Do you know nearly 8,054 Qatari students are studying abroad? Qatari students choose to study abroad, selecting a destination based on their career goals, their preferred level of cultural exposure, and the enriching educational experience the specific country offers.
You can be one of them too! This article will discuss the top places to study abroad for Qatari students that cater to their unique aspirations and open their horizons to countless career development opportunities that are sometimes unavailable in their home country.
Top Countries to Study for Qatari Students
Most students from Qatar tend to choose UK and USA universities to study abroad because of the official language and the quality of education. However, basing your decision on these factors alone will limit your choices. Here are the top countries to study abroad for Qatari students:
1. Japan
As one of the most developed countries, Japan is a great choice for Qatari students pursuing technology, science, or culture-related fields. Since Qatar and Japan enjoy friendly relations, most Japanese university degrees are accredited by Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
Because of these diplomatic relations, you will likely find scholarships to finance your education in Japan. For instance, the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship supports Qatari students who intend to pursue education in Japan. The scholarship is available for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Educational institutes such as the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, and Osaka University offer high-quality education that aligns with your career goals. The cost of studying in Japan ranges from 820,000 yen to 1,100,000 yen.
2. Malaysia
Qatar and Malaysia maintain a friendly alliance, making Malaysia a top destination to study abroad for Qatari students. Malaysia is emerging as an educational hub for students from across the world. The country houses branches of renowned foreign universities from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, meaning a Qatari student can acquire a top-quality education relatively cheaply.
Malaysia and Qatar have collaborated to encourage cultural exchange and promote the trend of Qatari students studying in Malaysia. Thus, the admission process is quicker, and Malaysian degrees are highly likely to be accredited by the Qatari Ministry of Higher Education.
Top universities in Malaysia, including the Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation, Mahsa University, Curtin University Malaysia, and Multimedia University, offer degree programs that are only sometimes available at Qatari universities. A three-year engineering program in Malaysia costs around $16,000, while the fees for the same program in the host country would be about $45,000.
3. United Kingdom
From other foreign destinations to study abroad, the United Kingdom stands out because of the world-recognized and top-quality education it offers to Qatari students. It remains a top choice to study abroad for Qatari students because the official language is English, making it easier to settle abroad.
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education also supports about 92 UK universities regarding funding for Qatari students. Students from Qatar can also avail of other scholarships linked with employment opportunities offered by various government and semi-government organizations.
The United Kingdom is home to four top six universities worldwide, such as the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. The cost of living in the UK ranges from £1,300 to £1,400 per month in London, according to the British Council, while postgraduate programs cost around £12,000 – £25,000.
4. USA
About 4,000 colleges and universities are located in the USA, which means Qatari students have a ton of options, from the more expensive institutes to the liberal arts colleges that have higher acceptance rates and offer scholarships to international students.
Another plus of studying in the USA is the official language. Many US universities provide English courses for Qatari students who may need to improve in the language. The EducationUSA at the US Embassy in Doha offers counseling and recruitment services, making applying to US universities much easier for Qatari students.
The top universities in the USA include Harvard University, the University of California, Stanford, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Studying at a public university in the USA costs around $8,000 to $35,000 while studying at a private university costs between $25,000 and $55,000. However, tuition and financial aid can reduce this cost significantly. Some scholarship programs also provide housing and a monthly stipend.
5. Australia
The world’s third most popular study destination for international students is Australia. The country is home to 1,100 institutions that offer over 22,000 courses, providing various career options for Qatari students. Most Qatari students prefer to study in Australia because of the low cost and easy visa requirements for Qatari nationals.
The Australian embassy in Qatar connects aspiring Qatari students with the top universities in Australia, depending on the program they want to pursue. Australian universities also offer various online degree programs, attempting to strengthen their relationship with Qatar. Thus, Qatari students can acquire world-class education relatively cheaply from the comfort of their homes.
Universities such as the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, and the University of Queensland provide world-class and globally recognized education. Undergraduate programs in Australia cost around AUD 23,000 – 49,000 annually. On the contrary, postgraduate programs are more expensive at AUD 45,000 – 75,000 annually.
FAQS About Studying Abroad for Qatari Students
What Factors Should Qatari Students Consider When Choosing a Study Abroad Destination?
If you’ve decided to study abroad, it’s critical to consider the quality of programs offered in a specific country, the university’s ranking, and whether it offers the program you want to pursue. Apart from these general factors, Qatari students must ensure that the degree they plan on acquiring is accredited by Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
Language barriers and cultural differences make it harder for students to settle in a foreign country. Qatari students, in particular, should pick a destination where these barriers are minimal, allowing them to integrate into another culture more smoothly.
Qatari students seeking high-quality education and a culturally enriching environment opt to study abroad. However, complications arise when selecting a university that offers top-quality education accredited by the Ministry of Education in Qatar. The destinations mentioned above are ideal for Qatari students based on these aspects.
We hope this article has been helpful, especially for Qatari students seeking to study abroad. Make sure to also check out our Scholarships Page for different information on scholarships and universities across the globe!
