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:
Features | Details |
Global Curricula | Qatar’s schools offer a variety of recognized programs, including British IGCSE, A-levels, American High School Diplomas, and International Baccalaureate (IB). |
Experienced Faculty | Teachers are highly qualified and often have years of international teaching experience. |
State-of-the-Art Facilities | Schools are equipped with modern classrooms, sports grounds, and labs to enhance the learning experience. |
Cultural Diversity | Students 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.
Curricula | Covering Features | Assessment Details |
British | Structured 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 learning | Internal and external assessments, essays, and research |
Global perspective, holistic development | ||
American | Flexible, grade-based system (K-12) | Continuous assessments through coursework and exams |
Focus on practical skills, creativity, and extracurriculars | ||
International | Blend of global education systems, often aligned with IB or Cambridge | Flexible, depends on school |
Emphasizes global perspectives and adaptability | ||
Indian | Includes CBSE and ICSE; strong focus on academics | Regular exams and national-level board exams in Grades 10 & 12 |
Rigorous syllabus with emphasis on science, math, and languages | ||
Qatari | Combines Arabic and Islamic values with modern education | Regular exams and project-based learning |
Focus on Arabic language, Islamic studies, and Qatari history | ||
IGCSE | Flexible subject options for students aged 14-16 | Subject-specific exams graded from A* to G |
Prepares for A-levels or advanced programs | ||
A-Levels | In-depth study of 3-4 subjects | External exams graded from A* to E |
Focus on specialization and university preparation | ||
Canadian | Student-centered, critical thinking focus | Continuous evaluation through coursework and exams |
Balanced academics, arts, and extracurricular activities | ||
German | Academic rigor with pathways to vocational or university education | Regular exams and state-controlled final exams (Abitur) |
Offers Abitur as a pre-university qualification | ||
Swiss | Flexible pathways for vocational and academic pursuits | Continual assessment and final exams (Matura) |
Multilingual education (German, French, or Italian) | ||
French | Well-rounded education with strong emphasis on humanities and sciences | Continuous assessment and final Bac exams |
Prepares for French Baccalauréat (Bac) | ||
Arabic | Core focus on Arabic, Quran, and Islamic history | Exams and project-based assessments |
Modern subjects like science and math also included | ||
Finnish | Student-centered, minimal standardized testing | No high-stakes exams; overall development assessed |
Experiential learning and teacher autonomy |

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:

1. ACS International School Doha
Curriculum | IB and American |
Special Features | Modern campus, emphasis on innovation, and personalized learning plans |
Admission Requirements | Birth certificate, passport copies (student and parents), previous school reports, and residency permit for expats |
Fees | 56,661 to 64,419 QR |
2. Al Jazeera Academy Doha Qatar
Curriculum | British and Arabic (dual stream) |
Special Features | Strong focus on language development and cultural education |
Admission Requirements | Birth certificate, vaccination record, passport copies, and academic records |
Fees | 28,537 to 65,398 QR |
3. American School of Doha (ASD)
Curriculum | American |
Special Features | Extensive extracurricular activities, state-of-the-art facilities, and emphasis on holistic development |
Admission Requirements | Completed application form, previous school transcripts, standardized test results (if applicable), and a student essay (for older students) |
Fees | 59,144 to 87,226 QR |
4. GEMS American Academy Qatar (Al Wakrah)
Curriculum | American |
Special Features | Internationally recognized, STEM-focused programs, and strong community engagement |
Admission Requirements | Passport copies, residency permits, and immunization records |
Fees | 35,150 to 59,650 QR |
5. Newton International Academy Barwa City
Curriculum | British |
Special Features | Affordable fees, well-rounded academic programs, and supportive learning environments |
Admission Requirements | School reports from the last two years, proof of residency, and a passport-sized photo |
Fees | 24,049 to 54,000 QR |
6. Doha International Kindergarten
Curriculum | Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) |
Special Features | Focus on play-based learning for early development |
Admission Requirements | Birth certificate, vaccination records, and proof of residency |
7. Arab International Academy Doha
Curriculum | IB |
Special Features | Trilingual program (Arabic, English, French) and advanced facilities |
Admission Requirements | Passport copies, previous school records, and residency permits |
Fees | 35,296 to 54,465 QR |
8. Pakistani International School Qatar (PISQ)
Curriculum | Pakistani |
Special Features | Affordable quality education and a focus on academic rigor |
Admission Requirements | Birth certificate, CNIC copies of parents, academic records, and passport copies |
9. Compass International School Doha (Madinat Khalifa)
Curriculum | British and IB |
Special Features | Global campus collaborations and creative arts programs |
Admission Requirements | Academic records, passport copies, and residency permits |
Fees | 45,000 to 68,342 QR |
10. British Schools in Doha and Al Khor
Curriculum | British (IGCSE and A-levels) |
Special Features | Academic excellence and extracurricular balance |
Admission Requirements | Passport copies, recent school reports, and vaccination records |
Fees | Varies |
11. Edison International Academy Lusail
Curriculum | British |
Special Features | Focus on personalized education and community involvement |
Admission Requirements | Completed application form, passport copies, and academic transcripts |
Fees | 18,489 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)

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:
Feature | Details |
Caring and Safe Environment | Schools focus on keeping students happy and safe with rules against bullying and mental health support. |
Creative Teaching | Students learn through fun activities like STEM projects and art, which help them think and solve problems. |
Skilled Teachers | Teachers are highly trained and bring knowledge from different parts of the world. |
Parent Involvement | Schools 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
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.
Are international schools in Qatar expensive?
Costs vary, but many schools offer affordable options or payment plans to accommodate different budgets.
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.
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.
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.
Do international schools in Qatar have extracurricular activities?
Yes, activities range from sports and arts to science clubs and community service programs
Do schools in Qatar offer transportation?
Most schools provide transportation services, so it is best to confirm during the admission process.