HBKU welcomes 891 new students, reinforces research focus

Doha, Qatar - Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a research-focused university within Qatar Foundation, welcomed its latest group of 891 students for the 2026-2027 academic year, kicking off their educational journey at Hayakom Student Orientation. This prestigious institution, named after the late Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, emphasizes education, research, and innovation as the pillars of Qatar's development.

Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Maryam Hamad Al-Mannai highlighted the students' role in upholding the university's vision through knowledge, curiosity, integrity, and a commitment to society. This year's cohort consists of 315 undergraduates, 576 graduate students, and 318 Qatari nationals, representing 79 nationalities.

The students, selected from a competitive applicant pool across the Arab world and beyond, join HBKU's community of 2,780 alumni and 40 GCC students. HBKU offers 51 academic programs across eight colleges, addressing emerging needs in Qatar's public and private sectors.

Provost Prabhat Hajela emphasized the university's distinct identity rooted in Qatar but with a global perspective, urging students to embrace interdisciplinary learning and real-world challenges. Spokesperson for Student Affairs Rashid Adiba elaborated on the orientation's purpose, introducing students to HBKU's academic and student-support resources.

HBKU's programmes aim to contribute to Qatar's employment and innovation systems, with over 2,700 graduates already making significant contributions to Qatar's workforce. The College of Public Policy, in particular, has seen strong demand for its master's and certificate programs, emphasizing the development of leaders capable of addressing future challenges.