There are a few factors International students should consider before Applying for Qatar study visa.
These factors are related to documents and the study visa application process.
Qatar is turning into a great place for higher study for international students.
It is a fast-growing Middle Eastern country and provides a lot of opportunities for students, With a high visa acceptance rate and offers different scholarships for international students, and becoming a hub for foreign students.
Qatar University and Hamad Bin Khalifa University are the two biggest universities in the country.
Many foreign institutions like Virginia Commonwealth University and Carnegie Mellon University are opening their branches in Qatar.
In this ultimate Qatar study visa guide we will cover everything step-by-step.
Don’t miss the questions and answers session at the end of this blog.
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Qatar study visa
1. Types of Qatar Study Visa for International Students
2. Visa fee for Qatar Study Visa
3. Qatar Embassies and Consulate for Students
4. Visa processing time for Qatar Study Visa
5. Documents Required for Qatar Study Visa
6. How to Apply for Qatar Study Visa
7. Interview Questions for Qatar Study Visa
9. Qatar Study Visa Success Rate
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1. Types of Qatar Study Visa for International Students
A student visa is a temporary visa that is issued to students to continue an academic program at Qatar universities. The visa is valid for the entire duration of the program. Qatar Study visa is further divided into two sub-categories. Following are the details of the sub-categories of the visa.
Short-Term Stay Visa
A short-term visa is issued for a 90-day stay duration. The applicant will request the time frame during the Qatar study visa application process.
Foreign students may apply for a tourist visa if they wish to continue a short training or education course in Qatar.
Host institutions support tourist visas. In case of a longer stay, a visitor must apply for a student visa. The Ministry of Interior handles all visa procedures.
Long-Term Stay Visa
The student will apply for a long-term stay visa in Qatar if the duration of stay is longer than 90 days. Long-term-stay visas have further sub-categories.
These are investor visas, Qatar family visas, and education residence visas.
Long-term-stay visa is needed for those students who want to enroll in a Master’s or Ph.D. program at Qatar universities.
Foreign students who want to attend Qatar universities must apply for a residence permit visa after securing a place.
Those students who want to bring dependents to Qatar will apply for a family residence.
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2. Visa fee for Qatar Study Visa
When students apply for a Qatar study visa or an Education Residence Visa, the visa charges are free.
Students need to prove they have enough funds for their studies.
This may be some type of sponsor from inside or outside of Qatar.
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3. Qatar Embassies and Consulate for Students
The Qatar Embassy Worldwide page shows a list of Qatar Consulates and Embassies all over the world. Qatar Embassies issue visas to students.
There are about 2 Foreign Consulates and 59 Embassies in the territory of Qatar.
Qatar also has Consulates and Embassies all over the world.
Students can connect with the nearest Qatari Consulate or Embassy and get complete information and contact details about visas.
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4. Visa processing time for Qatar Study Visa
Those students who don’t have a Qatar residence permit will apply for a Qatar study visa. This excludes GCC citizens. Students can apply online and the processing time is around 72 hours.
All Qatar visas take a processing time of 7-10 working days after visa fee submission.
The period of processing for short stay-visa holders is a 2-Weeks duration.
For a long term-visa holder, the duration of processing is 3 Months.
Visa Processing Time Chart
|
Visa Category |
Processing Time |
|
Short-Term Stay Visa |
2 Weeks |
|
Long-Term Stay Visa |
3 Months |
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5. Documents Required for Qatar Study Visa
5.2. Passport-size photographs
5.7. IELTS English Language Test for Qatar Study Visa
5.8. Statement of Purpose/Letter of Motivation/Cover Letter
5.10. Affidavit of Financial Sponsor
5.11. Copy of Qatar ID card / Passport of the Financial Sponsor
5.12. Financial Document or Bank Statement for Qatar Study Visa
5.14. Approval Letter from Parents or Guardian
5.15. Student Declaration Form
5.16. Proof of university Legal Fees
5.17. Receipt of Visa Processing Fee
5.18. Copy of Hotel Reservation & Flight Booking
5.19. Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
5.20. No Objection Certificate (Optional)
5.21. Police Clearance Certificate for Qatar Study Visa
5.22. Certificates of extracurricular achievements
5.23. Corona Vaccination Certificates
5.24. Marriage and Childbirth Certificate (Optional)
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5.1. Visa Application Form
Students should contact the nearest Qatar Embassy or Consulate to check whether they need a Qatar visa.
When applying for a visa, the applicant first prepares a signed application form for the visa and then submits it with documents.
Qatar also issued Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) from September 2017 onward.
Visitors can apply online through this system. It is valid for 30 days after arrival.
It can be extended for further 30 days.
This ETA document is valid for those countries that are exempted from visas. Students of these countries can travel to Qatar on ETA documents and don’t need a visa.
The applicant will print the online application confirmation page at the end of the application process.
5.2. Passport-size photographs
The general picture format for a Qatar study visa is the following.
A: Two recent (within 6 months) passport-size (35x45mm) photos.
B: White background with neutral facial expressions. (Unedited)
C: Avoid uniforms & the head should be 80% in the photo.
D: The applicant should look at the camera.
E: One photograph should be glued to the visa application
while the other should contain the applicant’s full name on the reverse side.
5.3. Valid Passport
A: A passport must have at least 18 months of validity from the date of visa application.
B: Applicants will also provide visa copies (if they have any).
C: The passport must have at least two blank pages.
D: All the previous passports must also be attached. (If they have any)
5.4. CNIC
A birth certificate and a National Identity card are mandatory for study in Qatar.
5.5. Academic Documents
It includes all academic records & certificates.
A. Certificate & transcript of Bachelor’s (If a student is applying for a master’s program)
B. Certificate & transcript of Master’s (If a student is applying for a Ph.D. program)
C. Transcript (DMCs) of Metric & FSC and certificates (if a student is applying for a bachelor’s degree)
D. Proficiency certificate in English from the university.
E. Course summary which explains current courses & previous courses.
F. Provide two Recommendation Letters from your university along with the details of the referee.
5.5.1. Translated Documents
A. Confirmation from Translation Company/Translator
B. Translation Date
C. Name and Signature of the Translator
D. Translator’s Contact Details
NOTE:
The above-mentioned documents must be attested by respective universities and boards.
For example, in the case of Pakistan, it must be attested by IBCC, HEC, and MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
IBCC authority is only responsible for the attestation of metric and inter documents.
Dear offices are present in Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and also in other cities of Pakistan.
HEC office attests to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. documents.
Other International students should attest their documents from their own respective ministries & authorities.
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5.6. CV
CV is compulsory for the university admission process and optional for embassy interviews.
It should contain all the contact details and academic information.
5.7. IELTS English Language Test for Qatar Study Visa
The IELTS Language test is optional for international students. If an IELTS test is provided, it will support the visa application.
In case of getting a 5.5 band or above, the student should submit the original IELTS language certificate through the post office.
5.8. Statement of Purpose/Letter of Motivation/Cover Letter
This document comprises the following information about the student
A. Previous academic record
B. Employment Status
C. Relationship with your home country
D. Immigration History
E. Economic conditions of the applicant
A statement of purpose (SOP) & letter of motivation (LOM) are almost the same thing & could be interchangeable.
In this letter, you are asked to write about your personal and professional reasons.
You will write reasons for applying for a course or the scholarship and intention of traveling to Qatar.
The maximum length of this letter is three pages, But it is recommended to make it short & concise to one page.
5.9. Letter of Admission
It is proof of admission to a program and study course. The admission letter should mention:
A student is successful in securing admission to a study program.
A student is accepted to an exchange program.
It includes details of accommodation proof, health insurance, and organizations supporting students.
5.10. Affidavit of Financial Sponsor
The Affidavit of Financial Sponsor tells who will bear the total costs of the university’s studies. The financial sponsor will be a third party.
5.11. Copy of the Qatar ID card / Passport of the Financial Sponsor
Students must provide a copy of the Qatar ID Card or Passport of the Financial Sponsor.
5.12. Financial Document or Bank Statement for Qatar Study Visa
Financial documents show the details of a sponsor who will be responsible for the financial expenses of the student.
If the financial sponsor lives in Qatar, the student will submit a Bank Guarantee.
Qatar local bank will issue the Bank Guarantee in favor of any Qatar Universities. The required amount will be $5470. It will be valid for five years for Undergraduate & Ph.D. applicants.
If the financial sponsor is outside of Qatar, the student will submit a bank statement of the six months of a financial sponsor before the submission of the Qatar study visa application.
It will provide details of the study and the living expenses during the study period.
5.13. Health Evaluation Form
Health Evaluation Form should be signed by the head of the Hospital/Medical Clinic in the applicant’s country. The health check report comprises blood tests, HIV tests, and chest X-rays.
This evaluation form is only acceptable for applicants from outside of Qatar. These applicants don’t have Qatar residence permits during the application process for a Qatar study visa.
5.14. Approval Letter from Parents or Guardian
Students must provide an approval letter from parents or guardians for enrollment to the university.
The student will be allowed to study and get a residence permit. This is only for bachelor’s degree Students.
5.15. Student Declaration Form
A student will submit Student Declaration Form for the study visa for Qatar. These documents will be used for the Residency sponsorship of universities.
This document tells that the student will work nowhere in Qatar during the study period in a university.
The student will also not request financial assistance from another party in Qatar.
The student will get permission from the Scholarship and International Admission Section in case of transferring or changing residence permits to another sponsorship.
5.16. Proof of university Legal Fees
It is a receipt or proof of the “first-semester fee” or the “fee for the whole year”.
When students pay the Annual fee, the University will send an unconditional admission letter.
Students must save all the online fee invoices & attach them to their documents during submitting of application for a Qatar study visa.
5.17. Receipt of Visa Processing Fee
The student will pay a non-refundable fee and fill out the form.
Students need to pay charges of 15 USD for a Qatar residence permit (Long-term visa of More than 90 days).
For short-term Qatar visit visas, it doesn’t need to pay charges.
5.18. Copy of Hotel Reservation & Flight Booking
The booking is a confirmation of the arrival date in a particular country. The hotel reservation shows that students researched the hotels for the duration of their stay.
The host university should mention in their admission letter if they provide accommodation for the student.
The student can also provide a rental home contract.
5.19. Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
A family registration certificate (FRC) is a document that tells that the family record of the student is complete in the database of the home country.
This document contains name details and information of the parents and siblings.
This document is very much important in case of extending a residence permit or in case of permanent settling in Qatar.
Pakistani students can apply for FRC documents through different NADRA Offices in Pakistan.
They can also get it through online methods.
International students can get it from their local ministries & authorities.
5.20. No Objection Certificate (Optional)
It also varies from country to country. It is compulsory for some countries and known as NOC.
This letter will explain that there is no issue for the student applying for a student visa for Qatar.
It will also mention that the Students will return to their home country after completing their education.
The NOC must be written by the HOD or Dean of the University.
5.21. PCC (Police Clearance Certificate) for Qatar Study Visa
International students who want to apply for a Qatar residence permit (Long-term student visa of more than 90 days) must submit a document that shows a history of a criminal record.
The country of your residence must issue this document within five months of starting the visa application.
PCC can be issued by the local security police station.
Many international students can also make it online.
Indian students can make PCC certificates through the Passport Seva website.
Pakistani students can make PCC documents in “Police Khidmat Markaz”.
They can also make it through the ICTP app or the ICTP website.
5.22. Certificates of extracurricular achievements
These certificates could include internship certificates and experience letters.
The embassy gives extra value to these certificates.
5.23. Corona Vaccination Certificates
Students must complete the COVID-19 vaccination before the interview appointment at the embassy.
The administered vaccines are listed by WHO on its website.
5.24. Marriage and Childbirth Certificate (Optional)
The embassy may ask about Childbirth Certificates and marriage certificates.
It is better to bring both childbirth and marriage certificates along with you for a student visa to Qatar.
If You have any questions related to your Qatar study visa or any other study visa, you can also contact us for a live one-on-one session.
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6. How to Apply for Qatar Study Visa
There are two ways to apply for a Qatar study visa as an international student. One is to go to the Embassy and apply in person.
The other way is to apply online. I will discuss both methods here.
6.1. Online Method for Qatar study visa
6.1.1 University Admission Letter
It is necessary for students to get an admission letter from the university. To get an admission letter, students need to fulfill the admission criteria of a specific university.
6.1.2. Online Application
Students will fill online applications by visiting the website.
Go to “Admission Icon” on the dashboard and click on the Student Visa link.
Now, click on Apply for the Student Visa option. Read all the instructions carefully.
6.1.3. Upload Documents
After reading the instructions, students should make it possible that they have all the required documents. These are different documents like the Affidavit of Financial Sponsor, Health Evaluation Form, and other documents mentioned in the document portion.
Download all these documents and fill them in properly. Upload all the required documents on the online application form and submit them.
6.1.4. Track Online Application
Students can track the progress of online applications by visiting the Ministry of Interior Qatar website. Enter your application number and application date to confirm the status of your visa application.
6.1.5. Wait for Visa Application Result
The visa application will be processed and take a month. The university will inform successful applicants. There is no fee charged for this application.
6.2. Apply In-Person for a Qatar study visa
6.2.1. Visit Nearest Qatar Embassy or Consulate
When students get an admission letter from the university, the student will visit the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Qatar in their home country.
6.2.2. Submit Visa Application
A student needs to fill out the visa application form. All necessary documents must be attached to this visa application.
Students should make it possible that they have all the required documents. These are different documents like the Affidavit of Financial Sponsor, Health Evaluation Form, and other documents mentioned in the document portion.
Students will also have to pay visa fees.
6.2.3. Wait for the Outcome of the Visa Application
After completing the application along with all documents, the consulate officials will start the processing of the visa application. It is the responsibility of the student to meet all the visa application requirements.
The application process may take a few days to complete the process. The Qatar Embassy will notify the student to come and collect the student visa application.
Note: Students make sure to print a copy of their approved visas and carry it while traveling within Qatar.
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7. Interview Questions for Qatar Study Visa
There are common questions students face during their visa interviews.
These questions vary from profile to profile and are given below:
Name of the student & questions about previous educational qualification.
What is your purpose for going to Qatar?
Did you already search for opportunities in your home country?
Where is the university in Qatar?
Who is your sponsor? What is your relationship?
What is your course structure or Course summary?
Which course will you start at the university?
Why did you choose this university and subject?
How will this course shape your career?
How did you find this university?
What are your plans after the completion of the course?
Who advised this accommodation and how much will it be?
When will your course start?
Why did you choose Qatar and not another country?
Can you name other cities where famous universities exist?
Did you do an examination and test arranged by the university?
Please name the person with whom you are in contact at the university.
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8. FAQs about Qatar study visa
Can a student bring family members or dependents to Qatar during the study?
No. The Qatar study visa is only valid for the student. Students can’t take the privilege of this visa to bring family members to Qatar under student sponsorship.
Is it necessary to submit an IELTS certificate before applying for a Qatar study visa?
No. Getting an IELTS certificate is optional and supports student visa application if available.
If the applicant gets a 5.5 band score and above, then the applicant submits the original certificate to the Foundation Program by the post office.
Can a current student transfer a residence permit from any of Qatar’s universities to another sponsor?
Yes. This is only possible after graduation for undergraduate and graduate students. These students can transfer their residence permit to a brother/father (personal sponsor) or a company.
The student must contact the Scholarship and International Admissions Section.
Those students who are in Arabic for Non-Native Speaker Program (ANNS) are not allowed to transfer their residence permit after completing graduation.
Will the student provide a financial document for applying for a visa If the student received Graduate Assistantship after admission?
Yes. When a student is applying for a student visa to Qatar, the student will provide financial supporting documents and other required materials.
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9. Qatar Study Visa Success Rate
Qatar has a simple visa process for international students with the highest visa acceptance rate.
Qatar’s study visa acceptance rate for international students is over 90 percent.
10. Qatar study visa for international students (SUMMARY)
1. Take a visa appointment at a nearby Qatar embassy or consulate. Choose the correct visa category. (short-term visa, long-term visa.)
2. Pay the visa fee and other processing charges. Provide them with enough financial resources in case you didn’t get scholarships.
3. Carefully Prepare the list of documents discussed above.
4. Do the visa interview & wait for the result. It can take some time.
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We try to cover each & everything about the topic, but if you still have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask us in the comments.
If You have any questions related to your Qatar study visa or any other study visa, you can also contact us for a live one-on-one session.
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