Overview:
Education is one of the fastest growing sectors in Qatar. With many education options for students to achieve full academic potential, the standard of education is high. In 2023, Qatar allocated $4.91 billion to the education sector, representing 9 percent of $54.6 billion total government expenditure, and continues to invest in the ever-expanding education sector. The Government of Qatar has long recognized that educational reforms are vital to develop a diversified, innovation-driven, knowledge-based economy. As outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030, Qatar is overhauling its primary and secondary schools, and is establishing more public schools through public and private-sector partnership.
The Ministry of Education & Higher Education (MOEHE) is the primary government entity supporting and regulating education and higher education in Qatar. Per 2021 annual data, there are 209 public and 324 private schools serving approximately 400,000 students, including 175 secondary schools (private & public) serving 54,773 students, offering various curriculum, and serving a variety of nationalities.
While the Government of Qatar requires that all independent schools comply with national curriculum standards in core subjects, its public education curriculum is comparable to international standards. The government is looking to expand the number of primary and secondary private schools to cater to the growing population of foreign professionals working in Qatar and to provide more options for its citizens. The MOEHE is making great efforts to establish top international institutions in Qatar for primary and secondary education.
Qatar also has a well-established system of higher education that continues to grow and expand. The colleges and universities in Qatar serve not only its own citizens and residents, but attracts students from all over the world, particularly from the Gulf region. Qatar University is the flagship public research university in the country. Alongside Qatar University, there are 34 private and public colleges and universities, including branches of world-renowned U.S. higher education institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University, Georgetown University, Northwestern University, Texas A&M University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Weill-Cornell Medical College, all supported by Qatar Foundation.
The Government of Qatar provides every citizen free education at the primary and secondary level and awards full merit-based scholarships to Qatari nationals to pursue their desired field of study at approved universities in Qatar and abroad. There are three financing options for higher education for citizens: a Qatari scholarship, an Emiri scholarship, and studying at your own expense. To be eligible for a scholarship, students must gain acceptance to one of the approved universities found on either the Emiri Scholarship or the Approved Universities lists. The Emiri Scholarship is the more prestigious scholarship, it is awarded to students who gain acceptance to 30 of the world’s most elite universities. Students wishing to study at their own expense must still obtain approval through MOEHE.
The MOEHE list of approved universities is selected based on various world university rankings, program offerings, mode of study, type of study, and degree program offerings. As of 2023, nearly half of the list of approved schools & universities are U.S. based, with 875 post-secondary U.S. institutions out of a total of 1958 institutions from 92 countries. The approved list is updated every two years.
As part of Qatar National Vision 2030, Qatar’s senior leadership established a strategy to educate Qatari nationals to meet the demands for labor in top sectors and in public service. This strategy is known as “Qatarization,” and is designed to increase the number of Qatari nationals in top positions currently occupied by expatriates in key industries and sectors as well as government departments. The target for Qatarization is 50 percent of the workforce by 2030; however, planning, and implementation of Qatarization is farthest along in the oil & gas sector.
The key business drivers for the education sector are the demand for quality education, an influx of expatriates, and the entry of private players into the sector.
Sub-Sector Best Prospects:
Skills Development & Training: Energy, Hospitality, and ICT sectors
Executive Education: Programs designed for working professionals.
Undergraduate fields: Architecture, Business Administration/Management, Business Law & Services, Cybersecurity, and STEM programs
Graduate fields: Business Administration/Management, Cybersecurity, Dentistry, and Pharmacy
Opportunities:
The education sector is open for new opportunities and innovative ideas, but only if they fit into the educational and economic goals of the State of Qatar. The country is investing significant resources to train Qatari youth to become entrepreneurs and qualified professionals in both the private and public sectors. There are opportunities in skills development and training in energy, hospitality, and ICT. In addition, school operators and administrators are in high demand as the government plans to establish several new primary and secondary schools to meet the growing demand for quality education in the region.
According to the IIE Open Doors Data, 500 students from Qatar were studying in the United States for the 2021/2022 academic year. While the pandemic significantly impacted students’ mobility, moving forward, the projections forecast an increase in Qataris studying in the United States.
There is a growing market for international private schools at all educational levels. While private schools are licensed and regulated, school operators can set their own curricula and do their own hiring. These schools can get help in securing land for campuses and are exempt from import duties on school and education equipment.
U.S. higher education institutions are encouraged to work with the Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy to either work collaboratively or explore opportunities to recruit students from Qatar. These institutions should also take advantage of the year-round university fairs hosted by Qatari schools. Interested institutions can participate in-person or use the Commerce Section’s representation service to generate leads and recruit students for academic programming.
Trade Shows/Conferences:
Dates: November 2-3, 2023
Venue: Doha Exhibition and Convention Center – DECC, Doha, Qatar
A comprehensive two-day exhibition attended by students age 16+ who are considering their higher education options, as well as their parents and teachers.
World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE)
Dates: November 28-29, 2023
Venue: Qatar National Convention Center
WISE is an international, multi-sectoral platform for creative thinkers to debate and take firm action to promote innovation and building future of education through collaboration.
Resources:
- Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE)
- Qatar Foundation
- Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science
Contact the Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy