The Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Scholarship 2027 offers international students an opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in Qatar at a leading research-focused university. Located in Education City, Doha, HBKU offers Master’s and PhD programs across science and engineering, health and life sciences, Islamic studies, humanities and social sciences, law, public policy, and economics and management. Selected students may receive tuition fee waivers, monthly stipends, and round-trip airfare, depending on their scholarship award and eligibility. International PhD students may receive a 100% tuition waiver in eligible programs, while Master’s students may qualify for partial tuition waivers. Funding is competitive and depends on academic merit, financial need, and the availability of funds. Applications for the Fall 2027 graduate intake are open, giving eligible students the opportunity to apply for admission and be considered for financial support.

Important Details

  • University: Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)
  • Location: Doha, Qatar
  • Study Levels: Master’s and PhD
  • Study Mode: Full-time graduate study

About Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Hamad Bin Khalifa University is a research-focused university and a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. Located in Education City, Doha, the university provides multidisciplinary academic programs and research opportunities for students from different countries.

HBKU offers graduate programs designed to develop advanced knowledge, research skills, and professional expertise. Students can choose from a range of academic fields, including computer science, engineering, health sciences, public policy, law, Islamic studies, and humanities.

The university provides financial support to selected graduate students through tuition waivers and, where available, stipends. Applicants are considered for scholarships during the admission process, so they do not need to submit a separate scholarship application. However, admission does not automatically guarantee funding.

Scholarship Benefits and Financial Coverage

The HBKU Scholarship 2027 offers different financial support packages depending on the degree level, academic program, and scholarship award.

1. Tuition Fee Waiver

The official graduate scholarship guidelines list the following tuition waiver rates for HBKU-sponsored students:

Program CategoryTuition Fee Waiver
PhD in STEM fields100%
PhD in SHAPE fields and S.J.D.100%
Master’s in STEM fields75%
Master’s and MA in SHAPE fields60%
Juris Doctor (J.D.)60%
LL.M. programs0%
Master of Science in Economics0%

STEM includes eligible programs offered through the College of Science and Engineering and College of Health and Life Sciences. SHAPE refers to the humanities, social sciences, arts, and related fields covered by the university’s scholarship classifications. The applicable waiver depends on the program and the award offered to the applicant.

2. Monthly Stipend

Selected full-time graduate students who serve as research assistants (RAs) and/or teaching assistants (TAs) may receive a monthly stipend, depending on funding availability.

Student CategoryMonthly StipendDuration
International PhD studentsQAR 9,00045 months
International Master’s studentsQAR 7,00021 months
Qatari PhD studentsQAR 11,00045 months
Qatari Master’s studentsQAR 9,00021 months
Local PhD studentsQAR 5,00045 months
Local Master’s studentsQAR 4,00021 months

These are the stipend rates listed in HBKU’s official graduate scholarship guidelines. Stipends are not guaranteed for every admitted student and depend on eligibility and available funding. Students receiving a stipend must generally work as research assistants with their primary supervisors for 10 hours per week.

3. Round-Trip Airfare

Eligible international students receiving university funding are provided with a single round-trip airfare during their candidature. This includes an inbound ticket when beginning the academic program and an outbound ticket upon graduation.

4. Accommodation and Living Expenses

HBKU does not directly pay student housing costs under the general graduate scholarship guidelines. Students are responsible for paying for university dormitory accommodation or external housing using their stipend or personal funds. The stipend is intended to help cover general living expenses, including meals.

Important: HBKU’s scholarships are competitive and are not automatically awarded to all admitted students. The university does not guarantee a fully funded package for every program or applicant.

Available Study Programs

HBKU offers programs through several colleges and academic units. The precise program list and entry requirements should be checked on the official website before applying.

College of Science and Engineering

Fields include:

  • Computer Science and Engineering
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Science and Engineering
  • Sustainable Energy
  • Sustainable Environment
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Engineering Management and Decision Sciences

College of Health and Life Sciences

Programs cover areas related to health, biomedical sciences, and life sciences. Applicants should review the current program list to identify suitable Master’s and PhD opportunities.

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Available academic areas include:

  • Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Comparative Education
  • Translation and Intercultural Communication
  • Middle Eastern Studies
  • Psychology and related disciplines

College of Islamic Studies

The college offers graduate programs in Islamic studies and related fields. Some programs require additional research or writing materials as part of the application.

College of Law

Applicants can explore eligible graduate law programs, including the Juris Doctor and Master of Laws programs. Scholarship coverage differs by degree.

College of Public Policy

Relevant academic areas include:

  • Master of Public Policy
  • Master in Global Health Policy

School of Economics and Management

Students interested in economics and management can explore the available graduate programs. Some programs have different funding arrangements from the university’s STEM programs.

Official program directory: Find a Program at HBKU

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy the admission requirements of their chosen degree program. General requirements include:

  • Applicants must hold the academic qualification required for their selected program.
  • Master’s applicants generally need a relevant Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
  • PhD applicants generally need a relevant Master’s degree.
  • Applicants should have a strong academic record. For the College of Science and Engineering, the general minimum GPA is 3.0 out of 4.0.
  • Applicants must meet the English-language proficiency requirements applicable to their program, unless an exemption is granted.
  • PhD applicants may need to demonstrate research experience and submit a research proposal, depending on the program.
  • Applicants must submit all required supporting documents before the deadline.
  • Applicants seeking a stipend must meet the university’s funding and assistantship conditions.

Meeting the admission requirements does not guarantee a scholarship. Tuition waivers and stipends are awarded based on merit or financial need and the availability of funds.

Required Documents

The required documents vary by college and program. Applicants should generally prepare:

  • Completed online application form.
  • Valid passport.
  • Official academic transcripts.
  • Degree certificates or graduation documents.
  • Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé.
  • Two letters of recommendation, including at least one academic referee where required.
  • Personal statement of interest.
  • English-language test results, if required.
  • Research proposal for programs that request one.
  • Additional program-specific documents, such as a writing sample, where applicable.

Applicants should follow the document checklist on their selected program’s official admissions page. Documents not in English or Arabic may require an official translation.

English Language Requirements

English-language requirements vary by college and degree program. For example, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Public Policy generally require IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 79, unless an exemption applies.

Other programs may have different requirements. Applicants should check the relevant admissions page to confirm the accepted tests, minimum scores, and exemption policies.

Application Fee

The university’s graduate admissions pages list a non-refundable application fee of QAR 250. Applicants should confirm the payment instructions in the online application system before submitting their applications.

How to Apply for the HBKU Scholarship 2027

Follow these steps to apply for admission and be considered for financial support:

  1. Visit the official HBKU admissions website.
  2. Explore the available Master’s and PhD programs and select a suitable degree.
  3. Read the admission requirements and scholarship guidelines for your chosen college.
  4. Create an account in the online application system.
  5. Complete the application form and provide your academic and personal information.
  6. Upload your transcripts, degree certificates, CV, personal statement, recommendation details, and other required documents.
  7. Submit the application fee according to the university’s instructions.
  8. Submit your application before the relevant deadline.
  9. The university will review your application and assess your eligibility for admission and available financial support.
  10. Check your email regularly for admission decisions and scholarship information.

There is no separate general scholarship application. Applicants are considered for available scholarships during the admissions process. Funding decisions depend on the university’s assessment and available resources.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for international graduate applicants is February 1, 2027, according to HBKU’s official admissions schedule for the Fall 2027 intake.

The deadline for Qatari and resident applicants who wish to apply for funding is March 15, 2027. International applicants should follow the February 1 deadline rather than the later deadline for local applicants.

Official Application Link

Apply Online – HBKU Admissions Portal

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the HBKU Scholarship 2027 fully funded?

Not every award is fully funded. Eligible students may receive tuition waivers, stipends, and round-trip airfare, but funding is competitive and depends on the program, eligibility, and availability of funds.

2. Can international students apply?

Yes. International students can apply for eligible Master’s and PhD programs and may be considered for available university funding.

3. How much is the monthly stipend for international students?

The official guidelines list QAR 9,000 per month for international PhD students and QAR 7,000 per month for international Master’s students. Stipends are conditional and not guaranteed for every admitted student.

4. Does HBKU provide free accommodation?

The general graduate scholarship guidelines state that students are responsible for their housing costs. Housing is not directly paid by the university under these guidelines.

5. Is IELTS required?

Requirements vary by program. Some colleges generally require IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 79, while other programs may have different standards or exemption policies.

6. Is a separate scholarship application required?

No. Applicants are considered for available scholarships during the admissions process. Funding is not guaranteed with admission.

7. What is the deadline for international applicants?

The deadline for international graduate applicants for the Fall 2027 intake is February 1, 2027.


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