Qatar’s excellence in multiple aspects of civil life including education is incomparable to many other nations. Qatari education combines the laid-back lifestyle of a student living at the heart of cultural richness and the convenience of modern infrastructure.
Qatar is home to many prestigious universities offering a wide range of programs both in Arabic and English languages. While most undergraduate programs adopt a strategic mix of these languages, some programs might require extensive proficiency in either English or Arabic. In this article, we explore the language requirements for higher studies across universities in Qatar.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed in Qatar
For English-taught undergraduate and postgraduate programs, most universities require documented proof of English proficiency in addition to a fair knowledge of the Arabic language. Before you immerse yourself in Arabic studies, keep in mind that the Arabic language varies vastly across nations and different applications and that you should learn the appropriate dialect to be able to communicate comfortably.
Arabic Language Tests for International Students
Since the dialects of the Arabic language vary by region, there are no standardized Arabic language tests that are accepted at universities worldwide. In Qatar, many universities do not mention the requirement of such standardized tests to certify Arabic language competency. However, these universities may have their own language and orientation programs to ensure that international students are ready to follow an academic program at their institution. Examples include Qatar University’s CAST TEST or the Arabic courses and tests offered by Georgetown University Qatar.
English Language Tests for International Students
Most standardized examinations for the English language are both recognized and accessible worldwide. Qatari universities accept most of these standardized examinations as proof of English language proficiency.
1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
The IELTS examination is a standardized indicator of English language proficiency that tests students across four key sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. IELTS offers two different tests for separate use cases. These are the IELTS Academic test for university admissions, student visas, and professional requirements and the IELTS General Training which is often useful to prove your English level in professional settings. These exams can be taken online or at an official test center on paper or a computer.
IELTS tests are widely accepted by universities around the world as sufficient proof of English language proficiency. In Qatar, most universities recognize the test and require a certain level of competency for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. For example, undergraduate applicants to Qatar University require a score of at least 5.5 for most of its programs. Postgraduate programs at Qatar University require scores over 6.0.
2. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
Similar to the IELTS, the TOEFL is also a widely recognized English mastery test. Test-takers are graded on their reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills and are given an overall score. The test can be taken as a computer-based exam, a paper-based exam, or an internet-based exam. Students can also choose to take the exam at a test center or from the comfort of their homes. TOEFL exams are open to students from around the world.
Most Qatari Universities accept TOEFL results as valid proof of English language proficiency to admit students into English-taught programs. Since the scoring system for the TOEFL varies across its three types, universities specify the required scores for each TOEFL exam or expect students to meet the equivalent for a prescribed type. For instance, postgraduate requirements for Hamad Bin Khalifa University state that a TOEFL score of 79 is required in the internet-based test. Similarly, Birzeit University also requires a score of 79 on the internet-based test for Ph.D. studies.
3. DET- Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test has risen in popularity in recent years as a valid certification for English language proficiency. This test assesses a person’s reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through multiple-choice questions, dialogue-type questions, interviews, and written samples. This online test can be taken in under an hour and returns a score ranging between 10 to 160 within 48 hours after completing the test.
While it’s a popular language test around the world, some universities in Qatar do not accept this test. However, international universities in the country are among the institutions that recognize this test as valid proof of English skills. Georgetown University in Qatar, for example, doesn’t prescribe a minimum test score for any language test but recommends a Duolingo score of 120 or higher to improve the likelihood of being accepted. Northwestern University in Qatar also accepts the DET without explicitly stating a required minimum test score.
| INSTITUTION NAME |
IELTS |
TOEFL |
DET (Duolingo) |
| Qatar University |
✔ |
✔ |
X |
| Doha Institute of Graduate Studies |
✔ |
✔ |
X |
| Lusail University |
✔ |
X |
X |
| Georgetown University in Qatar |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Northwestern University in Qatar |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Requirements for language proficiency are highly dependent on your chosen study program. Some universities may deal with this requirement quite strictly while others are lenient. We hope that the information provided in this article serves as an effective guide to help you meet the language requirements of a university/program appropriately.
We hope this article will help in your application in Qatar. Read more articles on our Study in Qatar for valuable tips and comprehensive guides about the country. You can also check out Available Programs if you are looking for courses to enroll in.
