Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)

Quick Facts about Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)

• Type: Private Non-Profit
• Students: 974
• Campus: Urban
• Tuition: $20,000 – $35,000/year
• Language: English, Arabic
• Intakes: Fall, Spring

About Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)

Academics

HBKU offers a wide array of multidisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs across its various colleges, including the College of Islamic Studies, College of Science and Engineering, College of Health and Life Sciences, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Law, and College of Public Policy. The teaching approach emphasizes rigorous academics led by renowned faculty, equipping students with essential skills. Notable programs often focus on areas addressing global challenges, such as Islamic finance, sustainable development, and artificial intelligence in healthcare. The university is recognized for its interdisciplinary research and scholarship, particularly within the College of Science and Engineering.

International Students

HBKU provides a supportive environment for international students, offering various services to aid their academic journey and integration into university life. The university has a diverse student body with over 60 nationalities represented. All programs are taught in English, making it accessible for a global cohort. Support services include an International Student Club and opportunities for cultural integration through events like the annual "International Fest," which celebrates the multicultural experience within Education City.

Campus & Location

HBKU is situated within Education City in Doha, Qatar, a sprawling 12 square kilometer campus designed to promote education, science, and community development. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities and is well-connected by the free Education City Tram, which uses sustainable technology. Doha offers a vibrant city life with numerous attractions, including cultural villages, parks, museums, and shopping areas. Nearby communities like Al Gharrafa, Al Shagub, and Al Waab provide additional amenities and experiences.

Career Outcomes

HBKU is committed to preparing students for successful careers through various initiatives and services. The university's dedicated career services team hosts an annual Career Fair, connecting students with local and international industries. They also provide workshops on interview skills, CV writing, and professional development. Students have opportunities for part-time on-campus employment through the Student Employment Program and access to internships coordinated with local and international entities. HBKU also fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, partnering with organizations that offer workshops and competitions for startups.

Information for International Students at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) in Doha, Qatar welcomes international students.

• Visa support available
• On-campus work allowed
• Student housing available
• Work placement / internship opportunities available
• Teaching languages: English, Arabic

Admissions Requirements for Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU):

• IELTS minimum: 6.5
• TOEFL minimum: 79
• GPA minimum: 3
• GRE required
• Application fee: $250
• Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%)
• Application deadline: February 1, 2026 (International Graduate Applicants), March 1, 2026 (Undergraduate Applicants), March 15, 2026 (Qatari and Resident Graduate Applicants for funding)

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Programs at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) (30 programs)

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) offers 30 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (1)

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program provides a strong foundation in computer hardware and software, preparing students for careers in computing. Graduates can become software engineers, hardware engineers, embedded systems engineers, or network engineers.
  Field: Computer Engineering, Computer Science
  Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Hardware Engineer, Embedded Systems Engineer, Network Engineer

Master Programs (22)

• Master of Science in Sustainable Energy (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program explores sustainable energy technologies, policies, and their environmental impact. Graduates can work as renewable energy engineers, energy consultants, sustainability specialists, or policy analysts.
  Field: Energy, Sustainability, Engineering
  Career outcomes: Renewable Energy Engineer, Energy Consultant, Sustainability Specialist, Policy Analyst
• Master of Arts in Comparative Education (MA) — 18 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program provides an in-depth understanding of educational systems and policies from a comparative perspective. Graduates can work in education policy, international education, research, and curriculum development.
  Field: Education, Comparative Studies
  Career outcomes: Education Policy, International Education, Research, Curriculum Development
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program provides comprehensive knowledge and skills in cybersecurity principles and practices. Graduates can become cybersecurity analysts, security architects, incident responders, or security consultants.
  Field: Cybersecurity, Computer Science
  Career outcomes: Cybersecurity Analyst, Security Architect, Incident Responder, Security Consultant
• Master of Science in Urban Planning and Design (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program focuses on the planning, design, and management of sustainable urban environments. Graduates can work as urban planners, urban designers, city development specialists, or real estate developers.
  Field: Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Sustainability
  Career outcomes: Urban Planner, Urban Designer, City Development Specialist, Real Estate Developer
• Master of Science in Biological and Biomedical Sciences (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program provides advanced knowledge and research training in biological and biomedical fields. Graduates can work as research assistants, laboratory managers, scientific writers, or pursue further PhD studies.
  Field: Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, Genomics
  Career outcomes: Research Assistant, Laboratory Manager, Scientific Writer, Further PhD Studies
• Master of Science in Exercise Science (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program focuses on the scientific study of human movement, physical activity, and exercise for health and performance. Graduates can work as exercise physiologists, sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, or public health specialists.
  Field: Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Health Sciences
  Career outcomes: Exercise Physiologist, Sports Scientist, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Public Health Specialist
• Master of Science in Islamic Finance (MSc) — 18 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program focuses on the theoretical and practical aspects of Islamic finance. Graduates can pursue careers in Islamic banking, financial institutions, risk management, and financial consulting.
  Field: Islamic Finance
  Career outcomes: Islamic Banking, Financial Institutions, Risk Management, Financial Consulting
• Master of Science in Data Science and Engineering (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program focuses on the theoretical and practical aspects of big data analytics, machine learning, and data engineering. Graduates can work as data scientists, data engineers, machine learning engineers, or business intelligence analysts.
  Field: Data Science, Data Engineering, Computer Science
  Career outcomes: Data Scientist, Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, Business Intelligence Analyst
• Master of Science in Sustainable Environment (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program addresses environmental challenges and sustainable solutions through an interdisciplinary approach. Graduates can become environmental consultants, environmental scientists, sustainability managers, or policy advisors.
  Field: Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering
  Career outcomes: Environmental Consultant, Environmental Scientist, Sustainability Manager, Policy Advisor
• Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program covers the design, planning, execution, control, and monitoring of supply chain activities. Graduates can become supply chain managers, logistics analysts, operations managers, or procurement specialists.
  Field: Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Engineering
  Career outcomes: Supply Chain Manager, Logistics Analyst, Operations Manager, Procurement Specialist
• LLM in International Economic and Business Law (LLM) — 18 months · English
  This program focuses on the legal aspects of international economic relations and business transactions. Graduates can work as international legal counsel, trade lawyers, corporate lawyers, or legal advisors to international organizations.
  Field: International Law, Business Law, Economic Law
  Career outcomes: International Legal Counsel, Trade Lawyer, Corporate Lawyer, Legal Advisor to International Organizations
• Master of Science in Genomics and Precision Medicine (MSc) — 18 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program covers the principles and applications of genomics and precision medicine. Graduates can become genomic data analysts, precision medicine specialists, research scientists, or work in clinical genomics.
  Field: Genomics, Precision Medicine, Bioinformatics, Genetics
  Career outcomes: Genomic Data Analyst, Precision Medicine Specialist, Research Scientist, Clinical Genomics
• Master of Arts in Audiovisual Translation (MA) — 18 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program focuses on the translation of audiovisual content, including subtitling and dubbing. Graduates can work as audiovisual translators, subtitlers, dubbing specialists, or in media localization.
  Field: Audiovisual Translation, Media Studies, Linguistics
  Career outcomes: Audiovisual Translator, Subtitler, Dubbing Specialist, Media Localization
• Master of Arts in Public Policy in Islam (MA) — 18 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program explores public policy issues from an Islamic perspective, integrating Islamic ethics and principles. Graduates can work as policy advisors in Islamic organizations, in research, public administration, or social development.
  Field: Public Policy, Islamic Studies, Political Science
  Career outcomes: Policy Advisor in Islamic Organizations, Research, Public Administration, Social Development
• Master of Arts in Translation Studies (MA) — 18 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program provides theoretical knowledge and practical skills in translation between Arabic and English. Graduates can work as translators, interpreters, terminologists, localization specialists, or language consultants.
  Field: Translation, Linguistics, Intercultural Communication
  Career outcomes: Translator, Interpreter, Terminologist, Localization Specialist, Language Consultant
• Master of Arts in Digital Humanities and Societies (MA) — 18 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program explores the intersection of digital technologies with humanities and social science research. Graduates can work as digital curators, data archivists, digital project managers, or conduct research in digital humanities.
  Field: Digital Humanities, Social Sciences, Information Technology
  Career outcomes: Digital Curator, Data Archivist, Digital Project Manager, Research in Digital Humanities
• Master of Arts in Intercultural Communication (MA) — 18 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program develops understanding and skills for effective communication across diverse cultures. Graduates can work as cross-cultural trainers, international relations specialists, diplomats, or communications managers.
  Field: Intercultural Communication, Linguistics, Sociology, Anthropology
  Career outcomes: Cross-cultural Trainer, International Relations Specialist, Diplomat, Communications Manager
• Juris Doctor (JD) (JD) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
  This is a comprehensive legal education program preparing students for legal careers. Graduates can become lawyers, judges, legal counsel, policy advisors, or diplomats.
  Field: Law
  Career outcomes: Lawyer, Judge, Legal Counsel, Policy Advisor, Diplomat
• Master of Arts in Women, Society and Development (MA) — 18 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program examines gender issues, women's roles, and development challenges in a global context. Graduates can work as gender specialists, development workers, policy analysts, social researchers, or in advocacy.
  Field: Gender Studies, Development Studies, Sociology, Political Science
  Career outcomes: Gender Specialist, Development Worker, Policy Analyst, Social Researcher, Advocacy
• Master of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies (MA) — 18 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, politics, cultures, and societies of the Middle East. Graduates can work as regional analysts, in foreign service, journalism, research, or cultural affairs.
  Field: Middle Eastern Studies, History, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology
  Career outcomes: Regional Analyst, Foreign Service, Journalism, Research, Cultural Affairs
• Master of Public Policy (MPP) (MPP) — 18 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program equips students with analytical and management skills for careers in public service and policy-making. Graduates can work as policy analysts, public sector managers, consultants, or international development specialists.
  Field: Public Policy, Economics, Political Science, Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: Policy Analyst, Public Sector Manager, Consultant, International Development Specialist
• LLM in International Law and Foreign Affairs (LLM) — 18 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program provides specialized knowledge in public international law and foreign policy. Graduates can become diplomats, international civil servants, human rights lawyers, or legal advisors to governments.
  Field: International Law, Foreign Affairs, Public Policy
  Career outcomes: Diplomat, International Civil Servant, Human Rights Lawyer, Legal Advisor to Governments

PhD Programs (7)

• PhD in Islamic Studies (PhD) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program focuses on advanced research in various aspects of Islamic studies. Graduates can pursue careers in academia, research, religious institutions, and cultural organizations.
  Field: Islamic Studies
  Career outcomes: Academia, Research, Religious Institutions, Cultural Organizations
• PhD in Sustainable Environment (PhD) — 36 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program focuses on interdisciplinary research related to environmental sustainability challenges. Graduates can pursue careers in academia, environmental research, policy development, and sustainable development.
  Field: Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering
  Career outcomes: Academia, Environmental Research, Policy Development, Sustainable Development
• PhD in Islamic Finance and Economy (PhD) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
  This program explores advanced topics in Islamic finance and economic principles. Graduates can pursue careers in academia, research, Islamic financial institutions, and economic development.
  Field: Islamic Finance, Economics
  Career outcomes: Academia, Research, Islamic Financial Institutions, Economic Development
• PhD in Sustainable Energy (PhD) — 36 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program offers advanced research in sustainable energy technologies, policies, and systems. Graduates can work in academia, the renewable energy industry, energy policy, and research.
  Field: Energy, Sustainability, Engineering
  Career outcomes: Academia, Renewable Energy Industry, Energy Policy, Research
• PhD in Computer Science and Engineering (PhD) — 36 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program offers advanced research in various areas of computer science and engineering. Graduates can work in academia, research and development in tech companies, software engineering, and data science.
  Field: Computer Science, Engineering
  Career outcomes: Academia, Research and Development in Tech Companies, Software Engineering, Data Science
• PhD in Genomics and Precision Medicine (PhD) — 36 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
  This program focuses on cutting-edge research in genomics, bioinformatics, and personalized medicine. Graduates can work in academia, genomic research, clinical genomics, and biotechnology.
  Field: Genomics, Precision Medicine, Bioinformatics, Genetics
  Career outcomes: Academia, Genomic Research, Clinical Genomics, Biotechnology
• PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences (PhD) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
  This interdisciplinary doctoral program allows specialization in various humanities and social science fields. Graduates can pursue careers in academia, research, policy analysis, cultural institutions, and international organizations.
  Field: Humanities, Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: Academia, Research, Policy Analysis, Cultural Institutions, International Organizations

Scholarships & Tuition at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)

Annual tuition for international students: $20,000 – $35,000/year

✅ Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)

• National Ranking: #2 in Qatar
• QS World University Ranking: #244
• Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #150
• Ranking tier: Top 500
• Research output: High

Campus & Facilities at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)

• Student housing available
• No sports facilities
• Disability support available
• Campus type: Urban

Key Highlights

• Innovation-centric research and education
• Multidisciplinary programs, global challenges
• Diverse international student body
• Located within Education City
• Strong focus on interdisciplinary research

Accreditation

• Ministry of Education and Higher Education Qatar
• Global Standardization and Accreditation Agency (GSAAA) Silver Accreditation
• International Commission of Public Administration (ICAPA)
• European Association for Public Administration Accreditation (EAPAA)

Fields of Study at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)

• Engineering
• Law
• Islamic Studies
• Humanities
• Social Sciences

Notable Alumni

• Alaa al-Siddiq
• Lolwah Al-Khater
• Shamma Al-Kuwari
• Khalid Mohamed Almannai
• Heba Al Heraki

Frequently Asked Questions about Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)

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