Doha Institute Scholarships ( Qatar ) — Fully Funded Master’s & PhD ( 2026–2027 )

By alaa alaa Last updated Dec 5, 2025

Location: Doha, Qatar
Degrees: Master’s & PhD
Application window: 1 Sep 2025 → 15 Jan 2026 (for AY 2025–26).

Why this scholarship matters?

The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI) is a research-driven graduate institution in Qatar. Arabic is the primary language of instruction, with English proficiency also required. Programs sit across Social Sciences & Humanities and Economics/Administration/Public Policy.

Funding & Scholarship Types (What you get)

DI offers two flagship tracks:

1.Tamim Scholarship (merit-based)

For the most academically distinguished applicants (Qatari, residents in Qatar, and international students from the Arab region). Covers full tuition; international students also receive free on-campus accommodation, a monthly stipend, and health insurance.

2.Sanad Scholarship (need-based)

For applicants with financial need (Qatari, residents in Qatar, and international). Awards may cover 10–100% of program fees; international students typically receive full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, and health insurance.

Programs & Fields

Master’s Programs (2 years)

School of Social Sciences & Humanities (SOSH)

Clinical Psychology
Comparative Literature
Conflict Management & Humanitarian Action
Critical Security Studies
History
Human Rights
Journalism
Linguistics & Arabic Lexicography
Media Studies
Philosophy
Politics & International Relations
Social Psychology
Social Work
Sociology & Anthropology

School of Economics, Administration & Public Policy (SEAPP)

Development Economics
Public Administration
Public Policy
Executive Master of Public Administration
Dual Executive Master’s in Business Administration & Public Administration

PhD Programs

Critical Security Studies
Development Economics
History
Linguistics & Arabic Lexicography
Media Studies
Politics & International Relations
Public Administration
Sociology

Eligibility (at a glance)

Master’s admission

Bachelor’s degree (full-time study) with min. CGPA ~3.0/4.0 (final-year students may apply).
Ability to study/research in Arabic & English (non-Arabic speakers may be invited to an Arabic test).
English requirement (admission minimum): IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 59 (DELF B2=50 sometimes accepted).
Graduation requirement: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79, or completion of DI English courses. Exemptions apply if prior degree was taught in English at approved institutions.

PhD admission

Related Bachelor’s (≥3.2/4.0) and Master’s (≥3.5/4.0).
Full-time prior study; ability to study/research in Arabic with some English proficiency.
English requirement: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79 (exemptions possible if prior degree taught in English at endorsed universities).

Required Documents

For Master’s

Proof of undergraduate education
Official transcripts
CV
Personal Statement
Academic Essay (for some SOSH programs)
IELTS/TOEFL (or accepted alternative/exemption)
Recommendation Letters (number per program)

Additional for PhD

Master’s transcripts
3 recommendation letters
Master’s thesis/capstone or research sample
Preliminary doctoral dissertation proposal (~2,000 words)

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)?

Choose your program (see lists above).
Create an account and apply online via the DI Admissions portal between 1 Sep and 15 Jan.
Upload documents (transcripts, CV, statement, test scores, writing sample if required).
Nominate referees and submit before the deadline.
Selection stages: transcript review → academic evaluation → interview → admission & scholarship offers.
If awarded a scholarship, accept the offer and complete visa/housing steps with the Admissions Office.

Timeline (indicative): Applications close 15 Jan → interviews (spring) → admission/scholarship offers (spring) → start of academic year: August.

FAQs (quick)

Is Arabic required? Yes—Arabic is DI’s primary language; English proficiency is also required (see scores/exemptions).
IELTS/TOEFL minimums? Master’s admission IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL 59 (higher to graduate or DI English courses). PhD IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 79.
Which benefits are guaranteed? DI officially lists full tuition plus (for international students) housing, stipend, and health insurance; travel support is often included per published overviews—always re-check the current DI Scholarships page.
Executive programs? Funding rules can differ; verify in the current call.

Official sources

Admissions — dates & apply: DI Admissions Office (Apply / Dates).Doha Institute for Graduate Studies
Scholarships (Tamim / Sanad & benefits): DI Scholarships page; DI news items referencing Tamim/Sanad.Doha Institute for Graduate Studies+2Doha Institute for Graduate Studies
Programs (Master’s & PhD lists): DI PhD Programs; DI Academics overview; DI brochures used by partner universities.Doha Institute for Graduate Studies+1 ico.metu.edu.tr
Requirements (scores, docs): DI Admissions Requirements; DI brochures.Doha Institute for Graduate Studies ico.metu.edu.tr