The standard of education in Qatar is high and there is a multitude of good schooling options for expats to choose from. The education system is highly regulated in the emirate and, as a result, both public and private schools in Qatar provide good quality education. Although expats are able to attend public schools, international schools remain the most popular option for expats in Qatar.
Schools in Qatar
Public schools in Qatar
Public schools in Qatar receive government funding and provide free tuition to all eligible residents. The language of instruction at these schools is Arabic and most students are Qatari. The quality of education at these schools is excellent and they are a good option for expats who are looking to settle down in Qatar in the long term and want their children to be integrated into Qatari society.
International schools in Qatar
There are many international schools in Qatar, with most located in Doha. These schools offer various foreign curricula, with the most popular offering the British, American, French, German or Indian curricula. Many of these schools also offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. Most families choose a curriculum similar to the one in their home country, while expats who move frequently often prefer the IB curriculum.
International schools in Qatar can be a significant expense, so expats should try and negotiate school fees into their contract or ensure that they budget carefully. Fees can add up quickly for tuition, as well as additional expenses such as registration fees, uniforms and excursions. Most fees are expected to be paid upfront at the beginning of the school year.
Waiting lists for spaces in schools can be long so planning ahead is essential. Some expats secure places for their children in a school before signing their employment contract, since some companies reserve spaces at specific schools.
When choosing a school, expat parents need to consider the school’s location in relation to their home. Rush hour in Qatar means that children can spend hours travelling to and from school, and not all schools provide a bus service.
Expats should also ensure that their chosen school is accredited by Qatar National School Accreditation (QNSA) and recognised in their home country.