Qatar Admissions

Documents for Qatar University Applications

What Qatar University (QU) and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) ask for when you apply, from transcripts (your school or university marksheets) to test scores. Fees are in Qatari riyals (QAR).

Document Groups

Most Qatar universities ask for papers in these four groups.

Study papers

Transcripts and certificates from your school or university.

ID and photos

Your passport copy and a photo.

Test scores

English test scores, and GRE or GMAT where a program asks.

Personal papers

Statement, CV and recommendation letters for master's and PhD programs.

Study Papers

Your school or university papers are the core of your application. Qatar University and HBKU ask for them in different ways.

High school transcript (bachelor's at Qatar University)

You need 12 years of school.
Send the original, final, official and certified transcript.
International students mail it to: Admission Department, Qatar University, P.O. Box (post office box) 2713, Doha, Qatar.
Send it before the last date for international students. Check the dates on Qatar University's timeline page.

University transcripts (master's and PhD at HBKU)

Upload official electronic copies with your online application.
Include final transcripts and graduation statements for all past university studies.
Include a note that explains how your marks are graded.
Transcripts not in English or Arabic need an official translation.

Bachelor's or master's degree

HBKU master's programs need a bachelor's degree.
HBKU PhD programs need a master's degree.
The College of Science and Engineering at HBKU asks for a GPA (grade point average, your average grade) of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale. Ask the university how your marks compare.

Important

Qatar University will not look at an international student's bachelor's application without the original high school transcript. If you apply for a QU scholarship, you do not need it.

Personal Papers

Master's and PhD programs at HBKU ask for papers that show who you are. Read more on our statement and letters page.

Personal statement (HBKU)

300 to 500 words.
Explain why you are applying and how the program helps your goals.
Include your research interests and achievements.

Resume or CV (HBKU)

Your studies and work experience.
Publications and research projects.
Awards and conference talks.

Recommendation letters (HBKU)

Two letters.
For master's and PhD programs, one referee must be a teacher or professor.

Tips for Standout Supporting Documents

Essays

HBKU: write 300 to 500 words. Shorter statements are not accepted.
Say why you want the program and how it fits your goals.

Recommendations

HBKU master's and PhD programs: two letters from two referees, one a teacher or professor.
HBKU bachelor's programs: one from your school counsellor and one from a maths or science teacher.

Fees and Money Papers

Some papers are about money: the application fee and proof that your financial sponsor can pay.

Application fee

Qatar University bachelor's application fee: QAR 200, paid online. You do not get it back.
HBKU College of Science and Engineering application fee: QAR 250. You do not get it back.

Money papers for your visa (Qatar University)

A letter from your financial sponsor (a person, not you, who pays your study costs), promising to pay your costs. You cannot sponsor yourself.
The last 6 months of your financial sponsor's bank statements. If your financial sponsor lives in Qatar: a QAR 20,000 bank guarantee (a bank's written promise to pay) from a bank in Qatar, made out to Qatar University.

Translations and Certified Copies

Universities in Qatar want official papers they can trust. Here is what Qatar University and HBKU ask for.

Check Your University's Rule

Qatar University asks for transcripts certified (stamped as true) by the education agency its rules name. HBKU asks for official electronic copies. Check your program's page for which agency, and for any extra stamps.

Translations

HBKU: transcripts not in English or Arabic need an official translation.
Qatar University: the bank statements of your financial sponsor (a person, not you, who pays your study costs) must be in English or Arabic.

Certified Papers

Qatar University: transcripts must be certified (stamped as true) by the education agency its rules name.
HBKU: submitted documents are not returned.

Document Verification Timeline

Collect your papers

Before you apply

Ask your school or university for official transcripts and certificates.

Apply and upload

HBKU: opened 1 October 2026, closes 1 February 2027

HBKU's master's and PhD application opened on 1 October 2026. International applicants must apply by 1 February 2027.

Add your referees

After you upload

HBKU emails you to upload more papers and give the contact details of your two referees (the teachers or supervisors who write your letters).

Common Document Authentication Pitfalls

•Sending a copy where Qatar University wants the original transcript.

•Uploading Word or image files to HBKU. It accepts only PDF files.

•Sending extra papers HBKU did not ask for. HBKU does not read them.

Document Checklist

Tick off each paper as you get it. Your chosen program may ask for more.

Study Papers

School or university transcripts (marksheets), final and official

Degree certificate (for master's and PhD)

Official English translation if not in English or Arabic

A note that explains how your marks are graded (HBKU)

ID and Photos

Passport copy

Passport-size photo (Qatar University)

Test Scores

IELTS or TOEFL score

GRE or GMAT score (US exams for master's and PhD study), for some HBKU PhD programs

Personal Papers

Personal statement, 300 to 500 words (HBKU)

Resume or CV (HBKU)

Two recommendation letters (HBKU)

Tips

Keep one folder per university. HBKU accepts only PDF files and does not return documents. Qatar University wants original transcripts for bachelor's applicants.

Visa Papers Talk to an Advisor