The quality of education in Qatar
Education in Qatar is of high quality, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and modern teaching methodologies. Qatar has invested heavily in education over the past few decades, and this investment has paid off, with Qatar ranking highly in international education rankings such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).
Age of compulsory education in Qatar
Education is compulsory in Qatar for children between the ages of 6 and 18. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education oversees the education system in Qatar and provides free education to Qatari nationals from kindergarten to university.
Types of schools in Qatar
There are several types of schools in Qatar, including public schools, private schools, and international schools. The breakdown of schools by age is as follows:
Preschool Education
Preschool education in Qatar is for children between the ages of 3 and 5. There are several types of preschool programs available, including public preschools, private preschools, and international preschools.
Primary Education
Primary education in Qatar is for children between the ages of 6 and 11. There are several types of primary schools available, including public schools, private schools, and international schools.
Lower Secondary Education
Lower secondary education in Qatar is for students between the ages of 12 and 14. There are several types of lower secondary schools available, including general secondary schools, technical secondary schools, and independent schools.
Upper Secondary Education
Upper secondary education in Qatar is for students between the ages of 15 and 18. There are several types of upper secondary schools available, including general secondary schools, technical secondary schools, and independent schools.
Syllabus and qualifications
Schools in Qatar follow a national curriculum that is set by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. The curriculum includes several core subjects, such as Arabic, mathematics, science, and social studies, as well as optional subjects, such as foreign languages and physical education.
At the end of upper secondary school, students take the Qatar Independent School Certificate (QISC) exam, which assesses their knowledge and skills in various subjects. The exam is used to determine eligibility for higher education in Qatar and other countries.
School hours and holidays
School hours in Qatar typically run from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm for primary schools and from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm for secondary schools, although they may vary depending on the school. The academic year usually starts in September and ends in June, with two-week breaks in December, February, and April.
Enrollment and competition
To enroll in a school in Qatar, parents must provide proof of residency, such as a Qatar ID card, as well as a birth certificate or passport for their child. There may be some competition for enrollment in popular schools or schools in areas with high demand, particularly in urban areas.
International schools
There are several international schools in Qatar that cater to expats and international students. These schools offer education in English or other languages and follow international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate or the British Curriculum. Some notable international schools in Qatar include:
- American School of Doha: An American school in Doha that offers education from preschool to secondary school, following the American Curriculum.
- Qatar International School: A British school in Doha that offers education from preschool to secondary school, following the British National Curriculum.
- Doha British School: A British school in Doha that offers education from preschool to secondary school, following the British National Curriculum.
Higher education options
Qatar has several universities and colleges that offer undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, such as business, engineering, and medicine. Some of the top universities in Qatar include Qatar University, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar.
Qatar University is the national university of Qatar and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields. It is a research-intensive university that is committed to promoting academic excellence and contributing to the development of Qatar and the region.
Hamad Bin Khalifa University is a private university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a range of fields, including engineering, humanities, and social sciences. It is committed to providing high-quality education and research opportunities that contribute to Qatar’s development.
Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar is a branch of Weill Cornell Medicine in New York and offers a medical program that leads to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. The program is designed to prepare students to practice medicine in the United States, Qatar, and other parts of the world.
Education in Qatar is of high quality, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and modern teaching methodologies. Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 18, and there are several types of schools available for different age groups and educational goals. The national curriculum provides a framework for teaching and learning, and students take the Qatar Independent School Certificate (QISC) exam at the end of upper secondary school to qualify for higher education. Qatar also has several international schools and universities for expats and international students.