UDST welcomes 2,000 students with 25% Qatari representation for current academic year

Doha, Qatar - The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) welcomed 2,000 new and returning students for the academic year 2026/2027. Among the fresh cohort, 25 percent are Qatari nationals. As the country's leading institution focused on applied learning, UDST aims to advance innovation, expand degree programs, and ensure hands-on student success.

During a recent orientation program, UDST President Dr. Salem Al-Naemi stated, "At UDST, every new academic year signifies a renewed dedication to empowering the next generation of innovators, professionals, and leaders." The university offers over 80 degree options across five specialized colleges, including Business, Computing and IT, Engineering, Health Sciences, and General Education, aligning with industry requirements and Qatar's strategic goals.

Dr. Al-Naemi elaborated, "Our expanding academic offerings embody our vision, anticipating the future while addressing the evolving needs of our nation. As our students embark on this exciting journey, they join a university where applied learning, innovation, and industry collaboration converge to prepare them for fulfilling careers and lifelong success."

Dr. Shahrokh Esfandiari, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, expressed immense joy at welcoming the new cohort to his college. He emphasized, "As an applied university, our mission is to ensure that our graduates are work-ready from day one. A significant advantage for our graduates in Qatar is that they bypass mandatory two-year experience requirements and the Prometric exam, enabling them to enter the healthcare workforce immediately."

Dr. Esfandiari highlighted UDST's collaboration with national stakeholders, including the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, and Primary Health Care Corporation, to align programs with Qatar's immediate healthcare needs. He expressed pride in the university's small class sizes, which maintain top-tier quality, and noted a high level of applicant competitiveness, with top scores often exceeding 90 percent.

The dean also touted UDST's unique Bachelor in Pharmacy Technology program, recognized globally and moving toward European accreditation. He encouraged those not admitted on their first attempt to improve their academic profile and reapply, underscoring the university's commitment to providing practical, hands-on education tailored to Qatar National Vision 2030 and the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.