Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarship 2027 in Qatar | Graduate Funding
The Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Scholarship 2027 in Qatar offers competitive financial support to eligible graduate students pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees. Depending on the program and award, support may include a tuition fee waiver, a monthly stipend, and airfare for international students. Applications for graduate admission open on October 1, 2026.
One important detail is that HBKU does not guarantee a scholarship to every admitted student. Awards are competitive, based on academic merit or financial need, and subject to available funding. Students are considered for scholarship support during the admissions process, so there is no separate general scholarship application.
For the 2027 intake, the graduate application deadline is February 1, 2027, for international applicants. Qatari nationals and residents applying for funding have until March 15, 2027. Below, you’ll find the available funding, stipend rates, eligibility information, required documents, and application steps.
You can also compare another graduate funding opportunity in Qatar: the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarship 2027
Quick Answer
The HBKU Scholarship 2027 is a competitive graduate funding opportunity at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Doha, Qatar. Eligible Master’s and PhD applicants may receive tuition waivers and, if selected for a stipend, monthly financial support. International students are also eligible for one inbound airfare ticket at the beginning of their program and one outbound ticket at graduation. Scholarship awards are not guaranteed, and students must first apply for admission to an eligible graduate program.
Details About the Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarship 2027
- Host University: Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)
- Host Country: Qatar
- Study Location: Education City, Doha
- Degree Levels: Master’s and PhD, subject to program availability
- Funding Type: Competitive partial or full tuition waivers and other eligible financial support
- Monthly Stipend: Available to selected eligible graduate students
- Eligible Applicants: International students, Qatari nationals, and eligible Qatar residents, depending on the award
- Graduate Applications Open: October 1, 2026
- International Application Deadline: February 1, 2027
- Deadline for Qatari Nationals and Residents Applying for Funding: March 15, 2027
Also check: Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarship 2027 in Qatar
Financial Benefits of the HBKU Scholarship
HBKU provides financial support through tuition waivers and, for selected students, monthly stipends. The exact award depends on the degree program, student category, academic profile, and available funding.
Considering other funded study options in the region? Explore the King Abdulaziz University Scholarship 2027 in Saudi Arabia
Monthly Stipend
HBKU’s published graduate scholarship guidelines list the following monthly stipend rates:
| Student Category | Master’s | PhD |
|---|---|---|
| International students | QAR 7,000 | QAR 9,000 |
| Qatari nationals | QAR 9,000 | QAR 11,000 |
| Local students | QAR 4,000 | QAR 5,000 |
The published stipend durations are up to 21 months for Master’s students and 45 months for PhD students.
Important: These are published rates for eligible stipend recipients, not guaranteed payments for every admitted student. Stipends depend on available funding and applicable conditions. Recipients are expected to work as research assistants for their primary supervisors for 10 hours per week.
Tuition Fee Waivers
The tuition waiver depends on the type of program. The university’s published guidelines list these rates for HBKU-sponsored graduate students:
- 100% tuition waiver: Listed for eligible PhD programs in STEM and specified humanities, social sciences, Islamic studies, and law-related fields.
- 75% tuition waiver: Listed for STEM Master’s programs.
- 60% tuition waiver: Listed for specified Master’s programs in humanities, social sciences, Islamic studies, public policy, and the Juris Doctor program.
- No standard waiver under the published table: Listed for certain LL.M. programs and the MSc in Economics.
Program classifications and funding arrangements matter, so applicants should verify the current rate for their chosen degree before applying.
Airfare and Accommodation
International students receiving the applicable support are eligible for a single round-trip airfare during their candidature. This consists of one inbound ticket when the academic program begins and one outbound ticket upon graduation.
Accommodation is not automatically free. HBKU states that students are responsible for their housing costs, whether they live in Qatar Foundation accommodation or elsewhere. Housing expenses must be covered through the student’s stipend or personal funds.
The monthly stipend is intended to help with general living expenses, including meals, which are not separately included.
Official source: HBKU Scholarship Guidelines.
Available Fields of Study
Hamad Bin Khalifa University offers graduate programs across several academic colleges. The program list and admission requirements vary by intake.
The main academic areas include:
- Islamic Studies: Islamic studies, Islamic finance, Islamic ethics, and related disciplines.
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Humanities, social sciences, translation, communication, and related research areas.
- Science and Engineering: Computer science, data science, engineering, sustainable energy, and environmental research.
- Law: Selected law and international legal studies programs.
- Health and Life Sciences: Biomedical sciences, genomics, and other health-related research areas.
- Public Policy: Public policy and social policy programs.
Not every program is eligible for the same funding, and some programs may not offer stipends or tuition waivers to international students. Review the current program catalogue and the funding conditions before selecting a degree.
Students interested in research and science opportunities can also explore the KAUST VSRP Internship in Saudi Arabia
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the admission requirements for their chosen HBKU program. Scholarship eligibility is assessed separately according to the applicable funding conditions.
Academic Qualifications
- Master’s applicants generally need a recognized bachelor’s degree in the relevant field.
- PhD applicants generally need a relevant master’s degree, although the precise requirements depend on the program.
- Applicants must meet the academic standards and any minimum GPA requirements set by their chosen college.
Nationality and Residency
International applicants can apply to eligible graduate programs. Qatari nationals and residents may also qualify for funding under the applicable conditions.
However, eligibility for admission does not automatically establish eligibility for a stipend or tuition waiver.
Full-Time Study and Stipend Conditions
Applicants seeking a stipend must meet the university’s conditions for full-time graduate study. Under the published guidelines, full-time working professionals and people working more than 40% of full-time hours are not eligible for stipends.
Stipend recipients must also fulfil the required research-assistant duties and maintain the academic standing specified in their scholarship agreement.
English Language Proficiency
English-language requirements vary by program. Some programs require IELTS or TOEFL scores, while exemptions may be available under specific conditions.
For example, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences lists IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 79 for applicable programs, subject to its exemption rules. Do not assume that the same score or exemption applies to every HBKU degree.
Who May Not Qualify for Funding?
You may be ineligible for a particular award if:
- You do not meet the academic admission requirements for your selected program.
- You cannot meet the full-time study or research-assistant conditions required for a stipend.
- You are a full-time working professional or exceed the permitted employment limit for stipend eligibility.
- Your chosen program does not offer the type of financial support you expect.
- Funding is unavailable or you are not selected in the competitive award process.
If you’re comparing graduate funding internationally, see the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027/29
Required Documents
The required documents depend on the college and program. Applicants may be asked to provide:
- Academic transcripts: Records of previous university studies.
- Degree certificates: Evidence of completed qualifications.
- Letters of recommendation: The number and type required by the selected program.
- Personal statement: An explanation of academic interests, goals, and reasons for applying.
- CV or résumé: Academic background, work experience, research, and relevant achievements.
- Passport or identification: A copy of a valid identity document.
- English proficiency results: IELTS, TOEFL, or accepted evidence of an exemption, where applicable.
- Research proposal: Required for relevant PhD programs.
- Additional program-specific materials: Writing samples, standardized test scores, or other documents where required.
Check your chosen program’s official admissions page for the exact document list. Submitting the wrong documents or missing a required item may affect your application.
How to Apply for the HBKU Scholarship 2027
Applications are submitted through the university’s graduate admissions system. Applicants are considered for scholarship support during the admissions process, but an award is not guaranteed.
Step 1: Choose a graduate program.
Visit the official HBKU Graduate Admissions page and identify a program that matches your academic background and research interests.
Step 2: Check the program’s requirements.
Review the academic qualifications, English-language requirements, supporting documents, tuition fees, and funding information for your chosen degree.
Step 3: Create an online account.
Use the official admissions system to register and start your application.
Step 4: Complete the application form.
Enter your personal, educational, and other requested information accurately. HBKU states that applicants can submit up to two applications per academic year.
Step 5: Upload the required documents and provide referee details.
Submit the materials requested by your chosen program and follow any instructions for references or supplementary documents.
Step 6: Submit before the relevant deadline.
International graduate applicants must meet the February 1, 2027 deadline. Qatari nationals and residents applying for funding must meet the March 15, 2027 deadline.
Step 7: Wait for the admission and funding decisions.
The university reviews applications and notifies applicants of admission decisions. Scholarship awards are competitive and depend on the applicable conditions and available funds.
While preparing your application, you can also browse other fully funded scholarship opportunities for the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 intakes.”
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Graduate applications open | October 1, 2026 |
| Deadline for international graduate applicants | February 1, 2027 |
| Deadline for Qatari nationals and residents applying for funding | March 15, 2027 |
| Late admission deadline for Qatari and resident applicants | May 2, 2027 |
Apply Through the Official Website
Frequently Asked Questions
Not every award is fully funded. HBKU offers different tuition waiver rates, and selected eligible students may receive a stipend and airfare support. Housing costs remain the student’s responsibility. Check the funding terms for your particular program.
The published rates are QAR 7,000 per month for international Master’s students and QAR 9,000 for international PhD students. Higher or lower rates apply to other student categories. Stipends are competitive and are not guaranteed to every admitted student.
HBKU states that applicants are considered for scholarships during the admissions process, so a separate general scholarship application is not required. Funding remains competitive.
The published deadline for international graduate applicants for the 2027 intake is February 1, 2027.
No. According to HBKU’s current graduate scholarship guidelines, students are responsible for housing expenses, including accommodation in Qatar Foundation facilities.
It depends on the program. Some programs require IELTS or TOEFL, while exemptions may be possible under specified conditions. Check your chosen program’s official admission requirements.
