Qatar is a country with a deep and diverse cultural heritage. Its unique blend of traditional and modern influences provides a rich context for studying art and design. Students can draw inspiration from Islamic art, architecture, and the vibrant local culture, while also engaging with contemporary global art trends.
Qatar is home to several world-renowned educational institutions, including Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), which offers top-tier art and design programs. These institutions provide state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and a strong emphasis on both theoretical and practical aspects of art and design.
Located in the heart of the Middle East, Qatar provides students with a unique opportunity to experience the region's dynamic art scene. Its strategic location allows easy access to other cultural hubs in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, facilitating exposure to a wide range of artistic styles and movements.
Qatar has a rapidly growing art and design scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and cultural institutions such as the Museum of Islamic Art, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, and the Fire Station: Artist in Residence. These venues offer students opportunities to engage with both historic and contemporary works of art.
The Qatari government heavily invests in education and cultural development, promoting a vibrant arts community. Initiatives like the Qatar National Vision 2030 emphasize the importance of arts and culture, ensuring strong support for creative industries and educational programs.
Qatar hosts numerous international art events, such as the Doha Film Institute’s Ajyal Youth Film Festival and the Qatar International Art Festival. These events provide students with the opportunity to showcase their work, network with global artists, and gain international exposure.
Various scholarships and funding opportunities are available for both local and international students. Institutions like VCUarts Qatar offer scholarships based on merit and need, making quality education more accessible.
Qatar’s diverse population creates a multicultural environment that enriches the learning experience. Students from various backgrounds contribute to a dynamic and inclusive educational atmosphere, fostering creativity and collaboration.
Art and design programs in Qatar often emphasize innovation and sustainability, aligning with global trends in the creative industries. Students are encouraged to explore new technologies, interdisciplinary approaches, and sustainable practices in their work.
Qatar's booming economy and growing creative sector offer numerous career opportunities for graduates. With its ambitious projects in urban development, architecture, and cultural initiatives, there is a high demand for skilled professionals in art and design.
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design |
Graphic Design, Visual Communication |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design |
Interior Design, Spatial Design |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fashion Design |
Fashion Design, Textile Design |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Painting and Printmaking |
Painting, Printmaking |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Design |
Design, Interdisciplinary Design |
|
Georgetown University in Qatar |
Certificate in Design Management |
Design Management, Creative Leadership |
|
Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar |
Certificate in Design Thinking |
Design Thinking, Innovation |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design |
Graphic Design, Visual Communication |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design |
Interior Design, Spatial Design |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fashion Design |
Fashion Design, Textile Design |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Painting and Printmaking |
Painting, Printmaking |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Design |
Design, Interdisciplinary Design |
|
Georgetown University in Qatar |
Certificate in Design Management |
Design Management, Creative Leadership |
|
Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar |
Certificate in Design Thinking |
Design Thinking, Innovation |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design |
Graphic Design, Visual Communication |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design |
Interior Design, Spatial Design |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fashion Design |
Fashion Design, Textile Design |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Painting and Printmaking |
Painting, Printmaking |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Design |
Design, Interdisciplinary Design |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Design |
Design, Interdisciplinary Design |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Diploma in Graphic Design |
Graphic Design, Visual Communication |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Diploma in Interior Design |
Interior Design, Spatial Design |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Diploma in Fashion Design |
Fashion Design, Textile Design |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Diploma in Painting and Printmaking |
Painting, Printmaking |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Certificate in Graphic Design |
Graphic Design, Visual Communication |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Certificate in Interior Design |
Interior Design, Spatial Design |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Certificate in Fashion Design |
Fashion Design, Textile Design |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Certificate in Painting and Printmaking |
Painting, Printmaking |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Certificate in Design Management |
Design Management, Creative Leadership |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Certificate in Design Thinking |
Design Thinking, Innovation |
University |
Course Program |
Degree Level |
Duration |
Tuition Fees (USD/year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) |
Graphic Design |
Bachelor's |
4 years |
$25,000 |
|
|
Interior Design |
Bachelor's |
4 years |
$25,000 |
|
|
Fashion Design |
Bachelor's |
4 years |
$25,000 |
|
|
Painting and Printmaking |
Bachelor's |
4 years |
$25,000 |
|
|
Design Studies |
Master's |
2 years |
$28,000 |
|
|
Design Studies |
MFA |
3 years |
$30,000 |
|
Northwestern University in Qatar |
Media Industries and Technologies |
Bachelor's |
4 years |
$60,000 |
|
Qatar University |
Graphic Design |
Bachelor's |
4 years |
$16,000 |
|
|
Visual Arts |
Bachelor's |
4 years |
$16,000 |
|
|
Architecture |
Bachelor's |
4 years |
$16,000 |
|
Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) |
Digital Humanities and Societies |
Master's |
2 years |
$30,000 |
|
Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar |
Medical Humanities and Ethics |
Master's |
2 years |
$45,000 |
University |
Course |
Intake Period |
Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) |
Fall, Spring |
May 1 (Fall), October 1 (Spring) |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar |
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) |
Fall |
February 1 (Fall) |
|
Qatar University |
Bachelor of Arts in Art Education |
Fall |
June 15 (Fall) |
|
Northwestern University Qatar |
Bachelor of Science in Communication (Media and Design) |
Fall |
February 1 (Fall) |
|
University of Calgary Qatar |
Bachelor of Design |
Fall |
March 1 (Fall) |
University |
Course |
Tuition Fees per Year |
Additional Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) |
QAR 101,000 |
QAR 2,500 (General Fees) |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar |
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) |
QAR 111,000 |
QAR 2,500 (General Fees) |
|
Qatar University |
Bachelor of Arts in Art Education |
QAR 60,000 |
QAR 2,000 (Other Administrative Fees) |
|
Northwestern University Qatar |
Bachelor of Science in Communication (Media and Design) |
QAR 206,000 |
QAR 3,000 (Miscellaneous Fees) |
|
University of Calgary Qatar |
Bachelor of Design |
QAR 95,000 |
QAR 1,500 (General Fees) |
University |
Course |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
|
Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) |
High school diploma, minimum GPA of 2.5, portfolio submission, English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent) |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar |
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) |
Bachelor's degree in a related field, minimum GPA of 3.0, portfolio submission, statement of purpose, English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) |
|
Qatar University |
Bachelor of Arts in Art Education |
High school diploma, minimum GPA of 2.5, interview, English proficiency (IELTS 5.5 or equivalent) |
|
Northwestern University Qatar |
Bachelor of Science in Communication (Media and Design) |
High school diploma, minimum GPA of 3.0, portfolio submission, English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 or equivalent) |
|
University of Calgary Qatar |
Bachelor of Design |
High school diploma, minimum GPA of 2.5, portfolio submission, English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) |
University |
Course |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) |
VCUQatar Merit Scholarship |
Outstanding academic performance, portfolio review, financial need |
Up to full tuition |
|
Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar |
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) |
Graduate Scholarship |
Academic excellence, portfolio review, financial need |
Varies (partial to full tuition) |
|
Qatar University |
Bachelor of Arts in Art Education |
QU Academic Scholarship |
High academic performance, demonstrated commitment to the arts |
Full or partial tuition waiver |
|
Northwestern University Qatar |
Bachelor of Science in Communication (Media and Design) |
NU-Q Financial Aid |
Financial need, academic performance |
Varies (based on need) |
|
University of Calgary Qatar |
Bachelor of Design |
UCalgary Entrance Scholarship |
High school academic excellence, portfolio submission |
Varies (partial to full tuition) |
|
Education Above All Foundation |
Any Art & Design Course |
Al Fakhoora Scholarship |
Financial need, academic merit, leadership potential |
Full tuition and living expenses |
Career Path |
Average Salary (QAR/year) |
Potential Employers |
Job Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Graphic Designer |
60,000 - 120,000 |
Advertising agencies, media companies, freelancing |
Graphic Designer, Visual Designer, Brand Designer |
|
Interior Designer |
70,000 - 140,000 |
Interior design firms, real estate companies, freelancing |
Interior Designer, Space Planner, Design Consultant |
|
Fashion Designer |
80,000 - 150,000 |
Fashion houses, retail brands, freelancing |
Fashion Designer, Textile Designer, Apparel Designer |
|
Multimedia Artist and Animator |
90,000 - 160,000 |
Animation studios, gaming companies, media houses |
Animator, Game Designer, Multimedia Artist |
|
Art Director |
120,000 - 200,000 |
Advertising agencies, media companies, design firms |
Art Director, Creative Director, Design Manager |
|
Curator |
80,000 - 140,000 |
Museums, art galleries, cultural institutions |
Museum Curator, Gallery Curator, Exhibition Curator |
|
Art Educator |
70,000 - 130,000 |
Educational institutions, art schools |
Art Teacher, Art Instructor, Lecturer |
|
Digital Illustrator |
60,000 - 120,000 |
Publishing companies, advertising agencies, freelancing |
Illustrator, Concept Artist, Visual Developer |
|
UX/UI Designer |
90,000 - 170,000 |
Tech companies, startups, design agencies |
UX Designer, UI Designer, Product Designer |
|
Art Therapist |
100,000 - 180,000 |
Hospitals, mental health clinics, private practice |
Art Therapist, Creative Arts Therapist |
