Doha Institute for Graduate Studies
Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarships (Tamim and Sanad)
Edit ScholarshipThe Doha Institute's Tamim and Sanad Scholarships is a university scholarship for Master's and PhD students in Qatar. It offers full tuition + free accommodation + monthly stipend + health insurance + 2 flights. The cycle opens ~September, closes mid-January (e.g. Jan 15).
Overview
The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies offers two fully funded scholarships, Tamim and Sanad, for students entering its master's and PhD programs in the social sciences, humanities, public administration, and related fields. The institute specialises in Arabic-language graduate education in Doha, and these scholarships make it possible for talented students from across the Arab world and beyond to study there without the burden of tuition or living costs.
The two awards differ mainly in how recipients are selected. Tamim is awarded on academic merit, while Sanad is awarded on financial need. Both deliver a comprehensive package: full tuition coverage, free accommodation in institute dormitories, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and two round-trip travel tickets, one on arrival and one after graduation. The Sanad award can also cover program fees on a sliding scale where applicable.
Eligibility is open to all nationalities, and you first need to be admitted to a regular master's or PhD program, then apply for a scholarship through a form sent by the Admissions Office. For some programs, an IELTS or TOEFL score is not required, which reflects the institute's Arabic-language focus. Applications follow an annual cycle, typically opening around September and closing in mid-January, with a January 15 deadline in the most recent cycle.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Funding Body | Doha Institute for Graduate Studies |
| Host Country | Qatar |
| Degree Levels | Master's and PhD |
| Value | Full tuition, free accommodation, monthly stipend, health insurance, and two round-trip travel tickets |
| Deadline | Annual cycle; opens around September and closes mid-January (January 15 in the recent cycle) |
| Eligible Nationalities | Open to all nationalities; aimed at international students from outside Qatar |
| Official Website | Doha Institute Scholarships |
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Requirements
You must first gain admission to a regular master's or PhD program at the Doha Institute and meet the academic eligibility criteria for that program. Tamim is then awarded on academic merit, so a strong academic record strengthens your case for that award.
Financial Need
The Sanad scholarship is awarded on financial need. If you are applying through Sanad, you should be ready to document your financial circumstances as part of the assessment.
Nationality Requirements
The scholarships are open to all nationalities. The full package, including travel tickets, is aimed at international students coming from outside Qatar.
Language Requirements
An IELTS or TOEFL score is not required for some programs, reflecting the institute's Arabic-language teaching. Confirm the language requirement for your specific program.
What the Scholarship Covers
- Full tuition fees for your master's or PhD program.
- Free accommodation in institute dormitories.
- A monthly stipend toward living costs.
- Health insurance.
- Two round-trip travel tickets, one on arrival and one after graduation.
- For Sanad, coverage of program fees on a sliding scale where applicable.
How to Apply
- Choose your program: Identify the master's or PhD program at the Doha Institute that fits your goals.
- Apply for admission: Submit a complete admission application and meet the academic eligibility criteria.
- Receive the scholarship form: Once admitted, the Admissions Office sends you a form to apply for a scholarship.
- Select Tamim or Sanad: Apply for the merit-based Tamim or the need-based Sanad according to your situation.
- Submit before the deadline: Complete the scholarship application within the annual cycle, ahead of the mid-January deadline.
- Await the decision: The institute reviews applications and notifies selected scholars.
Required Documents
- Completed admission application for your master's or PhD program.
- Undergraduate (and, for PhD, graduate) transcripts and degree certificates.
- Statement of purpose or research proposal.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Evidence of financial need, for Sanad applicants.
- Passport copy.
- Language test results, where required by the program.
Key Dates & Deadlines
The scholarships follow an annual cycle that typically opens around September and closes in mid-January, with a January 15 deadline in the most recent cycle for entry the following academic year. Because you must be admitted before you can apply for the scholarship, start your admission application early in the autumn so your scholarship form can be submitted comfortably before the January deadline.
Tips for a Strong Application
What helps
- Apply for admission early so you have time to complete the scholarship form.
- Match your choice of Tamim or Sanad to your strongest case, merit or need.
- Write a focused research proposal that fits the institute's programs.
- Document financial need clearly if you are applying for Sanad.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving the admission application so late that you miss the scholarship form window.
- Assuming you can apply for the scholarship before being admitted.
- Overlooking the program-specific language requirement.
- Submitting incomplete need documentation for Sanad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Doha Institute Tamim and Sanad scholarships?
They are fully funded scholarships for master's and PhD students at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. Tamim is merit-based and Sanad is need-based.
Are the Doha Institute scholarships fully funded?
Yes. Both Tamim and Sanad cover full tuition, free accommodation, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and two round-trip travel tickets.
What is the difference between Tamim and Sanad?
Tamim is awarded on academic merit, while Sanad is awarded on financial need. Sanad can also cover program fees on a sliding scale.
What is the deadline for the Doha Institute scholarships?
The annual cycle typically opens around September and closes in mid-January, with a January 15 deadline in the recent cycle.
Who is eligible for the Doha Institute Tamim and Sanad scholarships?
Applicants of all nationalities who are admitted to a regular master's or PhD program at the Doha Institute and meet the academic criteria.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for the Doha Institute scholarships?
An IELTS or TOEFL score is not required for some programs, reflecting the institute's Arabic-language focus. Check the requirement for your program.
How do I apply for the Doha Institute scholarships?
You first gain admission to a program, then complete a scholarship form sent by the Admissions Office, choosing Tamim or Sanad.
Do the Doha Institute scholarships cover accommodation?
Yes. They include free accommodation in institute dormitories.
Do the Doha Institute scholarships include travel tickets?
Yes. They provide two round-trip travel tickets, one on arrival and one after graduation.
Can international students apply for the Doha Institute scholarships?
Yes. They are open to all nationalities, and the travel benefit is aimed at students coming from outside Qatar.
What documents do I need for the Doha Institute scholarships?
Your admission application, transcripts and degree certificates, a statement of purpose or research proposal, recommendation letters, evidence of need for Sanad, and a passport copy.