Qatar has been gaining traction over the years, both economically and academically. As more universities are being established in the country, more international students are enticed to earn their degrees here. While many may think that the language barrier would make the transition hard for international students, that may not be the greatest challenge in Qatar.
In 1997, the Education City was launched, now home to many branches of prestigious universities worldwide. Some well-known institutions with a campus are Virginia Commonwealth University, Georgetown University, HEC Paris, and University College London. Many offer English programs or courses, making it easier for international students to adapt to Qatar.
In this article, we look at the best English-taught schools in Qatar!
Top Universities for English-taught Programs in Qatar
1. Qatar University
- Bachelor’s Program | Graduate Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Degrees taught in English: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
Qatar University in Doha is the country’s leading English-taught university in research and academics and was established in 1977. The institution ensures that its programs meet international standards, providing high-quality education. The same standard is also imposed upon its research centers with 17 of them being regarded as centers of excellence!
The language of instruction at Qatar University is English and Arabic. Depending upon the program, it may solely be English or Arabic, or a combination of both. The university offers the most diverse array of programs, ensuring that students have many academic paths to choose from. Specific programs may also have restrictions, such as only being available for a certain gender. For instance, the English Literature and Linguistics major offered in English is available for females only.
Students may pursue undergraduate, master’s, doctorate, and diploma studies at Qatar University. The institution has 10 colleges that offer various programs and requirements. For instance, the College of Arts and Sciences offers all its undergraduate science majors in English. Meanwhile, other colleges may offer specific programs in Arabic only or both English and Arabic. Should English be the program’s language of instruction, you may have to submit proof of proficiency or undertake an English foundation program.
2. Texas A&M University at Qatar
- Bachelor’s Program | Master’s Program
- Degrees taught in English: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Texas A&M University at Qatar is a branch of the prestigious engineering forerunner Texas A&M University in the United States. This branch was established in 2003 and is located in Al Rayyan, Qatar. The same high standards and quality of education are imposed on this campus to ensure that students receive high-caliber training in engineering.
Texas A&M University – Qatar also teaches its top programs in English. This makes the transition into university life easier for university students. However, one must present proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores.
There are several undergraduate programs students may pursue at Texas A&M University at Qatar. This includes chemical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, petroleum engineering, and other minor programs. However, options for graduate programs are limited since there are only two master’s programs in chemical engineering currently offered at this branch.
3. Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar
- Study Program
- Degrees taught in English: Bachelor’s
Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania, United States, is one of the world’s top educational institutions, especially in computer science, management information, and business. It would then be no surprise that its first campus branch in Qatar would offer the same high-level quality education sought-after by many.
Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar was established in 2004 after Carnegie Mellon University accepted the Qatar Foundation’s invitation to join Education City. Since then, students from various countries have been accepted into the Doha branch. They even have an International Day to celebrate such diversity.
Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar is among the best English-taught schools in Qatar and also requires proof of English proficiency through language exams or SAT scores. Currently, only four undergraduate programs are being offered in the institution – biological sciences, business administration, computer science, and information systems. No graduate programs are being offered at this branch.
4. Hamad Bin Khalifa University
- Study Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Degrees taught in English: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
Hamad Bin Khalifa University is also a member of the Qatar Foundation and was founded in 2010. It can also be found in Education City, similar to Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar and Texas A&M University in Qatar. It is a graduate research university; hence, more graduate programs are offered than undergraduate courses.
Students must demonstrate English proficiency to be accepted into English-taught programs. Most graduate programs in Hamad Bin Khalifa University are taught in English, thus, requiring that the student know the language. However, some, like M.A. in Contemporary Islamic Studies: Specialization in Fiqh and Society, require Arabic proficiency.
Hamad Bin Khalifa University currently offers only four undergraduate programs. On the other hand, the institution provides many master’s and doctorate programs through its six colleges. They also have a Juris Doctor program.
5. Weill Cornell Medical College – Qatar
- Study Program
- Degrees taught in English: Medical Program (M.D.)
Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar is another academic institution and an excellent English-taught school in the country established in Education City. It was founded in 2001, making it the first American medical school to open overseas. It is a branch campus of Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University.
Weill Cornell Medicine is one of the United States’ most prestigious and selective medical schools. Out of thousands of applicants, only a few hundred are accepted annually. Its overseas campus also extends the same quality education and training level to its students.
This medical school offers an integrated medical program. It is a six-year program that helps reduce the number of admissions procedures aspiring medical students must overcome. Thus, instead of applying again after two years of pre-medicine courses, six-year curriculum students may immediately proceed to medicine proper studies. However, those who undertook pre-medical training in other institutions may pursue their four-year medical curriculum.
Now you know that language should not be a barrier if you are considering pursuing your higher education in Qatar. Check out all the programs offered in the above universities and find one that suits your preference. Good luck with your application and studying abroad!
We hope this article on Best English-Taught Universities in Qatar was helpful. Check out the Study in Qatar and Available Programs for International Students pages for more informative articles.
About the Author: Hyun Lee
