{
  "id": 7175538,
  "title": "Academic Bridge Program records strong growth in applications, enrolment",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/academic-bridge-program-records-strong-growth-in-applications",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-13T21:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf Times",
    "slug": "gulf-times",
    "url": "https://www.gulf-times.com/article/733200/qatar/academic-bridge-program-records-strong-growth-in-applications-enrolment"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Academic Bridge Program (ABP) of Qatar Foundation has seen a substantial increase in applications and enrolment for the 2026-2027 academic year, indicating a growing interest in its programs. Applications rose by 35% compared to the previous year, while enrolment climbed by 40%, resulting in a total of 255 students currently enrolled. The students are pursuing various academic pathways, including STEM, Social Sciences, Humanities and Visual Arts, and a newly introduced medical track. Notably, 16% of the student body is part of the Tajseer pathway, which enables Arts/Literary track graduates to switch to the Science track via ABP's STEM pathway. The student body is primarily composed of Qatari nationals (94%), with a small international cohort from the UK, China, and Syria. ABP graduates have a strong track record, with 78% of the 2025-2026 cohort enrolling in universities within Education City, and 98% securing admission to leading universities in Qatar and abroad. Dr Hareb Mohammed al-Jabri, Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education Affairs, highlighted the program's strategic role in preparing students for higher education and developing a skilled workforce in line with Qatar's development goals. Dr Saheim Khalaf al-Temimi, Director of ABP, emphasized the rising confidence in the program and the importance of a solid academic foundation for future success. The program has expanded its offerings to include Medicine and Tajseer pathways, with a continued focus on empowering students to excel in their academic pursuits.",
  "summary": "The Academic Bridge Program (ABP), part of Qatar Foundation's Pre-University Education, has recorded significant growth in applications and student enrolment for the 2026-2027 academic year, refl...",
  "key_points": [
    "Applications to Academic Bridge Program rose 35% year-over-year",
    "Enrolment increased 40%, totaling 255 students",
    "16% of students in Tajseer pathway for Science track"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}