Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI) announced the enrollment of almost 249 students into the master's and doctoral programs for the 2026-2027 academic year.
In a statement, DI highlighted that those enrolled are distributed across 19 master's programs and eight doctoral programs the institute offers, including 154 students in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, 85 in the College of Economics, Administration and Public Policy, two students in the doctoral program, and eight students in the Doha Arabic Language Fellowship Program.
Speaking at the orientation session held for the enrolled, President of Doha Institute Dr. Abdelwahab El Affendi welcomed the new students and wished them success in their academic path, affirming that the institute continues its progress despite the challenges unfolding in the region.
These challenges represent a test for nations and individuals, and project the values and ethos that define them, Dr. El Affendi said, adding that science is the best vehicle to address these challenges.
He noted that the objectives of the creation of DI and similar higher education institutions in the State of Qatar have been laser-focused on preparing future generations and remaining focused on a variety of eventualities.
Dr. El Affendi further explained that the institute has achieved an array of milestones, including obtaining international accreditation following local licensure, launching doctoral programs, recruiting top-tier academic and administrative talent, responding to growing demand for its academic programs, and advancing its facilities and outfitting them with cutting-edge technology.
In less than a decade, he remarked, DI has pulled off deepening its academic stature on the global stage through expanding its relationships with top-tier universities in the East and West via memoranda of understanding and agreements for student and academic exchange, as well as a variety of research partnerships.
Dr. El Affendi noted that these accomplishments have been made by dint of working diligently coupled with constant efforts, along with creative energies. He called on new students to help continue the path of success through adherence to diligence, bearing responsibility and academic distinction.
He urged them to have a glimpse of DI's policies to be aware of their rights and duties, capitalize on academic guidance services, adhere to rules of academic integrity and responsibly use AI-powered technologies based on the approved policies.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Amal Ghazal, for her part, said the 2026-2027 cohort represents a consequential milestone in the institute's path, not because it is one of the largest cohorts in terms of enrollment since its inception, but owing to the expanded interest in its programs and the growing academic presence.
Dr. Ghazal noted that 249 students were admitted from more than 7,000 applications submitted by students from around 120 countries, reflecting a highly competitive and diverse applicant pool.
The vast majority of those enrolled hail from different Arab nations, with Qatari graduates and residents accounting for the major segment of those new students, Ghazal noted, considering this diversity as embodying one of the pillars on which DI was based to build an academic space that brings together students and researchers from multiple backgrounds and experiences.
She said the institute's entry into its 11th year heralds a new phase of building on the achievements of the first decade through reinforcing the quality of both academic and research programs, expanding its knowledge impact and deepening its role in having a generation of researchers and specialists capable of producing knowledge in Arabic, as well as interacting with global academic developments.
Dr. Ghazal affirmed that those admitted represent a cohort of academic talent from a variety of nationalities and backgrounds, contributing to an enriched educational environment and academic experience at the institute.]
She noted DI's commitment to providing a supportive educational and research environment that helps students develop their academic capabilities, achieve their aspirations, and contribute to serving their communities.
The three-day orientation gets underway and features presentations introducing the Office of Student Affairs and the institute's departments and programs, as well as meetings with representatives from the various colleges.
Since its inception, over 45,000 students of both genders from different Arab and foreign countries have studied at the institute, with the total number of graduates reaching 1,886. According to the institute's academic calendar, applications for the 2027-2028 academic year will open next September. (QNA)QNA 0407 GMT 2026/08/17
