Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) recently welcomed its incoming class of 2020-2021, more than 360 highly talented students from diverse backgrounds, committed to the pursuit of an interdisciplinary and globally-minded research education. This year, applicants had the opportunity to compete for entry to  undergraduate and graduate degrees offered by HBKU’s six colleges. 

The arrival of the new cohort also coincides with the start of HBKU’s 10th anniversary milestone. Over the past decade the University has remained steadfast in its commitment to innovation in education and research. In doing so, faculty members have guided countless students to become future leaders and innovators with entrepreneurial mindsets capable of shaping novel solutions for a positive global impact. HBKU also encourages its students to consider shared concerns holistically and offer ideas that are both forward-thinking and sustainable. 

HBKU has a competitive admissions review process that reflects a commitment to attracting high-achievers to be part of its innovative and result-oriented community. Students offered a place this year represent 48 countries, of which 22 percent are Qataris. All are assured of an enriching academic experience within HBKU’s innovative research ecosystem. Mentorship from distinguished faculty members and HBKU’s three research institutes offer unparalleled opportunities for students to pursue individual ambitions while gaining the knowledge to address challenges facing Qatar and the world.

Speaking about his experience at HBKU, Jassim Al-Thani, an incoming Master of Public Policy (MPP) student, said: “As a politics graduate from the UK, the progression to the MPP program at HBKU is not only natural but ideal. The master’s program gives me the opportunity to expand my academic knowledge as it relates to my undergraduate degree, by taking courses such as Global Political Economy and Ethics, Law and Public Policy. It also gives me the opportunity to work in groups and find practical solutions to challenging issues concerning social policy as well as energy and environmental policy.

I am looking forward to starting this exciting year at HBKU. With hard work and commitment, I hope to gain valuable skills such as leadership and communication which should enhance my career both academically and professionally. I believe that the MPP program will offer me a just the right balance of both academic knowledge and valuable skills to succeed in life and to be engaged in essential projects in Qatar.”

Noor Saad Mohammed Al-Kobaisi, who is about to embark on her studies at the College of Law, said: “I am looking forward to studying at the College of Law. The Juris Doctor program presents an interdisciplinary degree that is unique because it combines civil, common, and Sharia aspects. This is important since obtaining knowledge and training in all systems enables us as students to serve our country in international business and relations aspects across common law countries (such as the United States and the United Kingdom), in addition to having a  presence in continental Europe, which predominantly adopts a civil law system. We will also benefit from exceptional faculty and have the advantage of interacting directly with them. HBKU is a distinctive educational institution that brings together people from all walks of life and promotes peer learning. I look forward to being here for the next three years; it will be a wonderful journey.”

The incoming cohort joins an ever-growing body of students at HBKU. Last academic year, the University introduced eight pioneering degrees across the fields of Islamic studies; humanities and social sciences; science and engineering; law; health and life sciences; and public policy.