Expats relocating to this Middle Eastern nation will find themselves faced with many new challenges and confronted with countless moments of confusion, but one part of the transition process that doesn’t have to be overly complicated is the process of choosing your child’s school in Qatar. Most expats opt to send their children to private international schools, and often the most difficult dilemmas encountered stem from the scarcity of availability, not the issue of selection.

Early research can speed up enrolment process, and it’s recommended expat parents consult School Report Cards (2004 to 2009) to compare schools and start applying for admission sooner rather than later.

Independent public schools in Qatar

Independent public schools in Qatar receive government funding and tuition is free for Qatari’s and other eligible citizens. Most students are Qatari, although expats with connections might be admitted.

Overall the quality of public schools in Qatar is good, although some exceptions do exist.

As of 2009 the Qatari government implemented a system of standardised education under the guidance of the Supreme Education Council (SEC). This body oversees all educational institutions in Qatar and has made clear moves to standardise regulation of schools by requiring obligatory accreditation, board approval of school staff and enforcing stricter building regulations.

Private International Schools

Despite increased efforts by the local government to elevate the standard of schools, most expats enrol their children in private international schools in Doha.

Various curricula are on offer, including International Baccalaureate (IB), British, American, Indian, German, Japanese, Jordanian, etc. Most families choose a curriculum compatible with their home country, while those who move frequently often choose the more universal IB track. Embassies can advise if a school from you country is represented.

Additionally, expats may want to consider travel time when choosing a school. During rush hour it can take one hour to drive from one end of town to the other, and some children spend hours sitting on the bus each day. Expats should note that only some companies provide bus service.

While Qatar is in the process of developing their own accreditation system, international schools must still obtain accreditation from the country whose curriculum they represent.  Some schools are not accredited, and student work completed at an unaccredited school will likely not be accepted outside of Qatar. It’s essential expat parents confirm that a school is appropriately accredited prior to enrolment.

Tuition and availability

Other potential difficulties expats may need to anticipate revolve around hefty tuition fees and limited availability.

Fees for private schools are quite high, anywhere between 14,000 QAR to 65,000 QAR; and in addition to these annual costs, most schools levy a host of other non-refundable expenses, including: application, registration, material, uniforms, capital, re-enrolment and graduation fees. Parents may also be required to provide school materials not easily obtained in Qatar.

Even the little costs can add up to emaciate a bank balance, and it’s important expats try to negotiate ALL school fees into their contract! If you can’t, then do ensure that you budget for all applicable fees, and even those that you may not anticipate. Most fees are due at the beginning of the school year. Some schools do not officially offer payment plans but will nonetheless be willing to privately negotiate one.

Enrolment requires long-term planning. Apply for a spot as soon as possible. Open spaces in schools are rare and waiting lists can be long. Some expats find it vital to obtain a spot for their children in school before signing an employment contract. On the other hand, you may discover that someone else’s last minute contract change means an unexpected opening for your child. Some companies reserve spaces in schools. While all schools are multinational, some schools give priority to citizens of certain nationalities.

For those who simply cannot secure a space for their child in a preferred school, Cedars is a tutorial school that has a rolling admissions policy. This institution follows the British National Curriculum and caters to students who are on a waiting list or who need to learn or improve their English. Some students choose to remain at Cedars for the duration of their schooling and graduate.

Application and enrolment

To apply you can expect to pay a non-refundable application fee of up to 500 QAR. You must also fill out an application form, provide previous school documents, health history, physical exam and immunisation records. Some schools require a letter of recommendation, an on-site entrance exam and evaluation, as well as a language test.

Upon enrolment you will need to provide copies of the student’s residence permit (once obtained), passport copies, passport-sized photos and copies of immunisation records. Parents may also need to give copies of their residence permits.

The school year runs September to June, from 7:30am to 2pm. After-school activities extend the school day for children who opt in.

Homeschooling in Qatar

Homeschooling your child in Qatar is a possibility for those who have been registered accordingly in their home country.

Doha Home Educators has been pivotal in creating an organized network for home schoolers in Doha. Classroom lessons, activities, field trips, social interaction and sports events are regularly organized.