Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) in Doha, Qatar offers competitive graduate scholarships for the 2027 intake. Awards can include tuition waivers and monthly stipends for selected full-time master’s and doctoral students. Scholarship consideration is part of the admissions process; you do not submit a separate scholarship form.
International graduate applicants should aim for the 1 February 2027 deadline. Applications open on 1 October 2026 through the official HBKU admissions portal.
Key facts
- Host: Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Level: Graduate (master’s and PhD programmes across HBKU colleges)
- Funding: Competitive tuition waivers and stipends (merit or need; not guaranteed)
- Graduate applications open: 1 October 2026
- International graduate deadline: 1 February 2027
- Qatari and resident applicants seeking funding: 15 March 2027
- Late deadline (Qatari and residents only): 2 May 2027
- Official scholarship guidelines: HBKU graduate scholarship guidelines
- Official apply portal: HBKU Apply Now portal
What the scholarship covers
According to HBKU’s official scholarship guidelines for graduate programmes, funding may include:
- Tuition waivers that reduce or cover tuition, with rates that vary by programme type (for example, 100% for many PhD tracks, and 60% to 75% for many master’s tracks; some programmes such as Master of Laws (LL.M.), Master of Science in Economics, and certificate programmes list 0% waiver under the standard table)
- Monthly stipends for selected full-time students serving as research assistants (RAs) and/or teaching assistants (TAs), subject to fund availability
- International stipend examples published by HBKU: International PhD 9,000 Qatari riyal (QAR) per month (up to 45 months); International Master’s 7,000 QAR per month (up to 21 months)
- Airfare for international students: one inbound ticket at the start of the programme and one outbound ticket at graduation
Important limits from the official guidelines:
- Scholarships are reviewed annually and depend on academic progress and available funds
- Awards are not automatic for every admitted student
- Full-time working professionals and part-time workers above 40% of full-time hours are not eligible for stipends
- Students cover housing from their stipend or personal funds; HBKU does not pay housing directly
- Meal plans are not separately included in the stipend
Who can apply
HBKU invites applicants to its graduate colleges and schools. International students are explicitly covered by a dedicated admissions deadline. Scholarship awards are competitive and based on merit or financial need and available funds.
HBKU colleges and schools include:
- College of Islamic Studies
- College of Science and Engineering
- College of Health and Life Sciences
- School of Economics and Management
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- College of Law
- College of Public Policy
You can submit up to two graduate applications per academic year. Always check the specific admission requirements for your chosen programme on the official college pages.
Fields of study
Graduate scholarships support study across HBKU’s multidisciplinary programmes in areas such as Islamic studies, science and engineering, health and life sciences, economics and management, humanities and social sciences, law, and public policy. Exact offerings change by college and intake; use the official academics and admissions pages to confirm the programme you want.
Programme dates
The 2027 graduate admissions cycle opens on 1 October 2026. International applicants must submit by 1 February 2027. Programme start timing follows the academic calendar of the college that admits you; confirm semester dates on the official HBKU academic calendar after you receive an offer.
How to apply
There is no separate scholarship application. HBKU considers you for funding during admissions.
- Create an account on the official HBKU Apply Now portal
- Choose your college and programme and submit the online application
- Upload required documents and provide referee details when prompted
- Wait for the admissions team to check completeness, then for the college decision and any scholarship award email
For undergraduate applicants, HBKU publishes a separate timeline (applications open 1 September 2026; undergraduate deadline 1 March 2027). Undergraduate financial aid guidance is handled separately from the graduate scholarship page (contact [email protected] for bachelor’s funding questions).
FAQ
Is the HBKU graduate scholarship fully funded?
It can be highly supportive, but it is competitive and not guaranteed. Official guidelines describe tuition waivers and stipends that vary by programme, student category, and fund availability. Some programmes list 0% tuition waiver in the standard table.
Do I need a separate scholarship form?
No. HBKU states that you are considered for scholarships during the admissions process and that no separate application is needed.
What is the deadline for international graduate applicants?
1 February 2027. Graduate applications open to the public on 1 October 2026.
Which nationalities can apply?
International applicants are welcome and have a dedicated graduate deadline. Qatari and Qatar-resident applicants follow later funding and late-admission deadlines. Confirm any programme-specific nationality or visa rules on the official admissions pages for your college.
Does the stipend include housing?
No. Students are responsible for housing costs, whether in Qatar Foundation dormitories or external housing. Those costs come from the stipend or personal funds.
