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ToggleThe Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI) stands as one of the leading academic institutions in the Arab world, known for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and research-driven education. Located in the heart of Qatar, the Institute provides students with a dynamic environment that encourages intellectual growth, critical thinking, and social engagement.

Every year, the Institute attracts outstanding students from around the world through its Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarship. For the 2026–2027 academic year, this prestigious program opens doors to both Master’s and Doctoral students, empowering them to pursue higher education in Qatar’s vibrant and globally connected setting.
Through its scholarships, the Institute aims to nurture a new generation of leaders, researchers, and thinkers who contribute to the development of their societies and the advancement of global knowledge.
Scholarship Overview
Application Timeline:
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Admission Application Opens: 01 September 2025
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Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
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Start of Academic Year: August 2026
The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies scholarships are highly competitive and designed to attract exceptional students both from within Qatar and from across the world. The Institute offers multiple scholarship categories to ensure that both merit and financial need are recognized and supported.
These scholarships cover tuition fees, housing, health insurance, and monthly stipends, making them among the most comprehensive scholarship programs in Qatar for international students.
Scholarship Objectives
The Doha Institute’s scholarship program has three key objectives:
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Promoting Academic Excellence – To reward outstanding students who demonstrate high academic achievement and potential for research and leadership.
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Supporting Financial Need – To assist talented students who face financial barriers that would otherwise prevent them from pursuing graduate education.
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Encouraging Global Inclusion – To attract diverse students from different countries and cultures, enriching the academic and social fabric of the Institute.
Through these objectives, the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarship 2026 ensures that education remains accessible, equitable, and inclusive for all deserving candidates.
Scholarship Categories
Scholarships for Master’s Programs
1. Tamim Scholarship (Merit-Based)
The Tamim Scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence and merit. It targets outstanding students from Qatar, residents, and international applicants across the Arab world.
Benefits include:
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Full tuition fee coverage
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Free accommodation in university dormitories
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Monthly living stipend
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Comprehensive health insurance
This fully funded scholarship supports the brightest students who have demonstrated exceptional academic records and leadership qualities, encouraging them to excel in their chosen fields.
2. Sanad Scholarship (Need-Based)
The Sanad Scholarship focuses on supporting students who demonstrate financial need. It is open to Qatari, resident, and international students who require financial assistance to continue their studies.
Benefits include:
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Tuition coverage ranging from 10% to 100%, depending on financial situation
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Full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, and health insurance for international students from outside Qatar
The Sanad Scholarship ensures that no talented student is denied the opportunity to study at the Doha Institute due to financial hardship.
Scholarships for Doctoral Programs
The Doctoral Studies Scholarship Qatar is structured in three distinct phases, each designed to support students at different stages of their academic journey.
1. First Phase Scholarship
This phase supports newly admitted doctoral students based on eligibility and financial need.
Details:
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Covers tuition for two semesters (the coursework phase)
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Requires that students demonstrate financial need
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Continuation depends on maintaining good academic standing
2. Second Phase Scholarship
This scholarship supports full-time students who are reading their doctoral prospectus.
Eligibility and Benefits:
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GPA of 3.5 or higher in first-phase courses
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Covers one academic year of full-time study
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Encourages focused research preparation
3. Third Phase Scholarship
The final scholarship phase supports students during the dissertation writing stage.
Details:
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Covers up to two academic years
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Renewable upon progress and approval
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May be extended with written justification and approval from the Doctoral Studies Board
Terms and Conditions
To maintain fairness and academic integrity, the Doha Institute applies several conditions to its scholarship programs:
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No Combination with Other Scholarships – Students may not combine the DI scholarship with any other external funding.
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Good Academic Standing Required – Scholarships are renewed annually only for students maintaining strong academic performance.
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Work Commitment – Doctoral students who receive full scholarships must work for the Institute in research, teaching, or other areas for at least 10 hours per week (up to 15 hours for partial grantees).
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Non-Eligibility for Executive or Diploma Students – Scholarships are available only for Master’s and Doctoral students, not for Executive or Diploma programs.
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Renewal and Withdrawal – The Institute reserves the right to withdraw or suspend scholarships if students fail to meet performance or ethical standards.
Eligibility Requirements
For Master’s Applicants
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Must hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
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Meet the academic and language proficiency requirements of the Doha Institute.
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For Tamim Scholarships: Demonstrated academic excellence.
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For Sanad Scholarships: Proven financial need.
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Must not be currently receiving any other scholarship.
For Doctoral Applicants
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Must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field.
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Accepted into the doctoral program at DI.
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For Second Phase: Maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
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For Third Phase: Pass the comprehensive exam and complete all prior requirements.
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Must not have previously benefited from the same scholarship in a prior study period.
Application Procedure
Applying for the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarship 2026–2027 is straightforward and fully digital.
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Apply for Admission
Visit the Doha Institute admission page and submit your online admission application before the deadline. -
Receive Scholarship Application Form
Once you receive an offer of admission, the Admissions Office will send an official scholarship application form to eligible candidates. -
Prepare Required Documents
Prepare academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and proof of financial need (for Sanad applicants). -
Submit the Scholarship Form
Fill out and submit the scholarship application form with all supporting documents within the given deadline. -
Await Notification
Successful applicants will be notified by email. Scholarship decisions are based on academic merit, need, and institutional priorities.
Important Dates and Deadlines
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Admission Application Opens | 01 September 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 15 January 2026 |
| Start of Academic Year | August 2026 |
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
Benefits Summary Table
| Scholarship | Tuition | Housing | Monthly Stipend | Health Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamim Scholarship | 100% | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sanad Scholarship | 10–100% | Yes (for international) | Yes (for international) | Yes |
| Doctoral – Phase 1 | Yes (2 semesters) | Optional | Based on funding | Yes |
| Doctoral – Phase 2 | Yes (1 year) | Optional | Based on funding | Yes |
| Doctoral – Phase 3 | Yes (2 years) | Optional | Based on funding | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible for the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarship 2026?
Both Qatari and international students applying for Master’s or Doctoral programs at DI are eligible, depending on merit and financial need.
2. What are the benefits of the Tamim and Sanad Scholarships?
Tamim covers full tuition, housing, stipend, and health insurance. Sanad provides partial to full coverage based on financial need.
3. What is the deadline for the 2026–2027 scholarship application?
Applications open 01 September 2025 and close 15 January 2026.
4. Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship?
Yes. Once admitted, you’ll receive a separate scholarship form from the Admissions Office.
5. Where can I get more information?
Visit the official Doha Institute page at
https://www.dohainstitute.edu.qa/en/admissions-office/pages/scholarships.aspx
Conclusion
The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarship 2026–2027 provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to pursue higher education in one of the Middle East’s most progressive academic environments. Whether you are applying for a Master’s through the Tamim or Sanad Scholarship, or pursuing a Doctoral degree with institutional funding, the Institute offers both financial support and academic excellence. By nurturing talented scholars from around the world, the Doha Institute continues its mission of building knowledge-based societies and promoting social progress.