Education ministry outlines academic, career opportunities under QIA scholarship Program

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) recently detailed the academic and career prospects provided by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) Scholarship Program for top-performing Qatari students in science and technology, as part of initiatives to nurture skilled local talent aligned with national economic priorities.

During an informational event, students gained insights into participating international universities, available academic disciplines, admission prerequisites, and the comprehensive benefits for scholarship holders. The session also explored career paths linked to these specializations, aiding students in making informed choices for their university education and future careers.

Fatima Yousuf al-Obaidli, Assistant Director of the School and Student Affairs Department, highlighted collaboration with domestic entities as vital for enhancing academic and career counseling services, ensuring students select studies fitting their talents, interests, and labor market demands. She stressed early planning for university pathways and the cultivation of language, personal, and leadership skills to optimize benefits from specialized scholarship programs.

Additionally, al-Obaidli emphasized partnerships' role in developing national talent to advance Qatar National Vision 2030 objectives. Amna Ahmed al-Mazroei, Executive Director of Human Capital at QIA, emphasized that investing in Qatari youth is crucial for equipping them with the knowledge and experience necessary to effectively contribute to economic and investment sectors.

She noted that selecting a university major is critical, requiring a clear understanding of available opportunities and the demands of both study and employment. Mohammed Abdulaziz al-Horr, QIA's treasury director, provided an overview of QIA's establishment in 2005, focusing on managing the state's investments and achieving wealth growth through a diversified portfolio aimed at generating sustainable returns while safeguarding financial resources for future generations.

Maryam al-Hammadi, a talent development officer at QIA, outlined eligibility requirements, which include a minimum Qatari student academic average of 90 percent, an IELTS score of 6.5 with no individual score below 5, an unconditional offer for full-time undergraduate study at an approved university in a relevant field, and necessary supporting documents like national service clearance for males and a parent or guardian's salary or pension certificate.

The scholarship provides tuition and registration fees, health insurance, monthly stipends, airfare, academic excellence awards, professional development opportunities, and continuous guidance throughout the academic journey. The program will unfold in phases, starting in September 2026 with scholarships at the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong for five recipients.

The second phase begins in September 2027, sending five students to Tsinghua University and Peking University in China. The final phase commences in September 2028, offering 10 scholarships at the National University of Singapore and Singapore Management University. The program targets four key fields: accounting and finance, computer science, economics, and data science, chosen for their relevance to the investment sector and broader economic and technological advancements.

Al-Hammadi explained that the gradual expansion of the program allows the authority to evaluate its impact, strengthen partnerships with universities, and monitor scholarship recipients' academic progress, ensuring the development of proficient Qatari professionals ready to contribute to sustainable economic development.