1.0 Definitions
1.1 The following words and expressions shall have the meanings hereby assigned to them:
1.1.1 Credit: A unit of measurement assigned to a Course based on the total amount of learning time that counts toward a Program or credential completion, at a particular level of the Qatar National Qualification Framework.
1.1.2 Micro-Credentials: Short, competency-based learning experiences that focus on specific skills, knowledge, or competencies. Micro-credentials are not part of a formal Program leading to a qualification but are designed to support lifelong learning, professional development, and skill enhancement in line with the University’s applied education approach.
1.1.3 Non-Credit Bearing Exchange: An international student mobility experience that does not result in the award or transfer of academic Credit toward a University credential. This includes activities such as short-term study tours, research placements, or training programs intended for cultural exposure, experiential learning, or professional development purposes.
1.1.4 Partner Institution: A university or college with which the University has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or agreement to collaborate on various initiatives, such as student exchange, research, academic programs, or other joint activities.
1.1.4 Program: A prescribed set of Courses leading to a qualification, including a Certificate, Diploma (2 years), Advanced Diploma (3 years), Bachelor, Post Graduate Diploma, Master, or Doctorate, according to the Qatar National Qualifications Framework.
1.1.5 Semester: A division of an Academic Year where a Student is enrolled in a Course(s) followed by an examination period.
1.1.6 Staff: Person(s) employed by the University.
1.1.7 Student: A person who is presently enrolled at the University in a Credit Course or who is designated by the University as a Student.
1.1.8 Student Exchange Program: A structured program that facilitates the exchange of students between the University and its Partner Institutions, while maintaining their enrollment status at the University and their home institution respectively.
1.1.9 University: University of Doha for Science and Technology established by Emiri Resolution No. 13 of 2022.
1.2 Where a word or phrase is given a particular meaning, other parts of speech and grammatical forms of that word or phrase have corresponding meanings.
1.3 Where the context requires, words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice-versa.
2.0 Policy Purpose
2.1 This policy aims to:
2.1.1 Establish a framework for the University’s Student Exchange Programs, providing opportunities for the University’s Students to gain international academic and non-academic experiences, as well as for exchange students from Partner Institutions to engage in academic and/or nonacademic programs at the University.
2.1.2 Provide University Students with the opportunity to gain international academic and non-academic experiences, support academic collaboration with partner institutions, and utilize established agreements.
3.0 Policy Scope
3.1 This policy applies to all undergraduate and graduate Students at the University who meet eligibility requirements for Student Exchange Programs, as well as the University Staff involved in Student Exchange Program administration. It also covers the roles and responsibilities of the University’s Staff, Partner Institutions, and any involved entities.
4.0 Policy Statement(s)
4.1 Subject to the requirements specified in the relevant procedures, Students may study at Partner Institutions for up to two Semesters, with their courses recognized for credit toward their degrees. Likewise, students enrolled at Partner Institutions can, subject to satisfying the requirements set out in the relevant procedures, take courses at the University, which may be credited toward their academic programs at their home institutions.
4.2 Principles for Students partaking in a Student Exchange Program
4.2.1 Students participating in Student Exchange Programs are assessed based on academic readiness, skills, and suitability and compliance with the eligibility criteria outlined in the relevant procedures.
4.2.2 Outgoing exchange Students must adhere to the rules and regulations of the host institution and country, demonstrating ethical and respectful conduct throughout their exchange period.
4.2.3 Students must meet eligibility criteria and language requirements set by the relevant Student Exchange Program, with the final acceptance determined by the host institution.
4.2.4 Outgoing exchange Students will graduate with a degree awarded solely by the University.
4.3 Principles for incoming exchange students
4.3.1 The University welcomes incoming exchange students from Partner Institutions for a maximum of two consecutive Semesters, offering them exposure to its academic and cultural environment.
4.3.2 Incoming exchange students must meet the University's eligibility and language requirements, as determined by the relevant procedures. Final acceptance is subject to the University's approval.
4.3.3 Subject to credit mapping agreements, alignment with academic standards and approval by the host institution, the University supports credit transfer arrangements for incoming exchange students.
4.3.4 Credit transfers are based on comparable standards, duration, credit hours, and course content between the University and the home institution.
4.3.5 Incoming exchange students are responsible for all expenses during their stay, including but not limited to, tuition, accommodation, travel, visas, insurance, and other related costs, as per the terms agreed with their home institution.
4.3.6 The University provides mentoring and support to incoming exchange students throughout their tenure, ensuring a seamless integration into the academic and cultural environment.
4.3.7 Incoming exchange students must adhere to the University’s Student Conduct Policy, accommodation-related policies, procedures and regulations, as well as the laws of the State of Qatar, and demonstrate ethical and respectful behavior at all times.
4.3.8 The University reserves the right to grant final approval for incoming exchange students who meet eligibility and language requirements.
4.3.9 Incoming exchange students remain enrolled at and will graduate with a degree awarded solely by their home institution. The University assumes no responsibility for degree conferral.
4.3.10 The University accepts no liability for academic, personal, or financial outcomes resulting from the exchange student’s participation in the Student Exchange Program, which does not create any entitlement to future admission, employment, or immigration benefits.
4.4 Program Participation and Eligibility:
4.4.1 Exchange students (outgoing or incoming) must meet the academic, language proficiency, and behavioral requirements defined in the relevant Student Exchange Program and associated procedures.
4.5 Program Options:
4.5.1 The University may offer various Student Exchange Program formats, including:
4.5.1.1 Bilateral Student Exchanges Programs.
4.5.1.2 Short-Term Study Programs.
4.5.1.3 Micro-Credentials.
4.5.1.4 Non-Credit bearing Exchange.
4.6 Credits and Academic Recognition:
4.6.1 The University ensures that Student Exchange Program Credits are transferable and aligned to the Students’ respective study plans and Program requirements, per the relevant procedure.
4.7 Financial Support:
4.7.1 The University may offer scholarships or subsidies, depending on resources and agreements with Partner Institutions.
4.7.2 Students who withdraw from or fail to complete an approved Student Exchange Program may be held responsible for academic and financial consequences.
4.7.3 The University reserves the right to enforce any financial or contractual obligations.
4.7.4 The University reserves the right to recover any financial aid, scholarship, or subsidy.
4.8 Responsibilities:
4.8.1 Students: Comply with the University and hosting Partner Institution’s policies.
4.8.2 Student Affairs Division: Oversee program administration.
4.8.3 Program Advisors: Guide Students in study plan development.
4.8.4 Partner Institutions: Provide academic and administrative support.
4.9 Risk Management and Student Welfare:
4.9.1 The University provides pre-departure orientations.
4.9.2 Students are required to have health and travel insurance.
4.9.3 The University may initiate disciplinary action.
4.10 Program Monitoring and Review:
4.10.1 The University will conduct regular Student Exchange Program reviews.
4.10.2 Participation does not constitute a contractual right.
4.10.3 The University reserves the right to amend or suspend exchange arrangements.
5.0 Procedures
5.1 The Vice-President, Student Affairs will ensure that procedures are developed for the execution of this policy and are implemented accordingly.
6.0 Related Documents
6.1 PL-ST-01 Student Conduct Policy
6.2 PL-ST-06 Transfer Policy
6.3 Memoranda of Understanding and Student Exchange Agreements with Partner Institutions
6.4 Student Exchange Agreement
6.2 PL-ST-06 Transfer Policy
6.3 Memoranda of Understanding and Student Exchange Agreements with Partner Institutions
6.4 Student Exchange Agreement