The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) has launched the “Zad Al-Mubta’ath” National Programme for the Preparation and Education of Scholarship Students, a comprehensive initiative designed to support Qatari scholarship recipients before they travel and throughout their academic studies overseas.

Speaking during an orientation workshop held in Doha, Acting Director of the Scholarships Department at MoEHE, Noura Al Ansari, described the programme as an integrated framework focused on strengthening cultural awareness and equipping students with the knowledge and resources needed to succeed while studying abroad.

Al Ansari explained that the programme, which is scheduled to begin implementation in August 2026, extends beyond the traditional pre-departure orientation model. She noted that additional details regarding workshops and implementation plans will be announced in the coming period.

The event was attended by Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education Affairs Dr. Hareb Aljabri, representatives from government entities and partner institutions, ministry officials, and students applying for government scholarship opportunities.

Comprehensive Support Framework

According to Al Ansari, the programme brings together specialists and trainers from various government bodies and partner organisations to address the key areas scholarship students may encounter during their studies abroad.

The initiative covers a wide range of topics, including cultural and religious awareness, financial management, safety and security, personal data protection, mental health, social wellbeing, and academic support. The programme is designed to help students manage challenges that may arise during their educational journeys overseas.

To further enhance student engagement, the ministry plans to introduce a dedicated digital platform where scholarship recipients can create personal accounts, communicate directly with advisors and experts, and access continuous support throughout their studies. The platform will also serve as a channel for answering inquiries and providing ongoing guidance.

Al Ansari added that scholarship applications remain open and that details regarding the total number of applicants will be released after the registration process concludes.

She also highlighted strong interest in technology-focused disciplines, noting that programmes such as Computer Engineering and Computer Science continue to attract significant numbers of applicants across both local and international scholarship tracks.

Meanwhile, Dr. Abu Bakr Musa Abdullah, a consultant at the ministry, said the programme was developed after carefully reviewing challenges commonly faced by scholarship students during their years abroad.

He explained that the initiative is built around three principal pillars: prevention, empowerment, and response. These pillars aim to prepare students for potential situations before departure, provide them with the tools necessary for success, and maintain a support system throughout their academic experience overseas.

Dr. Abdullah noted that the programme consists of five main areas of focus: religious and cultural guidance, mental health and social support, safety and digital security, financial literacy, and academic excellence.

He explained that the religious and cultural component addresses issues related to travel, residence abroad, and interaction with diverse communities. The mental health and social support track focuses on helping students adapt to their new environments and cope with challenges such as homesickness and social integration.

The safety and digital security segment seeks to strengthen awareness of cybersecurity, responsible use of social media, personal data protection, and adherence to the laws and regulations of host countries.

In addition, participants will receive training in financial literacy and academic success strategies, including time management, research techniques, and access to academic advisors, all aimed at enhancing student achievement and performance.

Dr. Abdullah stressed that the programme’s broader goals include improving student preparedness, increasing academic success rates, fostering psychological and social stability, and developing leadership qualities among scholarship recipients.

He added that the initiative seeks to empower students to represent the State of Qatar positively while pursuing their education abroad and to contribute effectively to the nation’s future development upon their return.