Qatar has launched an expanded government scholarship plan for 2026 to 2027, adding new study pathways and wider financial support to develop talent in priority sectors.
Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education has launched its government scholarship plan for the 2026–2027 academic year, introducing new academic pathways and expanded financial support aimed at building national expertise in priority sectors.
The plan is built around four objectives – economic growth, equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion, and talent development, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy.
New pathways and specialisations
The updated programme includes a dedicated scholarship track for students with disabilities to access specialised international universities, as well as a bridging programme allowing humanities students to transition into scientific disciplines. It also prioritises fields such as nuclear engineering and clinical psychology.
Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education Affairs Dr Hareb Al Jabri said the updates focus on “inclusivity and directing national talents towards specialised fields” that support Qatar’s development goals.
Financial support and structure
According to the ministry, the scholarship programme includes placements at leading international universities as well as institutions within Education City, with financial support that varies depending on the field of study. Officials said the structure is designed to reflect differences across disciplines, with adjustments based on the level and type of programme.
Postgraduate scholarships for government employees will also be subject to stricter eligibility criteria, including academic requirements and employer approval to ensure alignment with workforce planning.
Labour market alignment
The Ministry of Labour said the programme strengthens coordination between education and employment policies, particularly in the private sector, to better align graduates with labour market needs.
Officials added that the updated framework includes strategic fields such as artificial intelligence and data science, alongside clearer employment pathways for graduates.
Application timeline
Registration for external scholarships, Education City institutions and private universities will open from July 1 to August 15, covering opportunities for students seeking placements abroad or within Qatar’s international branch campuses.
Applications for public universities, including Qatar University, will run from November 15 to December 30, with admissions based on academic merit and programme-specific requirements.