then they need to prepare the documents that the school will require.

The Management o f the Private School Affairs will announce the registration period through a circular. Schools cannot accept students beyond their capacity. The Ministry of Education monitors school’s compliance regarding these regulations. (SEE ALSO: How to Renew your Driver’s License in Qatar)

register to a school in Qatar

What are the Requirements Needed to Register?

In general, age is a primary requirement when registering. But for special circumstances, the student may take an equivalency test depending on their capability. Schools will also need to advice the number of vacancies in their schools before the start of registration period.

The Ministry of Education (MoE)  lists these documents to be presented to the school:

  • ID or valid passport of student (original and photocopy)
  • Birth certificate of student (original and photocopy)
  • Valid residency permit for all non-Qataris (original and photocopy)
  • Two recent photographs
  • Health record documents for students between 3 and 6 years old, for valid residents (original and photocopy)
  • Letter of employment from child’s sponsor workplace
  • Copy of child’s previous achievement
  • Copy of valid ID card of sponsor

The birth certificate will be used to determine the age of the child, and thus can be enrolled in their age-appropriate class. The child also needs a personal identification number to be allowed to register. It is also recommended to furnish the new school with records of achievement or performance from the previous school.

It may be confusing to register in secondary school because of the curriculum and public examination system required. Thus, it is advised that the student complete the first year requirement before proceeding to the next year level.

The MoE will need to approve cases wherein the student is qualified to enroll in the next level. On the other hand, school officials will need to explain to the family the consequences of enrolling the student in a class below their learning capability. The parents will also need to sign a consent form to signify that they understand the implication of this decision. MoE’s goal is to decide on the best interests of the child.

Parents can transfer their child to a different school and different curriculum without requiring the approval of MoE. But the schools are expected to explain to the parents the implications of this decision. For instance, the child might have to repeat a year level to meet the needed criteria of the new school.

Even if it might be complicated at first, it is worth the effort to have the child registered in a good school. Students should do their best in school because they are given the chance to study and be with their parents in Qatar.

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