Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has enrolled a total of 891 students for the new academic year across its eight colleges.
The university welcomed the new undergraduate students with its “Hayakom at HBKU” orientation programme yesterday in the presence of the senior officials and faculty members of the university.
Among the new students, 318 are Qataris, with the rest including international students.
Of the 891 students, 315 are admitted to undergraduate programmes and the rest in graduate programmes.
The HBKU offers 51 academic programmes across its colleges.
So far, there are 2,780 alumni from 79 nationalities.
Speaking at the event, HBKU provost Dr Prabhat Hajela told the students that university is deeply rooted in Qatar, yet global in its reach.
“We are committed to being a force for positive change, locally, regionally, and globally,” he said. “Welcoming students from across the world is one of the most rewarding aspects of what we do.”
Dr Hajela stated that with new students comes a wealth of perspectives, talents, and ideas that enrich the entire community.
“As you join us, you become part of a university that thrives on intellectual curiosity, on purposeful discovery, and a shared commitment to making an impact,” he said.
The provost further noted that the HBKU aims to empower the students with knowledge in meaningful ways.
“Learning to collaborate, to think creatively, and to connect ideas across fields will be an important part of your education,” Dr Hajela stated.
“I think that’s something that you really need to look forward to and start to pay attention to right from day one,” he continued. “This year will represent countless opportunities for academic growth, personal development, and opportunities for community engagement.”
Dr Maryam Hamad al-Mannai, the vice-president of Student Affairs at the HBKU, gave a detailed presentation on the various facilities provided by the university, as well as opportunities for students.
“This is your second home but at the same time you might be spending more time in the university than at your own home,” she said. “It is not only the beginning of the academic life but it is the beginning of a journey filled with learning, innovation and impact.”
“I urge you to make research and priority in your learning journey and make impactful contributions to the community and the country at large,” Dr al-Mannai added.
The HBKU noted that the students have been selected from a highly talented pool of applicants.
“The scale and breadth of the intake reflect demand for advanced interdisciplinary education,” official communication from the university stated. “As a national research university, our mission is to address the questions that matter most in the real world. This is deeply rooted in Qatar and shaped by Arab and Islamic values.”
The undergraduate orientation will take place over two days, while the graduate orientation will be held on August 20.