University Options in Doha for IGCSE, A Levels & IBDP Students – International & Local Campuses

Doha offers unique university options through Education City, a campus hosting branch campuses of prestigious international universities. This guide covers international branch campuses and local universities that accept IGCSE, International A Levels, or IBDP, helping expat and local families navigate their options.

Education City universities (international branch campuses)

American universities:

• Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar – accepts A Levels, IBDP; strong in Business, Computer Science, Information Systems
• Georgetown University in Qatar – accepts A Levels, IBDP; strong in International Affairs, Foreign Service
• Northwestern University in Qatar – accepts A Levels, IBDP; strong in Communication, Journalism, Media
• Texas A&M University at Qatar – accepts A Levels, IBDP; strong in Engineering (Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Petroleum)
• Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar – accepts A Levels, IBDP; strong in Arts, Design, Fashion

European universities:

• HEC Paris in Qatar – accepts A Levels, IBDP; Business programmes (graduate level)
• UCL Qatar – accepts A Levels, IBDP; strong in Archaeology, Museum Studies, Cultural Heritage (graduate level)

Size and establishment of Education City universities

Well-established campuses (15+ years):

• Carnegie Mellon Qatar – established 2004 (over 21 years); 400+ students; highly selective, same degree as CMU Pittsburgh
• Georgetown Qatar – established 2005 (over 20 years); 300+ students; highly selective, same degree as Georgetown Washington DC
• Texas A&M Qatar – established 2003 (over 22 years); 500+ students; strong engineering focus, same degree as Texas A&M
• Northwestern Qatar – established 2008 (over 17 years); 300+ students; communication and media focus, same degree as Northwestern US
• VCUarts Qatar – established 1998 (over 27 years); 200+ students; arts and design focus, same degree as VCUarts US

Graduate-level campuses:

• HEC Paris Qatar – established 2010 (over 15 years); MBA programmes
• UCL Qatar – established 2012 (over 13 years); graduate programmes (now closed, but was well-established)

Note: Education City universities are highly prestigious and well-established, operating for 15–27+ years. They are smaller (200–500 students each) but offer same degrees as home campuses and generous scholarships through Qatar Foundation. The shared campus creates a unique international learning environment.

Local universities accepting IGCSE/A Levels/IBDP

• Qatar University – accepts A Levels, IBDP; comprehensive university, strong in Engineering, Business, Medicine, Sciences, Arts
• Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) – accepts A Levels, IBDP; research-focused, strong in Science and Engineering, Islamic Studies, Public Policy

Admission requirements

IGCSE: Typically 5 subjects at grade C or above, including English and Maths. Competitive programmes may require A/A* grades.

A Levels: Usually 3 A Levels with grades AAB-AAA for competitive programmes. Education City universities are highly selective.

IBDP: Typically 32-38 points for competitive programmes. Top universities often require 35+ points with specific Higher Level requirements.

English language: IELTS 6.5-7.5 or equivalent (varies by university and programme).

Additional requirements: Some programmes require interviews, SAT/ACT, or portfolios.

Tuition fees for expat/international students

Education City universities:

• Carnegie Mellon Qatar, Georgetown Qatar, Northwestern Qatar: Full scholarships often available through Qatar Foundation. Tuition typically USD 50,000–60,000 per year if not covered by scholarship.
• Texas A&M Qatar: Similar scholarship opportunities; tuition USD 40,000–50,000 per year if not covered.
• VCUarts Qatar: USD 30,000–40,000 per year; scholarships available.

Local universities:

• Qatar University: QAR 60,000–120,000 per year (approximately USD 16,500–33,000). Lower fees for Qatari nationals.
• HBKU: QAR 80,000–150,000 per year (approximately USD 22,000–41,200). Scholarships available.

Note: Qatar Foundation offers generous scholarships for Education City universities, often covering full tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. Always check current fees and scholarship opportunities directly with universities.

Why choose Doha?

• Prestigious options – Education City hosts branch campuses of world-renowned universities
• Same degrees – students receive the same degree as the home campus
• Government support – Qatar Foundation provides generous scholarships
• International environment – diverse student body, English-medium programmes
• Career opportunities – strong job market in Energy, Finance, Technology, Government
• Quality of life – modern city with excellent infrastructure, safe environment

Tips for expat families

• Early application – Education City universities have early deadlines
• High academic standards – these universities are highly selective; ensure strong grades
• Scholarships – Qatar Foundation offers generous scholarships; check eligibility
• Research thoroughly – Education City offers unique programmes; ensure they match career goals
• Career focus – Qatar’s economy favours Energy, Finance, Technology, Government, Media
• Work opportunities – good post-graduation work opportunities, especially in energy and finance

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This guide is based on publicly available information. Always check the latest admission requirements directly with universities.