International Students

International Students

Welcome to UDST

Your Journey to UDST Starts Here

Discover. Prepare. Belong. Achieve.

Everything you need to know as an international student, from application to graduation and beyond.

200+
international students
30+
nationalities

Start Your Journey →

Boarding pass
FromHOMEYour country
ToDOHDoha, Qatar
PassengerFuture UDST Student
DepartureFall 2027
GateAdmissions
SeatReserved
 
 
Weather in Doha
Arriving in August? Expect about 40°C
SummerMay–Sep · 38–41°C
Spring & Autumn26–35°C
WinterDec–Feb · 22–24°C
Today's forecast →Typical daytime highs. Source: weather2travel.com
On this page
Your journeyAm I eligible?Tuition & feesKey datesApplyStudent storiesFAQsContact

Your International Student Journey

Choose a stage, then follow the route stop by stop.

1STAGE 1Before UDSTGet ready for your new journey 2STAGE 2Life at UDSTYour new home in Qatar 3STAGE 3Beyond UDSTYour future begins

Before UDST: Your Adventure Begins

5 stops

 
 
01Apply 02Accept 03Visa 04Prepare 05Travel
STOP01/05BEFORE UDST

Apply & Take Your Placement Tests

Choose your program, submit your online application and book your placement tests. The tests place you at the right level in English and Math.

  • Explore our programs and admission requirements
  • Prepare your documents
  • Submit your online application and pay the application fee (see the application gates under Departures & Boarding)
  • Book your placement tests during the application: Academic English (AEP) and Academic Math (AMP)
  • Or submit accepted international test scores to replace the placement tests
Placement testing determines your level in English and Math. Book your tests while you apply, or submit accepted international test scores instead.
Ready to apply? Go to the application gatesUseful LinksAll ProgramsGraduate StudiesAdmission RequirementsHow to ApplyPlacement Tests (Testing Centre)Book Placement TestsAmiri Scholarship
 Next stop: Accept →
STOP02/05BEFORE UDST

Accept Your Offer & Pay Your Deposit

Once you receive your offer, accept it and send the documents needed to start your student visa.

  • Accept your offer before the deadline in your offer letter
  • Pay the QAR 1,800 non-refundable student deposit (self-funded students)
  • Complete and sign the Financial Guarantor Declaration Form within 21 days of acceptance
  • Email a copy of your passport (valid for at least six months) and a recent digital passport photo to international@udst.edu.qa
Important: the deposit must be paid before your student visa can be processed. If you were shortlisted for the Amiri Scholarship, UDST applies for your visa for you.
Useful LinksTuition and Fees international@udst.edu.qa
← Previous stopNext stop: Visa →
STOP03/05BEFORE UDST

Get Your Student Visa

UDST applies for your student visa once you have paid your deposit, or once you are shortlisted for the Amiri Scholarship. Processing times vary.

  • Wait for confirmation that your student visa is approved
  • Keep your email open for messages from International Admissions
  • Do not travel to Qatar on any other visa
Do not enter Qatar on a tourist, Haya or on-arrival visa. Entering on a different visa will interfere with your student visa process. International students may arrive only on a UDST Student Visa.
Useful Links international@udst.edu.qa
← Previous stopNext stop: Prepare →
STOP04/05BEFORE UDST

Prepare for Your Journey

Get your documents attested at home, request housing, and pack what you need for life in Doha.

  • Attest your final high school transcript in your home country: certified translation if needed, then the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then the Embassy of Qatar
  • Master's students: attest your Bachelor degree certificate and transcript
  • Request student housing: scholarship recipients receive a shared room automatically; self-funded students may request a shared room (a private room is considered only for a documented medical condition, subject to availability)
  • Bring 6 passport-size photos with a blue background
  • Pack a UK-style plug adapter (Type G, 240V), any regular medication, and money for your first days (1 USD ≈ 3.64 QAR)
  • Read about life in Qatar before you travel: local laws, dress code and customs are explained in the Pre-Arrival Module
Attestation and equivalency: attest your documents at home before you travel and bring scanned copies of every page, front and back. The equivalency letter is done after you arrive and receive your Qatar ID. Both are due by the end of your first semester. Missing them may lead to withdrawal of admission and visa cancellation.
Useful Links international@udst.edu.qa studenthousing@udst.edu.qa Tuition and Fees
← Previous stopNext stop: Travel →
STOP05/05BEFORE UDST

Travel to Doha

Book your flight only after your visa is approved and UDST confirms your arrival.

  • Share your arrival date and flight details with International Admissions and International Student Affairs
  • Wait for UDST's arrival confirmation before booking
  • Carry your original passport, student visa copy and UDST acceptance letter
  • Amiri Scholarship students: UDST arranges and issues your airline ticket
Airport pick-up: if you are staying in UDST housing, the UDST Welcome team will meet you at Hamad International Airport arrivals with a UDST sign and take you to your housing. Otherwise you can take a taxi, Uber or Careem.
Useful Links international@udst.edu.qa internationalstudentaffairs@udst.edu.qa
← Previous stopContinue to Life at UDST ✈

Life at UDST: Learn, Explore, Belong

5 stops

 
 
01Arrive 02Register 03Qatar ID 04Study 05Belong
STOP01/05LIFE AT UDST

Arrival & Welcome

Welcome to Qatar! Let us know you have arrived so we can complete your admission and settle you in.

  • Email International Admissions to confirm your arrival
  • Attend the housing orientation if you are in UDST housing
  • Get a local SIM card when you arrive, at the airport or in town (Ooredoo or Vodafone)
  • Tell International Student Affairs if you travel or move out of housing
  • Getting around: Doha Metro, Karwa taxis, Uber or Careem; the UDST housing bus schedule is shared with housing residents
Emergency numbers: Police, ambulance and fire 999 · Hamad Medical Corporation 16000 · UDST campus emergency 4495 2999 · UDST security 4495 2800.
Useful Links international@udst.edu.qa internationalstudentaffairs@udst.edu.qa New Student Information
 Next stop: Register →
STOP02/05LIFE AT UDST

Orientation & Registration

Join orientation, register for your courses and keep your international student status.

  • Attend New Student Orientation (AHLAN) and International Student Orientation
  • Register for your courses through Student Self-Service
  • Enroll every semester until you graduate
  • Take at least 12 credits in Fall and Winter, and 6 credits in Spring
  • Complete at least 30 credits each academic year
  • Need an exception to the credit rules? Contact International Admissions first; approval is case by case
Keep your status: international students must meet these credit requirements to keep their international student status. Use your UDST student email for all university updates.
Useful LinksRegistrationAcademic CalendarRegistration videoRegistration User Manual (PDF)
← Previous stopNext stop: Qatar ID →
STOP03/05LIFE AT UDST

Qatar ID, Health Card & Banking

Apply for your Qatar Residence Permit (Qatar ID) soon after you arrive. You will need it for everything else.

  • Submit your original passport, student visa copy and 6 blue-background photos to the International Education Senior Specialist (Building 6, Office 6.1.10h)
  • Complete the medical check and fingerprinting (your class absence will be excused)
  • Once your Qatar ID is issued, make sure your mobile number is registered under your Qatar ID and linked to the Metrash2 app
  • Get your Hamad health card
  • Open a bank account; ask International Student Affairs for a bank letter
  • Once your Qatar ID is issued, collect your equivalency request letter from International Admissions (Office 3.1.09), apply on the MOEHE portal, then email the equivalency letter and attested transcript to international@udst.edu.qa
Health card: students in UDST housing receive the Hamad health card through UDST. Students in private accommodation apply at their nearest Primary Health Care Centre. Qatar ID renewal and cancellation costs are covered by UDST.
Useful Links internationalstudentaffairs@udst.edu.qa international@udst.edu.qa
← Previous stopNext stop: Study →
STOP04/05LIFE AT UDST

Academic Journey & Support

Support is available throughout your studies, from advising to counselling.

  • Meet your academic advisor through Student Central Services
  • Use peer tutoring, academic help centres and the Learning Commons
  • Access free, confidential counselling and accessibility services
  • Pay tuition and fees at the Finance Window (Building 3) by card or wire transfer; cash is not accepted. For wire transfer details, email FinanceHelpdesk@udst.edu.qa
Useful LinksStudent Central ServicesCounselling and AccessibilityTuition and Fees
← Previous stopNext stop: Belong →
STOP05/05LIFE AT UDST

Campus Life & Community

Make friends, explore Qatar and make the most of your time at UDST.

  • Join the International Student Association and annual international student events
  • Join student clubs, the Student Council and Sport & Wellness
  • Apply for the Student Employment Program
  • Read the Insider, our bi-weekly international student update
DownloadsPre-Arrival Module (PDF)Useful LinksStudent EngagementSport and Wellness internationalstudentaffairs@udst.edu.qa
← Previous stopContinue to Beyond UDST ✈

Beyond UDST: Your Next Chapter

4 stops

 
 
01Graduate 02Clear 03Residency 04Connect
STOP01/04BEYOND UDST

Graduation Readiness

Make sure you meet all requirements before your final term.

  • Review your graduation requirements
  • Apply for graduation
  • Meet your advisor
Useful LinksGraduation Requirements
 Next stop: Clear →
STOP02/04BEYOND UDST

Final Clearance

Before your visa can be cancelled, all university departments must confirm your clearance.

  • Academic and library clearance
  • Financial clearance
  • Housing check-out (if applicable)
Useful Links international@udst.edu.qa
← Previous stopNext stop: Residency →
STOP03/04BEYOND UDST

Residency & Departure

Your residency is sponsored by UDST, so you must inform us before you leave Qatar, whether or not you have completed your studies.

  • Email international@udst.edu.qa before you leave Qatar
  • Request your Qatar ID cancellation at least 2 months before you leave
  • Request your Qatar ID renewal at least 2 months before it expires
  • For renewal or cancellation, provide your Qatar ID, 1 photo and your national address; UDST covers the cost
  • If you get a new passport and need your Qatar ID updated, this cost is paid by the student
Important: leaving Qatar without informing UDST will register your passport as absconding, which leads to an entry ban and other legal issues.
Useful Links international@udst.edu.qa internationalstudentaffairs@udst.edu.qa
← Previous stopNext stop: Connect →
STOP04/04BEYOND UDST

Careers & Alumni

Your UDST journey continues after graduation.

  • Get career coaching, CV help and interview practice from Career Services
  • Join the alumni network
  • Attend alumni events
Useful LinksStudent Central ServicesAlumni studentemployment@udst.edu.qa
← Previous stopStart your journey: Apply Now →

Check-in: Eligibility & Tuition

Check if you are eligible, then estimate your UDST tuition and university fees.

1Am I eligible?2Tuition & fees
First, which degree are you applying for?
 
Bachelor's or Diploma
You have finished, or are finishing, high school (Grade 12). Use the eligibility check below.
Check below ↓
 
Master's degree
You already have a Bachelor's degree. The check below is not for you: choose your Master's program to see its requirements.

View Master's programs & requirements →

🧮

Bachelor's & Diploma only

Check your eligibility

For high school (Grade 12) applicants to Bachelor's and Diploma programs. Enter your Grade 12 results as percentages; your result updates as you type.

IELTS needs no band below 5.0, and TOEFL no section below 12. Not graded in percentages (British, IB, American, Indian, Pakistani)? UDST converts your grades during the admission review.

Your result
Start by choosing a collegeThen enter your grades to see if you meet the minimum requirements.
  •  

This is a guide only. Admission is competitive and depends on program capacity and the full review of your application.

Good to know: SAT and ACT Math replace the UDST Math placement test only, not Grade 12 Mathematics. Admission is competitive: meeting the minimums makes you eligible to be considered, not guaranteed a place. Some programs have extra requirements, such as a portfolio or interview.
Requirements by curriculumPlacement tests
💰

Estimate

Calculate your tuition

UDST tuition and university fees for international students in Bachelor's, Diploma and Master's programs, for one semester or the full academic year.

Fall
Winter
Spring
Your tuition rateQAR 1,463per credit hourBachelor's · Business

Executive Master of Health Administration (EMHA): QAR 136,000 total program tuition, plus materials and supplies QAR 150 per semester and student services QAR 150 per academic year.

International students take at least 12 credits in Fall and Winter, and at least 6 in Spring.

Estimated cost for one semester
QAR 0
!Minimum credits: international students must take at least 12 credits in Fall and Winter, and 6 in Spring, to keep their student status.
  • Loading… 

Estimate of tuition and university fees. Textbooks and course materials are not included. Your student account shows the final amount.

 
This estimate covers UDST tuition and university fees only
It does not include books and course materials, flights, accommodation, meals or personal living costs. For housing and meal prices, contact the Student Housing team.

studenthousing@udst.edu.qa

Estimate only. International students must take at least 12 credits in Fall and Winter and 6 credits in Spring. Based on the published UDST fees; your student account shows the final amount. Scholarship recipients should check what their scholarship covers.
Full tuition and feesAmiri ScholarshipScholarships & Financial Aid

Departures & Boarding

Key dates for international applicants (Fall 2027), and where to start your application.

✈ DEPARTURESFALL 2027 INTAKE · DOHA (DOH)
FLIGHTDATESTEPGATESTATUS
UD0115 OCT 2026Applications openOnlineOPENS
UD0201 NOV 2026Placement testing opensTesting CentreOPENS
UD0310 JAN – 31 MAR 2027Amiri Scholarship windowOnlineWINDOW
UD0431 JAN 2027Early acceptance deadlineOnlineDEADLINE
UD0515 FEB 2027Early acceptance decisions beginEmailDECISIONS
UD0628 FEB 2027Online applications closeOnlineFINAL CALL
UD0707 MAR 2027Portfolio deadline (Digital Communication & Media Production)OnlineDEADLINE
UD0811 MAR 2027Last day for placement testingTesting CentreDEADLINE
UD0921 MAR 2027Regular admission decisions beginEmailDECISIONS
UD1031 JUL 2027Final school results and missing documents duePortalDEADLINE

!

Visa reminder: after your offer, accept it, pay the QAR 1,800 deposit and return the Financial Guarantor Declaration Form within 21 days. UDST can start your student visa only after this, and processing takes time, so act early.
Full admissions timeline

Questions Along the Way?

When is the international application deadline?

For Fall 2027, the international application deadline is 28 February 2027.

Who pays the QAR 1,800 deposit, and is it refundable?

Self-funded students, and students not shortlisted for a scholarship, pay a QAR 1,800 non-refundable deposit. It must be paid before UDST can process your student visa.

Does UDST arrange my student visa?

Yes. UDST applies for your student visa once you have paid your deposit, or once you are shortlisted for the Amiri Scholarship. Processing times vary.

Can I enter Qatar on a tourist or on-arrival visa and change it later?

No. International students may arrive only on a UDST Student Visa. Entering on a tourist, Haya or on-arrival visa will interfere with your student visa process.

When can I book my flight?

Only after your student visa is approved and UDST has confirmed your arrival. Share your flight details with International Admissions and International Student Affairs.

What documents should I bring when I arrive?

Your original passport, student visa copy, UDST acceptance letter, 6 passport-size photos with a blue background, and scanned copies of your attested transcript (every page, front and back).

When do I submit my attestation and equivalency?

Attest your documents in your home country before you travel. Apply for the equivalency letter after you arrive and receive your Qatar ID. Submit both to international@udst.edu.qa by the end of your first semester.

How many credits must I take?

At least 12 credits in Fall and Winter, at least 6 credits in Spring, and at least 30 credits each academic year, enrolling every semester until you graduate.

Does UDST provide student housing?

Yes. Scholarship recipients receive a shared room automatically. Self-funded students may request a shared room; housing fees are listed on the UDST website. For details, email studenthousing@udst.edu.qa .

Student Stories

Hear from international students who made the journey to UDST.

 
UDST
GRADUATED
DOH
“With hard work, faith, and consistency, that can be you too.”
Sarra Chouk
B.Sc. Data Science and Artificial Intelligence · College of Computing and IT · Highest honors, 4.0 CGPA
Read the full story

Graduating from UDST with a Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence with highest honors and a 4.0 CGPA is an achievement I will always be proud of.

The past four years pushed me in ways I did not expect. Alongside my studies, I worked as a Research Assistant, completed industry internships, supported university initiatives, and had the chance to present projects abroad and attend international programs I was nominated for, opportunities that UDST made accessible and continuously encouraged me to pursue.

Some days were genuinely exhausting, and finding balance was not always realistic, especially as an international student living away from my family. Still, I kept showing up, supported by a community that made campus feel like more than just a place of study. I am grateful for the knowledge, skills, and resilience I gained along the way. This chapter has shaped me in ways I will carry with me wherever I go.

My advice to future international students would be to stay committed and most importantly consistent. Embrace every opportunity, give it your full effort, and never decide that something is impossible before you try. From my first day at UDST, I held on to my goals and kept working toward them, and Alhamdulillah, this journey led me to be recognized by Her Excellency Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, Minister of Education and Higher Education in Qatar, during my graduation, a moment I will always remember. And to any future international student reading this, I hope you know that with hard work, faith, and consistency, that can be you too.

 
UDST
WELCOME
DOH
“The doors opened here are gateways to your future success.”
Muaz Albaghdadi
College of Computing and IT · AI and cognitive cybersecurity
Read the full story

My journey at UDST has been an incredibly rewarding experience that has profoundly shaped my academic and professional trajectory. From the moment I arrived in Qatar, I found a vibrant campus environment where there was always something dynamic happening. I particularly appreciated how the university went beyond the classroom to provide meaningful off-campus activities, which allowed us as international students to discover and embrace the culture of Qatar from our very first steps in the country.

What I enjoyed most about my time at UDST was the constant encouragement to engage with the broader professional community. The university frequently hosted workshops, winter schools, and conferences in partnership with major global tech companies. These opportunities were invaluable; they helped me focus on industry-relevant skills from an early stage and allowed me to build significant professional connections within my field of AI and cognitive cybersecurity.

The culture of innovation and participation at UDST pushed me to test my limits. With the university's consistent support, I participated in numerous cybersecurity and AI competitions, which ultimately led me to secure first place in a cybersecurity Capture the Flag (CTF) competition organized by one of our industry partners.

To future international students, my advice is to fully immerse yourselves in every opportunity UDST offers. Whether it is through campus activities, industry conferences, or technical competitions, the doors opened here are gateways to your future success.

 
UDST
ARRIVED
DOH
“Since coming to Qatar, I've felt completely at home.”
Bashar Diknash
Automation Engineering · College of Engineering
Read the full story

My experience as an Automation Engineering student at UDST has been nothing short of exceptional. From inspiring lectures to hands-on lab projects, the applied nature of the university has allowed me to learn and create things I once thought were impossible.

What makes UDST truly special, though, is its people. Everyone, students and instructors alike, feels more like a friend than a colleague, and no one hesitates to help. I've even had the privilege of working alongside the incredible Ms. Ariba to help improve the experience of international students, from course registration to navigating university life, and that opportunity alone says a lot about how UDST empowers its students to make a real difference.

Since coming to Qatar, I've felt completely at home, and Alhamdulillah for everything I've been able to achieve here. My advice to future international students: always say yes to self-development. Competitions, volunteering, extracurriculars: these are the experiences that will stick with you for a lifetime.

Need Help? Contact the Right Team

Details like visa and housing rules can change, so email the team directly for the latest information.

AdmissionsApplications, documents, deadlines and offers+974 4495 2584 international@udst.edu.qa
Visa & DocumentsStudent visa, attestation and equivalency+974 4495 2584 international@udst.edu.qa
HousingStudent accommodation and move-in studenthousing@udst.edu.qa
Student SupportArrival, Qatar ID, health card and life at UDST+974 4495 2015 internationalstudentaffairs@udst.edu.qa

Ready to start your journey?

Your place at UDST is waiting. Apply online today, or contact our Admissions team with any questions.

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