Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarships in Qatar 2026

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), located in Education City, Doha, Qatar, is one of the region’s leading institutions for postgraduate study and research. HBKU, part of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), is committed to providing high-quality academic programs as well as advancing innovation, research and knowledge that positively impacts future generations.

The school continues to attract outstanding students from around the world thanks to its competitive financial aid package, world-class faculty, and strong commitment to academic excellence.

About Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarship 2026

HBKU offers a generous financial aid package to qualified graduate students (master’s and doctoral). These include:

These funding opportunities are available to both Qatari and international students.
Note: Financial aid for a bachelor’s degree is not included here. For undergraduate student funding inquiries, please contact fao@qf.org.qa.

HBKU Financial Aid Structure

HBKU has standardized tuition waivers and stipends across all programs for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle. Awards are made based on merit, academic achievement, and availability of funds.

tuition waiver

Self-sponsored students receive a tuition discount based on financial need (QAR 2,000 per credit hour). HBKU-sponsored students receive partial or full waivers, depending on program type.

Tuition Exemption Table (2026)

Note: External scholarship regulations follow the policies of the sponsoring institution.

Salaries for Graduate Students (Updated Rates for 2026)

Students receiving the scholarship must serve as an RA, TA, or participate in an approved employment program.

Benefit amount (monthly and yearly)

Additional notes

• International students receive one entry ticket upon admission and one departure ticket upon graduation.

• Accommodation is not provided directly. Students must use living expenses or personal funds to cover housing costs.

• Stipends are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.

salary conditions

To remain eligible for benefits, students must:

• Register full time.

• Work as a Research Assistant (RA) for 10 hours per week.

• Ability to work up to 20 hours per week (including RA/TA duties).

• Serve as a Teaching Assistant (TA) for 10 hours per week at 50QAR per hour (as assigned).

• Avoid full-time work or part-time work that exceeds 40% of full-time hours.

Scholarship exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis based on funding and academic performance.

Colleges and Programs Available at HBKU

HBKU is comprised of six major universities offering master’s and doctoral programs.

1. College of Islamic Studies (CIS)

Masters: Applied Islamic Ethics, Islamic Studies, Islamic Finance, Islamic Art and Architecture
PhD: Islamic Finance and Economics

2. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS)

Master’s: Intercultural Communication, Digital Humanities, Women and Society, Translation, Audiovisual Translation
PhD: Humanities and Social Sciences

3. College of Science and Engineering (CSE)

The programs are as follows:

• computer engineering

• cyber security

• data analysis

• Logistics and Supply Chain

• sustainable energy

• Sports and Entertainment Management

• sustainable environment
  PhD: Computer Science, Logistics and Supply Chain, Sustainable Energy, Sustainable Environment

4. College of Law (CL)

LLM in Commercial Law
International Relations LLM
Doctor of Laws (JD)
Doctor of Laws (SJD)

5. College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS)

Biology and Biomedical Sciences
Genomics and precision medicine
exercise science
PhD: Same specialty

6. College of Public Policy (CPP)

Master of Public Policy

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

Students must:

• Must be a Qatari or international applicant (all nationalities welcome).

• Meets the academic requirements of the selected program.

• Submit all required documents:

  • valid transcript

  • Standardized test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, GRE if required)

  • Self-introduction (300-500 words)

  • updated resume

  • Copy of your passport (and QID if you live in Qatar)

• Meet deadlines and upload documents in PDF format only.

How to Apply for HBKU Scholarship

There is no separate application for scholarships. Awarded automatically during the admissions evaluation process.

application steps

1. Visit: https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/admissions

2. Select a program and click Apply.

3. Create an account in HBKU Information Systems

4. Upload all required documents in PDF format.

5. Submit before deadline

Additional documents will not be accepted. Incomplete applications will be automatically rejected.

2026 HBKU Application Deadline

HBKU has not yet announced a 2026 deadline, but it is based on previous cycles.

Expected Fall 2026 enrollment deadline

• Overseas applicants: February 1, 2026

• Qatar and GCC applicants: March 2026

• Registration confirmation: May 2026

Check for updates.
https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/admissions

Official contact information

Frequently Asked Questions

Are scholarships automatically provided to accepted students?

yes. Qualified applicants will be automatically considered during admission evaluation.

Do professionals deserve to be paid?

no. Full-time employees or part-time employees with workloads exceeding 40% are not eligible.

Is the scholarship renewed every year?

Yes, as long as the student meets academic achievement requirements.

Are meal plans or accommodations included?

no. Students must cover the cost of housing and meals from their own salary or personal funds.

Can I combine HBKU funds with external scholarships?

Yes, but external scholarship rules apply separately.

How do I know if I received a scholarship?

You will receive an official email notification detailing your award.