The Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Qatar has announced the launch of a new social responsibility project for private schools and kindergartens, offering nearly 3,000 educational seats to students from qualifying families. This initiative aims to broaden access to quality education and support deserving students across various curricula. The project will begin accepting electronic applications on January 20, 2026, through the Ministry’s website.
The program, effective for the 2025–2026 academic year and beyond, will provide a range of support options, including fully funded seats, discounted tuition, and seats covered by educational vouchers for Qatari students. According to the Ministry, the project represents a significant step towards integrating private education into Qatar’s broader social support framework.
Expanding Access to Education Through the Social Responsibility Project
The core goal of this social responsibility project is to enhance equity in educational opportunities for all students in Qatar. The Ministry stated that the initiative is designed to assist families who may not otherwise be able to afford private school tuition. This aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which prioritizes human development and a highly skilled workforce.
Eligibility Criteria and Support Levels
The Ministry has established clear income thresholds to determine eligibility for the various support options. Families with an income not exceeding QR10,000 will qualify for fully free seats. Discounted seats are available to families earning up to QR15,000. For Qatari students utilizing educational vouchers, the family income limit is set at QR25,000. Additionally, some schools are offering entirely free evening education periods.
Participating schools offer a diverse range of curricula, including British, Indian, American, and the national Qatari curriculum. The Ministry emphasized that all awarded seats are sustainable, meaning students will be able to continue their education at the same school through graduation. This long-term commitment aims to provide stability and continuity for students and their families.
School and Kindergarten Participation
A substantial number of private schools and kindergartens are participating in the initiative. Beit Al Jidda Kindergarten is offering 20 free seats, including 10 designated for students with disabilities. Other kindergartens, such as Al Fairouz and Al Zahra Al Sagheera, are also contributing seats.
At the school level, institutions like Cardiff, Doha Modern Indian School, and DPS Modern Indian School are providing hundreds of seats across the different support categories. Furthermore, 675 seats are allocated for Qatari students utilizing educational vouchers, and 300 seats are specifically reserved for students from the Syrian community. This demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and supporting diverse student populations.
Omar Al-Naama, Assistant Undersecretary for Private Education Affairs, described the project as a “qualitative leap” in integrating private education into the social support system. Dr. Rania Mohamed, Director of Private Schools and Kindergartens Department, added that the initiative will significantly improve access to high-quality education for students from various socioeconomic backgrounds. The Ministry hopes this will lead to improved academic outcomes and greater opportunities for all students.
The Ministry encourages eligible families to prepare for the electronic application process, which opens on January 20, 2026. The availability of seats will likely be competitive, and early preparation is advised.
Looking ahead, the success of this social responsibility project will depend on ongoing monitoring and evaluation. The Ministry will need to assess the impact of the initiative on student enrollment, academic performance, and overall educational equity. Future adjustments to eligibility criteria or the number of available seats may be considered based on these findings. The long-term sustainability of the program and continued participation from private schools will also be key factors to watch.