Fully Funded Master's and PhD Scholarships at Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, Qatar 2027-2028
Fully FundedDoha, QAmasters· Full tuition, free accommodation, monthly stipend
Project Overview
The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies in Qatar offers fully funded Master's and PhD scholarships for the 2027-2028 academic year, open to all nationalities. The scholarships cover full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, health insurance, and airfare for international students.
Scholarship Overview The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI) is accepting applications for its fully funded Master's and PhD scholarships for the 2027–2028 academic year. The application window runs from 1 September 2026 to 15 January 2027. These scholarships are open to all nationalities and provide comprehensive financial support.
Scholarship Types
1. Tamim Scholarship (Merit-Based) - For academically outstanding students admitted to Master's programs. - International students receive: 100% tuition waiver, free accommodation in institute dormitories, monthly stipend, health insurance, and two round-trip airfare tickets (one on arrival, one after graduation). - Qatari nationals without external sponsorship receive a full tuition waiver.
2. Sanad Scholarship (Need-Based) - For Qatari citizens, residents, and international students with demonstrated financial need.
- Tuition coverage ranges from 10% to 100% based on need.
- International students receiving Sanad are also eligible for full tuition, free accommodation, monthly stipend, and health insurance.
3. Doctoral Scholarships (Three Phases)
- Funding is released in stages tied to academic milestones.
- Recipients must work for the Institute at least 10 hours per week (partial grantees up to 15 hours).
- Phase 1: Covers two semesters of first-phase coursework.
- Phase 2: Covers one academic year for full-time prospectus reading; requires GPA of at least 3.5 in first-phase courses.
- Phase 3: Covers two academic years for dissertation writing, unlocked after passing the comprehensive examination.
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Financial Coverage & Living Allowances
Winning a scholarship here means stepping into a worry-free life where your basic needs are already taken care of.
Monthly Stipend – A reliable monthly allowance covers your daily expenses—groceries, transport, and personal essentials—so you can focus entirely on your studies without financial stress.
Free On-Campus Housing – You receive a fully furnished room on campus, free of charge. It places you at the heart of a vibrant academic community, saving you from the hassle and high cost of Doha's rental market.
Health Insurance – Comprehensive medical coverage is provided for the entire program, giving you access to Qatar's top-tier hospitals without any out-of-pocket expenses.
Round-Trip Airfare – The Institute includes two economy-class tickets for international students: one to bring you to Doha, and another to take you home after graduation.
For Doctoral Candidates – PhD funding is structured in phases but remains strong throughout, with teaching and research assistantships that help you grow professionally while you earn.
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Eligibility Criteria
- Academic Background:
- Master's applicants: full-time Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field. Final-year undergraduates may apply with current transcripts.
- Doctoral applicants: Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Minimum GPAs typically 3.2/4.0 (Bachelor's) and 3.5/4.0 (Master's).
- No age restrictions; applicants of any nationality may apply.
- Language Requirements:
- Instruction primarily in Arabic. Non-native Arabic speakers take an Arabic proficiency test (oral and written) before admission.
- English proficiency: IELTS Academic (minimum 5.5), TOEFL iBT 59, or DELF B2 (score 50). Higher English scores may be required for graduation.
- IELTS waiver: Applicants are exempt if their Bachelor's degree was earned at a university in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or another institution where English is the official language of instruction. Official documentation must be uploaded.
Available Programs
School of Social Sciences and Humanities (SOSH) – Master's:
- Clinical Psychology
- Comparative Literature
- Conflict Management and Humanitarian Action
- Critical Security Studies
- History
- Human Rights
- Journalism
- Linguistics and Arabic Lexicography
- Media Studies
- Philosophy
- Politics and International Relations
- Social Psychology
- Social Work
- Sociology and Anthropology
School of Economics, Administration and Public Policy (SEAPP) – Master's:
- Public Policy
- Development Economics
- Public Administration
- Executive Master of Public Administration
Doctoral Programs (8):
- Public Administration
- Development Economics
- Politics and International Relations
- Critical Security Studies
- Media Studies
- Sociology
- History
- Linguistics and Arabic Lexicography
Several programs hold additional international accreditation from bodies such as FIBAA and NASPAA.
Application Process
1. Choose a program and confirm specific admission criteria on the official Academic Programs page.
2. Create an account on the DI admission portal (admissions.dohainstitute.edu.qa). Only one application per applicant is allowed.
3. Complete the online form; you can save progress and return later.
4. Upload all required documents directly to the portal.
5. Request reference letters online; referees receive the request automatically and submit their forms online.
6. Submit by 15 January 2027.
7. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for interviews or written exams.
8. After admission decisions, eligible students are contacted to complete the scholarship application (Tamim for merit, Sanad for need). Doctoral applicants receive the scholarship form directly from the Admissions Office.
9. Submit the scholarship form with supporting documentation and await the award announcement.
Required Documents
Master's Applicants:
- Passport copy (international) or Qatari ID (citizens/residents)
- Certified Bachelor's degree certificate
- Certified undergraduate transcripts (in Arabic or English), including transferred courses
- Updated CV/resume
- Two academic letters of recommendation (submitted online by referees)
- Personal statement
- Academic essay (only for SOSH applicants)
- English test score OR official statement that the degree was taught in English
PhD Applicants (additional):
- Certified Master's degree and transcripts
- Copy of Master's thesis, capstone project, or research sample
- Statement of interest
- Preliminary doctoral dissertation proposal
- Three academic reference letters (submitted online)
