Hamad Bin Khalifa University
A prestigious research-intensive university with strong international recognition. Known for quality education, innovative research, and producing graduates who excel in their fields worldwide.
- Acceptance Rate
- 33.5%
- SAT Range
- 1180–1380
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.65
- Size
- Large (26,852 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:12
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 84.0%
- Retention Rate
- 87.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $5,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Education City creates a unique campus environment unlike anywhere else in the world. Multiple international universities share the campus with HBKU, meaning students can attend lectures, access libraries, and collaborate with scholars from Georgetown, Carnegie Mellon, Northwestern, and other institutions located just steps away. This concentration of academic resources in a compact geographic area provides extraordinary opportunities for interdisciplinary work and intellectual exchange across institutional boundaries. The campus itself showcases dramatic modern architecture, with buildings designed by international architects that have won recognition for their striking forms and sustainable design features. Climate-controlled walkways connect major buildings, providing relief from Qatar's intense summer heat, and manicured grounds offer outdoor spaces pleasant during the cooler months. Student housing is available on campus, and many students appreciate the convenience of living within walking distance of classes, libraries, and recreation facilities. Social life at HBKU reflects both the international character of the student body and the cultural context of Qatar. Students come from across the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, and beyond, bringing perspectives to classroom discussions and social gatherings. Campus events respect Islamic traditions while providing entertainment and community-building opportunities. The nearby city of Doha offers restaurants, shopping, and cultural venues including world-class museums and performance spaces that provide weekend diversions from academic work.
Location & Surroundings
Doha has transformed over the past two decades from a regional outpost to a globally connected city that hosts major cultural institutions, sporting events, and international organizations. HBKU students find themselves in a city that is actively building the infrastructure of a knowledge economy, with research institutes, technology companies, and government initiatives that seek to diversify Qatar's economy beyond hydrocarbon extraction. The sense of building something new pervades the academic environment and offers students opportunities to shape emerging institutions. Education City's location in the western part of Doha provides easy access to the city center while maintaining a distinct campus atmosphere. The Doha Metro connects the campus to downtown attractions, the airport, and other parts of the city, reducing dependence on cars. The Qatar National Museum, the Museum of Islamic Art, and Katara Cultural Village provide cultural enrichment that complements academic study, and the city's international dining scene reflects the population that has gathered in Qatar. Climate presents the most significant challenge to outdoor life in Doha. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius, pushing most activity indoors from May through September. However, the winter months offer pleasant weather for outdoor exploration, and the city has developed indoor facilities that provide recreation regardless of conditions. Students who adjust to the climate rhythm find Doha a comfortable and convenient home base for graduate study and research.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Qatar's investment in higher education translates directly into generous financial support for HBKU students. The university offers full tuition scholarships to most admitted students, eliminating a major barrier to graduate education that limits access at many peer institutions. Monthly living stipends allow students to focus on research without needing outside employment, and health insurance coverage provides security during the years of graduate study. Research assistantships provide additional income for students working on funded projects, and teaching assistantships allow advanced students to develop pedagogical skills while earning supplemental support. Conference travel funding enables students to present research at international gatherings, building professional networks and gaining visibility in their fields. Some programs offer additional funding for dissertation research, including support for fieldwork or archival study outside of Qatar. Career development services address the unique employment landscape in Qatar and the Gulf region. Many HBKU students seek positions at Qatari government ministries, research institutes, or the growing corporate sector, and career counselors understand these specific pathways. International students receive guidance on work visa requirements and professional networking in the regional context. Alumni connections provide mentorship and job leads as graduates move into their careers.
Campus Location
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