There are many things international students consider when looking for a study destination. Some of the minor factors include the availability of travel opportunities and tourist hotspots. Climate and natural sights also play an important role in the selection process.
Many also look for safe cities and a high quality of life, while others consider the use of the English language in instruction a deciding factor. Fortunately, these are among the things Qatar can offer, alongside its high-quality education and world-class academic institutions.
Below, we will talk about universities in Qatar that offer public health and related programs.
Top Schools Offering Public Health Programs in Qatar
1. Qatar University
Qatar University is Qatar’s primary national institution of higher education. The university traces its beginnings to the College of Education, which was established in 1973, and Qatar University was founded in 1977. Today, the university has 12 colleges, offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and hosts over 24,000 students across various programs. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Qatar University is ranked 112th.
Qatar University’s Department of Public Health describes itself as Qatar’s first and only provider of public health programs, which is one reason it is among the best places to study this field in Qatar. The department offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Public Health, as well as a Minor in Public Health. The Bachelor of Science in Public Health has two concentrations: Health Education and Health Management. Students learn through practical and integrative methods, including computer lab sessions, tutorial groups, field experiences, and a capstone course. The bachelor’s program requires 120 credit hours.
As for the Master of Public Health, students typically complete the program in two years of full-time study or up to four years of part-time study. The MPH requires at least 42 credit hours and offers concentrations in Epidemiology and Health Promotion, with thesis and non-thesis options. Through the program, students learn about evidence-based public health approaches, with emphasis on health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention, and effective clinical care. After graduation, MPH degree holders may join fields such as healthcare, research, academia, and local or international organizations.
2. Hamad Bin Khalifa University
Hamad Bin Khalifa University is a Qatar Foundation member founded in 2010. The university is based in Education City in Doha, where Qatar Foundation lists it among Education City’s universities. HBKU is a private, nonprofit institution and currently organizes its academic offerings through six colleges and the School of Economics and Management, covering fields such as Islamic Studies, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Engineering, Law, Health and Life Sciences, Public Policy, and Economics and Management.
The university also offers a unique degree program related to public health: the Master of Data Analytics in Health Management. HBKU describes the program as the first of its kind in the world. It trains students to contribute to the design and implementation of data analytic tools for healthcare systems and to apply big data tools to the growing volume of health data.
Additionally, the program covers strategy, policy, and collaboration with industry and government sectors in healthcare. The program is taught in English, typically takes two years, and requires 33 credits. It includes core and elective coursework, graduate research seminars, and either a 9-credit research thesis or a 6-credit applied project with an extra elective.
Public health is an interesting field to pursue in higher education, especially in Qatar. The universities mentioned above can be a good platform to begin or continue your education journey. Identify the program that best suits your preferences and apply today.
Hopefully, this guide on the best public health universities in Qatar was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Study in Qatar and Available Programs for International Students pages to learn more about studying abroad!
