Qatar has a diverse higher education sector that includes public and private institutions as well as international branch campuses. Qatari education gives students access to modern campuses in an Arabic-speaking cultural setting.
Qatar is home to many universities offering a wide range of programs. The language of instruction varies by institution and program: some programs are taught primarily in English, some in Arabic, and some institutions offer separate language tracks. Applicants should check the official program page rather than assume that all undergraduate programs use a mix of Arabic and English. In this article, we explore the language requirements for higher education across universities in Qatar.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed in Qatar
For English-taught undergraduate and postgraduate programs, many universities require proof of English proficiency, although waivers may be available based on previous English-medium study or other qualifying test results. Arabic proficiency is not a general admission requirement for every English-taught program. For Arabic-taught programs, institutions may evaluate previous schooling, grades, placement tests, or institution-specific assessments.
Arabic Language Tests for International Students
There is no single Arabic proficiency test that is universally required across universities in Qatar. Requirements are institution-specific. For example, Lusail University allows applicants to its Arabic-language track to demonstrate proficiency through qualifying Arabic-medium schooling or Arabic grades. Applicants who do not meet those conditions may take a placement test and enter the Arabic Foundation Program.
English Language Tests for International Students
IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and the Duolingo English Test are among the English proficiency tests used by universities in Qatar. However, accepted tests, minimum scores, test-delivery modes, score-validity rules, and waiver policies vary by institution and program.
1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
The IELTS examination assesses four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. IELTS Academic is generally used for undergraduate or postgraduate study and professional registration, while IELTS General Training is generally used for migration, employment, or study below degree level. IELTS Academic may be available at a test center or, in eligible locations, online.
Qatar University does not use one universal undergraduate IELTS minimum. Its current college requirements list IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 61 for the Colleges of Health Sciences, Nursing, and Pharmacy, while the Colleges of Medicine and Dental Medicine require IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 68. Other colleges and programs have different rules. Many graduate programs that require English currently list IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 68, but applicants must check the exact graduate program requirements. Qatar University’s testing page also states that it does not accept IELTS Academic Online, IELTS General Training, or IELTS One Skill Retake.
2. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
Similar to IELTS, the TOEFL iBT assesses reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The TOEFL iBT can be taken at a test center or through the Home Edition where available. Since January 21, 2026, TOEFL iBT score reports have used a 1–6 scale in half-point increments. During a two-year transition period, score reports also include a comparable overall score on the former 0–120 scale.
Some university admissions pages still publish TOEFL requirements on the former 0–120 scale. For example, the Hamad Bin Khalifa University College of Science and Engineering currently lists TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.5. For the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies’ master’s programs, excluding executive programs, the current published requirements list TOEFL iBT 59 at admission and 79 by graduation, or IELTS Academic 5.5 at admission and 6.5 by graduation. Applicants should confirm how an institution applies its published threshold to the new TOEFL scale.
3. DET- Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test is an online, adaptive English proficiency test that assesses reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It takes about one hour, is scored from 10 to 160, and typically returns certified results within two days.
Acceptance of the DET varies by institution. Georgetown University in Qatar requires applicants to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo results unless they qualify for a waiver. It does not set a fixed minimum, but its current admissions guidance says the most competitive applicants generally score 130 or higher on Duolingo. Northwestern University in Qatar also accepts the DET, TOEFL, or IELTS and does not publish a minimum score on its application page. The Doha Institute accepts Duolingo in special cases for the master’s programs covered by its published language conditions.
The comparison below summarizes the specific official admissions pathways discussed in this article: undergraduate requirements for Qatar University, Lusail University, Georgetown University in Qatar, and Northwestern University in Qatar, and master’s requirements excluding executive programs for the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. It is not a universal list for every program.
* “Limited” means that the Doha Institute’s published master’s language conditions accept Duolingo in special cases. “Not listed” means that the current official admissions page cited in this article does not identify the test as an accepted option; applicants should contact the institution about program-specific exceptions.
Language proficiency requirements depend on the institution, degree level, and chosen program. Before applying, check the official program page for the accepted test version, minimum score, score-validity period, delivery-mode restrictions, and available waivers.
We hope this article helps with your application to universities in Qatar. Read more articles in our Study in Qatar guide for valuable tips and comprehensive information about the country. You can also check out Available Programs for International Students!
