Schools in Qatar: Education in Qatar for Expats
 

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 and, as a result, both public and private schools in Qatar provide good quality education. Education is compulsory for all children ages six to 18. Although expat children can attend public schools, international schools remain the most popular option for expats in Qatar.

Public schools in Qatar receive government funding and provide free tuition to all citizens. Expats will likely need to pay fees at government schools, but costs are not regulated so the amount vary from school to school.

The quality of education at public schools in Qatar is excellent, but the language of instruction is Arabic. As long as expat children are young enough to pick up the language or have an existing knowledge of Arabic, public schools are a good option for expat families looking to settle down in Qatar for the long-term.

There are many international schools in Qatar, with most located in Doha. These schools offer various foreign curricula, including that of the UK, the US, France, Germany and India. 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 to negotiate school fees into their relocation contract or ensure that they budget carefully. Besides the often-pricey tuition, additional expenses can include registration fees, uniforms, and excursions.

Waiting lists for spaces in schools can be long, so planning ahead and applying early is essential.

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.

• Step One International School

Curriculum: British (Cambridge Primary Curriculum)

• Sherborne Qatar

Curriculum: British (IGCSE & A-Level)

• Pearling Season International School

Curriculum: British (National Curriculum for England, IGCSE & A-Level)