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Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Doha, Qatar • QS 2027 #213 =

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: hbku.edu.qa

Overview

English Name: Hamad Bin Khalifa University
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #213 = CWTS Leiden 2025 #83 SCImago 2026 #556

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is a research-focused university within Qatar Foundation's Education City in Doha, Qatar.

The university is organized into several colleges and schools, including the College of Islamic Studies, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Science and Engineering, the College of Health and Life Sciences, the College of Law, the College of Public Policy, the School of Economics and Management, and the School of Education, offering undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs across these disciplines. Undergraduate applicants may apply to up to two programs per academic year; IELTS or TOEFL scores are required, while SAT/ACT submission is optional under a test-optional policy.

Graduate applicants may also submit up to two program applications per cycle, with applications reviewed by the HBKU admissions team before being forwarded to the relevant college for a decision. HBKU provides need-based financial support to admitted students: graduate students may receive tuition waivers of up to 100%, along with monthly stipends, depending on the program and nationality, and self-sponsored graduate students can access a discounted per-credit tuition rate.

The university also runs a Student Enrichment Program offering short courses, certifications, and hands-on learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate engineering students alongside their academic coursework.

Location & Contact

Find Hamad Bin Khalifa University on the map and its contact channels below.

Address: PO Box 34110 Education City
Social Media:

Academic Details

Scale, staffing, and recognition figures for Hamad Bin Khalifa University are listed below.

Academic Year: August–July
Accrediting Agency: Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE)
Admission Requirements: Undergraduate applicants may apply to up to two programs per academic year; IELTS or TOEFL scores are required, and SAT/ACT submission is optional under a test-optional policy. After submission, applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility before being forwarded to the relevant college, and decisions are typically issued by mid-to-late April; admission cannot be deferred. Graduate applicants may submit up to two program applications per cycle; applications go through a similar preliminary review before college-level evaluation, and accepted applicants receive an official offer letter. Need-based financial aid, including tuition waivers and stipends for qualifying graduate students, is considered automatically during the admissions process.

Degrees

Also JD in Law (three-year programme following a Bachelor's degree)

Bachelor's 1 program
  • Computer Engineering
Master's 23 programs
  • Architecture
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Biomedicine
  • Commercial Law
  • Communication Studies
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Energy Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Management
  • Finance
  • Genetics
  • Health Administration
  • Information Management
  • International Law
  • Islamic Studies
  • Logistics Management
  • Psychology
  • Social Policy
  • Sports
  • Sports Management
  • Translation and Interpretation
  • Women's Studies
Doctoral 13 programs
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Biomedicine
  • Computer Engineering
  • Energy Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Management
  • Finance
  • Genetics
  • Islamic Studies
  • Law
  • Logistics Management
  • Neurosciences
  • Social Sciences
Diploma & Certificate 2 programs
  • Finance
  • Islamic Studies

Faculties & Divisions

The faculties at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and what each one teaches, are listed below.

Health and Life Science (College) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Biomedicine
  • Genetics
  • Neurosciences
  • Sports
Humanities and Social Studies (College) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Communication Studies
  • Information Management
  • Translation and Interpretation
  • Women's Studies
Islamic Studies (College) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Architecture
  • Finance
  • Fine Arts
  • Islamic Studies
  • Psychology
Law (College) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Commercial Law
  • International Law
  • Law
Public Policy (College) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Social Policy
Science and Engineering (College) 10 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Energy Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Management
  • Health Administration
  • Information Sciences
  • Logistics Management
  • Sports Management
  • Transport Management
Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Biomedicine
Qatar Computing Research Institute (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (Institute) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Energy Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Management

Programs Offered

Every programme Hamad Bin Khalifa University currently runs, grouped by degree level and searchable.

39 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Qatar

Bachelor's Degree 4 programmes

Master's Degree 21 programmes

Showing 10 of 21.

Doctorate 11 programmes

Showing 10 of 11.

Postgraduate Certificate 3 programmes

Scholarships in Qatar

Funding routes available to students in Qatar are listed below.

Graduate Sponsorship Research Award (GSRA)
Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council · Government funded
Funds research-based graduate study at Qatari universities; specific benefit figures were not available on the pages checked this run.
HBKU Graduate Scholarship Program
University funded · International students · Renewable · Combined · Covers Living, Travel
A tuition waiver that scales with programme and degree level: 100% for the PhD in STEM and for the PhD in Social Sciences/Humanities/Law, 75% for STEM master's degrees, 60% for Social Sciences/Humanities/Law master's degrees and the J.D., and no waiver for the LL.M., the MS in Economics, or certificate programmes. PhD students also receive a monthly stipend...
MOEHE Government Scholarship Plan
Ministry of Education and Higher Education · Government funded
Runs through Amiri, Domestic, and Overseas tracks on the Ministry's own scholarship portal; coverage details sit behind a login the page did not expose publicly this run.
Qatar Foundation Financial Aid
Qatar Foundation · Foundation funded · International students · Combined
Combines a need-based, interest-free loan toward the cost of attendance with merit scholarships for continuing undergraduates who have completed at least two semesters and hold a GPA of 3.6 or higher. Admissions at the participating campuses are need-blind.
Qatar Scholarships Programme
Qatar Fund for Development · Government funded · International students · Combined
Funds study from certificate level through postgraduate and executive programmes at partner institutions inside Qatar; exact benefits are set case-by-case and were not published on the page fetched this run.

How to apply to Hamad Bin Khalifa University

A five-step path through the application process at Hamad Bin Khalifa University.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Hamad Bin Khalifa University runs 39 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Before applying to Hamad Bin Khalifa University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Qatar.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Hamad Bin Khalifa University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Lodge your application through the official website (hbku.edu.qa). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Quick reference for Hamad Bin Khalifa University: founding, control type, and recognition status.

What city is Hamad Bin Khalifa University in?

Hamad Bin Khalifa University operates from Doha, Qatar.

Is Hamad Bin Khalifa University a public or private institution?

Hamad Bin Khalifa University is a public institution.

How is Hamad Bin Khalifa University ranked?

Hamad Bin Khalifa University holds rank QS 2027 #213 =.

What programmes are available at Hamad Bin Khalifa University?

Hamad Bin Khalifa University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.

Who recognises Hamad Bin Khalifa University?

The institution holds recognition from Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE).

Where can I learn more about Hamad Bin Khalifa University?

The institution's website is hbku.edu.qa.

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