If you are looking for a chance to pursue your master’s or doctoral studies in the Middle East with full financial support, the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarships 2026 could be the right fit for you. This highly competitive scholarship program in Qatar is designed to support academically outstanding students as well as those with financial needs. By applying, you open doors to study in one of the most prestigious institutions in the Arab world, with benefits such as full tuition coverage, living allowance, accommodation, and health insurance.
The Doha Institute provides Tamim and Sanad Scholarships for master’s students and structured scholarships for doctoral candidates across three phases. With programs in social sciences, humanities, economics, politics, and administration, this scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for motivated students worldwide.
About Doha Institute for Graduate Studies
The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI) is an independent academic institution located in Doha, Qatar. It is well-regarded for promoting excellence in education, interdisciplinary research, and leadership in public policy and social development.
- The institute is ranked among the leading graduate schools in the region for social sciences and humanities.
- Its programs are delivered in line with global academic standards, attracting students from across the Arab world and beyond.
- DI emphasizes research-driven education, with strong collaborations across universities, think tanks, and policy institutes.
The Institute is more than just a place of study – it is a hub for intellectual growth, policy innovation, and regional leadership.
Doha Institute Scholarships 2026 Overview
Scholarship Name | Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarships 2026 |
Offering Institution | Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, Qatar |
Programs Available | Master’s and Doctoral programs (see list below) |
Language of Instruction | Arabic and English (depending on program) |
Duration | 2 years (Master’s), 3–5 years (PhD) |
Application Deadline | 15 January 2026 |
Number of Scholarships | Multiple (varies annually) |
Location | Doha, Qatar |
Funding Type | Fully Funded/Partial (depends on scholarship type) |
Eligible Countries | Qatari, residents in Qatar, international students worldwide |
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Doha Institute Postgraduate Scholarships 2026, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have your bachelor’s (for master’s applicants) or both bachelor’s and master’s (for PhD applicants).
- Meet the academic excellence requirements (Tamim Scholarships) or demonstrate financial need (Sanad Scholarships).
- GPA and performance criteria apply, especially for PhD scholarships across phases.
- Provide proof of language proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, DELF B2, or official evidence that the degree was taught in English.
- Open to Qatari, Qatar residents, and international students from all countries.
- Additional program-specific requirements such as research proposals (PhD) or academic essays (certain master’s programs).
- No family sponsorship permitted under Qatari student visa rules.
Benefits of the Program
Successful candidates can expect generous benefits that support their academic journey and living costs in Qatar:
- You might get partial or may get full tuition fee coverage (depending on the scholarship).
- Free accommodation in DI dormitories for international students.
- Monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Comprehensive health insurance.
- Travel allowance (for international students in selected cases).
- Academic support including mentorship, research facilities, and access to conferences.
Application Process
Follow these steps to ensure a smooth application:
- Access the online application portal.
- Complete the online application form accurately.
- Upload all required documents:
- Valid passport (or Qatari ID for nationals/residents).
- Bachelor’s (and master’s for PhD) certificates and transcripts.
- Updated CV/resume.
- Personal statement.
- Language test results (IELTS/TOEFL/DELF B2).
- Academic essay (for selected master’s programs).
- Master’s thesis/research sample (for PhD).
- Statement of interest and dissertation proposal (for PhD).
- Minimum of three recommendation letters (PhD only).
- Submit the application before 15 January 2026.
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews in March 2026.
- Admission and scholarship results announced in April 2026.
- Academic year begins in August 2026.
Eligible Programs & Fields of Study
The Doha Institute offers a wide range of master’s and doctoral programs across three schools. Some include:
- School of Economics, Administration, and Public Policy: Public Policy, Development Economics, Public Administration, Executive MPA.
- School of Social Sciences and Humanities: Clinical Psychology, Human Rights, Journalism, Social Work, Sociology and Anthropology, Philosophy, Politics & IR.
- Doctoral Studies: History, Media Studies, Critical Security Studies, Political Science, Linguistics, Sociology, Development Economics, Public Administration.
Comparison with Similar Scholarships
Scholarship | Institution | Programs | Deadline | Location | Funding |
Doha Institute Scholarships 2026 | Doha Institute, Qatar | Master’s & PhD (various fields) | 15 Jan 2026 | Doha, Qatar | Fully/Partially Funded |
Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarships | HBKU, Qatar | Master’s & PhD in STEM, Law, IR | Feb 2026 | Doha, Qatar | Fully Funded |
King Abdullah University Scholarship | KAUST, Saudi Arabia | STEM-focused Master’s & PhD | Jan 2026 | Thuwal, Saudi Arabia | Fully Funded |
Qatar University Scholarships | Qatar University | Master’s & PhD programs | Feb 2026 | Doha, Qatar | Fully Funded |
FAQs about Doha Institute Scholarships 2026
- Who should apply for the Doha Institute Scholarships 2026?
The scholarships are open to Qatari citizens, residents of Qatar, and international students from all countries. Both master’s and PhD applicants are eligible, provided they meet academic and language requirements. - What is the difference between Tamim and Sanad Scholarships?
• Tamim Scholarship: Merit-based, awarded to academically outstanding students, offering full tuition, accommodation, stipend, and health insurance.
• Sanad Scholarship which is a scholarship for the needy, designed for students with financial constraints. It covers tuition (partial or full) and may also provide accommodation, stipend, and health insurance for international students. - Are there specific GPA requirements for PhD funding phases?
Yes. To progress from the first phase to the second phase of doctoral funding, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5. Later phases also depend on passing exams and dissertation milestones. - Do I need Arabic proficiency to study at DI?
Not necessarily. Many programs are taught in English, while others require Arabic. The specific language of instruction depends on the chosen program. - Can international students bring family members on a student visa?
No. According to Qatari immigration regulations, student visas do not permit international students to sponsor or bring their families during the study period. -
What types of master’s programs are offered at the Doha Institute?
The institute offers master’s programs in Public Policy, Development Economics, Clinical Psychology, Journalism, Human Rights, Social Work, Sociology, Philosophy, Politics, Media Studies, and many more across social sciences, humanities, and administration.
- Is the scholarship renewable each year?
Yes. Scholarships are renewable as long as students meet the academic performance criteria and program requirements. For doctoral students, renewal depends on GPA, comprehensive exams, and dissertation progress. - When will I get the results for the 2026 intake?
Scholarship and admission results will be announced in April 2026, following interviews scheduled in March 2026.
Important Things to Remember
Key Point | Details |
Application Opening | 01 Sep 2025 |
Deadline | 15 Jan 2026 |
Interviews | March 2026 |
Results | April 2026 |
Start of Classes | August 2026 |
Family Sponsorship | Not permitted |
Funding Types | Merit-based & financial-need based |
Additional Requirements
- Doctoral applicants must submit a dissertation proposal at the application stage.
- You should have at least 3.5 of minimum GPA to continue in Phase 2 of doctoral funding.
- In case of rejection of the application, you may file a petition to request reasons for non-selection.
If you are aiming to advance your academic career in a globally respected graduate school, the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarships 2026 offer you the platform to achieve this dream. Apply early, prepare your documents carefully, and secure your chance before 15 January 2026. APPLY NOW. View Official Scholarship Details.