Built on breathtaking modern infrastructure that complements and preserves its rich cultural heritage, Qatar is one of the most prolific economies in the Middle Eastern region. It is the world’s third-largest natural gas and oil reserve, leading to a flourishing industrial landscape. Qatar demonstrates an excellent blend of tradition and modernity and is known for being one of the safest countries in the world.
As an international student, you can gain a lot from pursuing your higher studies in this country. Qatar’s education system is also heavily financed, making it a top destination for postgraduate studies and research. This article focuses on master’s studies in Qatar for international students. It discusses the general requirements and application process for graduate schools in the country.
Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
The admission criteria for a master’s program might vary per program, university, or depending on the student’s country of origin. However, the general requirements for international applicants for a Qatari master’s education are given below.
| ADMISSION REQUIREMENT |
DOCUMENT DETAILS |
| Previous education in a relevant field |
Most postgraduate schools require applicants to have a bachelor’s or equivalent qualification in a relevant field of study at the time of application. Documents like the Official Graduation Statement and university transcripts may be requested to verify this. These documents need to be translated either to English or Arabic at the time of application. |
| Language tests (English and Arabic) |
International students are required to submit language test results. For English-taught programs, these are usually IELTS or TOEFL. Exceptions can be made for students who have previously studied at American, British, Canadian, Australian, or English-taught universities in Qatar. Some universities like the Doha Institute of Graduate Studies allow students to begin a course of study with satisfactory language test results provided that they redo the exam and meet the requirement before their graduation. |
| C.V., student essay, recommendation letters |
Documents like a personal statement, a C.V., and recommendation letters may also be required at the time of admission. These give insight into the student’s academic and professional background. Guidelines for the student’s statement vary per university and can generally be viewed at the respective university’s requirements page. Ex: Doha Institute of Graduate Studies, Qatar University |
| Completed online application form |
Application forms for most Qatari universities are online (Ex: Hamad Bin Khalifa University). These accompany an application guide that instructs the students how to fill out the form appropriately. Needless to say, ensure that you fill the form with accurate information and submit all complementary documents appropriately. |
| Official identification and travel documents |
As an international student, your identification document is your passport. Students might also be required to submit other documents and photographs depending on the requirements of the specific graduate school. |
| Satisfactory performance in the screening interview |
Applicants might be required to sit for a personal interview before being selected. Some universities also require students to write their student essays in person during these interviews. |
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Master’s Studies
While there are ample English-taught programs to pick from, international students may choose to follow a program that is conducted in Arabic. Language requirements might vary depending on the program of choice.
| MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION |
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY EXAMS ACCEPTED |
| Arabic-taught programs |
Tests are conducted by respective universities |
| English-taught programs |
IELTS
TOEFL
GRE
GMAT |
Minimum scores for language tests vary across graduate schools. Some language requirements are stringent while others can be lenient. Here are some top Qatari universities and their language requirements for master’s studies.
| NAME OF INSTITUTION |
MINIMUM SCORES REQUIRED |
| Qatar University |
English-taught Programs:
6.0 (IELTS), 68 (TOEFL iBT), 190 (TOEFL cBT), 520 (TOEFL pBT) |
| Doha Institute for Graduate Studies |
English-taught Programs:
5.5 (sufficient IELTS score), 6.5 (required IELTS score) 59 (TOEFL iBT), 50 (DELF B2) |
| Hamad Bin Khalifa University |
English-taught Programs:
6.5 (IELTS), 79 (TOEFL iBT) |
| Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts |
English-taught Programs:
6.5 (IELTS), 88 (TOEFL iBT) |
Master’s Degree Application Process
Sticking to a regimented process to apply to universities and keeping track of your progress is crucial to ensure you get exposed to all the right opportunities. Here are some steps you can follow:
Step 1: Shortlist University Programs of Interest
Before you go all in and begin curating the perfect application for one university, ensure that you have multiple options just to be on the safe side. Before you start your application process, pick a few universities and programs that you want to follow and learn about their application requirements.
Step 2: Compile the Required Documents
Once you are aware of the required documents and the deadlines, begin gathering their official copies and compiling a collection for your applications. Ensure that these documents are translated into English or Arabic or as required by the graduate school you are applying to.
Step 3: Learn the University’s Admission Process
Before clicking “submit” on your application ensure that you have read and understood the selection criteria. It is also a good idea to curate your application based on the university’s specific admission process. Stay ahead with the dates for your future interviews, deadlines for recommendation letters, and other crucial dates.
Step 4: Prepare to Meet Other Requirements
Universities might require you to submit further documents if needed when processing your application. Some universities also perform an applicant screening test before students are admitted. They may also ask you to write a student essay in person during this interview. Read through the requirements and guidelines on the relevant graduate school page before participating in the interview.
Step 5: Prepare to Make the Transition
Once you have received confirmation from your university, it’s time to make your transition into life as an international student. Given that most top universities in Qatar are international-student friendly, you may be able to make use of their student support systems to ensure that you integrate and navigate to the new environment better.
FAQs: Master’s Application Process in Qatar
Is it Expensive to Study Master’s in Qatar?
Master’s education in Qatar is generally considered less expensive than in some other countries. However, they aren’t also the cheapest. The average fee range is between $8,000 to $20,000 per year, though there are many master’s programs that cost below and beyond this price range. For example, the Master’s in Nursing program offered at the University of Calgary (Qatar) is QAR 15,500, which converts to around $4,200 per year.
How Long Does it Typically Take to Prepare for Applying to a University in Qatar?
It is best to research your options and prepare your documents as early as 3-6 months before applying to the university. With all the required documents ready, applying to your shortlisted universities won’t be a challenge. On the university’s end, applications usually take a few weeks to a few months to undergo the shortlisting process.
Are there Scholarship Opportunities for International Graduate Students in Qatar?
International students can seek scholarship opportunities while studying in Qatar and stand the chance to conveniently be funded by the government, university, or an external organization.
Qatari universities are not just known for their quality education, they also stand out as highly supportive of international students. If you are a student seeking potential master’s programs to follow abroad, consider exploring your options in this Middle Eastern country. Perhaps you’ll find the stress-free transformative experience you are looking for.
We hope this article will help with your master’s application to Qatar. More articles and study opportunities can be found on our Study in Qatar and Open Courses pages!
