Hamad Bin Khalifa University offers fully funded scholarships for international students to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and PhD degrees across various fields in Qatar. Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students from all around the world to pursue their education in Qatar. Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend. the HBKU Scholarship in Qatar is a highly competitive scholarship that offers tuition waivers through a competitive selection process while considering factors such as merit, academic excellence, leadership, service background, and financial requirements. The fully funded scholarship in Qatar aims to nurture future leaders.
While Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) does not rank globally in major ranking systems due to its specialized nature and relatively recent establishment, it is highly regarded regionally and known for excellence in research and innovation within the Qatar Foundation’s Education City. Application deadline: February 2, 2025, typically falls between January and February 2025 (specific dates vary by program).
University/Institution
- Name: Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)
- Location: Doha, Qatar
- Ranking: Recognized as one of Qatar’s top research universities and a prominent institution within the Qatar Foundation.
- Programs Offered: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD programs across fields like science, law, humanities, public policy, and engineering.
- Duration: 4 years for undergraduate, 2 years for master’s, and 3-5 years for PhD programs.
Study Areas
Fields include:
College of Islamic Studies
- Master of Arts in Applied Islamic Ethics
- Master of Arts in Islam and Global Affairs
- Master of Arts in Islamic Studies
- Master of Science in Islamic Art, Architecture and Urbanism
- Master of Science in Islamic Finance
- Ph.D. in Islamic Finance and Economy
College of Humanities & Social Sciences
- Master of Arts in Intercultural Communication
- Master of Arts in Audiovisual Translation
- Master of Arts in Digital Humanities and Societies
- Master of Arts in Translation Studies
- Master of Arts in Women, Society, and Development
- Ph.D. in Humanities and Social Sciences
College of Science & Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
- Master of Data Analytics in Health Management
- Master of Information Systems in Health Management
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Master of Science in Data Science and Engineering
- Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- ● Master of Science in Sustainable Energy
- ● Master of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management
- ● Master of Science in Sustainable Environment
- ● PhD in Computer Science and Engineering
- ● PhD in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM)
- ● PhD in Sustainable Energy
- ● PhD in Sustainable Environment
College of Law
- ● LLM in International Economic and Business Law
- ● LLM in International Law and Foreign Affairs
- ● Doctor of Juridical Science
- ● Juris Doctor
College of Health & Life Sciences
- ● Master of Science in Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- ● Master of Science in Exercise Science
- ● Master of Science in Genomics and Precision Medicine
- ● Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- ● Ph.D. in Genomics and Precision Medicine
College of Public Policy
- Master of Public Policy
Scholarship Benefits
- Tuition Fees: Fully covered
- Monthly Stipend: Students receive a generous stipend to cover living expenses.
- ● Bachelor’s students: QAR 5,000 (≈ USD 1,370)
- ● Master’s students: QAR 7,500 (≈ USD 2,055)
- ● PhD students: QAR 10,000 (≈ USD 2,740)
- ● Family Accommodation is Provided to Married Student
- Accommodation: On-campus housing or housing allowance
- Family Accommodation is Provided to Married Students.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage
- Travel Costs: Annual airfare for international students (where applicable)
Benefits Not Included
- Personal expenses outside the monthly stipend
- Additional costs for family members (if any)
For Undergraduate :
● Applicants must have earned a general secondary school
certificate or its equivalent from a recognized high school
● Applicants are expected to have at least three years of high school mathematics and science;
● Minimum GPA of 2.5 or equivalent in the final high school year.(B/B- overall average with A-/B+ in Math)
● Applicants must earn a minimum TOEFL score of 79 or equivalent, taken within the last two years;
● TOEFL— between 79-93
● IELTS: 6.5
● 23-24 on ACT Math
● 540-560 on SAT Math Details
For Graduate :
● Have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field of study with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
● Students with postgraduate degrees higher than a bachelor’s and lower than a master’s may be admitted to a master’s program.
● Students with a master’s degree in a different field of study who are considering another master’s degree will have their bachelor’s degree CGPA and master’s degree CGPA evaluated by the respective program admission committee;
● Submitted a discipline-specific standardized test score (e.g. GRE, GMAT). Standardized test scores are encouraged for all master’s programs offered in English.
● Applicants to professional master’s programs are exempted from this requirement;
● A program-approved TOEFL score of 79, or its equivalent, taken within the last two years is required for all graduate students seeking admission to programs offered in English.
● Applicants can be exempted from this requirement if they meet one of the conditions below:
- a. Applicants who completed their studies in an institution in a country where English is the native language;
- b. Applicants who provide an official document from a University where they obtained their degree attesting that English was the medium of instruction;
- c. Applicants whose first language is English. Applicants to a PhD program must satisfy the following:
● Have earned a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field of study with a GPA of 3.0 or higher;
● Submitted a discipline-acceptable standardized test score (e.g. GRE, GMAT). Standardized test scores are required for all PhD programs offered in English; English Language Requirements :
● TOEFL between 79 and 93
● IELTS: 6.5
● GRE Q between 144 and 154 details
Required Documents
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts
- English language test scores (IELTS or TOEFL)
- Statement of purpose/personal statement
- Recommendation letters (usually 2-3)
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Updated CV/resume
Application Process
- Complete the online application on the HBKU portal.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit the application before the deadline and wait for further instructions or interviews (if required).
Tips for a Successful Application
- Tailor your personal statement to align with HBKU’s research goals.
- Highlight unique skills, past research, or work experiences.
- Seek recommendation letters from professors or professionals in your field.
- Double-check that all documents meet format requirements and are submitted on time.
Living Expenses for International Students
The monthly living expenses for students in Qatar can vary depending on lifestyle choices, but here’s a general breakdown for Hamad Bin Khalifa University students in Doha:
- Housing: If on-campus, housing is covered by the scholarship. For those living off-campus, rental costs typically range from QAR 2,500-4,000 for shared apartments.
- Food: Approximately QAR 1,000-1,500 per month.
- Transport: Around QAR 200-300 for public transportation or shared rides.
- Personal Expenses: Varies, but an estimated QAR 300-500 for essentials and entertainment.
Total Estimated Monthly Cost: QAR 3,000-5,000 ($825-$1,375 USD), though most of these expenses are covered by the HBKU scholarship stipend.
Why Choose This Scholarship?
HBKU provides an opportunity to study in a state-of-the-art research environment within the Qatar Foundation, promoting innovation and interdisciplinary research. The scholarship’s comprehensive benefits package also reduces the financial burden, allowing students to focus fully on their studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can international students apply for the HBKU scholarship?
- Yes, the scholarship is open to both domestic and international students.
- Is there an application fee?
- HBKU generally does not charge an application fee for its scholarship programs.
- What is the average duration of the selection process?
- It typically takes 2-3 months from the application deadline for results to be announced.
- Are there specific grade or GPA requirements?
- While GPA requirements vary by program, a minimum of 3.0 is generally required for consideration.
- Is prior work experience required for graduate applicants?
- It’s not mandatory but is highly recommended, especially for programs in public policy and law.
Official Link
For more information and application details, visit the Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarship page.