Quick Answer: University of Surrey offers multiple scholarships for Qatari students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (up to £5,000), Qatar-specific awards through partnerships, and merit-based funding. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines in April-May, requiring academic transcripts, personal statements, and IELTS scores of 6.5 overall.

Introduction

The University of Surrey, ranked 37th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2026), presents exceptional opportunities for Qatari students seeking quality British education. Located in Guildford, just 30 minutes from London, Surrey has established strong connections with the Gulf region, making it an attractive destination for students from Qatar. The university's commitment to supporting international students is reflected in its comprehensive scholarship programme, designed specifically to make world-class education accessible to talented Qatari students.

This guide provides complete information about University of Surrey scholarships available to Qatari students in 2026, including application procedures, eligibility criteria, and insider tips for successful applications.

University of Surrey: Why It Appeals to Qatari Students

Academic Excellence and Global Recognition

The University of Surrey consistently ranks among the top UK universities, with particular strengths in engineering, business, and health sciences - fields highly valued in Qatar's Vision 2030 development plans. The university holds a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework and maintains strong industry connections, with 98% of graduates employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation.

Surrey's School of Engineering and Physical Sciences ranks 8th in the UK, making it particularly attractive to Qatari students interested in petroleum engineering, renewable energy, and infrastructure development. The Surrey Business School holds triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), placing it in the top 1% of business schools globally.

Cultural Compatibility and Support Services

The university provides dedicated support for Middle Eastern students, including halal dining options, prayer facilities, and cultural societies. The Qatari Student Society actively supports new arrivals, organizing cultural events and providing peer mentorship programmes that help students transition smoothly to UK academic life.

Complete Guide to University of Surrey Scholarships for Qatari Students

International Excellence Scholarship

Award Value: £3,000 - £5,000 per year Eligibility: Qatari students with excellent academic records Duration: Full degree duration (3-4 years undergraduate, 1-2 years postgraduate)

This flagship scholarship recognizes outstanding academic achievement and is automatically considered for all international applicants. Qatari students with A-level grades equivalent to AAB or above, or those with strong foundation programme results, are typically successful candidates.

Qatar-UK Partnership Scholarships

Award Value: Up to £10,000 annually Eligibility: Qatar residents with strong community involvement Special Features: Includes mentorship and internship opportunities

These scholarships, developed through Surrey's partnerships with Qatari educational institutions, specifically target students who demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to contributing to Qatar's development upon graduation. Priority is given to students studying subjects aligned with Qatar's National Vision 2030.

Faculty-Specific Scholarships

Engineering and Physical Sciences

• Qatar Engineering Excellence Award: £4,000 annually
• Renewable Energy Scholarship: £3,500 annually (particularly relevant for Qatar's sustainability goals)

Surrey Business School

• Gulf Business Leaders Scholarship: £5,000 annually
• Entrepreneurship Excellence Award: £2,500 plus business incubation support

Health Sciences

• Healthcare Innovation Scholarship: £3,000 annually (supports Qatar's healthcare sector development)

Postgraduate Research Funding

For Qatari students pursuing PhD studies, the university offers:

• Qatar Research Studentships: Full tuition plus £18,500 annual stipend
• Co-funded Projects: Partnerships with Qatar Foundation and other Qatari institutions

Application Process for Qatari Students

Timeline for 2026 Entry

January 2026: Applications open March 15, 2026: Early deadline for maximum consideration April 30, 2026: Final deadline for most scholarships June 2026: Results announced July 2026: Final acceptance and visa processing begins

Required Documents

1. Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from Qatari secondary schools or universities, translated into English
2. English Language Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 overall (6.0 in each component) or equivalent
3. Personal Statement: 750-word statement highlighting academic goals and connection to Qatar's development
4. References: Two academic or professional references
5. Qatar ID: Copy of Qatar ID card or residence permit
6. Portfolio: For creative subjects or business programmes

Application Tips for Success

Highlight Qatar Connections: Emphasize how your studies will contribute to Qatar's Vision 2030 or specific sectoral development plans. Scholarship committees particularly value applicants who demonstrate clear career intentions aligned with Qatar's national priorities.

Academic Excellence Documentation: Provide detailed grade breakdowns and rank certificates from your institution. Qatari students should include any awards or recognition received locally.

Language Preparation: While most Qatari students meet English requirements, consider taking IELTS early to allow retakes if needed. Some scholarships require higher scores than standard admission requirements.

Understanding Costs and Financial Planning

Tuition Fees for Qatari Students (2026)

• Undergraduate: £19,800 - £24,500 annually
• Postgraduate Taught: £20,500 - £26,000 annually
• Postgraduate Research: £19,200 - £23,500 annually

Living Costs in Guildford

• Accommodation: £150-250 per week (university halls)
• Food and Utilities: £200-300 per month
• Transportation: £80-120 per month
• Personal Expenses: £200-400 per month

Total annual living costs typically range from £12,000-£15,000, making Surrey more affordable than London universities while maintaining excellent transport links to the capital.

Maximizing Your Scholarship Chances

Multiple Applications: Apply for several scholarships simultaneously. Many Qatari students successfully combine partial scholarships to create substantial funding packages.

Early Submission: Submit applications well before deadlines. Early applicants often receive preference, particularly for competitive awards.

Professional Guidance: Consider working with educational consultants familiar with UK applications. Many successful Qatari students benefit from professional application review services.

When researching your options, take time to explore UK universities beyond Surrey to ensure you're making the most informed decision about your educational investment.

Alternative Funding Sources

Qatar Foundation Scholarships

Qatar Foundation offers scholarships for Qatari nationals studying abroad, including at University of Surrey. These can complement university scholarships to provide full funding coverage.

Government Scholarships

The Qatari government provides study abroad scholarships through various ministries, particularly for students in engineering, medicine, and business fields that align with national development priorities.

Private Sector Partnerships

Major Qatari companies, including Qatar Airways, QatarEnergy, and Ooredoo, offer scholarship programmes for students who commit to return and work in Qatar upon graduation.

Conclusion

University of Surrey's comprehensive scholarship programme makes it an excellent choice for Qatari students seeking quality UK education. With applications opening in January 2026, start preparing your documents early and consider multiple funding sources to maximize your chances of securing financial support. Contact Surrey's international admissions team directly for personalized guidance on your scholarship applications.

Key Statistics

📊 University of Surrey ranks 37th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2026) with particular strength in engineering and business

💰 International Excellence Scholarships range from £3,000-£5,000 annually, available to all high-achieving Qatari students

🎓 98% of Surrey graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months, making it attractive for career-focused Qatari students

📈 Surrey Business School holds triple accreditation, placing it in the top 1% of business schools globally

🌍 Qatar-UK Partnership Scholarships offer up to £10,000 annually specifically for Qatar residents

⭐ Gold rating in Teaching Excellence Framework confirms Surrey's commitment to quality education

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for University of Surrey scholarships as a Qatari student?

Applications open in January 2026 through the university's online portal. You'll need to submit academic transcripts, IELTS scores (6.5 overall), a personal statement, and two references. Most scholarship deadlines fall between March 15 and April 30, 2026. Apply early for maximum consideration, as some awards are given on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified candidates.

What is the International Excellence Scholarship and am I eligible as a Qatari student?

The International Excellence Scholarship is Surrey's flagship award offering £3,000-£5,000 annually to high-achieving international students. As a Qatari student, you're automatically considered if you meet the academic requirements (typically AAB at A-level or equivalent). The scholarship is renewable throughout your degree provided you maintain good academic standing.

How much does it cost to study at University of Surrey for Qatari students in 2026?

Tuition fees for Qatari students range from £19,800-£24,500 for undergraduate programmes and £20,500-£26,000 for postgraduate taught courses. Living costs in Guildford average £12,000-£15,000 annually, including accommodation, food, and personal expenses. Total annual costs typically range from £32,000-£40,000 before scholarships.

Can I combine multiple scholarships at University of Surrey?

Yes, Qatari students can often combine partial scholarships to create substantial funding packages. For example, you might receive the International Excellence Scholarship plus a faculty-specific award. However, total scholarship funding cannot exceed your tuition fees unless specified otherwise. Contact the international office to discuss combining awards and ensure you don't violate any scholarship terms.

What English language requirements do Qatari students need for Surrey scholarships?

Most scholarships require IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component, though some competitive awards may require higher scores. TOEFL iBT 88 overall or PTE Academic 59 are also accepted. Take your test early to allow time for retakes if needed, as English scores are crucial for both admission and scholarship consideration.

Are there specific scholarships for Qatari students studying engineering at Surrey?

Yes, the Qatar Engineering Excellence Award offers £4,000 annually specifically for engineering students, while the Renewable Energy Scholarship provides £3,500 for students in sustainability-related programmes. These awards recognize Surrey's strength in engineering (ranked 8th in the UK) and align with Qatar's Vision 2030 goals for technological advancement and environmental sustainability.

Key Takeaways

✅ University of Surrey offers multiple scholarships for Qatari students totaling potential awards up to £10,000 annually

✅ Applications open January 2026 with key deadlines between March 15 and April 30, requiring early preparation

✅ International Excellence Scholarship (£3,000-£5,000) is automatically considered for all high-achieving applicants

✅ Qatar-specific partnerships provide targeted funding aligned with Qatar's Vision 2030 development goals

✅ Strong industry connections and 98% graduate employment rate make Surrey attractive for career-focused students

✅ Combining multiple scholarships and external funding sources can significantly reduce total study costs