Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Graduate Scholarship

Overview

The Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Graduate Scholarship supports master's and doctoral students at this research-focused university within Qatar Foundation's Education City in Doha. Rather than running as a separate competition, the scholarship is folded into admission: when you apply to an HBKU graduate program, you are automatically considered for funding on the basis of merit or financial need. Recipients are notified by email with the details of their package.

The award has two main parts: a tuition waiver and, for many students, a monthly stipend. The waiver ranges from 0% to 100% depending on the program. For example, STEM master's programs in the College of Science and Engineering and the College of Health and Life Sciences carry a 75% waiver, while STEM and several other PhD programs carry a full 100% waiver. Some programs, such as certain LL.M. and certificate options, carry a 0% waiver, so the level depends heavily on which program you enter.

On top of the waiver, eligible international students can receive a monthly stipend of around QAR 7,000 for master's study (paid over roughly 21 months) and QAR 9,000 for doctoral study (paid over roughly 45 months), plus a single round-trip airfare during their candidature. Housing is paid from the stipend rather than provided separately. Funding is not guaranteed, and full-time professionals working more than 40% of full-time hours are not eligible for stipends, so the package is aimed at students who can commit to study.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You must apply to and be admitted to an eligible HBKU graduate program, such as a master's, PhD, JD, LL.M., or certificate program. Awards are made on merit or financial need, and recipients must maintain good academic standing to keep their funding.

Program Requirements

The tuition waiver level depends on your specific program. STEM master's programs carry a 75% waiver, STEM and several SHAPE PhD programs carry 100%, and some programs such as LL.M. and certain certificate options carry 0%. Check the waiver tied to your intended program.

Employment Requirements

Stipends are aimed at students who can commit to study. Full-time professionals and those working more than 40% of full-time hours are not eligible for the monthly stipend, although they may still receive a tuition waiver.

Nationality Requirements

Applicants of all nationalities are eligible to be considered. The monthly stipend and round-trip airfare are designed for international students.

What the Scholarship Covers

• A tuition waiver ranging from 0% to 100% depending on the program (for example 75% for STEM master's, 100% for many PhDs).
• A monthly stipend for eligible students, around QAR 7,000 for master's (over about 21 months) and QAR 9,000 for PhD (over about 45 months).
• One round-trip airfare during your candidature for international students.
• Housing costs covered from the stipend rather than provided as a separate benefit.

How to Apply

1. Choose your program: Identify the HBKU graduate program you want and confirm its tuition waiver level.
2. Check the deadline: Review the graduate application deadline for that program, since dates vary by program.
3. Submit your application: Complete the HBKU graduate admission application with all required materials.
4. Get considered automatically: Funding is assessed during admission on merit or need, with no separate scholarship form.
5. Review your offer: If selected, you receive an email detailing your waiver, stipend, and airfare package.
6. Maintain standing: Keep good academic standing and meet the employment conditions to retain your funding.

Required Documents

• Completed HBKU graduate admission application.
• Undergraduate (and, for PhD, graduate) transcripts and degree certificates.
• Statement of purpose or research interests.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Proof of English proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL), where required.
• CV or resume.
• Passport copy for international applicants.

Key Dates & Deadlines

HBKU considers you for funding automatically during admissions, so the dates that matter are the graduate application deadlines, which vary by program. In a recent cycle, international applicants faced a deadline around February 1 for the following academic year. Confirm the exact deadline for your chosen program on the HBKU admissions pages and apply with enough lead time to gather transcripts, recommendations, and test scores.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Target a program with a higher tuition waiver if funding is a priority and your interests fit.
• Write a focused statement of purpose that matches HBKU's research strengths.
• Secure recommendation letters from people who can speak to your research potential.
• Apply early in the cycle rather than at the deadline to keep your file complete.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming every program carries a full waiver when some are 0%.
• Counting on a stipend while working more than 40% of full-time hours.
• Missing the program-specific deadline because deadlines differ across programs.
• Forgetting that housing is paid from the stipend, not added separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HBKU Graduate Scholarship?

It is funding for master's and doctoral students at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, combining a tuition waiver with a monthly stipend and airfare for eligible international students, considered automatically at admission.

Do I need a separate application for the HBKU Graduate Scholarship?

No. You are considered during the admissions process, and no separate scholarship application is required.

How much does the HBKU Graduate Scholarship cover?

The tuition waiver ranges from 0% to 100% by program. Many PhDs carry 100% and STEM master's carry 75%, plus a monthly stipend and one round-trip airfare for eligible international students.

Is the HBKU Graduate Scholarship fully funded?

It can be for some programs, particularly PhDs with a 100% waiver plus stipend and airfare. Other programs carry partial or no waiver, so it depends on the program.

What is the stipend for the HBKU Graduate Scholarship?

Eligible international students can receive around QAR 7,000 per month for master's study and QAR 9,000 per month for doctoral study, with housing paid from the stipend.

Who is eligible for the HBKU Graduate Scholarship?

Applicants admitted to HBKU master's, PhD, JD, LL.M., or certificate programs, awarded on merit or need. Full-time professionals working more than 40% of full-time hours are not eligible for stipends.

What is the deadline for the HBKU Graduate Scholarship?

There is no separate deadline. It follows the graduate application deadlines, which vary by program; a recent cycle closed around February 1 for international applicants.

Does the HBKU Graduate Scholarship cover airfare?

Yes. International students receive a single round-trip airfare during their candidature.

Does the HBKU Graduate Scholarship cover housing?

Housing is paid from the monthly stipend rather than provided as a separate benefit.

Can international students get the HBKU Graduate Scholarship?

Yes. All nationalities can be considered, and the stipend and airfare are designed for international students.

What documents do I need for the HBKU Graduate Scholarship?

Your graduate admission application, transcripts and degree certificates, a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, proof of English proficiency, a CV, and a passport copy.