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Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)

Doha, 🇶🇦 Qatar Private Non-Profit
#2 National #244 QS World #150 ARWU
Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) campus
974 students Urban $20k - $35k/yr

About Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation, is an innovation-centric university in Doha, Qatar, dedicated to making a global impact through research and education. Established relatively recently, HBKU has quickly gained recognition, ranking among the top universities worldwide. It focuses on developing future leaders and fostering continuous growth through its diverse academic programs.

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.

Highlights

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

Subject Areas

EngineeringLawIslamic StudiesHumanitiesSocial Sciences

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Work on Campus Work Placements Disability Support Scholarships Available

Photos

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) photo 1Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) photo 2Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) photo 3Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) photo 4Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) photo 5Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) photo 6Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) photo 7Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) photo 8Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) photo 9

Programs Offered at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) (31)

Offers programs in:

Arts & Design Business & Management Computer Science Education Engineering Law Linguistics & Literature Medicine & Health Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (1)

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

STEM

Computer Engineering, Computer Science

Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering, Computer Science programstudy Computer Engineering, Computer Sciencebachelor in Computer Engineering, Computer Scienceundergraduate Computer Engineering, Computer Sciencebachelor of Computer Engineering, Computer Science
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Master Programs (22)

Master of Arts in Audiovisual Translation

Audiovisual Translation, Media Studies, Linguistics

Audiovisual Translation
master's in Audiovisual Translation, Media Studies, LinguisticsHamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) masters programMaster of Arts in Audiovisual Translationmasters in Audiovisual Translation, Media Studies, LinguisticsMS in Audiovisual Translation, Media Studies, Linguistics
18 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Master of Science in Biological and Biomedical Sciences

STEM

Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, Genomics

Medicine
(hbku)andbiologicalbiologybiomedical
18 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

STEM

Cybersecurity, Computer Science

Cybersecurity
cybersecurityethical hackinggraduateinformation securityma
18 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Master of Science in Data Science and Engineering

STEM

Data Science, Data Engineering, Computer Science

Data Science
computerdatadata scienceengineeringgraduate
18 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Master of Arts in Digital Humanities and Societies

Digital Humanities, Social Sciences, Information Technology

Digital Humanities, Social Sciences, Information Technology
master's in digital humanities, social sciences, information technologymaster digital humanities, social sciences, information technologystudy digital humanities, social sciences, information technology in qatarmaster's digital humanities, social sciences, information technology in qatarmaster's digital humanities, social sciences, information technology in doha
18 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Master of Arts in Comparative Education

Education, Comparative Studies

Education, Comparative Studies
ms in education, comparative studiesstudy education, comparative studies in dohamsc education, comparative studiesinternational master education, comparative studies qatarstudy abroad education, comparative studies qatar
18 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Master of Science in Sustainable Energy

STEM

Energy, Sustainability, Engineering

Energy
energy at hamad bin khalifa university (hbku)english-taught master energy in qatargraduate energygraduate energy in qatarinternational master program energy
18 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Master of Science in Sustainable Environment

STEM

Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering

Environmental Science
engineeringenvironmentenvironmentalgraduatema
18 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Master of Science in Exercise Science

STEM

Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Health Sciences

Exercise Science
exercisehealthkinesiologymasterqatar
18 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Master of Arts in Women, Society and Development

Gender Studies, Development Studies, Sociology, Political Science

Gender Studies, Development Studies, Sociology, Political Science
master in gender studies, development studies, sociology, political sciencemaster gender studies, development studies, sociology, political sciencestudy gender studies, development studies, sociology, political science in qatarmaster gender studies, development studies, sociology, political science in qatarmaster gender studies, development studies, sociology, political science in doha
18 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Master of Science in Genomics and Precision Medicine

STEM

Genomics, Precision Medicine, Bioinformatics, Genetics

Genomics
genomics program in dohagenomics university programma genomicsma genomics in qatarmaster of science in genomics and precision medicine
18 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Master of Arts in Intercultural Communication

Intercultural Communication, Linguistics, Sociology, Anthropology

Intercultural Communication, Linguistics, Sociology, Anthropology
intercultural communicationintercultural communication, linguistics, sociology, anthropologymaster in intercultural communicationstudy intercultural communication in qatarintercultural communication degree
18 months English Full-time
Scholarships

LLM in International Economic and Business Law

International Law, Business Law, Economic Law

International Law, Business Law, Economic Law
master in international law, business law, economic lawstudy international law, business law, economic law in dohallm in international economic and business lawstudy international law, business law, economic law in qatarmaster international law, business law, economic law in qatar
18 months English Full-time

LLM in International Law and Foreign Affairs

International Law, Foreign Affairs, Public Policy

International Law
public international lawdiplomatic lawhuman rights lawinternational treatiesforeign policy
18 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Master of Science in Islamic Finance

Islamic Finance

Islamic Finance
international student master Islamic FinanceIslamic Finance degree abroadfinance degreeeconomics careermasters in Islamic Finance
18 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Juris Doctor (JD)

Law

Law
study Law in QatarLaw in DohaHamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) LawJuris Doctor (JD)law degree programs
36 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

STEM

Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Engineering

Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Engineering
master in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, EngineeringLogistics, Supply Chain Management, Engineering at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)masters in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Engineeringstudy Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Engineering in Qatarinternational student master Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Engineering
18 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Master of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies

Middle Eastern Studies, History, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology

Middle Eastern Studies
master in middle eastern studies, history, political science, sociology, anthropologymaster middle eastern studies, history, political science, sociology, anthropologystudy middle eastern studies, history, political science, sociology, anthropology in qatarmaster middle eastern studies, history, political science, sociology, anthropology in qatarmiddle eastern studies, history, political science, sociology, anthropology program in doha
18 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Master of Public Policy (MPP)

Public Policy, Economics, Political Science, Social Sciences

Political Science
governmentgraduateinternational relationsmamaster
18 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Master of Arts in Public Policy in Islam

Public Policy, Islamic Studies, Political Science

Public Policy
artsislamislamicmasterpolicy
18 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Master of Arts in Translation Studies

Translation, Linguistics, Intercultural Communication

Translation, Linguistics, Intercultural Communication
in Translation, Linguistics, Intercultural CommunicationTranslation, Linguistics, Intercultural Communicationstudy Translation, Linguistics, Intercultural Communication in QatarTranslation, Linguistics, Intercultural Communication program QatarTranslation, Linguistics, Intercultural Communication in Doha
18 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Master of Science in Urban Planning and Design

STEM

Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Sustainability

Urban Planning
architecturedesigngraduatemastermba
18 months English Full-time
Scholarships

PhD Programs (8)

PhD in Biological and Biomedical Sciences

STEM

Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, Genomics

Biology
biologicalbiologybiomedicaldoctoraldoctorate
36 months English Full-time
Scholarships

PhD in Computer Science and Engineering

STEM

Computer Science, Engineering

Computer Science, Engineering
study computer science, engineering in Qatarcomputer science, engineeringPhD in computer science, engineeringinternational students computer science, engineering qatarengineering career
36 months English Full-time
Scholarships

PhD in Sustainable Energy

STEM

Energy, Sustainability, Engineering

Sustainable Energy
energyenergy policyengineeringphdqatar
36 months English Full-time
Scholarships

PhD in Sustainable Environment

STEM

Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering

Environmental Science
engineeringenvironmentenvironmentalphdqatar
36 months English Full-time
Scholarships

PhD in Genomics and Precision Medicine

STEM

Genomics, Precision Medicine, Bioinformatics, Genetics

Computer Science & IT
bioinformaticsgeneticsgenomicsmedicinephd
36 months English Full-time
Scholarships

PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences

Humanities, Social Sciences

Social Sciences
doctor of philosophydoctoraldoctoratehumanitieshumanities,
36 months English Full-time
Scholarships

PhD in Islamic Finance and Economy

Islamic Finance, Economics

Islamic Finance
(hbku)andeconomicseconomyfinance
36 months English Full-time
Scholarships

PhD in Islamic Studies

Islamic Studies

Theology and Religious Studies
(hbku)doctoraldoctoratehamadislamic
36 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

6.5+ IELTS
79+ TOEFL
3+ GPA
Required GRE
Acceptance Rate Very Selective (<20%)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Application Deadline February 1, 2026 (International Graduate Applicants), March 1, 2026 (Undergraduate Applicants), March 15, 2026 (Qatari and Resident Graduate Applicants for funding)
Tuition (per year) $20k - $35k/yr
Application Fee $250
Teaching Language English, Arabic
Accreditation
Ministry of Education and Higher Education QatarGlobal Standardization and Accreditation Agency (GSAAA) Silver AccreditationInternational Commission of Public Administration (ICAPA)European Association for Public Administration Accreditation (EAPAA)

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)

Common questions from international students considering Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU).

What is the acceptance rate at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)?

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is classified as "Very Selective (<20%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) cost for international students?

Tuition at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) ranges from $20k - $35k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing, books, and living expenses.

What is Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) ranked globally?

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) holds the following rankings: QS World #244, ARWU #150, #2 in Qatar. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

What English language requirements does Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) have?

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) typically requires IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 79+ for international students. Specific programs may set higher minimums — verify requirements for your target program directly. Some applicants may qualify for an English requirement waiver if their previous education was English-medium.

Are scholarships available at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)?

Yes, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.

When does Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) start its semesters?

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has intakes starting in Fall, Spring. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

How many English-taught programs does Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) offer?

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) offers 31+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.

Where is Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) located?

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is located in Doha, Qatar 🇶🇦. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

What programs does Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) offer?

For specific details about Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

Are there scholarships at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)?

For specific details about Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

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