You will find below a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in Qatar with fee information. The list includes nursery schools, primary and secondary (high) schools for you to find the right school to prepare for the International Baccalaureate and other accreditation in Qatar. Some schools may follow the American, Canadian or British curriculums with English speaking programs while others are regulated under the French, German or Filipino system.

Education in Qatar

The Ministry of Education (MOE) overseas the educational system in Qatar. There are many facilities that offer pre-school, primary and secondary education in Qatar. Education is free for all Qatari citizens from kindergarten to high school. Most public schools have separate schools for boys and girls.

The majority of schools have English as their language of instruction. State or public schools are known as independent schools and are government-funded and most of the pupils are Qatari. Non-Qatari children may be permitted to enrol under special circumstances.

There are five stages of education in Qatar:

• Pre-school Stage (Ages 3 to 5) - Preschool is mainly run by the private sector in Qatar.
• Elementary Stage (Grades 1 to 6) - Admission age is normally 6. Primary education is compulsory.
• Preparatory Stage (Grades 7 to 9) - Upon completion of preparatory school, children can proceed to a general, commercial or technical secondary school.
• Secondary Stage (Grades 10 to 12)
• Post-secondary Stage

The school year in Qatar is from early September to the third week of June and is divided into two terms.

International Schools

Qatar is home to several private and international schools monitored by the country’s Supreme Education Council (SEC). International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in Qatar. Popular curricula such as the International Baccalaureate, British, American, French and Indian (Central Board of Secondary Education) are commonly followed by schools in Qatar. There are also schools that follow the curricula of different Arab communities such as Lebanese, Egyptian and Jordanian, and independent schools that are operated directly under the supervision of the SEC. Some employers include an allowance to cover the costs of international school as it is quite pricey.

Schools usually follow a curriculum model from the US, UK, or other. Private and international schools are largely co-educational. Primary instruction may be any language (and multiple languages are usually taught), but it is usually in English. School usually starts in September. Many schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam. Schools often provide internationally accepted accreditation such as the international baccalaureate.

Admission to International Schools in Qatar

Admission to most private schools in Doha is limited to Qatari nationals so children of expat's usually attend international schools. The ideal time to apply for schools is in January, if you would like your child to enroll in September. It is recommended to register with as many schools as possible and to be aware of the Ministry of Education (MOE) cut-off date for registration. Wait lists for some schools can be up to 24 months.

To apply to an international school in Doha you may be asked to present:

• Latest school report
• Copy of nursery report (for younger children)
• Copy of passport
• Copy of Qatar Residence Permit
• Passport sized photographs
• Immunization records (for younger children)
• Application fee

Accreditation & Membership

• Council of International Schools (CoIS) is a non-profit association of international schools and post-secondary institutions which provides educational accreditation, teacher and leadership recruitment services, links to higher education, governance assistance and help with founding new schools.
• Council of British International Schools (COBIS) is a responsive organisation that serves, supports and represents its member schools.
• British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) provides a quality-assured network of schools helping Heads and Teachers share best practice and keep abreast of the latest educational developments. BSME runs its own Accreditation System.

International Schools in Ar-Rayyan

Gulf English School
Address: Al Gharrafa St, Ar-Rayyan 2440, Qatar
Tel: 974 4457 8777
Annual Tuition Rates: 26,558 - 49,579 QR per year

The Gulf English School does indeed use English and is college preparatory. The curriculum is based on the National Curriculum of England and Wales from primary to secondary school and has the IB Diploma Programme. Criteria for enrolment include age, English language proficiency, previous school records, learning achievement, special learning needs considerations, and space availability. It is accredited by CoIS and BSME. Uniforms are required.

International Schools in Doha

Al-Jazeera Academy
Address: P.O.Box 22250
Mesaimeer, Doha- Qatar
Tel: +974 4469 3777
Email: registrar@aja.edu.qa
Tuition Rates: 22,138 - 46,552 per year

Al Jazeera Academy offers primary (ages 1-6), secondary girls (ages 7-13) and secondary boys (ages 7-13) schools as well as an Early Learning Centre (kindergarten). It follows an international English curriculum, with IGCSE for secondary school and IB or Cambridge International Diplomas.

Al Khor International School (AKIS)
Address: Onaiza 65, Doha, Qatar
Tel: 974 4473 3688
Tuition Rates: 13,151 - 40,755 QR per year

This school follows British curriculum and includes Islamic studies. All students who have Arabic as their mother tongue are required to study Arabic as a first language. As part of the British Curriculum, students who do not speak Arabic as their mother tongue will have the option to study it as a second language. All students will study Qatar history up to the age of 15. It is accredited by CoIS, COBIS, BSOs and BSME. Uniforms are required.

Al-Maha English Schools
Tel: 974 4469 1965
Email: admin@almahaschools.org.qa
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

The Al-Maha English schools include Al Maha Mamoura Kindergarten, Al Maha Girls Primary and Secondary and Al Maha Boys Primary. Al-Maha English schools teach a UK British National curriculum alongside the National Arabic and Islamic Studies curriculum of Qatar. This school is registered as a British school in the UK and is affiliated with the Cambridge-University of London.

American Academy School Qatar
Address: PO Box 22978 Doha
Tel: 974 44551278
Tuition Rates: 10,536 - 17,478 QR per year

The school offers American curriculum for grades 1 to 12. College exams including SAT, IELTS, TOFEL, ICDL, and the American Academy School diploma granted to the Grade 12 students is equivalent to General Secondary Certificates granted by the Ministry of Education to the students who graduated from government schools. Uniforms are required.

American School of Doha (ASD)
Address: Al Bustan Street/ E Ring Road, Al Waab/ Al Soudan District, SW Quadrant, Doha, Qatar
Tel: 974 4459 1500
Tuition Rates: 32,858 - 71,254 QR per year

Founded by a United States Ambassador, ASD is an independent, U.S. accredited, English-language, college preparatory school. It includes an elementary, middle and high school and teaches American curriculum. Its facilities include a swimming pool, tennis court, basketball court, libraries, and a gymnasium. Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program are offered. It is accredited by CoIS and NEASC. Uniforms are required.

Cambridge School
Address: P.O. Box 22580, Al-Madeed Street
Mamoura Area, Doha, Qatar
Tel: +974 4469 6590
Tuition Rates: 12,000 - 32,000 QR per year

The Cambridge School offers IGCSE curriculum to students from Kindergarten to Year 9. Following the National Curriculum for England, subjects include English, Mathematics, Geography, History, Sciences, ICT, Arts & Physical Education. As part of the host country curriculum requirements - Arabic and Islamic Studies is also offered. It provides for a Cambridge International Examination Board curriculum that offers internationally recognized qualifications. At age 16 (Year 11) students sit their IGCSE (International General Certificate of Education).

Compass International School – Madinat Khalifa
Address: Building 34, Street 926, Zone 32, Doha, Qatar
Tel: 974 4034 9888
Tuition Rates: 60,899 - 68,342 QR per year

This is a British International school located over three campuses. Founded in 2010, it is part of the  Nord Anglia Education group and caters to students from year 1 to year 13. The school follows International Primary Curriculum, English National Curriculum, to IGCSE. Students may earn the IB Diploma. Students are asigned to different houses to create community. Compass International School Doha is accredited as a Cambridge International as a centre for the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). Uniforms are required.

Cambridge International School for Girls
Address: P.O. Box 23018
Al Nuaija East, Doha-Qatar
Tel: +974 4465 9106
Email: cisg@qatar.net.qa
Tuition Rates: 12,868 - 40,554 QR per year

The Cambridge International School for Girls in Doha follows the UK National curriculum for students from Kindergarten to Year 12. The programmes of study all lead to the gaining of IGCSE and A level qualifications from the University of Cambridge International Examinations Board.

Doha Academy
Address: PO Box 9691
Tel: 974 4469 9570
Tuition Rates: 44,975 - 72,191 QR per year

Doha Academy is an independent, privately-owned day school for students aged 3 to 18. The school uses British-based curriculum and prepares students for the University of Cambridge International and EDEXCEL examinations. It follows Muslim customs and boys and girls are separated from year 6 upwards. Doha Academy has five divisions on three campuses. Uniforms are required.

Doha British School (DBS)
Address: Rawdat Al Sagah St. Doha, Qatar
Tel: 974 4019 8000
Tuition Rates: 44,975 - 72,191 QR per year

A co-educational international IB World school for students from pre-school to Year 13. Instruction is in English with Arabic, French and Spanish also offered. The school offers the National Curriculum for England that meets the standards set by Qatar’s National Schools Accreditation process. Students may earn the opportunity to complete International General Certificate of Secondary Education (International GCSE) qualifications during years 10 and 11. Uniforms are required.

Doha College (DC)
Address: PO Box 7506 Doha, State of Qatar; Al Farouq Street and Al Bustan Street
Tel: 974 4407 6777
Tuition Rates: 44,975 - 72,191 QR per year

Doha College is an international school with curriculum based on the National Curriculum of England. It is sponsored by the British Embassy and one of the oldest British curriculum schools in Qatar. It caters to children to from the age of 3 to 18 years with a slight majority of British students. It is is a non-profit organisation. All teaching staff are fully qualified and the majority are UK trained and its curriculum leads to (I)GCSE qualification and AS and A level qualifications. Doha College is a selective entry school. There are two campuses. It is accredited by COBIS, CoIS, BSME. Uniforms are required.

Doha English Speaking School (DESS)
Address: P.O. Box 7660Doha, Qatar
Tel: 974 4487 0170
Email: dess@qatar.net.qa
Tuition Rates: starts at 12,100 QR per term

The Doha English Speaking School follows a UK curriculum for children ages 3 to 10. Although the admissions policy prioritizes British children, the school has a strong international element. It is one of the oldest British schools in Qatar, offering British Curriculum with UK-qualified teachers. The Curriculum is split into three different stages, according to a child’s age, Foundation Stage (children aged 3-5), Key Stage 1 (children aged 5-7) and Key Stage 2 (children aged 7-11). Uniforms are required.

Doha Modern Indian School (DMIS)
Address: P.O. Box 47391 Abu Hamour, Doha-Qatar
Tel: 974 4458 3121
Email: dmis@qatar.net.qa
Tuition Rates: 12,000-40,000 QR per year

Doha Modern Indian School offers boarding and instruction to students in Kindergarten to Senior Secondary school. DMIS follows a CBSE curriculum.

English Modern School
Address: 22 February Street / P.O Box 875 Al Messila, Doha, Qatar
Tel: 974 4417 3494
Email: office@emsdoha.net
Tuition Rates: 21,340 - 33,833 QR per year

The English Modern School offers CIPP and Cambridge IGCSE programs & AS Level to students in Kindergarten to Year 12.

Gulf English School (GES)
Address: PO Box 2440
Doha, Qatar
Tel: +974 4486 5367
Email: info@gulfenglishschool.com
Tuition Rates: 20,625 - 45,485 QR per year

The Gulf English School teaches a UK curriculum to children ages 3 to Year 13. It also offers IB Diplomas in Year 12.

Ideal Indian School
Address: Abu Hamour
PB No. 2836, Doha-Qatar
Tel: +974 4468 4849
Email: idealsch@qatar.net.qa
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

The Ideal Indian School in Doha accepts children ages 3 to Year 12, following a UK curriculum and affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (Delhi). The school houses four sections, two of which, are divided on the basis of gender, and the other sections , designated to junior & kindergarten students.

International School of London (ISL)
Address: PO Box 18511
North Duhail, Doha, State of Qatar
Tel: 974 6618 9821
Email: mail@islqatar.com
Tuition Rates: 44,975 - 72,191 QR per year

The International School of London offers IB curricula to 900 students ages 3 to 17. It is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World school. English is the language of instruction and English as an Additional Language support is provided.

MES Indian School
Address: P.O. Box: 3453
Doha, Qatar
Tel: +974 4457 2888
Email: info@mesqatar.com
Tuition Rates: 230 to 485 QR per month

The MES Indian School offers pre-primary to senior secondary classes. MES is the first Indian expatriate school in Qatar. Teachers are trained in Quran and Islamic studies hold classes for Muslim boys and girls throughout the year.

Newton International West Bay
Tel: 974 4411 0014
Email: info@newton.com.qa
Tuition Rates: 5,000 - 7,590 per term

The Newton International School has four campuses in Doha, teaching a UK curriculum and the Cambridge International Primary Programme (CIPP) to students in preschool to Year 6.

Oryx International School
Address: Al Nahda School Street, Airport Road, Doha, Qatar
Tuition Rates: Inquire with the school

This school is dedicated to Qatar Airways Employees. It is an independent day school for boys and girls from 4 – 11 years of age.

Park House English School
Address: PO Box 22215 Doha - Qatar
Tel: +974 4463 3800
Email: phes@qatar.net.qa
Tuition Rates: 22,934 - 52,423 QR per year

The Park House English School follows a UK curriculum (IGCSE) for children ages 3 to Year 12. It is accredited by BSME. The curriculum at Park House is based on the National Curriculum of England. All students work towards IGCSE examinations during Years 10 and 11. Most classes are mixed ability and boys and girls are taught together except in P.E. In Year 9, students are grouped according to ability in English and mathematics. The IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations are set and assessed in the UK and acknowledged by colleges and universities worldwide. Uniforms are required.

Phoenix Private School
Address: PO Box 5697 / United Nations Street, Doha Qatar
Tel: 44879335/44420844/66328091
Tuition Rates: Inquire at the school

The Phoenix Private School offers instruction in English, as well as additional studies in Arabic or French. It follows courses based on the National Curriculum with elements from the Arabic/Islamic curriculum. The school supports pastoral care. Admission to The Phoenix Private School is by selective examination, interview and report from your child’s current school. Uniforms are required.

Qatar Academy
Address: PO Box 1129
Doha, Qatar
Tel: +974 4454 2000
Email: qataracademy@qf.org.qa
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Qatar Academy offers an Early Education Centre, Primary School and Secondary School for students ages 3 to 17. Qatar Academy offers IB and IGCSE curricula.

Qatar Canadian School
Address: P.O.Box: 24359
Doha - Qatar, Arabian Gulf
Tel: +974 4483 3520
Email: qcs@cna-qatar.edu.qa
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

The Qatar Canadian School teaches a Canadian (province of Alberta) curriculum to students in Senior Kindergarten to Grade 11 (age 17).

Qatar International School
Address: P.O.Box 5697 / United Nations Street, Doha Qatar
Tel: 974 4483 3456
Email: info@qis.org
Tuition Rates: 27,529 - 46,734 QR per year

The Qatar International School is a private day school that teaches children ages 2.5 to 18 the UK curriculum (IGCSE). Instruction is in English and the school follows the National Curriculum of England. It is the largest British School in Qatar and is led and managed by British professionals. Instruction is in English within the context of Arabic culture. Children are taught in Key Stages from Early Years and KS1 through to KS5 and examinations are taken in GCSE, IGCSE and A Levels using UK examination boards. QIS recently became the first and only school in the Middle East to be accredited to deliver OLEVI training courses straight from the UK. Uniforms are required.

Qatar Leadership Academy
Address: P.O.Box. 24421
Doha - Qatar
Tel: 974 4454 2230
Email: helbasher@qf.org.qa
Tuition Rates: 48,150 - 53,000 QR per year

The Qatar Leadership Academy teaches boys ages 7 to 18 seeking university preparation in Qatar and the Gulf Region. It is one of the few boarding schools in the Arabian Gulf and Middle East region. It offers IB Diplomas and US recognized high school diplomas. Classes are taught in English but Arabic and Islam is taught to all students. The academic year begins in September. The Qatar Leadership Academy accepts international applicants.

SEK International School
Address: Al Farouq Street, Al Dafna, West Bay, Doha, Qatar
Tel: 974 4012 7636
Tuition Rates: 28,681 - 63,099 QR per year

The School's aim is to provide a high quality international education through the development of students’ abilities to the highest level of their potential. Established in 1892, SEK International Schools are places where innovation and pedagogical leadership are combined with 120 years of tradition and history to offer educational programmes unlike any others. Instruction in English, as well as Spanish and Arabic. There are plans to offer the IB program. Uniforms are required.

Swiss International School (SISQ)
Address: PO Box 6296, Al Hashimiya Street, Al Luqta, Doha, Qatar
Tel: +974 40363131
Tuition Rates: 54,600 QAR - 72,800 QAR per year

The Swiss International School in Qatar (SISQ) is an IB World School, open for children aged 3 to 18 years old. The school provides a multilingual learning environment combined with a high quality international education. As an inclusive school, they welcome families of more than 68 nationalities into their learning community.

Filipino International School in Doha

Philippine School Doha (PSD)
Address: Saad Bin Surara / P.O. Box 19664
Old Murror, Al Messilah Area; Doha, Qatar
Tel: (974) 4418-1587, 4418-1596, 4421-7992
Tuition Rates: 2,247 QR per year

PSD offers complete programs from Preschool to High School prescribed by the Department of Education, Philippines; acknowledged and recognized by the Supreme Education Council, Qatar. The school has a pro-God, pro-environment, pro-people and pro-nation.

French International School in Doha

Lycée Voltaire French-Qatari School
Address: PO BOX 12634
West Bay, Doha, Qatar
Tel: 974 4493 0303
Email: secretariat@lfdoha.edu.qa
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Doha Qatari-French School is a French international school established in 2008. Instruction is trilingual (French, English, Arab) and the school operates under the conventions of the AEFE. Most of the teaching staff of the school is composed of French teachers accredited and employed by the French Ministry of National Education. The management of the School falls in the purview of he French Secular Mission (Mission laïque française, MLF). Priority is given to Qataris, but children of all nationalities are welcomed depending upon availability.

Lycée Bonaparte
Address: Po Box: 6110  Doha, Qatar
Tel: 974 44 83 58 08
Tuition Rates: Inquire at the school

This is a is a French international school which covers maternelle (preschool) through lycée (senior high school). The school was established in the 1970s and has moved to a new premise, designed in an Arab-Islamic style and leased on behalf of the French Embassy in Qatar.

German International School in Doha

Deutsche Internationale Schule Doha (DSD)
Address: Ibn Seena School Street No.30, Doha, Qatar
Tel: 974 44516836
E-Mail: info@ds-doha.de
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

German international school with instruction in German and curriculum approved by the German government. From kindergarten to Sekundarstufe. They are supported and supervised by the German Ministers of Culture (KMK) and the Central Federal Agency for German Schools in Foreign Countries (Zentralstelle für das Auslandschulwesen). There is German language instruction and curriculum adapted from the federal state of Thuringia with requirements meeting Education Council of Qatar. The school consists of a Kindergarten, a Primary School (grades 1 – 4) and Secondary School I and II. We teach grades 11 and 12 according to the specifications of the IB Diploma-Programme (German/English). It is a modified day school with subjects taught in the morning.

International Schools in Umm Salal Muhammed

Qatar–Finland International School (Q.F.I. School)
Address: Onaiza 65, Doha, Qatar
Tel: 974 4012 7890
Tuition Rates: 46,260 - 56,534 QR per year

QFI follows Finnish education practices with English language instruction. Curriculum is based on the Finnish National Core Curriculum, adapted to the Qatari context. Support is provided for non-native English speakers and all students study Arabic language. It is co-educational from age 5-12 (grades 0-7). Teachers responsible for the Finnish curriculum are from Finland, all holding Master’s Degrees in education. Uniforms are required.