Doha, Qatar – The Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC) has launched the region’s first Arabic-language Post-Graduate Diploma in career development, a significant step towards strengthening professional career guidance services within Qatar and across the Arab world. Developed in partnership with EduCluster Finland and licensed by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), the program aims to cultivate a skilled national workforce equipped to address evolving labor market demands. The diploma was announced at a press conference yesterday, marking a milestone in Qatar’s commitment to human capital development.
The initiative comes as Qatar prioritizes aligning educational outcomes with the needs of its diversifying economy. According to the MoEHE, the diploma directly supports the Third National Development Strategy, which emphasizes the importance of a highly capable career guidance system. Experts suggest that effective career guidance requires a sufficient number of qualified counselors, with some international benchmarks recommending a ratio of one counselor per 30 students.
Strengthening Career Development Capacity in Qatar
QCDC’s Executive Director, Saad Abdullah Al-Kharji, described the diploma as a “transformative national investment” designed to elevate the quality of career development through a more integrated system. He emphasized the rapid pace of technological change and its impact on skills requirements, highlighting the crucial role of career guidance in preparing individuals for the future. The program is intended to support the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly in the area of developing human capital.
A key feature of the diploma is its delivery in Arabic, making it one of the first specialized academic qualifications of its kind in the region. This localization of knowledge is expected to enrich Arabic content in the field of career guidance and broaden access to specialized training. The program was designed to be firmly rooted in the Qatari context while adhering to international standards.
Partnerships and Program Structure
The diploma is a collaborative effort between QCDC, EduCluster Finland, and Community College of Qatar (CCQ). Dr. Khalid Mohamed Al-Horr, President of CCQ, welcomed the partnership, noting its alignment with the college’s mission to empower learners. He also highlighted the value of international collaboration, praising Finland’s renowned education system and EduCluster’s contributions to career guidance in Europe.
From EduCluster Finland’s perspective, the program represents four years of sustained collaboration combining local and global expertise. Coordination Lead Dr. David Marsh described the diploma as a shift towards a modern, systemic approach to career guidance tailored specifically to Qatar. He added that the initiative will build confidence and competence for learners of all ages.
The 12-month diploma comprises 30 credit hours under Qatar’s National Qualifications Framework, requiring 1,500 hours of learning. This includes a blend of theoretical instruction, practical training, applied activities, and field-based projects. Participants can specialize in K–12 education, higher education and training, or working life settings. The program aims to address the growing need for skilled professionals in career counseling and development.
The first cohort of the program is expected to qualify between 20 and 40 national specialists, contributing to long-term capacity building and establishing Qatar as a regional hub for professional, Arabic-language career development education. The initiative also seeks to improve career advising services across various sectors.
Looking ahead, the success of the first cohort will be closely monitored to assess the program’s impact and inform future iterations. The MoEHE and QCDC will likely evaluate the demand for the diploma and consider expanding the program’s capacity in subsequent years. Further developments regarding accreditation and potential partnerships with other regional institutions remain to be seen.
