According to the most recent data released by the Planning and Statistics Authority, the UK remains the number one destination for Qataris studying overseas, with around 3,000 students recorded in the 2017 – 2018 academic year.

The British Council plays a key role in providing students in Qatar with information about studying in the UK and this year, it is hosting the annual ‘Study UK Fair’ at La Cigale Hotel, under the theme ‘Experience Life-Changing Learning’.

This year’s event is sponsored by the British Council IELTS and HSBC, and aims to connect students in Qatar with representatives from 14 popular UK universities, colleges and English language providers who can answer their questions about UK education.

During the two-day event, students in Qatar will have the opportunity to find out all they need to know about foundation courses, English Language courses, career-based diplomas, first degree and post-graduate degree courses. With the increasing number of UK educational providers in Qatar and with the recognition of distance learning, parents and students can speak directly to representatives of 14 UK institutions and learn about the traditional and flexible study options in the UK and in Qatar.

The opening ceremony for the exhibition took place this Wednesday, 19 February, attended by officials from British Embassy Doha, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and various UK institutions and representatives from local scholarship providers and school counsellors in Qatar.

Daniel Phillips, Deputy Director for Trade & Investment at the British Embassy Doha and Sam Ayton, Director of the British Council in Qatar, led the official opening.

New Immigration Route for International Students

On 11 September 2019, the UK government announced the creation of a new immigration route that will enable international students to remain in the UK for two years after they have completed their studies. The new route will be launched in the summer of 2021, which means that any eligible student who graduates in the summer of 2021 or after, will be able to apply for the route. This includes students who have already started their courses. This announcement would certainly encourage more students to seek higher education in the UK.

According to Daniel Phillips the UK’s educational institutions are renowned the world over for equipping students with the skills and experience they will need to succeed in the workplace. He said that the exhibition provides the perfect opportunity for students to find out how they can take advantage of the opportunities on offer.

I hope that as many people as possible are able to attend this exhibition over the next two days to learn more about the exciting educational opportunities the UK has to offer.

Sam Ayton said she is proud to see that the UK continues to be the most popular destination by Qataris for overseas studies. She said there are many reasons why students in Qatar and across the globe consider studying in the UK.

UK education open doors, wherever you go in the world. Living in the UK for many students is a life-changing experience. With so many resources, skills and mind-opening challenges waiting around every corner, you’ll find everything you need to grow personally and professionally. 

The UK is also the top destination worldwide for English language study and a welcoming country offering unique opportunities to discover the country’s culture and cities.

Dr Khalid Al Horr, CEO of Qatar Finance and Business Academy and Board Member of Qatar-UK Alumni Network said that studying in the UK shaped him as a person, helping his career progression and the way he managed his life in general.

You learn from society and the social interaction with people in the UK as much as you learn in classrooms and from instructors. I highly recommend studying in the UK.

The exhibition is ongoing until tomorrow, 20 February from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Le Crillon Ballroom of La Cigale Hotel. Admission to the event is free, but online registration is recommended for faster access to the exhibition. Register here.

Students interested to find out more but unable to attend can consult the new Study UK website, study-uk.britishcouncil.org, for information about living and studying in the UK.