The 12-year public school system consists of a six-year primary cycle followed by a three-year secondary

cycle and then a three-year tertiary cycle, taking students up through the secondary level by Western
educational standards.

The medium of instruction is English for natural science, business and engineering programs, and
Arabic for the rest.

Supreme Education Council (SEC) was created by decree number 37 in the year 2002. [6] From 2006
onward, the council directs and controls the education system at all levels from pre-school through
university.[6] The SEC directs three educational institutes:[6][35]

 The Education Institute, which directly oversees and semi-independent schools and
develops curriculum standards.
 The Evaluation Institute, which conducts national assessments of student learning of
independent K-12 schools and is responsible for licensing teachers.
 The Higher Education Institute, which assists students in applying for colleges.

Ministry of Education currently supports private schools with educational facility inspections, health
services, and electricity and water.[5] Its personnel were consolidated into Supreme Education
Council in 2009.[6]

https://www.scholaro.com/pro/Countries/Qatar/Education-System

The basic education in Qatar consists of six years in the elementary, three years in the preparatory
level and three years in secondary. Boys and girls enter separate schools. Children of non-Qatari
residents who work for the government can study for free at the public schools. There are private
schools and schools that cater to the different Arab and non-Arab communities. The curriculum for
the primary and preparatory stages places emphasis on basic literacy and numeracy skills.
Secondary students are being prepared for the university, technical or vocational training, or getting
a job at the end of the cycle.

https://www.studycountry.com/guide/QA-education.htm

Understanding the Qatar Education System

The Ministry of Education and Supreme Education Council administers the education system in Qatar.
The education system of Qatar consists of 6-year elementary cycle followed by a 3-year preparatory cycle
and then 3-year secondary cycle. Upon completion of secondary cycle, students can go for university
studies or for labour market.
 Primary/elementary school education in Qatar is compulsory for everyone and is free of charge at public
schools. 

Educational Background
The first schools in Qatar were religious. Quranic schools were present in Qatar, where young boys used
to learn to recite the Quran, and gain fundamental Arabic literacy skills. In 1952, the first secular
elementary school for boys was started and since then the education sector in Qatar has been developed.
In 1956, the first government ministry- the Ministry of Education was established.

Girls’ schools in Qatar were created in the mid-1950s, and also during the same period, secondary
education started. Education system in Qatar was quite well-developed by 1980s. General academic,
vocational, technical, religious training and commercial courses of study were introduced. 
In 1973, the College of Education started, which later in the year 1977, became the University of Qatar.
The University of Qatar provides a wide range of programmes in varied fields. In the 21st century, the
major emphasis is on enhancing the Qatari education system.  

Education Profile of Qatar

Education in Qatar is divided into two stages: basic education that encompasses preschool, primary and
secondary education; and the higher education. The public school system in Qatar is of 12 years duration,
consisting of 6-year elementary cycle followed by a 3-year secondary cycle and then 3-year higher cycle.
The elementary and preparatory levels focus on basic numeracy and literacy skills. The secondary level
of education emphasize on preparing pupils for university education, vocational or technical training, or for
entering the labour market.

Basic Education
Basic education in Qatar comprises of preschool, elementary, preparatory and secondary educational
levels. 

Pre-school Education
In Qatar, preschool education is operated and managed by private sector. This level of education is
offered by the nurseries and kindergartens.

 Ages: 3 to 5 

Primary/Elementary Education
Primary education in Qatar is compulsory and free of charge at public schools. Primary education in Qatar
is offered by elementary schools-public and private. The public schools in Qatar follow the Qatari
educational curriculum, while the private schools follow the curriculum that fulfill the needs of the
expatriate communities living in the country. Students who complete this level of education are eligible to
enroll in the middle/preparatory educational level. 

 School type: Elementary School

 Duration: 6 years
 Ages: 6 to 12
 Grades: 1 to 6
 Preparatory Education
The preparatory schools in Qatar, whether private or state, follow a standard academic curriculum. 

 School type: Preparatory school

 Duration: 3 years
 Ages: 13 to 15
 Grades: 7 to 9

Secondary Education
Upon finishing the general preparatory education, students can attend general, technical or commercial
secondary schools. Religious preparatory education in Qatar is for boys only.

 Duration: 3 years
 Ages: 15 to 18
 Grades: 10 to 12

Secondary education has two streams:

 Academic (general) stream: This stream prepares students for university education
 Vocational/technical stream: This stream prepares pupils for employment

At the end of secondary education level, students must pass the final exam. Students who pass the exam
are given the general, commercial or technical secondary education certificate, depending on the stream
selected. 

Higher Education
The first university is Qatar University that offers over 60 specializations. Programmes at the
undergraduate and postgraduate level are provided.

Undergraduate programmes is of 3 years duration and lead to the title of Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of
Arts.

https://www.qatareducation.info/education-system/education-profile.html#:~:text=Primary
%20education%20in%20Qatar%20is%20offered%20by%20elementary%20schools
%2Dpublic,communities%20living%20in%20the%20country.

http://www.qu.edu.qa/business/academic-departments/accounting/cpa