Qatar University

Qatar University (Arabic: جامعة قطر‎; transliterated: Jami'at Qatar) is a public university in Qatar, located on the northern outskirts of the capital Doha. In 2009 there were 8,221 students, of whom 73% were female. Courses are taught in Arabic (in education, arts and social sciences courses) or English (in natural sciences, engineering and business courses). The university is the only government university in the country. The university currently hosts seven colleges – Arts and Sciences, Business and Economics, Education, Engineering, Law, Sharia and Islamic Studies, and a newly instated College of Pharmacy – with a total of almost 8000 students at a 13:1 student-teacher ratio. Additionally, students entering the university are initially placed in a “Foundation Program”, which ensures the acquirement of regionally crucial skills such as math, English, and computer technology.

Qatar University offers the widest range of academic programs in the State of Qatar, most of which are for undergraduates. Many of its academic departments have received or are currently under evaluation for accreditation from leading organizations. In addition to undergraduate academics, QU has a research infrastructure including advanced research labs, an ocean vessel, cutting-edge technical equipment and a large library housing thousands of books, including an invaluable collection of rare manuscripts. The University commonly serves on behalf of the government and private industry to conduct regional research, particularly in areas of the environment and energy technologies. Qatar University has a diverse student body comprising over fifty-two nationalities, the majority of which are Qatari nationals. Women make up approximately 70% of the student population, and are provided their own set of facilities and classrooms. QU has an alumni body of over 30,000 graduates.