Qatar University distinguishes between visiting students who intend to register for courses at QU and those who wish to conduct research with a QU faculty member or in a research center. Visiting students intending to conduct research with a QU faculty member or in a research center are not formally evaluated for admission requirements and, consequently, are not permitted to take courses for credit at QU.
For consideration as a Visiting Student under this category, an applicant must satisfy the following:
Be enrolled full-time in a master’s or doctoral program at an accredited institution with which Qatar University is not a partner
Be in Good Academic Standing
Demonstrate an intent to enroll upon return to the home institution
Upon application for admission, the Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies in the host College will review and evaluate a candidate’s credentials and issue a Letter of Invitation. The Letter of Invitation should stipulate the students’ responsibilities as well as those of the host department.
Visiting students are eligible to attend for the purpose of conducting research for up to four consecutive and non- consecutive semesters, excluding summer; however, the Vice President and Chief Academic Office (VPCAO) may grant an extension under exceptional circumstances.
Visiting Students are granted the same access privileges as those of regular graduate students within the academic unit. For issues regarding access to laboratories and/or supplies, students should coordinate with the academic unit.
All Visiting Students are held to Qatar University’s policies and procedures including all policies regarding intellectual property and the ethical conduct of research. The hosting academic unit is responsible for ensuring that Visiting Students understand and agree to relevant policies.
It is the responsibility of the Visiting Student to provide the necessary paperwork needed to facilitate the issuance of a visa; as a general rule, the required documents should be available to the hosting academic unit as well as the Office of Graduate Studies, at least, three months prior to the expected visit.
Unless otherwise stated, the Visiting Student is responsible for all expenses associated with the stay at QU including all travel costs, health insurance, accommodations, etc. A visiting student is eligible to seek general admission to a graduate program at Qatar University provided he/she meets program admission requirements and university deadlines.