Top Affordable Universities in Qatar for Pakistani Students

Qatar has emerged as a favored destination for international students seeking quality education at affordable prices. The country boasts numerous universities offering a variety of programs in English, attracting students globally with its rich academic tradition, modern facilities, and low living costs. This blog highlights the top affordable universities in Qatar, detailing essential information such as tuition fees, available programs, and admission requirements. These institutions provide excellent opportunities for aspiring students to gain a world-class education without breaking the bank. Our team of expert education consultants is here to guide you every step of the way. With years of experience helping international students navigate the complexities of overseas education, we can provide personalized support customized to your unique needs and academic goals.

Top Affordable Universities in Qatar

If you’re planning to study in Qatar on a budget, several universities offer quality education at reasonable tuition fees. These institutions provide internationally recognized degrees, modern facilities, and a multicultural environment, making Qatar an excellent choice for higher education. Here’s a detailed overview of the top affordable universities in Qatar:

University of Exeter – Qatar

The University of Exeter’s Qatar campus offers business and management programs with a focus on research, innovation, and leadership.

Feature	Details
World Ranking	Ranked in Top 150 worldwide (parent campus)
Courses Offered	Business Administration, International Business
Course Duration	3-4 years
Medium of Instruction	English
IELTS/TOEFL Requirement	Required (IELTS 6.5+ or equivalent)
Admission Requirements	High school diploma, English proficiency, academic transcripts
Tuition Fees	Approx. QAR 45,000 per year
Total Approximate Fees	Approx. QAR 135,000 – 180,000 (3-4 years)

Qatar University

Qatar University is the national university of Qatar and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It is known for its research initiatives and community engagement.

Feature	Details
World Ranking	Not explicitly stated
Courses Offered	Engineering, Business, Health Sciences, Arts and Sciences
Course Duration	4 years (Bachelor’s) / varies for postgraduate
Medium of Instruction	English
IELTS/TOEFL Requirement	Required (IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent)
Admission Requirements	High school diploma, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
Tuition Fees	Approx. QAR 30,000 per year
Total Approximate Fees	Approx. QAR 120,000 (4 years + accommodation)

University of Calgary in Qatar

This branch of the University of Calgary specializes in nursing education, focusing on practical skills to prepare graduates for healthcare.

Feature	Details
World Ranking	Not explicitly stated
Courses Offered	Bachelor of Nursing
Course Duration	4 years
Medium of Instruction	English
IELTS/TOEFL Requirement	Required (IELTS 6.5+ or equivalent)
Admission Requirements	High school diploma, completion of prerequisite courses
Tuition Fees	Approx. QAR 50,000 per year
Total Approximate Fees	Approx. QAR 200,000 (4 years + accommodation)

College of the North Atlantic – Qatar

Offers technical and vocational diploma programs designed for applied education and workforce readiness.

Feature	Details
Courses Offered	Engineering Technology, Health Sciences, Business Administration
Course Duration	2-3 years (Diploma)
Medium of Instruction	English
IELTS/TOEFL Requirement	Required (IELTS 5.5+ or equivalent)
Admission Requirements	High school diploma, English proficiency, program specific
Tuition Fees	Approx. QAR 30,000 per year
Total Approximate Fees	Approx. QAR 60,000 – 90,000 (varies by program)

Qatar University of Science and Technology

Focuses on science, technology, and engineering programs, supporting Qatar’s vision for technological growth.

Feature	Details
Courses Offered	Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering
Course Duration	4 years
Medium of Instruction	English
IELTS/TOEFL Requirement	Required (IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent)
Admission Requirements	High school diploma, English proficiency, program prerequisites
Tuition Fees	Approx. QAR 25,000 per year
Total Approximate Fees	Approx. QAR 100,000 (4 years + accommodation)

Stenden University Qatar

Stenden University specializes in hospitality management, combining theory with practical internships.

Feature	Details
World Ranking	Not explicitly stated
Courses Offered	Business Administration in Hospitality Management
Course Duration	4 years
Medium of Instruction	English
IELTS/TOEFL Requirement	Required (IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent)
Admission Requirements	High school diploma, English proficiency, interview
Tuition Fees	Approx. QAR 40,000 per year
Total Approximate Fees	Approx. QAR 160,000 (4 years + accommodation)

University of Nottingham – Qatar

The University of Nottingham Qatar offers business, education, and engineering degrees with high academic standards.

Feature	Details
World Ranking	Ranked Top 150 globally (parent campus)
Courses Offered	Business, Education, Engineering
Course Duration	3-4 years
Medium of Instruction	English
IELTS/TOEFL Requirement	Required (IELTS 6.5+ or equivalent)
Admission Requirements	High school diploma, English proficiency, specific prerequisites
Tuition Fees	Approx. QAR 50,000 per year
Total Approximate Fees	Approx. QAR 150,000 – 200,000 (3-4 years)

Doha College

Doha College offers British curriculum education with A-Levels and vocational courses preparing students for university admission.

Feature	Details
World Ranking	Not applicable
Courses Offered	A-Levels, BTEC Diplomas
Course Duration	2 years (A-Levels)
Medium of Instruction	English
IELTS/TOEFL Requirement	Typically not required
Admission Requirements	Completion of secondary education, entrance test
Tuition Fees	Approx. QAR 35,000 per year
Total Approximate Fees	Approx. QAR 70,000 (2 years + development courses)

Qatar University of Applied Sciences

This university focuses on applied sciences and technical programs aligned with Qatar’s economic development.

Feature	Details
World Ranking	Not explicitly stated
Courses Offered	Applied Sciences, Technical Programs
Course Duration	3-4 years
Medium of Instruction	English
IELTS/TOEFL Requirement	Required (IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent)
Admission Requirements	High school diploma, English proficiency, program specific
Tuition Fees	Approx. QAR 30,000 per year
Total Approximate Fees	Approx. QAR 90,000 – 120,000 (3-4 years)

Admission Requirements for Universities in Qatar

Admission criteria may vary slightly between universities, but generally include:

Academic Qualifications: Completion of secondary education or equivalent with satisfactory grades.
English Proficiency: Proof of proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL is commonly required.
Passport and Student Visa: Valid passport and obtaining a student visa for Qatar.
Medical Fitness Certificate: Some institutions may require a health certificate.
Age: Typically 17 years or older at the time of application.

How to Apply for Universities in Qatar

Applying to universities in Qatar involves several key steps that ensure a smooth transition from Pakistan to your chosen institution. Follow this process to increase your chances of successful admission and visa approval.

Select a University: Research and shortlist universities based on your program preference and budget.
Check Eligibility: Review each university’s admission criteria carefully.
Prepare and Submit Documents: Academic transcripts, passport copy, English proficiency scores, and other required documents.
Receive Admission Letter: After verification, the university issues an official admission letter.
Apply for Student Visa: Use the admission letter to apply for a visa at the nearest Qatari embassy or consulate.
Prepare for Relocation: Book travel, arrange accommodation, and familiarize yourself with Qatar.

FAQs

Do Qatari universities accept HSSC/Intermediate certificates from Pakistan?

Yes, most universities recognize HSSC certificates, but equivalence may be required in some cases. It’s recommended to get attestation from IBCC and the Qatar Embassy.

Can students transfer from Pakistani universities to Qatar mid-program?

Yes, many universities accept transfer students if credits are compatible. Transcripts and course syllabi may be needed for credit evaluation.

Are there any universities in Qatar that offer courses in Urdu?

No, instruction is generally in English or Arabic. Urdu is not an instructional medium at any university in Qatar.

What is the visa processing time for Qatar student visas?

It typically takes 2 to 4 weeks after submission of all required documents, but timelines may vary depending on embassy workload.

Do universities in Qatar help students with job placements?

Some universities have career support services that help with internships or job placement, especially in business and hospitality programs.

Can Pakistani students bring dependents on a student visa?

No, student visas are for individuals only. Family members would need separate sponsorship or visit visas.

Are medical and engineering degrees from Qatar recognized internationally?

Yes, if the institution is accredited, degrees are widely accepted in the GCC, UK, and parts of Asia and Europe.