List of International Schools in Qatar and Educational Programs 2025

In Qatar, choosing the right school for their kids is a significant decision for parents. There are many outstanding International Schools in Qatar that provide a variety of curricula to meet the educational needs of students from around the world. There are many options if you are looking for British, American, Indian, Pakistani, or French boards.

This comprehensive guide will provide information about some of the best international schools in Qatar, with their curricula, study and teaching environment, and admission requirements for different nationalities at different schools.

Why Choose International Schools in Qatar?

Because Qatar has a diverse population of expatriates and every family has different standards of high-quality education, the educational system, curricula, and schools must meet internationally recognized criteria for quality education. Schools in Qatar focus on academic skills, extracurricular activities, and cultural awareness.

The following table will help you to understand why international schools in Qatar stand out:

FeaturesDetails
Global CurriculaQatar’s schools offer a variety of recognized programs, including British IGCSE, A-levels, American High School Diplomas, and International Baccalaureate (IB).
Experienced FacultyTeachers are highly qualified and often have years of international teaching experience.
State-of-the-Art FacilitiesSchools are equipped with modern classrooms, sports grounds, and labs to enhance the learning experience.
Cultural DiversityStudents get to know and work with friends from different cultures, helping and understand them.

International Schools in Qatar Follow Different Curricula or Learning Programs

Different education programs in Qatar can be referred to, as “Educational Curricula” or “Learning programs.” The table below gives an idea of the different education programs, followed by different international schools. 

CurriculaCovering FeaturesAssessment Details
BritishStructured learning with Key Stages (KS1-KS5)Regular assessments and final exams at each stage
IGCSE at secondary level and A-levels for pre-university education
IB (International Baccalaureate)Inquiry-based, student-centered learningInternal and external assessments, essays, and research
Global perspective, holistic development
AmericanFlexible, grade-based system (K-12)Continuous assessments through coursework and exams
Focus on practical skills, creativity, and extracurriculars
InternationalBlend of global education systems, often aligned with IB or CambridgeFlexible, depends on school
Emphasizes global perspectives and adaptability
IndianIncludes CBSE and ICSE; strong focus on academicsRegular exams and national-level board exams in Grades 10 & 12
Rigorous syllabus with emphasis on science, math, and languages
QatariCombines Arabic and Islamic values with modern educationRegular exams and project-based learning
Focus on Arabic language, Islamic studies, and Qatari history
IGCSEFlexible subject options for students aged 14-16Subject-specific exams graded from A* to G
Prepares for A-levels or advanced programs
A-LevelsIn-depth study of 3-4 subjectsExternal exams graded from A* to E
Focus on specialization and university preparation
CanadianStudent-centered, critical thinking focusContinuous evaluation through coursework and exams
Balanced academics, arts, and extracurricular activities
GermanAcademic rigor with pathways to vocational or university educationRegular exams and state-controlled final exams (Abitur)
Offers Abitur as a pre-university qualification
SwissFlexible pathways for vocational and academic pursuitsContinual assessment and final exams (Matura)
Multilingual education (German, French, or Italian)
FrenchWell-rounded education with strong emphasis on humanities and sciencesContinuous assessment and final Bac exams
Prepares for French Baccalauréat (Bac)
ArabicCore focus on Arabic, Quran, and Islamic historyExams and project-based assessments
Modern subjects like science and math also included
FinnishStudent-centered, minimal standardized testingNo high-stakes exams; overall development assessed
Experiential learning and teacher autonomy
International Schools in Qatar Follow different Educational Curriculums

Popular International Schools in Qatar

Here’s a list of some well-known international schools in Qatar, along with key highlights, fees,  and admission requirements for different nationalities:

List of Best International Schools in Qatar

1. ACS International School Doha

CurriculumIB and American
Special FeaturesModern campus, emphasis on innovation, and personalized learning plans
Admission RequirementsBirth certificate, passport copies (student and parents), previous school reports, and residency permit for expats
Fees56,661 to 64,419 QR

2. Al Jazeera Academy Doha Qatar

CurriculumBritish and Arabic (dual stream)
Special FeaturesStrong focus on language development and cultural education
Admission RequirementsBirth certificate, vaccination record, passport copies, and academic records
Fees28,537 to 65,398 QR

3. American School of Doha (ASD)

CurriculumAmerican
Special FeaturesExtensive extracurricular activities, state-of-the-art facilities, and emphasis on holistic development
Admission RequirementsCompleted application form, previous school transcripts, standardized test results (if applicable), and a student essay (for older students)
Fees59,144 to 87,226 QR

4. GEMS American Academy Qatar (Al Wakrah)

CurriculumAmerican
Special FeaturesInternationally recognized, STEM-focused programs, and strong community engagement
Admission RequirementsPassport copies, residency permits, and immunization records
Fees35,150 to 59,650 QR

5. Newton International Academy Barwa City

CurriculumBritish
Special FeaturesAffordable fees, well-rounded academic programs, and supportive learning environments
Admission RequirementsSchool reports from the last two years, proof of residency, and a passport-sized photo
Fees24,049 to 54,000 QR

6. Doha International Kindergarten

CurriculumEarly Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Special FeaturesFocus on play-based learning for early development
Admission RequirementsBirth certificate, vaccination records, and proof of residency

7. Arab International Academy Doha

CurriculumIB
Special FeaturesTrilingual program (Arabic, English, French) and advanced facilities
Admission RequirementsPassport copies, previous school records, and residency permits
Fees35,296 to 54,465 QR

8. Pakistani International School Qatar (PISQ)

CurriculumPakistani
Special FeaturesAffordable quality education and a focus on academic rigor
Admission RequirementsBirth certificate, CNIC copies of parents, academic records, and passport copies

9. Compass International School Doha (Madinat Khalifa)

CurriculumBritish and IB
Special FeaturesGlobal campus collaborations and creative arts programs
Admission RequirementsAcademic records, passport copies, and residency permits
Fees45,000 to 68,342 QR

10. British Schools in Doha and Al Khor

CurriculumBritish (IGCSE and A-levels)
Special FeaturesAcademic excellence and extracurricular balance
Admission RequirementsPassport copies, recent school reports, and vaccination records
FeesVaries

11. Edison International Academy Lusail

CurriculumBritish
Special FeaturesFocus on personalized education and community involvement
Admission RequirementsCompleted application form, passport copies, and academic transcripts
Fees18,489 to 31,930 QR

British Schools in Qatar

British schools typically follow the British National Curriculum, offering programs like IGCSE and A-Levels, and are widely recognized worldwide.

Popular British Schools in Qatar

  • Doha British School
  • Newton International Schools
  • Compass International School

American Schools in Qatar

American schools in Qatar follow the American curriculum, based on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English and Math and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The focus of these schools is to give a balanced and complete education and prepare students for higher education in the United States and other countries through the High School Diploma.

Popular American Schools in Qatar

  • American School of Doha (ASD)
  • GEMS American Academy Qatar (Al Wakrah)
  • International School of London Qatar (ISL)

Canadian Schools in Qatar

Canadian schools offer education based on provincial standards, such as Alberta or British Columbia curricula, recognized globally for their balanced approach.

Popular Canadian Schools in Qatar

  • Blyth Academy Qatar
  • Hayat Universal Bilingual School

Indian Schools in Qatar

Indian schools in Qatar primarily follow the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) curriculum.

They focus strongly on academics, especially math and science. They also give importance to activities like sports and arts along with studies and prepare students for Indian competitive exams like IIT-JEE, NEET, and others.

Popular Indian Schools in Qatar

  • MES Indian School
  • Delhi Public School – DPS Modern Indian School
  • Birla Public School

Pakistani Schools in Qatar

Pakistani schools in Qatar follow the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) curriculum, which is widely recognized in Pakistan. Some schools also offer the British IGCSE curriculum to provide flexibility for students planning to pursue higher education abroad.

Popular Pakistani Schools in Qatar

  • Pakistani International School Qatar (PISQ)
  • Bright Future International School (BFIS)
  • Pak Shamaa School Doha

Philippine Schools in Qatar

The Philippines Department of Education has designed the K-12 education system for  Philippine schools in Qatar. In Qatar, there are significant Filipino expatriates and now they have access to the Philippine curriculum and opportunities to maintain cultural traditions while living to life in Qatar.

Popular Indian Schools in Qatar

  • Philippine School Doha (PSD)
  • Philippine International School Qatar (PISQ)

Click Here to See How to Apply Qatar Visa for Filipinos

Different International Schools in Qatar for Different Nationalities

International Schools Environment and Teaching Staff In Qatar

International schools in Qatar pride themselves on providing a caring and welcoming environment. Here is what makes these schools unique:

FeatureDetails
Caring and Safe EnvironmentSchools focus on keeping students happy and safe with rules against bullying and mental health support.
Creative TeachingStudents learn through fun activities like STEM projects and art, which help them think and solve problems.
Skilled TeachersTeachers are highly trained and bring knowledge from different parts of the world.
Parent InvolvementSchools keep parents informed and involved with regular updates, meetings, and activities.

International Schools in Qatar Affordable Options

Quality education does not always have to be expensive. Schools like Newton International Academy and Pakistani International School Qatar (PISQ) provide budget-friendly options without compromising educational standards. Always check for scholarships, sibling discounts, and payment plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the best curriculum for my child in Qatar?

    The choice depends on your child’s future educational goals. For example, the IB program suits students aiming for global universities, while the British curriculum is ideal for structured learning.

  2. Are international schools in Qatar expensive?

    Costs vary, but many schools offer affordable options or payment plans to accommodate different budgets.

  3. How do I apply to international schools in Qatar?

    IMost schools have an online application process. Be prepared to submit previous academic records and other required documents.

  4. What languages are taught in international schools in Qatar?

    English is the primary language of instruction, but schools also teach Arabic, French, and other languages.

  5. Do international schools in Qatar accept students with special needs?

    Yes, many schools provide support services, including special educators, and design learning programs for these students.

  6. Do international schools in Qatar have extracurricular activities?

    Yes, activities range from sports and arts to science clubs and community service programs

  7. Do schools in Qatar offer transportation?

    Most schools provide transportation services, so it is best to confirm during the admission process.

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