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Located within the state-of-the-art Education City complex in Doha, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is a premier research-centric higher education institution in the Middle East. Member of the Qatar Foundation, HBKU provides world-class undergraduate and graduate programs designed to tackle critical regional and global challenges across science, engineering, law, health, public policy, and Islamic studies.
The HBKU Fully Funded Scholarship Program represents one of the most generous financial aid packages in the Gulf region. Designed to attract high-achieving international scholars as well as local Qatari talent, the award completely covers academic tuition fees, living costs, accommodation, and annual travel allowances for Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and Juris Doctor (JD) degree paths.
With online portals launching in October 2026 for the 2027 intake cycle, early dossier assembly is vital to standing out in HBKU’s competitive candidate pool. Here is your comprehensive application guide.
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1. Financial Benefits & Coverage Package
HBKU scholarships are granted on a merit-and-need basis to students who receive official admission offers to the university’s degree programs.
- Tuition Coverage: 100% waiver of all tuition fees, laboratory charges, and institutional fees for the entire duration of the degree program.
- Monthly Stipend: A tax-free living allowance provided to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD scholars to offset daily expenses.
- Student Housing: Free, fully furnished accommodation within Education City’s modern residential halls. Married students are eligible for dedicated family housing facilities upon request and documentation.
- Annual Travel Infrastructure: An annual return economy airfare ticket between your home country and Doha.
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance coverage throughout your academic stay in Qatar.
2. Participating HBKU Colleges & Degree Programs
HBKU operates six specialized colleges offering cross-disciplinary graduate and undergraduate degrees:
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ā 1. College of Science & ā 2. College of Islamic ā
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ā 3. College of Humanities & ā 4. College of Health & Life ā
ā Social Sciences (CHSS) ā Sciences (CHLS) ā
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ā 5. College of Law (CL) ā 6. College of Public ā
ā ā Policy (CPP) ā
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Key Degree Tracks:
- College of Science and Engineering (CSE): B.S. in Computer Engineering; M.S. and Ph.D. in Data Science & Engineering, Cybersecurity, Sustainable Energy, Sustainable Environment, and Logistics & Supply Chain Management.
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS): M.S. and Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Genomics and Precision Medicine, and Exercise Science.
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS): M.A. in Translation Studies, Audiovisual Translation, Digital Humanities and Societies, Intercultural Communication, and Ph.D. in Humanities and Social Sciences.
- College of Islamic Studies (CIS): M.A. in Applied Islamic Ethics, M.S. in Islamic Finance, and Ph.D. in Islamic Finance and Economy.
- College of Law (CL): LL.M. in International Law and Foreign Affairs, LL.M. in International Economic and Business Law, and Juris Doctor (JD).
- College of Public Policy (CPP): Master of Public Policy (MPP).
3. Eligibility & Admission Prerequisites
To be considered for the HBKU Scholarship, you must first clear the general academic and linguistic entry standards for your chosen program:
- Global Eligibility: Open to candidates of all nationalities (both international students and Qatari residents/citizens).
- Academic Standing: A strong academic background with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent) from a recognized university.
- Language Proficiency:
- Programs taught in English require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of 79.
- Note: Standardized test scores must be submitted directly using HBKU’s institutional codes (TOEFL Code:
4981, GRE Code:7551, SAT Code:7675).
- Research Capability (PhD Candidates): A clear, detailed research proposal aligned with the research focus of HBKU faculty or associated research institutes (such as QBRI or QCRI).
4. Step-by-Step Application Roadmap
1.Select Your Program & Review Requirements:Step 1.
Visit the official HBKU Admissions Portal and select your desired degree path. Check program-specific prerequisites, such as GRE requirement waivers or portfolio needs.
2.Create Your Online Account:Step 2.
Register on the HBKU Application Portal. You may submit up to two degree applications per academic year.
3.Upload Standardized Documents:Step 3.
Upload clear PDF copies of official university transcripts, degree certificates, CV, passport copy, standardized test score reports (IELTS/TOEFL/GRE), and your Statement of Purpose.
4.Submit Referee Details:Step 4.
Provide contact information for two academic or professional references. The portal will send automated upload links directly to your referees.
5.Complete Financial Funding Interest Section:Step 5.
When completing the online application form, ensure you check the box indicating your intention to apply for financial aid/scholarships.
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5. Key Application Timeline (2027 Intake)
| Phase | Key Date / Deadline | Target Focus |
| Graduate Portal Launch | October 1, 2026 | Online graduate application system opens to all global applicants. |
| International Deadline | February 1, 2027 | Final cutoff for international graduate applicants applying for admission & scholarship consideration. |
| Undergraduate Deadline | March 1, 2027 | Final cutoff for undergraduate degree applications. |
| Qatari & Resident Funding Deadline | March 15, 2027 | Final cutoff for Qatari nationals and local residents applying for funding. |
| Admission Notifications | April ā May 2027 | Formal admission letters and scholarship award offers are dispatched. |
| Semester Start | August 2027 | Orientation and start of classes at Education City, Doha. |
FAQ’s
Is the GRE mandatory for all graduate programs at HBKU?
No, the GRE is not mandatory for all programs. While the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) recommends or requires GRE scores for specific doctoral tracks, several Master’s programs across CHSS, CIS, and CPP do not mandate GRE results. Always check your specific college’s admission page.
Can I apply for the HBKU scholarship without an English proficiency test?
If your previous degree was completed entirely at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, you may be eligible to request an English waiver depending on your college’s policy. Otherwise, an official IELTS or TOEFL score report is mandatory.
How competitive is the HBKU scholarship?
The HBKU scholarship is highly competitive due to its complete funding package and monthly stipend. Selection panels evaluate your GPA, the strength of your Personal Statement, reference letters, and research potential (for Master’s/PhD candidates).
Final Tip From ScholarshipsHive
When writing your Personal Statement for HBKU, ensure you explicitly tie your research goals to Qatar’s National Vision (QNV 2030) or active research domains within Education City. Showing that your studies will contribute to regional sustainability, AI innovation, or health technology significantly increases your selection probability.
OFFICIAL LINKS:
- Official Admissions Overview & Portal: HBKU Admissions
- Graduate Admissions: HBKU Graduate Admissions
- Undergraduate Admissions: HBKU Undergraduate Admissions
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