Financial Planning

Managing Your Student Finances in Qatar

Plan your budget effectively with this guide to tuition fees, living costs, scholarships, and financial requirements for studying in Qatar.

Paying for Your Studies in Qatar

Fees, living costs, scholarships and jobs, in Qatari riyals (QAR) and US dollars (USD)

Tuition in 2026-27

Qatar University: QAR 1,200 to 1,600 per credit hour. Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) and Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q): QAR 254,412 to QAR 271,998 a year.

A credit hour is a unit of class time, and each course has a set number of credit hours. These are 2026-27 fees. Fees change each year.

Living Costs Calculator

Finance

Money Topics

Each topic has its own page with full details.

Tuition Fees

Complete breakdown of tuition costs across universities in Qatar

Key information

Program-wise fee structure
Public vs private universities
Additional academic costs
Payment schedules and methods

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Living Costs

Comprehensive guide to living expenses and budgeting in Qatar

Key information

Accommodation costs by city
Food and daily expenses
Transportation costs
Personal and entertainment budget

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Financial Proof

Documentation and requirements for proving financial capacity

Key information

Required financial documentation
Bank statement requirements
Sponsor documents
University-specific requirements

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Scholarships

Available scholarships and funding opportunities for international students

Key information

Government scholarships
University-specific funding
Merit-based opportunities
Application deadlines and process

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Student Jobs

Work opportunities and regulations for international students

Key information

Work permit regulations
On-campus job opportunities
Part-time work options
Post-graduation work rights

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Budget

Planning Your Budget

CMU-Q budgets QAR 52,152 (USD 14,288) a year on top of tuition for a first-year student living on campus in 2026-27. Its full yearly cost is QAR 316,777 (USD 86,788): tuition, housing, food, books, insurance and other costs.

Example Yearly Budget (CMU-Q, 2026-27)

What one university budgets for a year

Essential Monthly Expenses

Accommodation

CMU-Q single residence hall room: QAR 21,492 a year

Food & Groceries

Food: QAR 16,060 a year

Transportation

Travel, including an airfare estimate: QAR 6,935 a year

Personal & Academic

Personal costs: QAR 5,110 a year

Supplies and equipment: QAR 2,555 a year

Costs vary significantly based on location and lifestyle. Figures are estimates and subject to change.

Money Management

Banking in Qatar

Banks ask for your Qatar ID (QID, the ID card for people who live in Qatar). You get it once your residence permit is done.

Banks Near Campus

Banks students use

Qatar National Bank (QNB)

Georgetown University in Qatar students use QNB. A QNB current account has no monthly charge, no minimum balance and a free debit card.

Has a branch in Education City, at the Recreation Center.
You can open a QNB current account with your passport, but you must give the bank your Qatar ID within 90 days, or the account is blocked.

What QNB Asks For

A copy of your Qatar ID, front and back.

A QNB account form, signed by you.

Money Transfer & Payment Methods

Options for receiving and sending money internationally

Money Transfer Options

Bank Wire Transfers

Traditional bank-to-bank transfers using SWIFT/BIC codes.

Secure

Reliable

Higher fees

Money Transfer Services

Services like Wise, Remitly, Western Union, and MoneyGram.

Lower fees

Better exchange rates

App-based tracking

Common Payment Methods

Cash

Keep some cash on hand for small purchases and emergency situations. ATMs are widely available.

Smart Financial Tips

Expert advice to help you manage your finances effectively while studying in qatar

Budgeting

Add tuition, housing, food, books and insurance to get your full cost.

Check if your fee is per credit hour, per semester or per year.

Saving

Share a university room to cut rent.

Use the free Education City Tram.

Paying

Bring a card for fees. Qatar University does not take cash.

Open a Qatar bank account. You must give the bank your Qatar ID (QID) within 90 days.

Funding

Apply for scholarships when you apply for admission.

Look for paid on-campus jobs of up to 20 hours a week while classes run.

Pro Tips for qatar

Currency Management

• Monitor exchange rates and transfer money when rates are favorable
• Use multi-currency cards to avoid conversion fees
• Keep some local cash (QAR) for emergencies

Local Financial Culture

• Learn about local tipping customs and practices
• Understand tax obligations for international students
• Explore local student financial support programs

Remember: Financial planning is key to a successful study abroad experience. Start planning early and don't hesitate to seek advice from financial advisors or your university's international student services.