Qatar University (QU) ranks among the premier higher education institutions in the Middle East. For high-achieving non-Qatari applicants living outside the country, the Qatar University International Students Scholarship provides a fully funded pathway to earn an undergraduate degree without the financial burden.
Here is everything you need to know about what the award covers, who qualifies, and how to submit a competitive application.
What Does the QU International Students Scholarship Cover?
The International Students Scholarship at Qatar University is a competitive, merit-based award that removes nearly all major educational and living costs. Selected scholars receive:
- 100% Tuition Fee Exemption for the standard duration of the degree plan.
- Free Course Textbooks throughout the program.
- Complimentary Student Housing, typically shared accommodation (two students per room), including campus transport.
- Monthly Living Allowance of QAR 500. [Salary]
- Annual Round-Trip Airfare Ticket between Doha and your home country.
- Qatar Residence Permit Sponsorship handled directly through Qatar University.
The Qatar University (QU) International Students Scholarship (for international applicants living outside Qatar requiring residence visa sponsorship) is awarded only for the Fall semester intake. The application window opens only once per academic year and is remarkably short.
The expected timeline and application dates for the 2027 entry (Fall 2027 intake) follow Qatar University’s standardized admissions calendar:
Key Application Dates: Fall 2027 Intake
| Milestone | Expected Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online Application Opens | Early March 2027 (around March 1 – 3, 2027) | Portal opens on the QU Banner system for both undergraduate admissions and scholarship selection. |
| Online Application Deadline | Late March 2027 (around March 25 – 27, 2027) | The portal remains open for only ~3 to 4 weeks. The QAR 200 fee and initial form must be completed. |
| Document Submission / Mailing Deadline | End of March / Early April 2027 | Fully attested hard-copy transcripts and official English test reports (IELTS/TOEFL) must reach the Admissions Department. |
| Admission & Scholarship Decision Announcement | Early June 2027 (rolling through July) | Scholarship awards are issued in tandem with unconditional admission letters. |
| Visa & Residence Processing | June – July 2027 | QU sponsors student visas for selected scholarship recipients. |
| Start of Fall Semester (Classes Begin) | Mid-to-Late August 2027 | Arrival in Doha, dormitory move-in, and orientation. |
Eligibility Criteria
Because funding is limited and applications come in from around the globe, QU maintains strict qualification requirements:
- High School Performance: You must hold a recognized secondary school completion certificate with a minimum cumulative average of 95% (or equivalent benchmark depending on your national education system).
- Admission Status: You must receive final, unconditional acceptance into a Qatar University undergraduate college.
- No Double Funding: You cannot hold any secondary scholarship, sponsorship, or educational grant concurrently.
- Residency Status: This specific category targets international applicants applying from outside Qatar who require QU visa sponsorship.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Applying for this award requires completing both the general university admissions cycle and the dedicated scholarship application window.
- Submit General Admission: Apply through the official Qatar University Online Admissions Portal during the undergraduate international intake window. Pay the application fee and upload your academic transcripts and identity documents.
- Access the Scholarship Application: Once your initial admissions file is active, log into the QU Banner Self-Service / Student Portal during the designated scholarship submission timeline.
- Select “International Students Scholarship”: Navigate to the scholarship application section, choose the international student category, and attach any requested supporting records.
- Track Admission & Verification: Ensure your secondary transcripts and certificates are attested by your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Qatari Embassy before the final enrollment deadlines.
Terms of Continuity (Keeping Your Scholarship)
Winning the scholarship is only the first step; maintaining it requires consistent academic performance:
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0.
- Register and successfully pass a minimum of 12 credit hours per regular semester (Fall and Spring).
- Avoid breaking continuous registration without prior academic approval.
- Complete degree requirements within the standard departmental timeline (summer courses generally do not extend maximum scholarship duration).
Required Documents Checklist
All digital documents uploaded to the QU admissions system must be high-resolution, full-color PDF scans.
Core Identification & Administrative
- Passport Copy: A clear copy of your valid international passport (must have at least one year of remaining validity).
- Passport-Style Photograph: Recent photograph with a white background, neutral expression, and standard dimensions.
- Application Fee Confirmation: Receipt or online confirmation of the non-refundable QAR 200 undergraduate application fee.
Academic Credentials
- Final Official High School Certificate & Transcript: Proof of at least 12 years of formal schooling showing grades for all secondary years (Grade 10/11/12 or O/A-Levels/IB).
- Certified Translation: An official legal translation into Arabic or English if your original school records are issued in any other language.
Testing & Verification (Program-Dependent)
- Standardized English Proficiency Scores: Official IELTS Academic (minimum 6.0 overall) or TOEFL iBT (minimum 78) score report sent directly using QU’s institution code (TOEFL code: 8943), required for English-taught colleges (Engineering, Medicine, Science, Business).
- Mathematics Competency Scores: SAT or ACT math scores (if applying for STEM or health tracks requiring math foundation exemptions).
Post-Admission Documents (For QU Residence Sponsorship)
- Police Clearance / Good Conduct Certificate: Issued by the competent security authority in your country of residence, confirming no criminal record.
- Medical Fitness Report: Comprehensive medical screening form confirming freedom from communicable diseases, signed by an approved medical practitioner.
1.Home School Board Certification:
Obtain official, sealed copies of your final secondary graduation certificates and mark sheets directly from your school, regional school board, or national examinations council (e.g., CBSE, WAEC, Cambridge Assessment, IB).
2.Ministry of Education Endorsement:
Submit the original documents or certified copies to the Ministry of Education (or the designated secondary education department) in your home country to verify that your school is recognized and accredited.
3.Home Country MOFA Authentication:
Take the education-attested documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in your home country. MOFA legalizes the signature and stamp of the Ministry of Education.
4.Qatari Embassy Legalization:
Submit the documents bearing the home-country MOFA seal to the Embassy or Consulate of the State of Qatar in your country for final consular attestation.
(Alternative: If no Qatar Embassy exists in your country, your home country’s embassy in Doha can attest the document, followed by legalization at the Department of Consular Affairs at MOFA Qatar).
5.Submission of Originals to Qatar University:Critical for Final Enrollment.
While scanned copies suffice for initial online portal submission, Qatar University requires physical submission of the fully attested, original hard-copy certificates by the international admissions deadline via courier (DHL/FedEx) or in-person delivery upon arrival.
Tips to Strengthen Your Profile
- Standardized Testing: Submitting competitive SAT, ACT, IELTS, or TOEFL scores strengthens your college placement and can exempt you from the pre-academic Foundation Program.
- Early Document Preparation: Gathering official notarizations, apostilles, and embassy stamps takes weeks. Start transcript verification as soon as application dates are announced.
- Monitor Official Timelines: QU operates strict application dates. Keep track of the academic calendar published on the Qatar University Admissions and Scholarships portal to avoid missing the scholarship review cutoff.
For more information, please visit the official website
