Fully Funded Scholarships in Qatar for International Students 2025 – 2026

1. Qatar University Scholarships (QU)

Qatar University, the country’s national institution, offers a wide range of fully funded scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Key Features:

• Covers full tuition fees

• Free university accommodation

• Annual round-trip airfare

• Textbook fees covered

• Monthly stipend (varies by program)

Who Can Apply:

• International students with excellent academic records

• Applicants for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs

• Proficiency in English or Arabic (depending on program)

Deadline:

Typically around March–April each year for Fall intake.

2. Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarships (HBKU)

HBKU, part of Qatar Foundation, is a leading research-focused university in Doha. It offers full scholarships for international students across disciplines like Islamic Studies, Law, Public Policy, Engineering, and more.

Key Features:

• Full tuition coverage

• Monthly stipend: QAR 5,000 (Master’s), QAR 7,500 (PhD)

• Accommodation in Education City

• Return airfare

• Research opportunities and academic conference participation

Who Can Apply:

• Master’s and PhD applicants with strong academic backgrounds

• IELTS or TOEFL required

Deadline:

Usually January–February every year for Fall admissions.

3. Qatar Foundation Partner Universities (Education City Scholarships)

Education City hosts branches of top universities like Georgetown, Carnegie Mellon, Northwestern, and Texas A&M. While tuition can be high, these institutions offer need-based and merit-based financial aid—including full scholarships in some cases.

Key Features:

• Partial to full tuition coverage

• Some programs offer housing and meal plans

• Highly reputed U.S. degrees from Qatar-based campuses

• Opportunities for internships and career development in Qatar

Who Can Apply:

• Outstanding high school or undergraduate students

• Strong English proficiency required (SAT, ACT, IELTS, or TOEFL scores)

• Applications open to all international students.

Deadline:

Varies by institution; typically between November and March.

4. Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarships

A prestigious graduate institution offering programs in social sciences, humanities, and public administration, the Doha Institute offers merit- and need-based scholarships for international students.

Key Features:

• Full tuition waiver

• Monthly stipend

• Free accommodation

• Health insurance and airfare

Who Can Apply:

• Students applying for Master’s degrees

• No age limit

Deadline:

Usually closes in January for the Fall semester.

5. OIC and Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarships in Qatar

In partnership with Qatari institutions, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and IsDB offer scholarships for students from member countries including Pakistan.

Key Features:

• Full tuition coverage

• Monthly living allowance

• Health insurance

• Airfare and research allowance

Who Can Apply:

• Students from OIC member countries pursuing undergraduate to PhD

• Academic excellence required

• Strong motivation and leadership potential preferred

Deadline:

Generally opens around December and closes in March.

6. Qatar Airways National Scholarship Program (for Residents)

While primarily for Qatari nationals and residents, a few exceptional international students residing in Qatar may also be eligible for this fully funded scholarship linked to future employment with Qatar Airways.

Key Features:

• Full tuition fee coverage

• Monthly stipend

• Internship and job placement at Qatar Airways

• Sponsorship for aviation-related and business-related programs

Who Can Apply:

• Students in Qatar (long-term residents, including some expats)

• Must have admission to one of Qatar Airways' approved partner universities

• High academic performance and commitment to working with Qatar Airways post-graduation

7. Al Qasimi Foundation (Research Grants – Graduate Students)

This isn’t a full degree scholarship but rather funding support for research projects relevant to the Gulf region, including Qatar. Ideal for Master's and PhD students from Pakistan conducting relevant research.

Key Features:

• Funding up to $10,000 USD

• Travel, accommodation, and field research expenses covered

• Collaboration opportunities with Gulf-based institutions

Who Can Apply:

• Graduate students (Master's or PhD) in social sciences, education, public policy, etc.

• Research must be related to the Gulf or Middle East

8. Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) Scholarships

As a partner university under Qatar Foundation, NU-Q offers generous financial aid and merit-based scholarships for its Journalism and Communication programs.

Key Features:

• Partial to full tuition coverage

• Campus housing (depending on need and merit)

• U.S.-accredited degree with international recognition

• Internship support and career services

Who Can Apply:

• Undergraduate applicants to NU-Q

• High school graduates with strong academic and communication skills

9. Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q) Financial Aid

WCM-Q, the medical branch of Cornell University in Qatar, offers need-based and merit-based aid to selected international students applying for its Pre-Med and MD programs.

Key Features:

• Full or partial tuition support

• Living expenses covered (based on need)

• Access to cutting-edge research facilities and U.S.-style MD program

• Medical internships and clerkships in Qatar and the U.S.

Who Can Apply:

• High-achieving pre-med or science students

• Requires SAT/MCAT and excellent academic background

10. Qatar Islamic Cultural Center Scholarships (for Islamic Studies)

Some religious and cultural institutes in Qatar occasionally offer full scholarships for Islamic Studies and Arabic language learning. These are often coordinated through local embassies or Islamic organizations.

Key Features:

• Free tuition and lodging

• Monthly stipends

• Arabic and Islamic Studies-focused

• Cultural exchange and religious learning opportunities

Who Can Apply:

• Must apply through official channels or Qatar Embassy

• Preference for students already enrolled in Islamic institutions

Qatar offers more than just a few scholarships—it's a robust and growing education destination where International students can access fully funded academic, research, and professional development opportunities. With institutions offering degrees from U.S. and European partners, students receive high-quality education while experiencing Middle Eastern culture and hospitality.