Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Qatar University English scores
From Qatar University's college requirements page, competency requirements and graduate test score page. Only overall scores are given.
| Route | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT | High school average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Sciences, Nursing | 5.5 | 61 | 70% (75% from Fall 2027) |
| Pharmacy | 5.5 | 61 | 80% |
| Medicine, Dental Medicine | 6.0 | 68 (or paper TOEFL 520) | 85% (90% from Fall 2027) |
| Foundation Program exemption (Engineering, sciences, Education maths and science, Pharmacy and others) | 5.5 | 61 | - |
| Graduate programmes | Score set by each programme | International students submit IELTS only | - |
Foundation Program, validity and graduate rules
Applicants who do not meet the English and mathematics competencies are considered for the Foundation Program and placed by test. International students in the Foundation Program must complete it in two semesters; if they do not, they must withdraw, cancel their residence permit and leave Qatar. IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT scores are valid for two years.
For graduate study, applicants can satisfy English either with a previous degree taught in English or with a recent test. International students (from outside Qatar) are asked to submit only an IELTS Academic score at the level their programme requires. Qatar University's testing centre may verify scores and re-test students.
Free test: are you at Qatar University's score yet?
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How to check
Qatari applicants who miss the English score can still enter some colleges through the Foundation Program, but non-Qatari applicants must meet it to apply to Health Sciences, Nursing, Pharmacy, Medicine and Dental Medicine, and all applicants must meet it for Medicine and Dental Medicine.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Qatar University programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Qatar University publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS does Qatar University need?+
IELTS Academic 5.5 (TOEFL iBT 61) for Health Sciences, Nursing, Pharmacy and to skip the Foundation Program; 6.0 for Medicine and Dental Medicine.
What IELTS does Qatar University Medicine need?+
IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 68 or paper-based TOEFL 520, plus a high school average of 85% (90% from Fall 2027).
Do international students need IELTS for a Qatar University master's?+
International students are asked to submit only IELTS Academic at the score their programme requires, unless a previous degree taught in English satisfies the rule.
How long is IELTS valid for Qatar University?+
Two years for IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT.
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Related
Guide updated on 29 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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