Universities in Qatar & Education City: A Guide

By the Qatar Living team — last updated 12 June 2026.

If you are an expatriate family or prospective international student comparing higher-education options, Qatar offers three broad routes to a degree: Qatar Foundation’s higher-education ecosystem, including Education City universities; public and government-linked institutions led by Qatar University; and a growing group of licensed private institutions offering local and international programmes.

These categories are useful for orientation, but they overlap. Hamad Bin Khalifa University is a Qatar Foundation university with both undergraduate and graduate programmes, while several private institutions deliver degrees awarded in partnership with universities in the UK, US, India, Malaysia and Australia.

This guide to universities in Qatar and Education City explains the current institutions, indicative tuition costs in QAR, admissions requirements and how student visas and residence permits generally work.

Fees, programmes and admissions policies change by academic year, so always verify the specific programme before applying.

Three routes to a degree in Qatar

Most students choose based on four factors:

• The programme they want
• The degree-awarding institution
• The programme’s recognition and accreditation
• The total cost they can afford

Qatar Foundation and Education City

Qatar Foundation’s higher-education ecosystem includes one homegrown university and seven international university partners.

These institutions offer selected programmes rather than the complete range available at their parent campuses. Many award degrees from the parent university, but applicants should confirm the exact awarding body, curriculum and accreditation for the programme they are considering.

Public and government-linked institutions

Qatar University is the country’s broadest national university, offering programmes across areas such as engineering, business, law, medicine, education, health sciences and the humanities.

University of Doha for Science and Technology focuses on applied, technical and professionally oriented education, while Community College of Qatar and other specialist institutions provide additional diploma, degree and professional routes.

Private higher-education institutions

Qatar’s licensed private sector includes local universities, graduate institutions, pathway colleges and institutions working with foreign university partners.

These can be useful for residents looking for programmes unavailable at the main public institutions or for selected flexible, part-time and professionally focused options. Flexible evening or weekend delivery is not universal, so confirm the timetable for the individual programme before applying.

Most institutions are in Doha, Al Rayyan or Lusail, but not every campus is directly served by the Doha Metro. Transport should be checked campus by campus.

Who regulates universities in Qatar?

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education oversees the higher-education sector in Qatar.

Its responsibilities include licensing private higher-education institutions and programmes and publishing information about recognised institutions operating in the country. The Ministry maintains a current list of public, Qatar Foundation, private, security and military higher-education institutions.

Students should distinguish between:

• A university being licensed to operate in Qatar
• A particular programme being approved
• The degree being awarded by a local or foreign university
• Professional accreditation for programmes such as engineering, medicine, law or business
• Recognition required for government employment, scholarships or further study

Do not rely only on the institution’s brand name. Ask for the programme’s exact awarding body and current approval status.

Qatar Foundation manages and supports its own education ecosystem, but it is not the national regulator for all universities in Qatar.

For immigration, student entry visas and residence permits are handled under Ministry of Interior procedures. In practice, an international student normally applies through the university, which coordinates the immigration and sponsorship stages.

Students do not usually complete the entire student-residence process independently through Metrash.

Education City universities and Qatar Foundation partners

Qatar Foundation states that its higher-education ecosystem includes eight universities: seven international partners and the homegrown Hamad Bin Khalifa University.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Hamad Bin Khalifa University is Qatar Foundation’s homegrown research university.

It offers undergraduate engineering programmes alongside a larger selection of graduate programmes in fields including science and engineering, law, public policy, health and life sciences, Islamic studies, humanities and social sciences.

HBKU’s undergraduate engineering programmes currently carry total programme tuition of approximately QAR 290,250 to QAR 294,750 over four years, before scholarships or financial support. Graduate tuition varies considerably by college and programme.

Georgetown University in Qatar

Georgetown University in Qatar offers the Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service, with majors covering areas such as international politics, international economics, international history, culture and politics, and science, technology and international affairs.

For the 2025–26 academic year, published tuition was QAR 259,648, excluding housing, books and other costs. Tuition is adjusted annually.

Northwestern University in Qatar

Northwestern University in Qatar offers undergraduate programmes in journalism and communication, together with minors, certificates and interdisciplinary study.

Published full-time tuition for 2026–27 is US$69,375, before activity, health, textbook, housing and personal costs. This is approximately in the QAR 250,000 range, depending on the exchange rate applied.

VCUarts Qatar

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar offers undergraduate programmes in art history, graphic design, interior design, painting and printmaking, and kinetic imaging, together with a graduate design programme.

For 2026–27, full-time undergraduate tuition is QAR 68,508.44 per semester, or approximately QAR 137,017 across two standard semesters.

Texas A&M University at Qatar

Texas A&M University at Qatar has offered engineering education in Education City.

However, the campus is now in a formal transition. Texas A&M states that it is winding down the Qatar campus and working toward closure by August 31, 2028, while supporting currently enrolled students through the transition.

It should therefore not be presented as an ordinary long-term admissions option for new students without checking the latest transition and admissions information directly with the university.

Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar

Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar offers undergraduate programmes in:

• Artificial intelligence
• Biological sciences
• Business administration
• Computer science
• Information systems

The university states that Qatar-campus graduates earn Carnegie Mellon degrees with the same degree requirements as students in Pittsburgh.

For first-year students entering in fall 2026, tuition is QAR 254,412. Tuition and mandatory listed fees bring the published total to QAR 264,625 before housing, meals and personal expenses.

Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar

Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar offers a six-year medical programme consisting of two years of pre-medical study followed by the four-year medical curriculum. It leads to the Cornell University MD degree.

For 2026–27:

• Pre-medical tuition is US$73,946
• Medical-curriculum tuition is US$73,293

These figures are in the region of QAR 267,000 to QAR 270,000 before other costs.

HEC Paris, Doha

HEC Paris is part of Qatar Foundation’s higher-education ecosystem but should not be described as a standard undergraduate branch campus.

Its Doha operation focuses on executive education, including an Executive MBA, short executive programmes and customised corporate programmes. Its current address is in Msheireb Downtown Doha rather than on the main Education City campus.

Qatar Career Development Center

Qatar Career Development Center is not a degree-awarding university.

It provides career guidance, education and professional-development programmes and should be listed as a student and career-support organisation rather than as an Education City university.

Public universities and government-linked institutions in Qatar

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education currently lists the following public or government-linked higher-education institutions.

Qatar University

Qatar University is Qatar’s national university and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programmes.

For undergraduate students admitted from fall 2023 onward, tuition is charged according to the subject of each course:

• Arts, education, law and Sharia: QAR 1,100 per credit
• Business, sciences, health sciences and nursing: QAR 1,200 per credit
• Engineering and pharmacy: QAR 1,400 per credit

A student completing approximately 30 credits in a year would therefore generally pay around QAR 33,000 to QAR 42,000, depending on the course mix.

Medicine and dental-medicine fees are charged annually and currently range from approximately QAR 46,800 in the first year to more than QAR 130,000 in selected later years.

University of Doha for Science and Technology

UDST offers applied bachelor’s, diploma and graduate programmes across business, computing, engineering, health sciences and general education.

For students classified as international students under university sponsorship, UDST lists average annual bachelor’s tuition of approximately:

• QAR 45,353 for general education
• QAR 45,780 for business
• QAR 46,816 for computing
• QAR 47,583 for health sciences
• QAR 52,461 for engineering and technology

Housing, meals and university transport can add approximately QAR 38,000 per academic year, while estimated airfare is listed separately.

Qatar residents pay a different per-credit rate, currently around QAR 975 to QAR 985 per bachelor’s-level credit depending on the college.

Community College of Qatar

Community College of Qatar offers associate and bachelor’s-level pathways and serves students seeking more accessible or applied entry routes into higher education.

Programme availability, language and transfer options should be checked directly with the college.

Qatar Aeronautical Academy

Qatar Aeronautical Academy provides aviation and aeronautical training rather than the broad academic portfolio of a general university.

Its programmes may include pilot, aircraft-maintenance, air-traffic, meteorology and aviation-management training, subject to the academy’s current offerings.

Specialist government-linked institutions

The Ministry also lists:

• Qatar Finance and Business Academy with Northumbria University
• Qatar Leadership Centre with Georgetown University
• Qatar Olympic Academy with the University of Lleida

These are specialist higher-education and professional-development arrangements. They should not be presented as full general-purpose public universities offering a wide undergraduate portfolio.

Private universities and institutions outside Education City

The Ministry’s current list includes the following private higher-education institutions.

Al Rayyan International University College

ARIU works with the University of Derby and offers programmes in areas such as international hospitality, tourism, business, event management, accounting and finance.

Current published bachelor’s tuition ranges from QAR 20,000 to QAR 40,000 per semester depending on the programme, creating an annual tuition range of approximately QAR 40,000 to QAR 80,000 before other charges.

AFG College with the University of Aberdeen

AFG College offers programmes connected to the University of Aberdeen.

Applicants should confirm the current programme, awarding body, annual tuition and Ministry approval for the specific intake.

City University Qatar with Ulster University

City University Qatar operates in Lusail and offers Ulster University-linked undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

It is licensed by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Programme fees and scholarships vary and should be confirmed through the current offer letter and fee policy.

Oryx University with Liverpool John Moores University

Oryx offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University.

For eligible programmes, official degree certificates and transcripts are issued by Liverpool John Moores University. Tuition and available scholarships vary by course and intake.

Global Studies Institute with Arkansas State University

GSI provides programmes linked with Arkansas State University.

Applicants should verify whether the programme is delivered entirely in Qatar, the final awarding institution and the current Ministry approval.

MIE with Savitribai Phule Pune University

MIE offers Indian-linked higher-education programmes in partnership with Savitribai Phule Pune University.

Confirm the exact programme structure, degree-awarding body and attendance schedule before applying.

National University of Malaysia in Qatar

The National University of Malaysia—Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia—operates in Qatar as part of the country’s licensed higher-education sector.

Its available programmes and intake arrangements should be checked directly with the institution.

Lusail University

Lusail University is a locally based private university offering undergraduate and graduate programmes.

It was omitted from the original list and should be included among Qatar’s licensed private institutions.

Doha Institute for Graduate Studies

Doha Institute for Graduate Studies is a graduate-focused institution offering master’s and doctoral education.

It should not be described only as an “Arabic-language research” institution, because the language and delivery requirements vary by programme.

University Foundation College

University Foundation College primarily provides foundation and pathway education.

It should not be presented as equivalent to a comprehensive bachelor’s-degree university without checking the progression and degree-awarding arrangements for the programme.

Barzan University College with Swinburne University of Technology

The Ministry’s current list also includes Barzan University College in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology in Australia. This institution was missing from the original article.

Selected private institutions may provide evening, weekend or part-time study, but this depends on the programme. Do not assume every private college is designed for working students.

How much does university cost in Qatar?

Tuition varies substantially according to the institution, programme, residence status and whether the student receives a scholarship or sponsorship.

There is no reliable market-wide average of QAR 65,400 for an international bachelor’s student. That figure should be removed unless supported by a transparent dataset covering comparable institutions and programmes.

Cost by type of institution

Public universities

For a standard undergraduate course load:

• Qatar University: approximately QAR 33,000 to QAR 42,000 per year for many non-medical programmes
• UDST international bachelor’s tuition: approximately QAR 45,000 to QAR 52,500 per year
• Qatar-resident UDST students: a lower per-credit rate applies
• Medicine and dentistry at Qatar University: can exceed QAR 100,000 in later years

Public institutions can be among the more affordable options, but they are not uniformly priced and specialised programmes can cost significantly more.

Qatar Foundation international partner universities

Published 2026–27 tuition examples include:

• VCUarts Qatar: approximately QAR 137,000 per academic year
• Carnegie Mellon Qatar: QAR 254,412 in tuition
• Northwestern Qatar: approximately QAR 250,000 in tuition
• Georgetown Qatar: approximately QAR 260,000 based on its latest published annual figure
• Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar: approximately QAR 267,000 to QAR 270,000

Housing, insurance, books, food and personal expenses may add tens of thousands of riyals.

HBKU uses its own fee structure. Its undergraduate engineering programmes currently total approximately QAR 290,000 across the complete four-year programme, before aid.

Private institutions outside Education City

Private-institution fees vary too widely for one reliable range.

A current published example is ARIU, where undergraduate tuition ranges from approximately QAR 40,000 to QAR 80,000 annually depending on the programme. Other institutions may charge by credit, module, semester or full academic year.

Request an itemised schedule showing:

• Application fee
• Registration fee
• Annual tuition
• Retake fees
• Laboratory or studio charges
• Textbooks
• Graduation fees
• Student-visa costs
• Refund conditions

Scholarships and financial aid

Scholarships, sponsorships, grants and loans are available, but eligibility varies.

Qatar Foundation offers financial-support routes for local and international students. Depending on the university and student, assistance may include need-based grants, interest-free loans or merit scholarships.

Examples include:

• CMU-Q need-based grants for students of all nationalities
• Qatar Foundation financial aid for eligible Weill Cornell students
• HBKU tuition waivers and stipends for selected graduate students
• Qatar University international scholarships
• Ministry scholarships for eligible Qatari students
• Corporate sponsorships

Financial aid is not automatic. Some schemes require a separate application submitted before the admissions or aid deadline.

Admissions and student visas step by step

The exact process differs by institution and programme, but a typical application follows these stages.

Choose the programme and check recognition

Confirm:

• Degree title
• Degree-awarding university
• Programme duration
• Study mode
• Ministry approval
• Professional accreditation where relevant
• Tuition and refund policy
• Whether the programme accepts international applicants

Submit the academic application

Common requirements can include:

• School or university transcripts
• Graduation certificate
• Passport or QID
• Personal statement
• Recommendation letters
• Portfolio for art and design
• Interview
• Entrance or placement test
• English-language evidence

Not every English-taught programme automatically requires IELTS or TOEFL. Some accept other tests, previous English-medium study or an internal placement assessment.

Requirements must be checked institution by institution.

Receive the admissions decision

The institution may issue:

• Conditional offer
• Unconditional offer
• Wait-list decision
• Request for an interview or further documents

Admission does not automatically guarantee a student visa.

Apply for university-sponsored student residence

International applicants who do not already hold Qatar residence usually apply for student sponsorship through the university.

For example, Qatar University requires eligible self-funded international applicants to apply for a student visa under QU sponsorship during the admissions period. UDST also operates student-residence sponsorship and initiates the visa process for admitted international students.

Documents may include:

• Passport
• Admission documents
• Police-clearance certificate
• Financial-support evidence
• Health-evaluation documents
• Parental consent for some undergraduate applicants
• Photographs and immigration forms

The exact checklist varies.

Receive the entry approval

The university submits or coordinates the student-visa application through the Ministry of Interior.

The student should wait for confirmation that the entry approval has been issued before travelling for enrolment. UDST, for example, states that its admissions team informs the applicant when the student visa is issued by the MOI.

Complete residence and QID procedures

After arriving, a university-sponsored student generally completes the residence process, which may include:

• Medical examination
• Fingerprints or biometric registration
• Residence-permit application
• QID issuance

The university’s immigration or student-services team coordinates these procedures.

Qatar University states that the student visa is converted into a residence permit under university sponsorship after arrival. UDST similarly coordinates medical and fingerprint procedures before the residence permit is issued.

Students already living in Qatar

Students who already hold a valid family, work, permanent, investor or other suitable residence permit usually do not need a separate university-sponsored student visa.

They must still:

• Meet the institution’s admissions conditions
• Keep their QID valid
• Confirm whether their sponsorship category permits enrolment
• Provide any sponsor or employer documentation requested by the university

Do not transfer residence sponsorship to the university unless the institution and Ministry process require it.

How to choose the right university

Match the programme, not only the name

A prestigious university is useful only if its Qatar campus offers the programme you need.

Branch campuses normally provide a selected portfolio rather than every degree available at the home campus.

Confirm who awards the degree

Ask whether the certificate is awarded by:

• The Qatar institution
• The foreign partner university
• Both institutions
• Another validating body

Get the answer in writing.

Check programme recognition

Use the Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s current institution list and confirm any professional accreditation required for your career.

A university can be licensed while a new programme is still awaiting a separate approval.

Compare the full cost

Include:

• Tuition
• Housing
• Food
• Transport
• Visa and residence costs
• Insurance
• Books and equipment
• Laboratory or studio materials
• Flights
• Application and registration fees

An international UDST student using university housing, for example, may have total annual education and living estimates close to QAR 90,000 or more, despite tuition itself being under QAR 53,000.

Check the location and transport

Education City is served by Education City Station on the Doha Metro Green Line, with the Education City Tram connecting areas within the wider campus.

Qatar University is served by Qatar University Station on the Red Line.

Other campuses may require:

• A connecting bus
• University transport
• Karwa taxi
• Ride-hailing
• A private car

Do not assume every university is within walking distance of a Metro station.

Visit before enrolling

Attend an open day or campus tour where possible.

Ask current students about:

• Teaching quality
• Timetable
• Facilities
• Internship access
• Career support
• Class size
• Transport
• Administration
• Student activities

FAQs

Are Education City degrees the same as degrees from the home campus?

In many cases, the degree is awarded by the parent university, but the original blanket statement was too broad.

Carnegie Mellon Qatar states that its students complete identical degree requirements to their Pittsburgh counterparts. Georgetown Qatar awards the Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service, and Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar awards the Cornell University MD.

Applicants should still confirm the programme’s awarding body, curriculum and accreditation individually.

Which is the cheapest university in Qatar?

Public institutions are generally among the most affordable, but there is no single cheapest option for every programme.

For many undergraduate subjects, Qatar University costs approximately QAR 1,100 to QAR 1,400 per credit. UDST’s international bachelor’s tuition averages approximately QAR 45,000 to QAR 52,500 annually. Medicine, dentistry and specialist programmes can cost substantially more.

Do I need a student visa if I already live in Qatar?

Usually not if you already hold a valid residence permit that the university accepts.

Students on family, employment or another residence category should confirm the position with admissions before enrolling.

International students coming from abroad generally need university-sponsored student entry and residence approval.

Can I study part-time while working in Doha?

Potentially.

Selected universities and private institutions offer part-time, evening, weekend or modular programmes. Availability depends on the course, and full-time work-residence holders may need employer approval where required by their contract or institution.

Do not assume every programme offers a part-time route.

Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?

It depends on the institution and programme.

English-taught degrees commonly require evidence of English proficiency, but accepted evidence may include:

• IELTS
• TOEFL
• Duolingo English Test
• SAT or other English scores
• Internal placement testing
• Previous English-medium education

Always use the current programme-specific admissions page.

Are scholarships available?

Yes, but they are competitive and have separate conditions.

Qatar Foundation, HBKU, Qatar University, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, corporations and individual universities offer different scholarships, grants, loans and sponsorships.

Apply early and do not assume admission automatically includes funding.

How do I get from West Bay to Education City?

A common public-transport route is to use the Doha Metro and transfer to the Green Line for Education City Station.

Once inside the wider Education City area, the Education City Tram and campus walkways connect major facilities. A taxi or ride-hailing service may still be more convenient for a specific building, evening class or heavy luggage.

Is Texas A&M University at Qatar still open?

Yes, it remains operational in 2026 for its current students.

However, Texas A&M is winding down the Qatar campus and plans to complete the transition by August 31, 2028. Prospective applicants should not assume that normal new admissions remain available without checking the current transition guidance.

Ready to make your move to Doha? Find student accommodation in our Qatar properties listings, and if you're planning to work while you study, browse the latest jobs in Qatar on Qatar Living.

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