Qatar has a wide range of privately run nurseries and kindergartens (KG’s) as well as preschools attached to an existing school.  Some follow national education principles, while others are curricular defined like Montessori.

Nurseries and KG’s must be licensed with a female director, but KG’s, both lower and upper are considered educational institutions and are therefore monitored by the SEC.

There is also legal distinctions between schools and nurseries that might effect parental decisions.  Children under five years are legally limited to four hours per day attendance in schools, so working parents requiring longer hours should consider private nurseries or KG options. Check the timings of individual establishments but generally they tend to be open from 6-7am through to between 1-3pm.  Nurseries and KG’s also close for various holidays so again, this should be considered

Age range varies with some places accepting babies from two months upwards, others from 18 months onwards and some start at age three, but most finish at the age of four.

Preschools attached to schools are in great demand because attendance almost always ensures  a place in the main school, so it is advised to register early to guarantee a place.

Fees vary and are often paid on a termly basis like schools. Although there are a lot of nursery and preschool options because there is such a high demand for them it is strongly advised to register as early as possible to ensure a place for your child.

The SEC has a policy of inclusive integration to provide every child in Qatar with the opportunity to an education wherever possible. There are also a number of privately run schools and centres.

Qatar also has specialised state facilities from secondary level onwards, that implement specific emphasis on certain fields, from high level sports training, military cadets to nanny training programmes.

Technical Colleges and Training Programmes

Post secondary education in Qatar is developing to allow for a variety of alternatives to the traditional university degree with the SEC establishing national vocational and technical competency standards in Qatar and creating a national qualifications framework with internationally accredited standards. The wide variety of programmes range from art, design, and film making to science and technology, finance and business as well as beauty therapy.

In partnership with Houston Community College, Texas, CCQ offers college level academic courses leading to Associate of Arts, Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees. CCQ offers customised training programmes in conjunction with local businesses and ministries.

Established in 1973,  Qatar University (QU) consists of seven colleges:

• Arts and Sciences (CAS)
• Business and Economics (CBE)
• Education (CED)
• Engineering (CENG)
• Law (LAWC)
• Pharmacy (CPH)
• Sharia and Islamic Studies (CSIS)

Qatar Foundation’s Education City is home to some of the most prestigious international universities allowing students in Qatar equal access to premium educational facilities and opportunities.