New merit scholarship announced as VCUarts Qatar opens 2027-28 applications

Doha, Qatar - Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) has launched a new merit-based scholarship for exceptional students applying for the 2027-2028 academic year. The scholarship, valued at up to $40,000 annually, may be awarded to up to five recipients each year and covers tuition, housing, and essential academic expenses.

VCUarts Qatar's Director of Recruitment and Admissions, Dr. Caitlin Murphy, expressed pride in the university's current student body of intellectually curious and creatively ambitious young adults. She emphasized that the scholarship will broaden access to VCUarts Qatar's academic and creative opportunities for talented applicants who might otherwise be unable to afford them.

Prospective students are not required to submit a separate scholarship application, as all applicants are automatically considered based on their academic and creative excellence. Selection criteria include academic record, recommendation letters, and, for certain programs, an interview or portfolio review. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.30 or higher and demonstrate English proficiency through specific standardized test scores.

The scholarship is available for both the Bachelor of Arts in Art History and the Bachelor of Fine Arts programs. BFA students must complete a one-year Art Foundation course before selecting a major in Graphic Design, Interior Design, Painting + Printmaking, or Kinetic Imaging. The application process, including automatic consideration for the Merit Scholarship, opened on November 15, 2026, and will close on January 15, 2027.