Why Georgetown University in Qatar?

Georgetown University and the School of Foreign Service are pleased to have been invited by Qatar Foundation to join world-class universities in Education City, where we offer an exceptional liberal arts education for students wishing to study international affairs.

Georgetown University has historic scholarly ties with the Arab and Islamic worlds.

1949 – Established the first and only free-standing Department of Arabic in an American university
1975 – Established the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies
1978 – Established the Master of Arts in Arab Studies program
1989 – Established the McGhee Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies in Alanya, Turkey
1993 – Established the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding
1999 – Became the first U.S. university to appoint a full-time Muslim chaplain (Imam Yahya Hendi)
2005 – Opened Georgetown University in Qatar

What can I study at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q)?

Georgetown University in Qatar offers a four-year liberal arts curriculum, with majors in Culture & Politics, International Economics, International History, and International Politics, leading to the Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service degree. Applicants should have a strong interest in the study of international affairs. The four-year curriculum provides students with a solid foundation from which to pursue a wide variety of careers.

Please refer to our programs section for more information about the programs of study at GU-Q.

What are the requirements for applications to GU-Q?

For the core application requirements, please see the Application Checklist. For additional information, consult the How to Apply page and thoroughly read these Frequently Asked Questions.

Test Flexible Update:

Georgetown University implemented a flexible approach to standardized testing (SAT, ACT) requirements for fall 2025 applicants.

What are the GU-Q institutional codes for TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, SAT, and ACT?

• SAT – 4563
• ACT – 0669
• TOEFL – 8750
• IELTS – Georgetown University in Qatar
• Duolingo – Georgetown University in Qatar

I am applying to Georgetown University’s main campus in Washington, DC. May I use the GU-Q institutional codes for TOEFL, Duolingo, IELTS, SAT, or ACT?

GU-Q institutional codes are sent directly to the GU-Q Office of Admissions and are not received or reviewed by the main campus Office of Undergraduate Admissions. If you are applying to our home campus in Washington, DC, please use the appropriate institutional codes.

My grades in math are weak, but my English scores are quite strong. Do I need high math scores for admission to GU-Q?

The School of Foreign Service core curriculum includes a minimum of three required courses in economics. A strong high school math background and strong SAT/ACT math scores indicate to the admissions committee that a student will do well in the required courses. This is an important consideration.

My first language is English. Do I still need to submit Duolingo, TOEFL or IELTS results?

Please see our English language proficiency test waiver policy. Please note that the granting of the English Language Proficiency Exam requirement is subject to the discretion and approval of the Office of Admissions.

I’d like to have my SAT/ACT test requirement waived based on my academic history. Is this possible?

Traditionally, GU-Q does not offer SAT/ACT waivers on a basis of academic history. However, for fall 2025 applicants, Georgetown University in Qatar is implementing a flexible approach to our standardized testing requirements.

How can I prepare for these tests?

There are many different organizations offering free test preparation courses online. We recommend that students acquaint themselves with the test, including structure, question types, and of course, content. The College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to provide free online test preparation for the SAT.

SAT: Khan Academy SAT Preparation

ACT: ACT Academy

What is the minimum Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, SAT or ACT score?

All courses at Georgetown University in Qatar are taught in English. A very high-level of English is needed. In Georgetown, students must read required course material, write exams and papers, make presentations, and engage in discussion and debate both inside and outside the classroom.

While there is no required minimum Duolingo, TOEFL or IELTS score for admission to GU-Q, the most competitive applicants have scores of:

• 120 or higher on Duolingo
• 100 or higher on the Internet- based TOEFL (600 or higher on the paper-based TOEFL exam)
• 7 or higher on IELTS

It is generally recommended that individuals with scores below delay applying and continue to work on their English:

• 100 on Duolingo
• 80 on the Internet- based TOEFL (550 on the paper-based TOEFL exam)
• 6 on IELTS

We waive the English language proficiency exam requirement for applicants who score 620 or higher on the Evidence Based Reading and Writing section of the New SAT or 26 or higher on the ACT Reading and English sections. For more information on English Language proficiency examination waivers, please see our English Language Proficiency Exam Waiver Policy.

Similarly, there is no fixed minimum SAT or ACT score for admission to GU-Q. The most competitive applicants have strong scores in all test sections, particularly the Math and English sections. Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) provides a test schedule. For registration and updated information please visit the testing agencies’ respective websites: Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT.

In what circumstance can a student get an English proficiency test waived?

The English language proficiency examination requirement will be waived if the student requests an English proficiency waiver via email, earns the required SAT or ACT scores, and submits official score reports from the College Board or ACT. The language test requirement may be waived if a student scores 620 or higher on the SAT’s Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section. Similarly, the language test requirement may be waived if the student scores 26 or higher on both the English and Reading sections of the ACT. In some instances, the language testing requirement may be waived when a student meets strict conditions (native language status) that qualify for a waiver upon engaging with the Office of Admissions.

I took standardized tests multiple times but I only want to report my best scores, is this allowed?

Georgetown University does not participate in the Score Choice option available through the College Board. Georgetown requires that you submit scores from all test sittings of the SAT, ACT, and SAT II Subject Tests. Georgetown evaluates many competitive applicants each year for admission; access to your full testing profile enables the admissions committee to fully and fairly assess your individual strengths in comparison to the entire applicant pool.

The essay/writing sections on the SAT and ACT are optional. Do I have to elect these sections to apply to Georgetown?

The SAT essay and ACT writing sections are not required to apply to Georgetown. However, we strongly recommend that applicants complete the essay or writing sections. This helps the Admissions Committee better gauge your critical reading and writing abilities. Additionally, students who complete the essay section of the SAT or the ACT with writing may have their Writing Exercise requirement waived. If you have completed the essay or writing sections of the SAT or ACT and the WE is not “Waived” on your application status, please contact our office.

How do I find more information about the Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, SAT and ACT exams?

For in-depth information of each of the required examinations, please visit the website of the respective testing agencies:

• Duolingo
• TOEFL
• IELTS
• SAT
• ACT

You may also visit the Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Testing Services page for information on testing services offered through the HBKU test center.

I have taken the TOEFL and SAT exams. Do I have to take the SAT II?

While the Office of Admissions encourages students to submit SAT II (subject test) results, subject tests are not required.

How do I register for Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, SAT or ACT exams in Qatar?

Please see the websites indicated above for Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, SAT or ACT exam registration, or see the Hamad Bin Khalifa University website.

How do I register for Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, or ACT exams in my country (if not Qatar)?

Please see the websites indicated above for information on registering for the Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, SAT or ACT exams in your country of residence.

What combination of IGCSE, AS and A-level subjects should I take to be able to apply to Georgetown University in Qatar?

Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) requires applicants to have completed at least 12 years of formal education or equivalent, through the end of a standard high school curriculum.

The IGCSE is generally completed in the 10th or 11th grade, and is a starting point for the AS- or A-level qualifications. Our top applicants have generally completed 8 or 9 IGCSE subject exams. While we start considering applicants during their AS-level exam year, we recommend that students complete their studies through A-level if possible (not every high school offers instruction through A-level). We recommend this because:

• A-level qualifications make an applicant more competitive for admission;
• A-level qualifications allow an applicant to apply to a wide range of top universities;
• A-level qualifications (given good results) will allow an admitted applicant to complete university up to a year sooner.

GU-Q requires students to take a minimum of four AS subjects in their AS-level year. We recommend students take the most challenging courses available to them. Math and English are both excellent choices. Sciences, history, or geography are also good choices. GU-Q does not accept Travel and Tourism and General Paper as part of the four AS-Levels required for application and admission. If students choose to continue through A-level, GU-Q will require three A-level subjects. We recommend math, plus at least one reading/writing intensive course such as literature or history.

I’m an IB Diploma candidate. Which courses should I take?

IB Diploma candidates are required to take subjects from six different subject groups: language and literature; language acquisition; individuals and societies; sciences; mathematics; and the arts (or an additional course from the other subject groups). While we do not have requirements for courses or subjects that applicants must take, here are some recommendations that we have for course selection:

• Studies in language and literature: Strong English language skills, particularly critical reading and writing, are essential for success at Georgetown. IB Language and IB Literature (Language A) are both good choices.
• Language Acquisition: Every student in the BSFS program must graduate with proficiency in a language other than English. Any second language is helpful to students joining GU-Q. Please keep in mind that if you are planning on continuing your language study at Georgetown, only French and Arabic are currently offered at the GU-Q.
• Individuals and Societies: Economics, Geography, Global Politics, History, Philosophy, Social & Cultural Anthropology, and World Religions align best with the BSFS curricular offerings and would make for good preparation for our program.
• Sciences: The BSFS core curriculum now requires 1 Science, good results in courses such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics demonstrate that a student is well-rounded and prepared for our curriculum.
• Mathematics: As part of the BSFS core curriculum, all students must take three economics courses at minimum, math skills are an important part of preparation for our program. We encourage students to challenge themselves and opt for a class that will give them a solid foundation in math in preparation for our rigorous economics courses.
• Arts (or elective): While a number of courses at GU-Q explore film and the arts as a window into history, culture, politics, etc., we ideally would prefer candidates for admission to opt to study an additional individuals and societies or language course, if available at your school.

We also recommend applicants choose the most challenging courses available to them, especially in courses which demonstrate key strengths that we look for, namely critical reading, critical writing, and mathematics. 

How important is high school math in the admission decision?

Ultimately, our admissions committee looks for students who will be successful at Georgetown. Georgetown students are required to take a minimum of three courses in economics (macro-economics, micro-economics, and a third economics course). A strong math foundation in high school is generally a good indicator of success in economics at university. The admissions committee looks for achievement in math on two fronts: good grades and strong courses. SAT or ACT math test scores should complement the high school math grades.

I am/have enrolled in a Foundation program or alternative program after graduating high school. Do I still need to provide my high school transcripts?

Yes. We will still need to see your official transcripts/grade reports for your final three years of secondary school. Georgetown evaluates many competitive applicants each year for admission; access to your full academic profile enables the admissions committee to fully and fairly assess your individual strengths in comparison to the entire applicant pool.

I took AP Courses/IB Courses/A levels in high school. Can I get university credit for these?

The GU-Q Office of Curricular and Academic Advising is responsible for reviewing advanced credit for all admitted students. The Office of Admissions will forward transcripts for admitted students to the Office of Curricular and Academic Advising once our decisions are released in the Spring. Students may be able to get credit for:

• Core courses (such as English, history, economics, etc.);
• Major courses (international relations, politics, etc.);
• Elective courses

Please note that the admissions office does not make this determination. For more information, please see the “Advanced Credit” section of our Undergraduate Bulletin.

Students must complete a minimum of two years’ of coursework at Georgetown to earn a Georgetown University degree.

I am afraid my personal statement will either be too short or too long. Is there a minimum or maximum word count?

The personal statement should be 250-650 words, approximately 1 page. A long statement is not necessarily a better one. Language correctness, good organization, strong arguments, ingenuity and integrity (among others) are more likely to impress the readers.

What is the prompt for the personal statement?

The Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either autobiographical or creative, which you feel best describes you and helps us understand your interest in international affairs and your anticipated major. (250-650 words, approximately 1 page).

How can I submit my personal statement?

Applicants may upload the personal statement through the online application before or after application submission.

I have heard about the Writing Exercise (WE). What is it?

All applicants are required to complete a Writing Exercise (WE) as part of the GU-Q application process. The exercise is an hour-long session during which you are asked to write a short essay on one of our given topics. We will contact applicants closer to the application deadline to schedule and coordinate the WE.

The WE does not require advanced knowledge or preparation on any particular topic. The Admissions Committee reviews the essay for logic, grammar, syntax, sentence structure, etc. We pay particular attention to depth of analysis and written communication skills. The exercise is meant to simulate a routine experience in which students share written work in a class.

Applicants may not use external sources to support their WE. In other words, the use of Google or other online search engines or physical books or resources available on the internet or elsewhere to support their WE is strictly not allowed. The WE should be 100% the applicant’s own work and should not use any outside or external resources. All writing exercises are verified through turnitin.com.

How can my report be submitted?

The Counselor and Teacher Report must be submitted to our admissions office electronically, through our application system. Please be sure to input the name and contact information for each reference provider through the designated link on your online application. Please also ensure that you enter your recommender’s institutional/professional e-mail address (not Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc.). We do not accept recommendations submitted from personal e-mail addresses.

Exceptions for paper recommendations may be made under extenuating circumstances only (i.e. lack of internet access). Prior approval is required. Please e-mail the GU-Q Office of Admissions for approval. Should a paper submission be approved, you can download a copy of the counselor report and the teacher report. We will not process paper recommendations that do not have the required approval from our office.

My recommenders cannot submit my recommendations in English. What should I do?

We accommodate the diversity of our applicants and understand that some recommenders may not be comfortable writing their recommendations in English. In cases such as these, we need official translations of the recommendation signed and sealed by the recommenders.

How many reports do I need?

A minimum of two reports in support of your application are required:

• One Overall Academic Assessment/Counselor Report
• One Teacher Report

I understand that there is an interview as part of the application process. When should I expect to have an interview?

The Admissions Office of Georgetown University in Qatar may schedule interviews for some qualified applicants after applications have been reviewed. Expect most interviews to take place in November for Early Action or February and March for Regular Decision. Not every person who submits an application is selected for an interview. Interviews are not an indication of admissibility.

I do not live in Qatar, will I still be interviewed?

The Admissions Office of Georgetown University in Qatar will make every effort to schedule interviews for all qualified applicants. We generally conduct interviews for international applicants online or over the phone. In some cases, applicants will elect to travel to Qatar for their interview.

I am currently a student at another university. Can I transfer to GU-Q?

Georgetown University in Qatar accepts and reviews applications from transfer students during one application window in the fall. Transfer applicants are held to the January 15 application deadline (standard fall application) as first time, first-year students and also are required to submit test scores as necessary. Please note that the spring transfer admissions cycle has been canceled indefinitely. 

I’m a transfer applicant and need to know whether I will receive credit for courses I completed at my former university.

The GU-Q Office of Curricular and Academic Advising is responsible for reviewing transfer and advanced credit for all admitted students. The Office of Admissions will forward transcripts for admitted students to the Office of Curricular and Academic Advising after admissions decisions have been released. Admitted students may request a review of courses for transfer credit before the enrollment deadline. A complete course syllabus, in addition to the transcript, will be required. The Office of Curricular and Academic Advising will review the transcript and syllabus to determine course equivalency, if any. These may include any or all of the following:

• Core courses (such as English, history, economics, etc.);
• Major courses (international relations, politics, etc.);
• Elective courses

Please note that the admissions office does not make this determination. For more information on transfer students, please see our undergraduate bulletin.

Students must complete a minimum of two years of coursework at Georgetown to earn a Georgetown University degree.

I am interested in studying Arabic in the Arab world. Can I come to study at GU-Q?

GU-Q offers Arabic language instruction for full-time Georgetown University undergraduates, qualified students at other universities at Education City, and eligible study abroad students enrolled at GU-Q or EC universities.

If I complete the Academic Bridge Program in Education City, can I get into GU-Q?

The Academic Bridge Program (ABP) offers courses that help students strengthen their academic skills, particularly in English, math, and general university preparedness. Qualified ABP students have the additional advantage of being allowed to cross-register for a limited number of university courses on a space-available basis. There is no guarantee, however, that a student who completes ABP will be admitted to GU-Q. We encourage all prospective applicants to look carefully at the application requirements and at the GU-Q curriculum before applying.

I have a Bachelor’s degree but I still want to study at GU-Q. Is this possible?

Students who have already earned a 4-year bachelors degree at another college or university are not eligible for admission to GU-Q. If you are interested in graduate study, please review programs offered via:

The Office of Executive Education: Georgetown University in Qatar provides a suite of open and certificate courses offering excellent opportunities for executives and working professionals to learn new skills, techniques, and earn certificates. Our campus also serves as a residency and delivery location for the International Executive Master’s degree in Emergency and Disaster Management and the Executive Master’s in Diplomacy and International Affairs.

Office of Graduate Admissions (Washington, DC): Our main campus in Washington, DC offers a wide variety of doctoral, master’s, and certificate programs encompassing both traditional and interdisciplinary studies.  Whether you’re interested in pursuing doctoral research in government or neuroscience or exploring top-ranking master’s programs such as foreign service or public policy, you are sure to find unique opportunities in our graduate community.

For some countries and for certain majors, 2 and 3 year bachelors degrees may not be considered equivalent to a full undergraduate program in the USA. In these cases, you may be eligible to apply and study at GU-Q. If you believe your bachelors degree falls under this description, please contact the Office of Admissions to see if you are eligible to apply.

Please note: all students must complete a minimum of two years of coursework at Georgetown to earn a Georgetown University degree.

What is the deadline for application?

The deadline for application for fall admission is:

• Early Action: November 15, 2024
• Regular Decision: January 15, 2025
• Transfer Application: January 15, 2025

Transfer applicants are restricted to the Regular Decision application cycle. All application materials must also be received by the deadline (test scores, transcripts, etc.). We recommend that all materials be submitted as early as possible.

I submitted my complete application before the deadline. When can I expect to hear back?

The GU-Q admissions office begins contacting applicants from November to March regarding interview appointments and other important matters. Decisions are released by December 15, 2024 for Early Action and April 3, 2025 for Regular Decision.

If I am admitted for Fall 2025, when will the semester begin?

The 2025-26 Academic year will begin on August 17, 2025. Applicants should submit financial aid applications by the January 15 deadline to ensure aid packages are completed in time for the academic year. New students should be ready to report to campus by August 17, 2025.
For more information about the Academic Calendar, please click here.

I missed the deadline for applying for fall admission. Can I apply for Spring admission?

GU-Q does not have an application for spring admission. All applicants must apply for fall admission.

Does Georgetown University in Qatar School of Foreign Service offer Master or Ph.D. programs?

Georgetown University in Qatar offers professional and executive masters in international relations, international and disaster management and custom degrees and certificates for companies, ministries and more. For more information about those programs, please visit the Executive and Professional Education page.

What is the cost of studying at GU-Q?

For 2024-25, tuition at Georgetown University in Qatar is $67,824 (QAR247,558), and is adjusted annually. Books, housing (if necessary) and other fees are extra. For more information on our tuition and fees, please visit the tuition page on our website.

I do not have the money to pay the tuition at GU-Q. Can I get a scholarship?

Georgetown offers need based grants and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile is required to determine eligibility for grant and scholarship assistance. If you would like to be considered, you must complete the CSS Profile by January 15. Most students at Georgetown have some combination of scholarship, financial aid grants, and self-funding. See our Financial Aid page for information. Qatari students may apply for full scholarships through the Ministry of Education and High Education, and sponsorships through private companies.

Georgetown University practices “need-blind” admissions; an applicant’s ability to meet college costs is not a criterion for admission. U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) may be eligible for federally funded student loans and should submit a FAFSA form for consideration to Georgetown University (This will be required if applying for GU-Q Financial Aid).

If I study in Qatar and my family does not have a home there, where will I live?

Qatar Foundation residence halls are located within Education City. Male and female students live in separate apartment blocks. Each residence hall floor has community kitchens and laundry rooms, and lounges for study and social space. There are four room options: a residence hall room and three apartment styles. All first-year students are assigned a residence hall room and their rooms are grouped together. For other students, the apartments consist of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. In single occupancy residence hall rooms, each student has a private bedroom, bathroom, TV, and refrigerator. Only apartments have a kitchen in the unit.

What are the costs for on-campus housing?

First time applicants are required to pay a refundable damage deposit of QR 2,000, which also acts as a reservation fee. The balance is due to Qatar Foundation prior to move-in.

The 2024-2025 costs of each room type are:

• residence hall room – single occupancy QAR 10,100 per semester
• residence hall room – double occupancy QAR 5,050 per semester
• 2 bedroom apartment – double occupancy QAR 11,920 per semester
• studio apartment – single occupancy QAR 13,000 per semester
• studio apartment – double occupancy QAR 6,500 per semester
• 1 bedroom apartment – single occupancy QAR 13,840 per semester

What should I do about registering for housing?

If you are planning to live in QF residence halls during the school year, please look for an e-mail from Georgetown after you have confirmed your enrollment. The e-mail will include instructions about the online housing application system. If you are a local student and want to live on campus then you will need to provide Georgetown with your information to initiate the housing application process.

Do I have the option of requesting on-campus housing for one semester?

Yes. Be sure to indicate that on your housing application. You may be contacted by Housing and Residence Life for additional information.

Is there a meal plan?

There is no comprehensive meal plan; students may choose to purchase groceries and prepare meals in the dorm kitchens, eat subsidized meals in the subsidized cafeterias (~$7/meal), or eat at any of a wide range of restaurants in Doha.

I am interested in living on campus year-round. Can you give me details on housing for summer and winter break periods?

A student who requires on-campus housing during the summer will pay a weekly rate for housing. If the student has a previously assigned room during the school year then the student will be able to remain in the room during the winter break. Depending on the student’s housing plans for the following academic year, a student may need to change rooms during summer housing. For summer housing, students must sign up in advance.

What are laundry facilities like in the QF residence halls?

There are self-service laundry facilities in each of the residence halls. There is no laundry service. Students who want laundry service must arrange the service on their own.

Where are most students at GU-Q from?

Admission to GU-Q is open to all qualified students, regardless of background. GU-Q students have come from more than 70 countries and five continents. We maintain a strong commitment to diversity, and we recruit and admit students from all over the world.

Statement of Nondiscrimination: Georgetown University provides educational opportunities without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, age, color, disability, family responsibilities, familial status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, personal appearance, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, source of income, veteran’s status or any other factor prohibited by law in its educational programs and activities.

Are students of all religious traditions welcome at the Georgetown University in Qatar?

From its founding in 1789 by John Carroll, the first Catholic bishop in the United States, Georgetown University has been open to students from all nations and faiths. In the Jesuit tradition of educating men and women for others, Georgetown students are taught to engage people of all backgrounds and cultures and to understand their responsibility to make a difference in the world. The vision of John Carroll continues to be realized today in a distinctive educational institution — a University rooted in the Catholic faith and Jesuit tradition, committed to spiritual inquiry, engaged in the public sphere, and invigorated by religious and cultural pluralism.

At the School of Foreign Service, students of different faiths study and learn together, from their professors, and from each other. There are dedicated Muslim prayer spaces throughout the campus, including in the Georgetown Building, the home of GU-Q. In addition, a designated room for prayer and reflection is available to all members of the GU-Q community regardless of religious background.