Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarships

The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies offers two main scholarship schemes for the 2027–2028 academic year, designed to support both academic excellence and financial need. All scholarships are open to Qatari and international students from all countries.

Key features of the programme:

• Fully funded — Tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, health insurance, and airfare

• Two scholarship types — Tamim (merit-based) and Sanad (need-based)

• Master's and PhD levels — 18 Master's and 8 PhD programmes available

• All nationalities welcome — No nationality restrictions

• Two-year Master's — Divided into four terms, beginning in August

• English/Arabic instruction — Depending on the programme

Related: Learn more about studying in Qatar.

Successful recipients may receive:

Tamim Scholarship (Merit-Based)

• Full tuition fees coverage

• Free accommodation in institute dormitories

• Monthly stipend

• Health insurance

• Two round-trip airfare tickets (upon arrival and after graduation)

Sanad Scholarship (Need-Based)

• Up to 100% of programme fees (10% to 100% depending on financial need)

• Full tuition coverage for international students outside Qatar

• Free accommodation in institute dormitories

• Monthly stipend

• Health insurance

• Two round-trip airfare tickets (upon arrival and after graduation)

Note: Scholarship conditions may affect your legal status in Qatar and cannot be changed without the Institute's consent. Students are not entitled to cash allowances in lieu of benefits they do not use.

For All Applicants

• Identification document: Passport for international applicants; Qatari ID for citizens and residents of Qatar

• Undergraduate transcripts — Senior-year students should submit all transcripts to date

• Graduation certificate or diploma — For graduates; statement of expected graduation for final-year students

• Resume (CV)

• TOEFL or IELTS results — Or an official statement that your degree was taught in English as the main language of instruction

• Personal Statement

• Academic Essay / Writing Sample — For applicants to the School of Social Sciences and Humanities

• Three academic reference letters — Requested via the online application system

PhD Applicants Only

• Graduate transcripts and Master's graduation certificate

• GRE results

• Master's thesis / capstone or a research sample

• Statement of Interest

• Initial PhD Proposal

Tip: Ensure all documents are certified and, where necessary, translated into English or Arabic.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

General Requirements

• Nationality: Open to applicants of all nationalities

• Degree: Must hold a Bachelor's degree for Master's programmes; final-year undergraduates may also apply

• PhD applicants: Must hold a Master's degree with distinction or equivalent

• GPA: Minimum 3.0 in undergraduate degree for competitive consideration

• Language: Proficiency in English (and Arabic where required by the programme)

• Academic record: Must demonstrate an excellent academic record

• Programme requirements: Must meet all admission requirements of the desired programme

English Language Proficiency

• TOEFL iBT: 70 or above

• IELTS Academic: 5.5 overall (not less than 5.0 in each component; not less than 5.5 in writing and reading)

• Exemption: Often granted if your prior degree was delivered in English as the main language of instruction

Master's Scholarship Specifics

• Must not combine Institute grants with any other scholarship, regardless of source

• Only students with high academic standing are eligible

• Scholarships are not available for Executive Master's, Diploma, or specialised certificates

• Students who have previously received the same scholarship are not eligible

PhD Scholarship Specifics

• Students who have previously received the same scholarship (whether they completed the degree or not) are not eligible

• Must not combine the Institute's scholarship with any other scholarship without prior approval from Doctoral Studies

• Full scholarship recipients must agree to work for the Institute for at least 10 hours per week during the semester in research, teaching, and other assigned duties

• Partial grantees work hours are established proportionally to the scholarship value, with a weekly maximum of 15 hours

PhD First-Phase Admission Requirements

• Application must be accepted by the university

• Candidate must be unable to afford doctorate costs and not be receiving any other scholarships

• Scholarship covers two semesters for first-phase courses; if not completed, student pays additional fees

PhD Second-Phase Admission Requirements (Prospectus)

• GPA in first-phase courses must be at least 3.5

• Scholarship valid for one academic year

PhD Third-Phase Admission Requirements (Dissertation)

• Must have completed prospectus assignments and passed the comprehensive test by end of second phase

• Scholarship covers two academic years, extendable with approval from the Director, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the Doctoral Studies Board

Follow these steps to apply for the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarships 2027–2028:

Step 1: Visit the Doha Institute admissions portal and review the programmes, requirements, and scholarship details.

Step 2: Create an account on the DI online admission portal. Only one application per person is permitted — duplicate applications will be disregarded.

Step 3: Complete the admission application form. You can save your progress and return in multiple sessions.

Step 4: Upload all required application materials via the online portal.

Step 5: Request academic references online via the application system. Referees receive the request automatically and can fill out the reference forms online.

Step 6: Track the status of your references online. You can remind a referee or create a new reference request even after submitting your application.

Step 7: Submit your complete admission application before the deadline.

Step 8: Once you receive an admission letter, the Admissions Office will send you the scholarship application form if you are eligible.

Step 9: Complete the scholarship application form and submit it with all required documents.

Step 10: Wait for the selection process. Interviews are held face-to-face for students in Qatar and online for those outside Qatar.

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