Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education has announced the registration and transfer schedule for government schools for the 2026–2027 academic year, aiming to streamline procedures for parents and ensure schools are prepared to welcome students early.
Registration will open on 12 April and continue until 13 August 2026 through the Maaref Electronic Portal, following a phased timeline that accommodates different categories and nationalities.
The initial phase prioritises siblings Qatari nationals, children of Qatari women and children of GCC citizens, before expanding access to all nationalities from 24 May 2026.
An additional window will open from 25 August until 1 October 2026 to provide additional opportunities for applicants.
Warda Mohammed Aqeel, assistant director of the School and Student Affairs Department, said preparations for the new academic year began earlier in February through an automatic transfer process for students moving between educational stages, including those completing kindergarten, primary, preparatory, and secondary levels.
Parents will receive placement notifications between 29 and 31 March 2026.
As part of its expansion plans, the ministry also announced the opening of seven new schools, bringing the total number of government schools to 236, alongside 67 kindergartens, in an effort to meet growing demand and enhance educational accessibility.
Registration requires proof of residence within the designated school zone—such as an authenticated rental contract or an electricity certificate in the guardian’s name—alongside the student’s ID card, birth certificate and health file. Residents must also provide a work certificate.
Eligibility will be based on the child’s age as of 31 December 2026. Children born by the end of 2022 qualify for kindergarten, those born by the end of 2021 for pre-school, and those born by 31 December 2020 for Grade 1. Qatari students born in January and February will be granted exceptions for certain early grades.
The ministry urged parents to prepare documents in advance and use the “Which is My School?” online service to identify the appropriate school based on their residence, ensuring a smooth start to the academic year.