SYSTEM OF EDUCATION

SYSTEM OF EDUCTAION

Education and Training

Education and research are central to Qatar’s plans to transform itself into a nation with a modern knowledge-based economy with a sustainable future for its citizens, aligning with the human development pillar of Qatar’s National Vision 2030.

Qatar’s goal is to develop a world-class educational system on a par with the highest international standards, which equips citizens with the knowledge, skills and capabilities to take on the world’s challenges.

Qatar is also aiming to secure a significant international role in cultural and intellectual activity and scientific research. This is being achieved through huge investment in research, including the setting up of an effective system for funding scientific research, shared by the public and private sectors and conducted in cooperation with specialized international organizations and leading international research centers.

 Qatar’s education system

The nation’s schools, colleges and universities offer a wide range of world-class education, from early years to postgraduate level, enabling the country to secure a thriving economy and progressive society.

Schools are divided into independent and private sectors, while specialized schools provide more targeted education. Investment has been and continues to be made in Special Needs education.

Qatar’s unique position allows educators and researchers to adopt international standards while preserving regional values and culture. One of the best examples is Education City, where internationally renowned universities have set up programs to help inspire innovative research and develop human capital while remaining true to Qatar’s cultural heritage.

Since its inception in 1973, Qatar University has held the position as the sole national institution of higher education and research.  It is a prime center and a focal community point for education, research and cultural interaction.

 Future plans

The government has plans to increase the number of educational facilities and research opportunities in the coming years. The building of new nurseries, schools, colleges and universities will help elevate the education level among citizens and residents, while inspiring innovation in education, research and the economy.

 Government schools

Government schools are state-funded schools with the autonomy to recruit teachers and staff, and establish their own methods of teaching. The amount of funding allocated to each government school depends on the number of teachers and students in them.

Government schools are free for Qatari citizens. Non-Qatari enrollments are subject to individual school policy.

Curriculum

School curriculum must follow the standards set forth by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Mandatory subjects include Arabic, English, math, science and Islamic studies.

School Levels

Government schools are divided into the following levels:

  • Kindergarten
  • Primary School: Grade 1 – 6
  • Preparatory School: Grade 7 – 9
  • Secondary School: Grade 10 – 12

You can search for any government school in Qatar on the Ministry of Education and Higher Education website here: https://www.edu.gov.qa/en/Deputy/educationaffairs/Pages/GovSchoolsList.aspx

Private Schools

The private education sector in Qatar comprises a huge selection of schools from kindergarten to Grade 12 with different languages and curricula. This diversity allows children to learn in their own language and culture, while growing up to become global citizens.

Parents who are expatriates should carefully consider the adaptability of a curriculum for when their children return home or move to a new country.

Tuition and Curriculum

Private schools operate either as commercial establishments or non-profit community schools sponsored by their embassies. Tuition may vary significantly from school to school.

Schools are free to set their own curricula. Many foreign schools base their curricula on the standards of their home countries. However, all schools are required to meet the standards of the Qatar National School Accreditation system, as monitored by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s Evaluation Institute.

Qatar National School Accreditation

The Qatar National Schools Accreditation (QNSA) initiative was launched in 2011 to ensure that all programs offered by private schools are up to international standards. The accreditation system provides quality assessments on schools based on their academic, educational and administrative performances.

The accreditation system believes that a good school should:

  • Meet the educational needs of children through optimal learning experiences.
  • Prepare students for higher education opportunities in Qatar and abroad.
  • Foster a generation of world leaders.

The practical assessment aspect of QNSA involves two parts:

  • Self-study review (by school)
  • School visit (by government evaluators)

Under the system, all schools are required to conduct self-examinations and analyses to identify their strengths and areas of growth. The schools are then evaluated by QNSA before they can be accredited. QNSA assessments are made based on the school’s:

  • Management and educational leadership.
  • Development and care for students.
  • Educational and learning performance environment.
  • Resource management.
  • Parental and community partnerships

Once the evaluation process is complete, QNSA evaluators will provide a recommendation for accreditation. If approved, an accreditation is valid for three or five years.

You can search for any private school in Qatar on the Ministry of Education and Higher Education website here: https://www.edu.gov.qa/en/pages/privateschoolsearch.aspx

More information here: https://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/portal/topics/Education+and+Training