The College of Sport Sciences at Qatar University (QU) has welcomed its first batch of male and female students since its launch in March 2024. This marks a new achievement that reflects Qatar's commitment to developing sports education and research and supporting its National Vision 2030 for a healthier and more active society.
During the fall 2025 semester, 210 male and female students applied for admission to the college, and 103 were accepted. The majority of these students, representing 80% of the total, were Qatari nationals (54 female students and 49 male students). This reflects the community's confidence in the importance of the programmes offered by the college.
On this occasion, Dean of the College of Sport Sciences at QU Dr Khalid W Bibi, stated in an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA) that through its four-year academic programmes, the college supports the human and social development pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030. It is committed to remaining flexible and proactive in responding to the needs of the local and regional labour market, as well as to the rapid developments in sports science globally.
Prof. Bibi noted that this ensures the provision of quality programmes that keep pace with international academic best practices and standards. Furthermore, its establishment is in itself a reinforcement of the legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, as this tournament was not just a passing sporting event, but a historic turning point in Qatari sports.
He emphasised that the establishment of the college came to meet the national need for qualified personnel in the fields of sport management and sports training, indicating that Qatar is investing in sports today not only with the aim to organise events and enhance athletic performance in competitive sports or as an investment vehicle, but also as a means to encourage physical activity and sports for all.
Regarding the motivations behind establishing the College of Sport Sciences at QU and its mission, the college aims to prepare future leaders in the fields of organisation, marketing, governance, training, and sports development through advanced academic programmes (120 credit hours) that combine theoretical knowledge with practical application.
Prof. Bibi indicated that the college supports the human and social development pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030 through sport management by qualifying cadres capable of managing facilities, organising events, sports marketing, and sports development. He added that the college supports sports training by preparing coaches who lead community physical activity programmes and develop elite athletes.
Furthermore, the college emphasises the values of integrity, innovation, and social responsibility as the foundation of all its programmes, enhancing the position of sports as a strategic sector in Qatar.
Regarding the main academic programmes offered to students, the college provides a bachelor's degree in both Sport Management and Sport Coaching, each comprising 120 credit hours. In this context, the college offers four sub-specialisations related to each, including, Event and Facility Management, Sports Marketing and Sponsorship under Sport Management, as well as coaching for people with special needs and UEFA-standard coaching under Sport Coaching.
He pointed out that the college's programmes are not limited to theoretical study alone. Students apply what they have learned through field training in sports institutions, in addition to studying cases such as major facility management, sports marketing, sports economics, and sports and international relations. In the field of sports training, students apply theoretical knowledge practically in sports performance laboratories, where they train in designing strength and conditioning programms, studying exercise physiology, sports injury management, and movement analysis, in addition to practical training with sports clubs.
Prof. Bibi underscored that the establishment of the college comes within the framework of enhancing the legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, adding that the college is one of the key legacy projects, providing an academic and institutional framework that ensures that the expertise, infrastructure, and knowledge accumulated during the tournament are not limited to that moment, but rather serve as a foundation for building the future of sports in Qatar.
He further explained that the college is working to transform the sports legacy into a sustainable project led by national cadres. Academically and practically qualified, they will contribute to the management of the world-class stadiums and sports facilities left by the World Cup, the development of training programmes for elite athletes, and the promotion of the concept of 'Sports for All' as a strategic choice for a healthy and active lifestyle.
Prof. Bibi highlighted that the College of Sport Sciences contributes to sharing Qatar's experience to the world through scientific research and international partnerships, transforming the legacy of the World Cup into a platform for knowledge production and competencies development in sports sciences, ensuring that the legacy becomes not just a sporting memory, but an ongoing educational, social, and economic driver for future generations.
Prof. Bibi revealed plans to launch postgraduate programmes and new academic programmes, in alignment with the university's strategy and in partnership with the academic affairs, quality assurance, and accreditation offices.
He emphasised the college's commitment to being flexible and proactive in responding to the needs of the local and regional labour market, as well as to the rapid global developments in sport sciences. This ensures high-quality programmes that align with international academic standards and best practices, he said, adding that the college's top ranking in the Arab region is a testament to the quality of its faculty and educational research.
He also addressed the college's research collaborations with other colleges at Qatar University, national sports institutions, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, and the Qatar Olympic Committee, in addition to local and international academic and research institutions, aiming to develop a data-driven strategy to combat physical inactivity and its impact on public health.
Regarding career opportunities for graduates, he explained that graduates of sports management have opportunities in club and federation management, facility operations, marketing and sponsorship, international sports relations, and sports for development.
On the other hand, graduates of sports training can work in competitive and community training, physical conditioning, movement analysis, and various physical activity programmes.
He added that the career opportunities were identified in consultation with partners over a two-year period, and that co-operation will continue in order to provide training and professional opportunities both before and after graduation, while encouraging students to benefit from the training and volunteer programmes offered by the Student Affairs.
He pointed out that the college supports talented student-athletes through flexible schedules, high-level training facilities, and academic support, enabling them to develop their sports careers while gaining practical and managerial experience. The college also offers competitive scholarships to attract outstanding athletes.
He added that being a talented athlete is not a requirement for admission to the college, but the college does provide a comprehensive environment for students who wish to combine education with athletic excellence.
Regarding women's sports, Prof. Bibi affirmed that the college serves as a leading platform for supporting and developing women's sports in Qatar. He noted that the number of female applicants exceeds that of male applicants, and the college is actively preparing qualified female specialists with both scientific and practical competencies to train girls and women in competitive sports and physical activity.
The college also aims to empower its female graduates to take on leadership roles in areas such as sports management, marketing, and sports media.
