Doha, the capital of Qatar, is not just a global business hub but also one of the fastest-growing education destinations in the Middle East. From world-class universities to prestigious international schools and fully funded scholarships, Doha offers a wide range of opportunities for both local and international students.
Whether you’re planning to move to Doha for work, study, or your children’s schooling, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about education in Doha — including top schools, universities, scholarships, tuition fees, living costs, and career opportunities.
Why Choose Doha for Education?
Doha has transformed into a global education hub over the last decade. With Education City — home to some of the world’s leading universities — and top-rated international schools, Doha is now a preferred destination for students from India, Pakistan, the UK, the US, the Philippines, and across the globe.
Key Highlights:
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Over 350+ international schools in Doha.
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15+ world-class universities inside Education City.
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Scholarships for international, Qatari, and GCC students.
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Exposure to global curriculum like IB, British, American, Indian (CBSE/ICSE).
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Career opportunities in engineering, medicine, AI, finance, and business.
Doha also ranks among the safest cities in the world, making it a secure choice for students and families.
Types of Schools in Doha
Doha offers a wide variety of schools to suit different nationalities, budgets, and curriculum preferences:
International Schools
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Offer British, American, IB, and Australian curricula.
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Suitable for expats and foreign families.
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Fees range from QAR 20,000 to QAR 80,000 per year.
Top International Schools in Doha (2025):
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American School of Doha
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Qatar Academy
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Gems Wellington International School
- Best IB School
Indian & Asian Schools
Doha is home to over 40+ Indian schools and several Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Filipino schools.
Best Indian Schools in Doha:
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DPS – Modern Indian School
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Birla Public School
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Rajagiri Public School
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Ideal Indian School
Average Annual Fee: QAR 8,000 – QAR 20,000
Government & Private Qatari Schools
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Free for Qatari citizens.
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Limited seats for international students.
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Focus on Arabic and Islamic studies, but English is also taught.
Universities in Doha (2025)
Doha is home to Education City, a unique initiative by the Qatar Foundation that brings together some of the world’s leading universities under one campus.
Top Universities in Doha:
| University | Country Affiliation | Courses Offered | Average Tuition Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qatar University | Qatar | Engineering, Medicine, Business | QAR 40,000 – QAR 60,000 |
| Carnegie Mellon University Qatar | USA | Computer Science, AI, Business | QAR 90,000 – QAR 120,000 |
| Georgetown University Qatar | USA | International Relations, Law | QAR 100,000 – QAR 130,000 |
| Texas A&M University Qatar | USA | Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering | QAR 80,000 – QAR 110,000 |
| Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar | USA | Medicine, Health Sciences | QAR 120,000+ |
| Northwestern University Qatar | USA | Journalism, Communication | QAR 85,000 – QAR 110,000 |
| Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) | Public | Research, AI, Sustainability | QAR 50K+ |
| University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST Univeristy) |
Public | Applied Sciences, Business, Health Sciences, Engineering Technology | QAR 40K–50K+ |
| Lusail University (LU) | Private | Law, Business, IT, Education & Arts | QAR 60K–75K+ |
Pro Tip: Most of these universities offer generous scholarships for international students.
Scholarships in Doha (2025)
Doha offers multiple scholarships through Qatar Foundation, Qatar University, and partner universities:
Types of Scholarships:
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Merit-Based Scholarships — for top academic performers.
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Need-Based Scholarships — for students from low-income families.
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Fully Funded Scholarships — cover tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.
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Research Scholarships — for postgraduate and PhD students.
Popular Scholarship Programs:
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Qatar University Scholarship Program
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Qatar Foundation Scholarship
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Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarship
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Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarships
Cost of Living in Doha for Students
Doha is more affordable than Dubai but slightly costlier than other GCC countries.
| Expense | Average Monthly Cost (QAR) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | QAR 2,500 – QAR 5,000 |
| Food & Groceries | QAR 800 – QAR 1,500 |
| Transportation | QAR 200 – QAR 400 |
| Internet & Utilities | QAR 300 – QAR 500 |
| Books & Stationery | QAR 150 – QAR 300 |
| Entertainment | QAR 300 – QAR 700 |
Estimated Total: QAR 4,500 – QAR 8,500 per month (~₹1,00,000 – ₹1,90,000 INR)
Best Courses to Study in Doha (2025)
Due to Qatar’s 2030 National Vision, demand for certain courses is rapidly growing:
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Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
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Petroleum & Chemical Engineering
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Business Administration & Finance
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International Law & Politics
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Journalism & Media Studies
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Medicine & Healthcare Management
Jobs & Career Opportunities After Studying in Doha
Doha’s growing economy creates high-paying job opportunities for graduates:
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Average Starting Salary: QAR 10,000 – QAR 18,000 per month.
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Highest-paying sectors:
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Oil & Gas
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IT & AI
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Finance
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Healthcare
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Construction & Infrastructure
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Tips for Students Moving to Doha
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Start your student visa process early.
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Apply for scholarships before April 2025.
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Choose accommodation near Education City or West Bay for convenience.
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Learn basic Arabic phrases — helpful for daily life.
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Compare school & university rankings before applying.
FAQs About Education in Doha
1. How is the education system in Doha, Qatar?
Doha follows a mix of public and private education systems, offering international, British, American, Indian, and IB curriculum schools along with world-class universities.
2. What are the best schools in Doha for expats?
Some of the top schools include Doha College, American School of Doha, Sherborne Qatar, Park House English School, and DPS-MIS for Indian students.
3. Are schools in Doha expensive?
Yes, international schools can be costly, with fees ranging from QAR 15,000 to QAR 80,000 per year, depending on the curriculum and facilities.
4. What curriculum options are available in Doha?
Doha offers British, American, IB, Indian (CBSE & ICSE), Philippine, and Qatar national curriculums, catering to students from diverse nationalities.
5. Are there any free schools in Doha?
Yes, Qatari nationals can attend government-funded schools for free. However, expatriates mostly rely on private and international schools.
6. What is the cost of higher education in Doha?
University tuition fees vary widely. For example, Qatar University charges around QAR 10,000 – QAR 20,000 per semester, while international universities like Carnegie Mellon and Georgetown may cost over QAR 80,000 per year.
7. What are the top universities in Doha?
Some of the best universities include Qatar University, Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar, Carnegie Mellon University Qatar, Georgetown University Qatar, and Hamad Bin Khalifa University.
8. Is Education City in Doha important?
Yes, Education City is a major hub in Doha, hosting branches of top international universities, research centers, and innovation hubs.
9. Are scholarships available for international students in Doha?
Yes, many universities like Qatar University and HBKU offer scholarships covering tuition fees, accommodation, and sometimes living expenses.
10. What is the admission process for schools in Doha?
Most schools require an online application, previous academic records, entrance tests, and sometimes interviews for parents and students.
11. Can expatriate children attend Qatari government schools?
In general, government schools are for Qatari citizens, but a few semi-government schools allow expatriates, mainly Arabic-speaking students.
12. Are there special needs education facilities in Doha?
Yes, Doha has several schools and centers that cater to children with special educational needs, including Step by Step Centre and Awsaj Academy.
13. Is homeschooling legal in Doha?
Yes, homeschooling is permitted but requires registration and approval from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE).
14. How does Doha support STEM education?
Doha promotes STEM education through initiatives like Qatar National Vision 2030, Qatar Science & Technology Park, and partnerships with international universities.
15. What language is used in schools and universities in Doha?
While Arabic is the official language, most international schools and universities teach in English, with Arabic as a mandatory subject in many schools.
16. Are there vocational and technical institutes in Doha?
Yes, institutions like College of the North Atlantic – Qatar and Qatar Technical School provide vocational training and diplomas.
17. Does Doha offer online and distance learning options?
Yes, many universities and schools in Doha now provide online and hybrid learning programs, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
18. What are the best universities in Education City, Doha?
Top institutions in Education City include Carnegie Mellon University Qatar, Georgetown University Qatar, Texas A&M University Qatar, and Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar.
19. Are there extracurricular opportunities in Doha schools?
Yes, schools in Doha offer a wide range of activities like sports, robotics, debate clubs, arts, drama, and leadership programs.
20. Is Doha a good place for international students?
Absolutely. Doha offers world-class universities, diverse school options, multicultural exposure, and excellent scholarship opportunities for international students.