Applications are open for the Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarship 2027 for students interested in graduate study in Qatar.
Hamad Bin Khalifa University, commonly known as HBKU, offers Master’s, PhD and other graduate programs across science, engineering, health, public policy, humanities, law, Islamic studies and related fields.
International students can apply.
HBKU also provides competitive financial support to selected graduate students. Depending on the degree and award, this support can include:
- Full or partial tuition waivers
- Monthly stipends
- Round-trip airfare for eligible international scholarship recipients
However, scholarship funding is not automatically guaranteed to every admitted student.
HBKU awards financial support based on merit or financial need and the availability of funds.
For international graduate applicants, the current application deadline is:
February 1, 2027.
Applications are submitted through the official HBKU Graduate Admissions system.
Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarship 2027 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| University | Hamad Bin Khalifa University |
| Short Name | HBKU |
| Location | Education City, Doha |
| Country | Qatar |
| Study Level | Mainly Master’s and PhD |
| Scholarship | HBKU Graduate Financial Support |
| International Students | Eligible |
| Tuition Support | 0%–100% depending on program/award |
| International Master’s Stipend | QAR 7,000/month for selected recipients |
| International PhD Stipend | QAR 9,000/month for selected recipients |
| Airfare | One round trip during candidature for international stipend recipients |
| Housing | Not separately covered |
| Separate Scholarship Application | No |
| Graduate Applications Opened | October 1, 2026 |
| International Deadline | February 1, 2027 |
What Is the Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarship?
HBKU provides financial assistance to eligible graduate students through tuition waivers and stipends.
The amount of support depends on several factors, including:
- Degree level
- Academic program
- Merit
- Financial need
- Availability of funding
Some students can receive a 100% tuition waiver, while others may receive a partial waiver.
Selected full-time graduate students can also receive monthly stipends.
Therefore, it is important to understand that there is not one identical “HBKU Scholarship” package given automatically to every student.
Is HBKU Scholarship Fully Funded?
Some HBKU graduate awards can provide very substantial funding.
However, Pathfinderly does not recommend calling every HBKU scholarship fully funded.
HBKU’s current standardized tuition-waiver structure varies according to program type.
PhD STEM Programs
Eligible HBKU-sponsored students in PhD STEM programs can receive:
100% tuition waiver.
These include relevant programs in the College of Science and Engineering and College of Health and Life Sciences.
PhD SHAPE and S.J.D. Programs
Eligible students in relevant SHAPE doctoral programs and the S.J.D. can also receive:
100% tuition waiver.
STEM Master’s Programs
The standardized tuition waiver for eligible HBKU-sponsored students in STEM Master’s programs is:
75%.
SHAPE Master’s and MA Programs
The standardized tuition waiver for eligible students in relevant SHAPE Master’s and MA programs is:
60%.
Other programs can have different funding arrangements.
For this reason, applicants should check their specific degree rather than assuming that admission automatically means 100% tuition coverage.
HBKU Scholarship Tuition Waiver Rates
The current official graduate scholarship table lists the following standardized rates:
| Program Type | Tuition Waiver |
|---|---|
| PhD STEM – CSE & CHLS | 100% |
| PhD SHAPE & S.J.D. | 100% |
| STEM MS – CSE & CHLS | 75% |
| SHAPE MS & MA | 60% |
| J.D. | 60% |
| LL.M. Programs | 0% |
| MS Economics | 0% |
| Certificate Programs | 0% |
A 0% standardized waiver does not necessarily mean that students can never access any other external funding. It means applicants should not assume an HBKU-sponsored tuition waiver for those programs under the current standard table.
Monthly Stipend for International Master’s Students
Selected international Master’s students can receive:
QAR 7,000 per month.
The current standard duration listed by HBKU is:
21 months.
That gives a listed annual rate of:
QAR 84,000.
However, receiving admission does not automatically qualify a student for this stipend.
Funding depends on merit or need, available funds and the conditions of the scholarship award.
Monthly Stipend for International PhD Students
Selected international PhD students can receive:
QAR 9,000 per month.
HBKU currently lists the standard stipend duration as:
45 months.
The listed annual rate is:
QAR 108,000.
Again, this is not an automatic payment to every international PhD student.
Do Scholarship Students Work as Research Assistants?
Graduate students receiving a stipend are expected to work as:
Research Assistants (RAs)
with their primary supervisors for:
10 hours per week.
HBKU also allows eligible stipend recipients to serve as Teaching Assistants for up to 10 hours per week when assigned.
Teaching Assistant work is currently paid at:
QAR 50 per hour
during the semester in which the student receives the teaching assignment.
Additional student employment is subject to HBKU’s rules.
Does HBKU Provide Free Accommodation?
This is an important point because many scholarship websites describe HBKU funding too broadly.
HBKU currently states that:
Students are responsible for their housing costs.
Students can choose Qatar Foundation dormitory accommodation or external housing.
However, HBKU does not directly pay the student’s housing costs under the standard current stipend arrangement.
Scholarship recipients are expected to pay accommodation costs from:
- Their monthly stipend, or
- Their own funds
where necessary.
Therefore, we should not advertise “free accommodation” as a universal HBKU scholarship benefit.
Does HBKU Cover Airfare?
Eligible international students receiving a stipend are provided with:
One round-trip airfare during their candidature.
This consists of:
- One inbound ticket when beginning the academic program
- One outbound ticket after graduation
This is different from receiving annual free flights.
Applicants should therefore understand the exact wording before calculating their study costs.
Are Meals Included?
HBKU does not provide a separate meal plan as part of the standard graduate stipend.
The monthly stipend is intended to contribute toward general living expenses, including food.
Students need to manage these expenses from their stipend or other available funds.
Who Can Apply for HBKU Scholarships?
Both international and eligible domestic graduate students can be considered for financial support.
However, the exact admission requirements depend on:
- College
- Degree
- Academic background
- Study level
Applicants must first satisfy the admission requirements for their chosen HBKU program.
Scholarships are then considered as part of the admissions process.
Do You Need a Separate Scholarship Application?
No.
This is one of the advantages of the process.
HBKU states that applicants are:
Considered for scholarships during the admissions process.
There is no separate general graduate scholarship application.
However, scholarship selection remains competitive.
An offer of admission does not automatically mean an applicant will receive financial support.
Scholarship Selection
HBKU financial support depends on:
- Academic merit
- Financial need
- Availability of funds
Scholarships and tuition waivers are not guaranteed.
Students who receive an award are notified about the terms of their scholarship.
Funding is also reviewed according to the conditions of the scholarship agreement and academic progress.
Academic Requirements
Requirements vary by program.
However, many HBKU graduate programs currently require a strong academic record.
For example, several colleges specify a minimum:
3.0 GPA out of 4.0
from a recognized university.
This applies to many programs in areas such as science and engineering, health and life sciences, humanities and social sciences, Islamic studies and public policy.
Applicants should still check their individual program because some degrees may have additional or higher requirements.
Requirements for Master’s Programs
Master’s applicants generally need an appropriate:
Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
The required field depends on the program.
For example, technical Master’s programs can require previous study in science, engineering or another relevant discipline.
Other programs may accept applicants from broader academic backgrounds.
Requirements for PhD Programs
PhD applicants generally need an appropriate:
Master’s degree
for programs where HBKU specifies graduate-level prior study.
Research-oriented doctoral programs can also require:
- Relevant academic background
- Research experience
- Research proposal
- Strong academic performance
- Evidence of research potential
Applicants should review their individual program carefully.
English Language Requirements
English requirements vary according to the program and applicant’s educational background.
Many HBKU programs use English as the language of instruction.
Depending on the degree, applicants may need an approved English-language test such as:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
Exemptions can apply in certain circumstances.
For example, HBKU’s PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences currently lists:
- IELTS 6.5, or
- TOEFL 79
while allowing qualifying exemptions based on previous English-medium education or first language.
Do not assume these scores apply universally to every HBKU degree.
Always check your selected program.
HBKU Colleges and Study Areas
HBKU offers graduate programs through several academic units.
These include:
College of Islamic Studies
Programs cover areas such as:
- Islamic studies
- Islamic finance
- Applied Islamic ethics
- Islam and global affairs
- Counseling psychology
- Islamic art, architecture and urbanism
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Study areas include:
- Humanities and social sciences
- Intercultural communication
- Digital humanities
- Women, society and development
- Translation and related fields
College of Science and Engineering
Students can find graduate opportunities across science, engineering, computing, data and related technology areas.
College of Health and Life Sciences
Programs include research areas connected with:
- Genomics
- Precision medicine
- Biological sciences
- Biomedical sciences
- Neuroscience
- Health and life sciences
College of Law
HBKU offers legal education including:
- J.D.
- LL.M. programs
- S.J.D.
College of Public Policy
The university offers graduate education in public policy and related areas.
School of Economics and Management
Graduate opportunities are also available in economics and management-related fields.
Applicants should use the official HBKU graduate admissions page to see the current program list.
Can International Students Apply?
Yes.
HBKU accepts international graduate applicants.
The current deadline specifically designated for international graduate applicants is:
February 1, 2027.
International students should submit their applications before this date.
HBKU Scholarship Application Timeline
October 1, 2026
Online graduate applications opened.
February 1, 2027
Deadline for:
International graduate applicants.
March 15, 2027
Deadline for:
Qatari and resident graduate applicants who want to apply for funding.
May 2, 2027
Late admission deadline for eligible Qatari and resident applicants.
International applicants should follow the February 1 deadline rather than assuming the later domestic dates apply to them.
How to Apply for HBKU Scholarship 2027
The application is completed online.
Step 1: Explore HBKU Programs
Visit the official HBKU Graduate Admissions page.
Choose a program that matches your previous education and future goals.
Step 2: Check Program Requirements
Each college can set its own requirements.
Review:
- Required degree
- Minimum GPA
- English requirement
- Research requirements
- Supporting documents
- Program-specific conditions
Step 3: Create an Application Account
Use HBKU’s online admissions system to create your account.
Step 4: Select Your Program
HBKU currently allows graduate applicants to submit up to:
Two applications per academic year.
Choose programs carefully rather than applying randomly.
Step 5: Submit the Initial Application
Complete the required information and submit your application.
Step 6: Upload Supporting Documents
After submission, HBKU sends instructions for completing supplementary requirements.
These can include academic documents and information for your references.
Step 7: Complete Scholarship Consideration
There is no separate general scholarship application.
Eligible applicants are considered for financial support during the admissions process.
Step 8: Submit Before the Deadline
International applicants should complete the process before:
February 1, 2027.
Documents You May Need
Requirements vary by degree, but applicants can expect documents such as:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- CV or resume
- Personal statement
- Identification/passport
- English-language evidence where required
- Recommendation information
- Research proposal for certain doctoral programs
- Additional program-specific documents
Always use your chosen program’s current checklist.
Can Final-Year Students Apply?
Applicants who have not yet completed their current degree may be able to submit academic records showing results through their most recently completed semester where permitted.
However, successful applicants must ultimately satisfy the degree-completion requirements for admission.
Check the rules for your selected program before applying.
How to Strengthen Your HBKU Application
Choose the Right Program
A strong application begins with academic fit.
Your previous education should make sense for the degree you select.
Maintain a Strong Academic Record
Many programs list a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA, but scholarship funding is competitive.
Meeting the minimum does not mean an applicant will automatically receive financial support.
Write a Specific Personal Statement
Explain:
- Why you chose HBKU
- Why you selected the program
- Your academic preparation
- Research interests
- Career plans
- How the degree supports your future goals
Avoid generic statements that could apply to any university.
Prepare Strong Recommendations
Choose recommenders who understand your academic or professional abilities.
Specific examples of your research, academic performance or professional potential are more useful than generic praise.
Prepare Your Research Proposal Carefully
If your PhD program requires a proposal, treat it as an important part of the application.
Show:
- A clear research problem
- Understanding of the field
- Research objectives
- Appropriate methodology
- Potential academic or practical contribution
HBKU Scholarship vs Other Graduate Scholarships
The Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarship offers a strong option for students interested in graduate study in Qatar.
Students comparing international graduate funding can also explore the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship, which supports eligible students studying in Japan.
Those interested in science and technology in South Korea can consider the GIST University Scholarship.
For students seeking an internationally mobile European Master’s degree, the MARIHE Erasmus Mundus Scholarship provides another route with a different funding and study structure.
Each opportunity has different eligibility rules, so applicants should compare the programs rather than focusing only on stipend amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are HBKU applications open for 2027?
Yes. Graduate applications opened on October 1, 2026.
What is the international deadline?
The deadline for international graduate applicants is February 1, 2027.
Is the HBKU Scholarship fully funded?
Funding varies. Eligible PhD STEM and SHAPE/S.J.D. students can receive 100% tuition waivers, while standard Master’s waiver rates can be lower. Stipends are also competitive and not guaranteed.
How much is the international Master’s stipend?
Selected international Master’s students can receive QAR 7,000 per month, subject to the scholarship conditions and availability of funds.
How much is the international PhD stipend?
Selected international PhD students can receive QAR 9,000 per month.
Is tuition completely covered?
It depends on the program. Current standard waivers range from 0% to 100% depending on degree type.
Does HBKU provide free housing?
No. HBKU states that students are responsible for housing costs and should pay them from their stipend or personal funds.
Is airfare included?
Eligible international stipend recipients receive one round-trip airfare during their candidature: inbound at the beginning and outbound after graduation.
Is there a separate scholarship application?
No. HBKU says applicants are considered for scholarships during the admissions process.
Does admission guarantee a scholarship?
No. Financial support depends on merit or need and available funds.
Can international students apply?
Yes.
Can I apply to more than one graduate program?
HBKU currently allows up to two graduate applications per academic year.
Final Thoughts
The Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarship 2027 provides international students with an opportunity to compete for substantial financial support while pursuing graduate study in Qatar.
For selected students, support can include tuition waivers, monthly stipends and international airfare.
The strongest standard tuition support currently reaches 100% for eligible PhD STEM and SHAPE/S.J.D. programs. Selected international Master’s students can receive QAR 7,000 per month, while selected international PhD students can receive QAR 9,000 per month.
However, applicants should understand an important distinction:
Admission to HBKU does not guarantee a scholarship.
Financial support depends on merit or need and the availability of funds. Housing is also not separately provided under the current standard stipend arrangement.
International graduate applications are currently open, with a deadline of February 1, 2027.
Review the official HBKU Graduate Admissions page and official HBKU Scholarship Guidelines before submitting your application.
Last verified: October 2026
Pathfinderly provides scholarship information for educational purposes. Admission requirements, scholarship rates, stipends and funding availability can change. Always verify the current terms with Hamad Bin Khalifa University before applying.