Home to many world-recognized local and international universities, Qatar is becoming a popular study destination for students from around the world. Around 40 higher education institutions are now based in Qatar and the state is constantly evolving in multiple aspects including in academics and economy.
Qatar’s leaps in technological advancements stand out to the world, making the country an excellent place for employment and research. Ph.D. students can also benefit from completing their final years of education in Qatar as it boasts exceptional facilities for its students. This article provides an overview of Ph.D. studies in Qatar as an international student from admission requirements to the application process.
Ph.d Degree Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for Ph.D. programs vary depending on the program and university you have chosen. However, a general look at the most common admission requirements is given below.
| ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS |
DOCUMENT DETAILS |
| Bachelor’s and master’s degrees or equivalent in a related field |
Regardless of the university you are applying to, Ph.D. students are required to have a bachelor’s AND master’s degree in the respective field of specialization or a closely related field. Students are also expected to demonstrate excellence in these fields during their previous periods of study. For instance, the Doha Institute of Graduate Studies requires Ph.D. applicants to have GPAs of at least 3.2 and 3.5 out of 4.0 for their bachelor’s and master’s degrees respectively. Qatar University requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0. |
| Language skills |
While most postgraduate programs are predominantly conducted in English like the doctoral programs at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, some Ph.D. programs in Qatar require students to be proficient in Arabic too. For example, The Ph.D. program in media studies at the Doha Institute of Graduate Studies requires students to be able to study and research academically in Arabic to be enrolled. English language requirements might demand IELTS, TOEFL, or other scores. |
| Travel documents and official identification |
For any academic program, an international student is only considered eligible if they possess valid identification and travel documents. As an international student, this is a prerequisite to applying to universities and also to lodge a visa. This includes your passport and health certificates. |
| Copy of master’s thesis, research sample, major academic achievements, and official transcripts |
Since most doctoral education is based on research, universities aim to be very selective when admitting students. Your suitability for a program may be assessed based on your previous theses, a research sample, and/ or your transcripts and academic scores. Some students might also be required to submit proof of full-time education at their bachelor’s and master’s levels. Some universities, like Texas A&M University at Qatar, allow students to submit unofficial university transcripts when applying. |
| Statement of Interest, research proposal, reference letters, CV, and application |
Generally, most universities require most of these documents to be submitted when applying for doctoral programs. A statement of interest is a personal document that clarifies what skills, qualifications, and specialties you can bring to the project. A research proposal outlines the expected function of a research project. Most doctoral applicants are also required to name at least 3 referees who would provide an academic or professional evaluation to support their application. |
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Ph.D. Studies
Postgraduate studies across Qatari universities require different levels of competency in the Arabic and English languages. Below we list some exams that you can take to prove your language proficiency.
| MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION |
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY EXAMS ACCEPTED |
| English-taught programs |
IELTS
TOEFL
DET
GRE |
Language requirements may vary drastically depending on the field of study and your chosen university.
Ph.D. Degree Application Process
It’s easy to miss out on some important steps when applying for a university abroad. Follow this simple process to ensure that you find the best Ph.D. opportunities and send a well-curated application.
Step 1: Make a List of Ph.D. programs
When applying for a Ph.D. program, you will have to pick one or a few specific fields of study that you want to specialize in. This will narrow down the options you have by far. Once you are sure of the program to follow, ensure that you are eligible for the program and that your previous qualifications perfectly align with the chosen field of study.
You can explore Ph.D. programs for your chosen field of study on individual university websites or perform a general search for doctoral programs in the discipline. Once found, make note of important dates and admission requirements from official sources. Ex: Ph.D. Admission Requirements for Medical Sciences at Qatar University
Step 2: Double-check That You Meet the Admission Requirements
Universities can get very selective when accepting students for their postgraduate programs. To ensure that you stand a higher chance of being accepted, only apply to programs that, you believe, truly align with your previous academic qualifications.
Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
Based on the demands from the university, you will have to provide the necessary documents for their reference. These could include documents like a statement of interest, student resume, recommendation letters, and transcripts. Ensure that you have gathered official documents that are in Arabic or English or as required by your chosen university.
Step 4: Send the Application
Begin working on your application ahead of time to avoid any inconveniences that you may encounter. Generally, most applications are now hosted online with a document that guides students to fill it appropriately. The application form for The Doha Institute of Graduate Studies, for instance, is available online on a third-party website.
After you have submitted the application and all the necessary documents, you might be required to sit for an interview. Await further correspondence from the university.
FAQs: Ph.D. Application Process in Qatar
Is it Expensive to Study Ph.D. in Qatar?
Ph.D. programs in Qatar are slightly expensive owing to the intensive nature and cutting-edge facilities available at most of these universities. Tuition fees alone can cost between QAR 90,000 to 120,000 per year. In USD this could be around $25,000 – $35,000. As an example, a credit hour for Ph.D. studies at Doha Institute for Graduate Studies costs QAR 7,000. This amounts to a total of QAR 420,000 or roughly $115,000 for the entire doctoral program.
Are there Scholarship Opportunities for International Graduate Students in Qatar?
While Ph.D. studies are quite expensive in the country, the government and other organizations attempt to encourage Ph.D. students to continue their studies so that they can contribute to advancements in different industries. They offer multiple scholarship programs and grants for Ph.D. students, including for students of international origin. Examples include initiatives like the Qatar Fund for Development and the scholarships offered at the Doha Institute of Graduate Studies.
Being able to follow a Ph.D. in a country like Qatar opens up ample opportunities for personal and career growth. This article touched on some of the basics that you need to know before applying to a Ph.D. program in Qatar.
