Doha Institute for Graduate Studies
Doha, 🇶🇦 Qatar Private Non-Profit
#3 National
#3 National
450 students 55% international Urban $15k - $20k/yr
About Doha Institute for Graduate Studies
The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI) is an independent institution of higher education established in 2015 in Doha, Qatar. It offers Master's and PhD programs with a focus on social sciences, humanities, public administration, and development economics. The institute aims to foster critical thinking, interdisciplinary research, and to prepare a new generation of academics and professionals for the Arab region and beyond.
The Doha Institute offers MA and PhD programs across two main schools: the School of Social Sciences and Humanities and the School of Economics, Administration and Public Policy. The institute adopts a student-centered approach to learning, promoting interdisciplinary research and integrating teaching with scientific research. While Arabic is the primary language of instruction, fluency in English is a requirement for admission. Programs cover diverse fields such as philosophy, history, sociology, political science, media and cultural studies, public policy, and development economics.
The Doha Institute values the diverse perspectives international students bring and provides support throughout the admissions process, including guidance on language proficiency tests, credential evaluations, and visa documentation. The Student Services Department assists with non-academic matters from enrollment to graduation, offering services like housing options, new student orientation, and assistance with IDs and health cards. International students receiving a monthly allowance are committed to 80 mandatory student work hours per semester, which can include roles as research or administrative assistants. The institute also offers various scholarships, including fully funded options that may cover tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel tickets for international students.
The Doha Institute campus spans 112,000 square meters and features 23 buildings, encompassing educational, administrative, residential, recreational, and social facilities designed with both modern and authentic Arab urban aesthetics. The campus includes outdoor swimming pools, green spaces, and seating areas, and provides underground parking for 550 cars. Doha itself is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, offering international students opportunities to explore modern skylines, waterfront promenades, and iconic landmarks like the Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif.
The institute's career advising office provides comprehensive support for students and graduates, including CV revision sessions, job interview preparation, and workshops on employability skills. They also organize an annual career fair to connect students and alumni with governmental and non-governmental organizations offering professional opportunities. The institute aims to graduate researchers and practitioners who can advance knowledge and respond to the needs of the Arab region. While specific employment rates are not readily available, the focus on leadership-focused training and strong industry connections suggests a commitment to preparing students for successful careers.
Academics
The Doha Institute offers MA and PhD programs across two main schools: the School of Social Sciences and Humanities and the School of Economics, Administration and Public Policy. The institute adopts a student-centered approach to learning, promoting interdisciplinary research and integrating teaching with scientific research. While Arabic is the primary language of instruction, fluency in English is a requirement for admission. Programs cover diverse fields such as philosophy, history, sociology, political science, media and cultural studies, public policy, and development economics.
International Students
The Doha Institute values the diverse perspectives international students bring and provides support throughout the admissions process, including guidance on language proficiency tests, credential evaluations, and visa documentation. The Student Services Department assists with non-academic matters from enrollment to graduation, offering services like housing options, new student orientation, and assistance with IDs and health cards. International students receiving a monthly allowance are committed to 80 mandatory student work hours per semester, which can include roles as research or administrative assistants. The institute also offers various scholarships, including fully funded options that may cover tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel tickets for international students.
Campus & Location
The Doha Institute campus spans 112,000 square meters and features 23 buildings, encompassing educational, administrative, residential, recreational, and social facilities designed with both modern and authentic Arab urban aesthetics. The campus includes outdoor swimming pools, green spaces, and seating areas, and provides underground parking for 550 cars. Doha itself is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, offering international students opportunities to explore modern skylines, waterfront promenades, and iconic landmarks like the Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif.
Career Outcomes
The institute's career advising office provides comprehensive support for students and graduates, including CV revision sessions, job interview preparation, and workshops on employability skills. They also organize an annual career fair to connect students and alumni with governmental and non-governmental organizations offering professional opportunities. The institute aims to graduate researchers and practitioners who can advance knowledge and respond to the needs of the Arab region. While specific employment rates are not readily available, the focus on leadership-focused training and strong industry connections suggests a commitment to preparing students for successful careers.
Highlights
- Independent, 2015 establishment
- Master's, PhD programs
- Social sciences, humanities focus
- Arabic instruction, English fluency
- Generous international student support
Subject Areas
Social SciencesHumanitiesPublic AdministrationDevelopment Economics
Student Life & Support
Visa Support Campus Housing Work Placements Sports Facilities Disability Support Scholarships Available
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Offers programs in:
Computer Science Humanities Law Linguistics & Literature Social Sciences
Master Programs (18)
Master of Arts in Conflict Management and Humanitarian Action
Conflict Studies
24 months Arabic Full-time
Master of Arts in Development Economics
Economics
Economics
24 months Arabic Full-time
Master of Arts in History
History
History
24 months Arabic Full-time
Master of Arts in Human Rights
Human Rights
International Law
24 months Arabic Full-time
Master of Arts in International Relations
International Relations
International Relations
24 months Arabic Full-time
Master of Arts in Journalism
Journalism
24 months Arabic Full-time
Master of Arts in Linguistics and Arabic Lexicography
Linguistics
Linguistics
24 months Arabic Full-time
Master of Arts in Comparative Literature
Literature
Literature
24 months Arabic Full-time
Master of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies
Media and Cultural Studies
24 months Arabic Full-time
Master of Arts in Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy
24 months Arabic Full-time
Master of Arts in Political Science
Political Science
Political Science
24 months Arabic Full-time
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
Psychology
Psychology
24 months Arabic Full-time
Master of Arts in Psychology
Psychology
Psychology
24 months Arabic Full-time
Master of Arts in Public Administration
Public Administration
Public Administration
24 months Arabic Full-time
Master of Arts in Public Policy
Public Policy
Public Administration
24 months Arabic Full-time
Master of Arts in Critical Security Studies
Security Studies
Cybersecurity
24 months Arabic Full-time
Master of Arts in Social Work
Social Work
Social Work
24 months Arabic Full-time
Master of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology
Sociology and Anthropology
Sociology
24 months Arabic Full-time
PhD Programs (8)
PhD in Development Economics
Development Economics
Economics
48 months Arabic Full-time
PhD in History
History
History
48 months Arabic Full-time
PhD in Linguistics and Arabic Lexicography
Linguistics
Linguistics
48 months Arabic Full-time
PhD in Media and Cultural Studies
Media and Cultural Studies
48 months Arabic Full-time
PhD in Political Science
Political Science
Political Science
48 months Arabic Full-time
PhD in Public Administration
Public Administration
Public Administration
48 months Arabic Full-time
PhD in Public Policy
Public Policy
Public Administration
48 months Arabic Full-time
PhD in Sociology and Anthropology
Sociology and Anthropology
Sociology
48 months Arabic Full-time
5.5+ IELTS
59+ TOEFL
3+ GPA
Acceptance Rate Moderate (40-60%)
Intakes Fall
Application Deadline January 15, 2026
Tuition (per year) $15k - $20k/yr
Teaching Language Arabic, English
Student : Faculty 6:1
Accreditation
Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) in the United KingdomMinistry of Education and Higher Education in QatarFoundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA)Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
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