Qatar University

In 1973, Qatar’s first national College of Education was founded following a decree by the Emir of Qatar in his vision to place education as a priority in the country’s expansion. Among a small population, the college admitted a respectable 57 male and 93 female students in its first year. The country’s rapid development highlighted the need to expand the College to provide additional areas of specialization in line with the needs of the population. Hence in 1977, Qatar University was founded with four new colleges -- Education, Humanities & Social Sciences, Sharia, Law & Islamic Studies, and Science.

The College of Engineering was later established in 1980, followed by the College of Business and Economics. The University added the Pharmacy Program to its academic portfolio in 2006 – the first in Qatar -- and later established it as the College of Pharmacy in 2008.

Today, Qatar University comprises eight colleges: Arts and Sciences; Business and Economics; Education; Engineering; Law; Pharmacy; Sharia and Islamic Studies; and Medicine. The university has over the years added a wide range of new programs that are aligned with the growing needs of the labor market and the aspirations of the society it serves.

It currently boasts a population of over 14,000 students and an alumni body of over 30,000. In 2003, Qatar University embarked on an ambitious Reform Plan to increase the efficiency of its administrative and academic processes. To this end, a university-wide Strategic Plan 2010-2013 was launched, incorporating Key Performance Areas that focus on promoting quality education and efficient and effective services. The Plan also placed research and community service as key priority areas in accordance with the goals outlined in the university’s mission and vision.Reed more about the reform project.

Other developments included seeking accreditation for its colleges and programs in line with international standards of quality and excellence, for which it has had a number of successes