Pursuing higher education is a significant investment of both time and money. For students in Qatar, securing funding for university can seem like an insurmountable challenge. However, there is an opportunity that could open doors to your dreams: QFund scholarships.
Qatar Foundation’s QFund offers need-based and merit-based scholarships for Qatari nationals to study at accredited universities around the world. Each year, hundreds of ambitious students are awarded full or partial scholarships through this prestigious program.
A Brief History of QFund Scholarships in Qatar
QFund was established in 2008 as the scholarship program of the Qatar Foundation. The organization’s stated mission is to “invest in people, establishing a diversified knowledge economy and society led by Qataris.” Since its inception, QFund has awarded over 5,000 scholarships worth billions in tuition, living expenses, and more.
The story of QFund parallels Qatar’s remarkable journey from a small pearl diving village to a global economic powerhouse in just a few short decades. Having discovered a good number of reserves of natural gas and oil in the 1900s, the country underwent rapid modernization and urbanization. Recognizing that human capital would be crucial to sustaining this new prosperity, Qatar began investing heavily in education.
In 1995, the Qatar Foundation was founded on the vision of His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to develop the country into a knowledge-based economy and society. Early projects included establishing Qatar’s premier universities like Texas A&M and Carnegie Mellon in Qatar. As the flagship scholarship program, QFund extends this vision by supporting Qataris to study at top institutions worldwide. Their contributions are deeply strengthening Qatar’s workforce and capacity for innovation.
Eligibility for QFund Scholarships
Not every Qatari national is eligible to apply for QFund scholarships. There are some core criteria candidates must meet:
Nationality and Residency
Applicants must be Qatari citizens and hold a valid Qatari national identity card. Permanent residents or other residents of Qatar are not eligible regardless of academic achievements.
Age Requirements
Candidates must be at least 18 years old at the time of application. Traditionally, the upper age limit is 30, but exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.
Academic Qualifications
Successful applicants typically have secondary school averages of 85% or above. Additionally, QFund may require proof of English proficiency, like TOEFL/IELTS scores, for certain programs of study.
Financial Need
QFund scholarships are need-based, so candidates must clearly demonstrate that their family would be unable to fully fund their university education without assistance. Financial statements are reviewed.
Good Character and Commitment
Preference goes to applicants who exhibit strong moral character, leadership qualities, and dedication to making a difference in Qatari society post-graduation. An interview may be required.
Meeting the basic eligibility criteria does not guarantee a QFund scholarship. Competition for these prestigious awards is intense. Students with the highest academic achievement, leadership experience, community service, and personal potential have the best chances.
Types of QFund Scholarships
QFund offers several scholarship programs depending on the student’s qualifications and desired course of study:
Undergraduate Scholarships
These support a four-year bachelor’s degree at accredited universities worldwide. Fields like Business, Engineering, and Sciences are most common. Full tuition, living expenses, books, fees, and return airfare are fully covered.
Graduate Scholarships
For master’s degrees or doctoral programs, QFund provides similar full financial support and benefits. Target STEM fields are emphasized. Having excellent undergraduate grades is crucial.
Vocational Scholarships
Certain applied, career-focused programs like Nursing, Design, Aviation, etc., can be funded, often with preferential admission to partner institutions in Europe and Asia.
Special Scholarships
High-achieving students may access full scholarships for Ivy League and elite universities. Others support fields like Medicine, where admission is extremely selective worldwide.
No matter the program, QFund aims to sponsor relevant, accredited education from the top 500 universities as ranked by QS, THE, or ARWU. Public and private nonprofit schools both qualify. Rigorous due diligence is done to ensure standards.
The Application Process
Applying for QFund scholarships is competitive yet straightforward. Here are the typical steps:
- Research opportunities – Explore the QFund website and foundation reports to match your qualifications and interests to existing programs.
- Register online – Create an account and candidacy profile on the QFund portal. Ensure personal and academic details are accurate and verified.
- Apply during the cycle – The annual application period is usually April-June. Submit all required documents like transcripts, letters, statements, and test scores on time.
- Screening and evaluation – QFund reviews each application holistically based on merit, need, and fund availability. Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed.
- Decision notification – Offers are released in August-October. Offerees must accept by the given deadlines or forfeit the scholarship. Waiting lists are maintained.
- Pre-departure preparation – Scholars receive orientation covering finances, visas, health insurance, code of conduct, and post-graduation commitments.
- Commence studies – Scholars are officially enrolled for the start of the targeted academic year, with all related costs covered by QFund.
Thorough planning and a polished application are crucial to standing out. Applicants are advised to start the process at least six months in advance whenever possible.
Responsibilities as a QFund Scholar
Earning a QFund scholarship comes with high expectations that scholars must honor throughout their studies and beyond:
- Academic Performance – Scholars must maintain a minimum GPA, generally a 3.0/4.0, to remain in good financial standing.
- Timely Graduation – Deferrals are rarely granted beyond the standard program duration. Scholars who cannot complete it on time may have to self-fund.
- Monitoring and Approvals – Major program changes like institutions or fields of study require QFund pre-approval to keep aid.
- Post-Graduation Employment – Scholars are obligated to seek and accept relevant jobs in Qatar for at least two years. Exceptions can be made.
- Reporting and Communication – Regular progress updates and interactions with QFund are expected through the scholarship tenure and bond period.
Failure to meet such responsibilities could result in aid termination, demands to repay funds provided, or even legal actions in severe cases. Scholars are briefed on all commitment details upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Qataris with residency in other countries still apply for QFund scholarships?
No, only Qatari nationals who are current residents of Qatar with valid Qatari IDs are eligible to apply. Candidates living abroad on other visas or citizenships are not considered, regardless of academic merits.
What languages of instruction does QFund accept for universities?
QFund primarily supports studies delivered fully in English. However, some partner schools in French, German, or Asian languages may be considered depending on the program quality, ranking, and job market alignment in Qatar. Arabic language programs are rarely funded.
Can I receive QFund support for a certificate, diploma, or non-degree program?
Generally, no, QFund scholarships aim to support accredited bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs leading to recognized higher education degrees. They do not cover short vocational certificates unless through approved exceptional pathways with top vocational institutions.
What are the obligations if I cannot complete my degree within the standard time period?
If a scholar is unable to graduate on schedule due to certain extenuating circumstances approved by QFund in writing, the scholarship may be extended for one additional year of funding at maximum. After that, the scholar would need to self-finance their remaining studies otherwise, they risk termination.
Are there scholarship repayment terms if I am unable to work for two years in Qatar after graduation?
Yes, there is a mandatory 2-year bond period in Qatar for QFund scholars after completing their degree. Those unable to seek and maintain relevant employment to fulfill this will have to repay all scholarship monies received on a pro-rated basis. It is taken very seriously by QFund.
What are some tips for strong candidates to increase their chances of winning a QFund scholarship?
The top things that can enhance an application are – demonstrating true financial need, having an excellent academic record, participating in leadership activities, gaining relevant work experience, securing high standardized test scores, meticulously following application instructions, seeking recommendation letters from respected referees highlighting candidate’s strengths, customizing statements of purpose to the target scholarship goals, conducting thorough research about the foundation and proofreading for errors.