HBKU provides financial support to selected graduate students through tuition waivers and stipends, although funding is competitive and depends on available funds.
The university states that scholarships are awarded based on merit or financial need, and receiving admission does not automatically guarantee a scholarship.
For students considering HBKU for the 2027 academic cycle, the graduate application opens on October 1, 2026. The deadline for international graduate applicants is February 1, 2027, while Qatari and resident applicants who wish to apply for funding have until March 15, 2027.
HBKU Graduate Scholarship 2027 at a Glance
| Scholarship Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Hamad Bin Khalifa University |
| Location | Doha, Qatar |
| Study level | Master’s and PhD |
| Funding type | Tuition waiver and/or stipend |
| Scholarship basis | Merit and financial need |
| Tuition waiver | Up to 100% for some graduate programs |
| International PhD stipend | 9,000 QAR per month |
| International Master’s stipend | 7,000 QAR per month |
| International student airfare | One round trip during candidature |
| Scholarship application | Considered during the admissions process |
| Graduate application opens | October 1, 2026 |
| International graduate deadline | February 1, 2027 |
| Qatari/resident funding deadline | March 15, 2027 |
What Is the HBKU Graduate Scholarship?
The HBKU Graduate Scholarship is financial support available to selected graduate students at Hamad Bin Khalifa University.
The support can include a tuition waiver, a monthly stipend, and certain benefits for international students. However, HBKU makes it clear that scholarships are not guaranteed. Awards depend on available funding and are determined on the basis of merit or financial need.
Graduate students who receive a stipend would generally also receive a tuition waiver.
This makes the opportunity particularly attractive to international students looking for fully funded or partially funded master’s and PhD scholarships in Qatar.
HBKU Tuition Waiver for Graduate Students
HBKU uses standardized tuition-waiver rates for its sponsored graduate students.
The amount depends on the degree and program.
| Graduate Program | Tuition Waiver | Tuition Fee Per Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PhD STEM – CSE and CHLS | 100% | 4,000 QAR |
| PhD SHAPE and S.J.D. – CIS, CHSS and CL | 100% | 2,500 QAR |
| STEM MS Programs – CSE and CHLS | 75% | 4,000 QAR |
| SHAPE MS and MA – CIS, CHSS and CPP | 60% | 2,500 QAR |
| J.D. – CL | 60% | 2,500 QAR |
| LL.M. Programs – CL | 0% | 2,000 QAR |
| MS Economics – SEM | 0% | 2,500 QAR |
| Certificate Programs | 0% | 2,000 QAR |
These figures are based on HBKU’s published scholarship guidelines.
Self-sponsored graduate students may be eligible for a discounted tuition rate of 2,000 QAR per credit hour based on financial need. The university notes that these guidelines do not apply to students funded by external sponsors, who must follow the conditions of their respective sponsors.
HBKU Graduate Scholarship Stipend
One of the most attractive parts of the HBKU financial support package is the monthly stipend available to selected graduate students.
The published stipend rates are:
| Student Category | Monthly Stipend | Annual Rate | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qatari PhD | 11,000 QAR | 132,000 QAR | 45 months |
| International PhD | 9,000 QAR | 108,000 QAR | 45 months |
| Local PhD | 5,000 QAR | 60,000 QAR | 45 months |
| Qatari Master’s | 9,000 QAR | 108,000 QAR | 21 months |
| International Master’s | 7,000 QAR | 84,000 QAR | 21 months |
| Local Master’s | 4,000 QAR | 48,000 QAR | 21 months |
The international PhD stipend is 9,000 QAR per month, while the published international master’s stipend is 7,000 QAR per month.
It is important to understand that these figures represent published stipend rates for selected students and should not be interpreted as an automatic payment to every admitted student.
Is the HBKU Scholarship Fully Funded?
HBKU funding can provide substantial financial support, but applicants should not automatically describe every HBKU scholarship as a fully funded scholarship.
The actual package can depend on the student’s program, award, eligibility and available funding.
For some graduate programs, HBKU provides a 100% tuition waiver, while other programs have partial or no tuition waiver under the published graduate scholarship table.
International students receiving the applicable support are also provided with a single round-trip airfare during their candidature—an inbound ticket when starting the academic program and an outbound ticket upon graduation.
Does HBKU Scholarship Cover Accommodation?
No.
Students receiving a stipend are responsible for paying their own housing costs.
This includes students who choose to live in Qatar Foundation dormitory facilities or external accommodation. HBKU states that housing costs must be covered from the student’s monthly stipend or personal funds.
The scholarship is also not increased based on marital status or the number of family dependents.
Therefore, applicants should prepare a realistic budget for accommodation, food, transportation and other living expenses in Qatar.
Who Is Eligible for the HBKU Graduate Scholarship?
HBKU does not guarantee scholarships to all graduate applicants.
According to the university’s scholarship guidelines:
- Tuition waivers and stipends depend on available funds.
- Scholarships are awarded based on merit or financial need.
- Scholarship support is not guaranteed simply because an applicant is admitted.
- Stipends are generally connected to full-time graduate study and research or teaching assistant responsibilities.
- Certain working professionals are not eligible for stipends.
Applicants must therefore satisfy the admission requirements for their chosen HBKU graduate program while also being competitive for available funding.
For example, HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering generally requires graduate applicants to have a strong academic record, with a minimum 3.0 GPA out of 4.0 for its graduate programs. Master’s applicants normally need a bachelor’s degree, while PhD applicants normally need a master’s degree.
Requirements can differ between colleges and programs, so applicants should always check the requirements for their specific degree.
Do HBKU Scholarship Students Have to Work?
Yes, stipend recipients have responsibilities.
HBKU states that students receiving a stipend are expected to work as Research Assistants (RAs) with their primary supervisors for 10 hours per week.
Students can work up to 20 hours per week in total, meaning they may undertake up to another 10 hours beyond their RA commitment.
Stipend recipients may also serve as Teaching Assistants (TAs) for up to 10 hours per week at an hourly rate of 50 QAR, during the semester in which they are assigned teaching duties.
Students can also participate in HBKU’s Student Employment Program for up to 10 additional hours per week, subject to the applicable rules.
Can Working Professionals Get an HBKU Stipend?
There are restrictions.
HBKU states that full-time working professionals and part-time workers who exceed 40% of full-time working hours are not eligible for stipends.
This means applicants who currently have significant employment commitments should carefully review the scholarship conditions before assuming they will qualify for the monthly stipend.
Self-sponsored students may still be considered for discounted tuition based on financial need.
Is the HBKU Scholarship Automatically Awarded?
No.
Being admitted to HBKU does not automatically mean you will receive a scholarship.
HBKU states that scholarships are offered based on merit or financial need and available funds.
The university’s current scholarship FAQ also explains that scholarship consideration takes place during the admissions process and that no separate scholarship application is required under the current guidelines.
This is an important point for applicants. You should submit a strong admission application rather than assuming that admission and funding are two completely separate processes.
How to Apply for HBKU Graduate Scholarship 2027
The first step is to apply for an eligible HBKU graduate program.
HBKU’s graduate admissions process involves creating an account, selecting your college and program, submitting your application, uploading supporting documents and references, and waiting for the college to assess your application.
Step 1: Choose Your Graduate Program
HBKU offers graduate programs across several colleges, including:
- College of Islamic Studies
- College of Science and Engineering
- College of Health and Life Sciences
- School of Economics and Management
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- College of Law
- College of Public Policy
Check the specific academic and English-language requirements before applying.
Step 2: Create an HBKU Application Account
Create an account through the official HBKU admissions system.
Step 3: Submit Your Graduate Application
Select your preferred college and program and complete the online application.
HBKU currently allows applicants to submit up to two applications per academic year.
Step 4: Upload Your Supporting Documents
Depending on your program, you may need academic transcripts, identification documents, references, a CV and other supporting materials.
Requirements vary by college, so applicants should follow the document list provided for their specific program.
Step 5: Scholarship Consideration
Under the current HBKU scholarship guidelines, scholarship consideration takes place during the admissions process. There is no separate scholarship application for the graduate scholarship consideration described on the scholarship page.
However, applicants should still pay close attention to any financial-support instructions communicated by their college.
Step 6: Wait for the Admission and Funding Decision
Successful applicants receive an admission offer.
Scholarship recipients are notified of their award and its conditions. HBKU’s financial information page states that college scholarship award letters are offered before admission, and students who accept an award are required to sign a scholarship agreement.
Start your application here:
HBKU Graduate Admissions – Official Application Information
HBKU Graduate Scholarship Application Deadline 2027
For the 2026–2027 graduate admissions cycle, HBKU currently lists these important dates:
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Graduate application opens | October 1, 2026 |
| International graduate applicants | February 1, 2027 |
| Qatari and resident applicants applying for funding | March 15, 2027 |
| Late application for Qatari and resident applicants | May 2, 2027 |
International students should pay particular attention to February 1, 2027, which HBKU lists as the international graduate application deadline.
Official HBKU Scholarship and Application Links
Applicants should use HBKU’s official website rather than relying on third-party scholarship websites for the application.
Official HBKU Graduate Scholarship Guidelines:
View the official HBKU Scholarship Guidelines
Direct HBKU Graduate Admissions Page:
Apply through HBKU Graduate Admissions
HBKU Admissions and Application Information:
Check HBKU Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Applicants should always confirm the latest program-specific requirements and deadlines directly with HBKU before submitting an application.
FAQs
Are HBKU scholarships automatically awarded to admitted students?
No. Admission does not guarantee a scholarship. Awards depend on merit or financial need and available funding.
Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?
Under the current HBKU graduate scholarship guidelines, applicants are considered for scholarship support during the admissions process, so there is no separate scholarship application for this consideration.
How much is the HBKU international PhD stipend?
The published stipend for international PhD students is 9,000 QAR per month, with an annual rate of 108,000 QAR and a stated duration of 45 months.
How much is the HBKU international master’s stipend?
The published stipend for international master’s students is 7,000 QAR per month, with an annual rate of 84,000 QAR and a stated duration of 21 months.
Does HBKU provide a 100% tuition waiver?
Some graduate programs have a published 100% tuition waiver. These include the listed PhD STEM programs and PhD SHAPE/S.J.D. programs. Other programs have partial or no tuition waiver under the published table.
Does the scholarship cover accommodation?
No. Students are responsible for their housing expenses, whether they live in Qatar Foundation accommodation or elsewhere.
Do international students receive airfare?
HBKU states that international students will receive a single round-trip airfare during their candidature, consisting of an inbound ticket at the beginning of the program and an outbound ticket upon graduation.
Can working professionals receive the stipend?
Full-time working professionals and part-time workers exceeding 40% of full-time hours are not eligible for stipends under the published guidelines.
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