How to Get Admission in Hamad Bin Khalifa University

About HBKU and Education City

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is a research-focused university in Doha, Qatar, and is part of Qatar Foundation's Education City. It is built around colleges and research institutes spanning fields such as science and engineering, computing, health and life sciences, law, public policy, humanities and social sciences, and management and economics.

HBKU is closely tied to its research institutes, so for graduate study in particular your fit with a research area matters. English is the primary language of instruction across the university.

Programs and levels

HBKU offers both undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong graduate and research emphasis. Programs sit within its colleges — for example, the College of Science and Engineering, the College of Health and Life Sciences, and other colleges and schools — alongside Qatar Foundation research institutes.

Decide on the college and program that match your background and goals first, because the entry requirements, deadlines, and any standardized-test or English expectations differ by program and level.

• Undergraduate programs
• Graduate programs (master's and doctoral) with a research focus
• Linked Qatar Foundation research institutes

Typical admission requirements

As an English-medium research university, HBKU assesses undergraduate applicants on their secondary-school record plus any standardized-test and English-proficiency requirements, and graduate applicants on their degree record, statement of purpose, and recommendations.

English-proficiency evidence (such as IELTS or TOEFL) is commonly expected where prior study was not in English, and some graduate programs may consider tests such as the GRE. The exact requirements and deadlines are set by HBKU and published on its official admissions pages — verify them there for your specific program.

• Secondary-school record (undergraduate) or degree transcripts (graduate)
• English-proficiency evidence (IELTS or TOEFL) where applicable
• Statement of purpose and recommendation letters (graduate)
• Program-specific tests where required (e.g. GRE for some graduate programs)

How to apply, step by step

HBKU runs an online application with separate pathways and deadlines for undergraduate and graduate applicants. The general flow is: choose your program, create an account, complete the online application, upload your documents, and submit before the relevant deadline.

Have your transcripts, certificates, identification, statement of purpose, and recommendation letters ready in digital form. Because undergraduate and graduate timelines differ, check the official admissions dates for your level so you submit on time.

• Choose your program and note the undergraduate vs graduate deadline
• Create an account and complete the online application
• Upload transcripts, statement of purpose, and recommendation letters
• Submit before the official deadline for your level

Funding and scholarships

HBKU and Qatar Foundation may offer scholarships or funding for eligible students; eligibility, amounts, and deadlines are set officially and change over time. Any scholarship is awarded on secular, published criteria — never on a community basis — and no amount should be assumed from an unofficial source.

Be cautious of anyone promising a "guaranteed" award and never pay for such a promise. Check the current funding options and terms on the official HBKU admissions source.

Studying in Doha as an international student

Admitted international students need the appropriate entry documentation to study in Qatar; HBKU's admissions and student-services teams support admitted students through the process. Treat any entry or residence requirement as a neutral practical step and confirm the current rules on the official Qatar government source.

Students are expected to follow the university's code of conduct and local laws. This is general information, not immigration advice — always verify current requirements on the official government source before you travel.