If you are a Qatari student or graduate looking for scholarships for Qataris 2026 to study inside Qatar or at leading universities abroad, it is natural to find the landscape complex—between government programs, university scholarships, private initiatives, and international opportunities available to Qatari students. With the rising cost of education in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and most European countries, fully funded scholarships become a practical option that ensures access to high-quality education without placing a heavy financial burden on families.
Despite this apparent complexity, the State of Qatar has a strong system for supporting students. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education oversees government scholarship programs that allow study at accredited universities inside and outside the country. Qatar University also offers a range of scholarships, including competitive scholarships and the H.H. the Emir’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence. In addition, there are private initiatives such as the Qatar Scholarship Programme and Qatar Scholarships, which provide opportunities for Qatari youth and residents, alongside programs sponsored by major national institutions such as Qatar Airways and others.
Important Notice:
The information provided here is for general guidance purposes and is based on official sources up to the date of the latest update. You should always consult the official websites of each program before applying, as conditions and deadlines may change from year to year.
For regular updates on scholarships and academic opportunities, follow our official platforms:
Types of Scholarships for Qataris 2026 – Understanding the Big Picture
Scholarships available to Qatari students can be divided into four main categories:
1. Qatari Government Scholarships (Ministry of Education and Higher Education)
These scholarships are supervised by the Scholarships Administration at the Ministry and include opportunities to study inside and outside Qatar at various levels: diploma, bachelor’s, and postgraduate studies.
2. Scholarships from Universities and Educational Institutions Inside Qatar
Such as Qatar University, which offers scholarships for high-achieving Qatari students, including the H.H. the Emir’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence, in addition to other scholarships targeting outstanding students, children of faculty members, and others.
3. Private Scholarships and Initiatives Sponsored by National Institutions
Including scholarship programs offered by national companies (aviation, energy, telecommunications, etc.) to qualify Qatari professionals in specific fields, as well as scholarships from the private sector and non-profit organizations.
4. International Scholarships Open to Qataris
These are scholarships not “exclusive to Qataris” but open to students from many countries, where Qatari students compete as international applicants. Examples include many scholarship programs in Europe, the Americas, and Asia, or fully funded programs at leading global universities.
You can also explore the Fully Funded UAE Scholarships
Qatari Government Scholarships – Ministry of Education and Higher Education
1. Scholarships Administration in Qatar – Core Role
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Qatar explains through its official platforms that the Scholarships Administration oversees the sponsorship of Qatari students for study inside and outside the country, at pre-university, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels. The objective is to provide an appropriate environment for students to complete their education in fields that serve the Qatari labor market and national development plans.
This system includes:
- Internal scholarships to study at accredited universities and institutes within Qatar.
- External scholarships to study at selected universities in various countries.
- Academic and administrative follow-up mechanisms for sponsored students.
2. Qatari Government Scholarship 2025–2026 (Qataris)
According to platforms specializing in scholarship tracking, the Qatari Government Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded program supported by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Qatar. It targets Qatari students who have completed secondary or higher education and wish to enroll in diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs inside or outside Qatar.
These sources indicate that:
- The scholarship is exclusively for Qatari citizens in the 2025–2026 cycle.
- Applicants may choose various majors, including fields that were previously restricted to study inside Qatar only.
In terms of funding, the Qatari Government Scholarship is typically a fully funded scholarship that includes:
- Coverage of tuition fees at the accredited university.
- A monthly living allowance.
- Travel support or airfare in cases of external sponsorship.
- Health insurance, and sometimes book or research allowances, according to applicable regulations.
(Exact details—such as stipend amounts and allowances—should always be confirmed through the Ministry of Education and Higher Education website or official announcements for each cycle.)
3. How to Confirm Eligibility and Apply Correctly
Practical steps:
Follow the Ministry of Education and Higher Education website and the Scholarships section to learn about:
General eligibility conditions (nationality, GPA, type of certificate).
Required and preferred majors.
Accredited universities and countries.
Prepare essential documents:
Secondary or bachelor’s certificate and official transcripts.
Copy of the Qatari passport.
Recommendation letters, if required.
Language test results (English or otherwise), if required.
Apply electronically through official platforms and monitor your email for any updates or additional requests.
Scholarships for Qataris at Prestigious Universities
Qatar University Scholarships for Qatari Students
Qatar University, as the main national university, offers a range of scholarships aimed at outstanding Qatari students.
According to the Qatar University scholarships page, there are several types, including:
H.H. the Emir of Qatar’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence
This scholarship targets Qatari students with high scores in the Qatari secondary school certificate (for example, 95% or above, as specified by the university). Benefits include:
- Tuition fee exemption.
- Textbook fee exemption.
- A monthly stipend (such as QAR 1,000 for nine months per academic year, as stated in the scholarship description).
Other Competitive Admission Scholarships for Qataris
These target outstanding students in certain colleges or tracks, with partial or full tuition exemptions.
Advantages of these scholarships:
- They are direct and clear: you apply to Qatar University as a high-achieving Qatari student, and once admission and GPA requirements are met, you are entered into scholarship competition.
- They complement the government scholarship system and may be your first choice if you wish to study inside Qatar at a national university, or a starting point before pursuing postgraduate studies abroad.
You can also explore the Lusail University Scholarship
Other Qatari Initiatives – Qatar Scholarship and Qatar Scholarships
1. Qatar Scholarship Programme for Residents in Qatar
The Qatar Scholarship Programme for Residents in Qatar is an initiative by the Education Above All Foundation, aiming to provide higher education opportunities to young people who have resided in Qatar for long periods, enabling them to enroll in reputable universities within Doha.
Within this program:
- Scholarships are offered at universities inside Qatar (such as Education City universities or others) for residents.
- The program typically covers tuition fees and may include additional support depending on agreements with universities.
This program is not exclusive to Qataris, but it is part of Qatar’s broader scholarship ecosystem. For Qatari citizens, the main focus remains on government scholarships and national university scholarships, but it is useful to understand the overall environment.
2. Qatar Scholarships for Students from Other Countries
There are also initiatives under the name Qatar Scholarships that target students from developing countries to study at universities in Qatar. To date, hundreds of students from more than 90 countries have benefited from these scholarships.
Scholarships Sponsored by Qatari Institutions (Example: Qatar Airways)
Some major national institutions in Qatar offer scholarship and sponsorship programs for Qataris. For example:
Qatar Airways Scholarships for Qatari Students
Specialized platforms indicate that Qatar Airways Scholarships for Qatari Students target Qatari citizens (or those with a Qatari mother) who achieved good secondary school grades (for example, 80% or above), with language requirements (IELTS) and age limits. The goal is to enable them to study majors related to aviation and business management, followed by employment within the Qatar Airways Group.
Such programs:
- Are considered fully funded or nearly fully funded (tuition + allowances + sometimes a trainee salary).
- Are linked to employment commitments after graduation, making them a blend of scholarship and career pathway.
Other institutions (oil, gas, telecommunications, government entities) may offer similar programs, often announced through their websites or local media.
Scholarships in Qatar Without IELTS 2026
International Scholarships Available to Qatari Students
In addition to the Qatari system, Qatari students can apply for a wide range of international scholarships that do not require a specific nationality or target member countries of international organizations that include Qatar.
1. General Global Fully Funded Scholarships
There are regularly updated lists of fully funded scholarships at global universities (Europe, America, Asia, Australia) covering tuition, living costs, and travel. Qatari students can apply as international applicants, such as:
Scholarships at universities in Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavian countries.
Joint European master’s programs (Erasmus Mundus), noting that some programs may prioritize certain countries.
Scholarships at Asian universities (Korea, Japan, China) open to all nationalities.
Although these scholarships do not carry the title “Scholarships for Qataris,” they are strong opportunities for Qatari students, who often have solid language proficiency and the ability to cover partial costs if necessary.
2. Programs Like Fulbright (Important Notice)
The Fulbright Program is a well-known U.S. scholarship and academic exchange program operating in more than 160 countries worldwide.
However, it is important to note that:
The AMIDEAST page for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program in Qatar indicates that the program is currently inactive, meaning the Qatari student pathway through Fulbright to the United States is not open at present in the same way as in other countries.
3. Chevening Scholarship – A Special Case for the Gulf
The UK Chevening Scholarship is one of the most famous government scholarships globally and usually targets most Arab countries. However, according to recent reports, six Gulf countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE) are currently excluded from Chevening eligibility, while other Arab countries remain eligible.
This means that, as of the latest update, Qatari students cannot rely on Chevening as a primary option for fully funded master’s scholarships in the UK. As a result, focus shifts more toward:
- Qatari government scholarships.
- Direct UK university scholarships for international students.
- Other European and international scholarships open to Qataris.
You can also explore the Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Undergraduate Scholarship
How to Choose the Right Scholarship as a Qatari Student in 2026
With many programs available, it is important to manage your search and selection process systematically:
1. Define Your Academic Level and Goal
If you are in secondary school or a recent graduate:
Qatari government scholarship for undergraduate studies (inside/outside Qatar).
Qatar University scholarships and other local university scholarships.
Sponsorship programs from institutions such as Qatar Airways or other national companies.
If you are a bachelor’s graduate:
Government scholarships for postgraduate studies.
University scholarships in Qatar or abroad.
International scholarships for research or master’s programs.
2. Choose the Destination Carefully
Ask yourself:
- Do you prefer English-speaking countries (USA, Canada, UK, Australia)?
- Or continental Europe (Germany, France, the Netherlands, Scandinavian countries)?
- Or educational experiences in Asia (Japan, Korea, China) or elsewhere?
This choice depends on your language level, desired field of study, and universities accredited by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
3. Understand the Type of Funding
Fully funded scholarships: Cover tuition, living costs, travel, and insurance (such as many Qatari government scholarships and excellence scholarships at Qatar University).
Partial scholarships: Provide partial tuition waivers, requiring you to cover the remaining costs.
4. Verify Accreditation and Recognition
Before committing to a university or program outside Qatar, ensure that:
- The university is recognized in Qatar.
- The specialization is in demand in the local labor market.
- The scholarship or sponsorship covers study at that specific institution.
Practical Application Plan for Scholarships for Qataris 2026
You can use this plan as a general model and adjust it according to your situation:
1) 18–12 Months Before the Start of Study
- Determine your level of study (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD).
- Choose 3–5 majors aligned with Qatar’s development needs (engineering, energy, healthcare, AI, cybersecurity, business administration, education, etc.).
- Begin improving your English language skills (and tests such as IELTS/TOEFL if targeting international programs).
2) 12–9 Months Before the Start of Study
Follow the Ministry of Education and Higher Education website and scholarship section to learn:
- When the 2026 application portal opens.
- Review Qatar University and scholarship pages for excellence and admission opportunities for Qataris.
- Start researching potential universities abroad if targeting external sponsorship, and save links to each program.
3) 9–6 Months Before the Start of Study
Prepare your academic file:
- Translated and certified certificates (if required).
- Academic CV.
- Statement of Purpose.
- Recommendation letters from teachers/professors.
Apply to target universities outside Qatar to obtain preliminary or unconditional academic acceptance if external sponsorship is part of your plan.
4) 6–3 Months Before the Start of Study
Apply officially to:
- Qatari government scholarship or other programs via the Ministry’s portal.
- Qatar University scholarships if studying domestically.
- Any institutional sponsorship programs (such as Qatar Airways or others, if eligible).
Monitor your email regularly for additional requests or interviews.
5) 3 Months Until the Start of Study
After receiving the scholarship/sponsorship decision, complete procedures:
- Student visa if studying outside Qatar.
- Travel and accommodation arrangements.
- Communication with the cultural attaché or sponsoring entity in the country of study, if applicable.
You can also explore the Qatar University Scholarship for Undergraduate Students
Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships for Qataris 2026
1. Are there fully funded scholarships exclusively for Qataris?
Yes, the most notable include:
Government scholarships supervised by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (inside and outside Qatar).
Certain Qatar University scholarships dedicated exclusively to Qatari students, such as the H.H. the Emir’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which waives tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend.
Institutional sponsorship programs (such as Qatar Airways) designed specifically for Qataris or those with a Qatari mother.
2. Can Qataris apply for general international scholarships (not specific to Qatar)?
Yes, Qatari students can apply as international competitors for many general fully funded scholarships that do not restrict nationality, such as numerous programs in Europe, Canada, and Asia.
Key considerations:
Meeting GPA, language, and experience requirements (if any).
Ensuring no conflict with any existing government sponsorship decisions if already sponsored.
3. Is the UK Chevening Scholarship currently available to Qataris?
According to recent reports, Chevening scholarships available to most Arab countries currently exclude the six GCC countries (including Qatar). Therefore, it is not recommended to rely on Chevening as a primary option for the 2026 plan, while continuing to monitor the official website for any future updates.
4. What is the status of the Fulbright Program for Qatari students?
The Fulbright Program operates in more than 160 countries, but the AMIDEAST page for Qatar indicates that the Fulbright Foreign Student Program is currently inactive. This means the traditional Fulbright pathway is not available for Qataris at present in the same way as in other countries.
Nevertheless, many other scholarships in the United States and Europe remain available for Qatari students to apply for directly through universities.
For regular updates on scholarships and academic opportunities, follow our official platforms:
0 Comments