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Hamad Bin Khalifa University, a member of Qatar Foundation, has welcomed more than 200 new students for the 2016-17 academic year, bringing the total number of students enrolled at the university to more than 450.
The vast majority of HBKU’s students (more than 90%) are undertaking advanced study at master’s and doctoral level, and there is a heavy emphasis on research across the university. The number of Qatari students continues to be significant, with Qataris accounting for around 70 percent of students enrolled on recently added programs such as the Master of Science in Cybersecurity and the Juris Doctor graduate law degree.
At an orientation event held at the start of the new academic year, Maryam Hamad Al-Mannai, Vice President of Students Affairs at HBKU, addressed the new students, saying: “You are joining a university that is proud to be pushing the boundaries of research education in Qatar.”
“I know that today marks an important milestone for each and every one of you. The start of this new academic year is also an important milestone for the university. Truly, HBKU is growing and thriving. Together with our existing students, you represent the hopes and aspirations of a university that is committed to building educational capacity in Qatar at the highest level.”
Dedicated to delivering novel, high-quality academic programs designed to meet the needs of Qatar and the region, HBKU introduced three new graduate degrees this year. Two new master’s programs, the Master of Science in Cybersecurity and a Master of Science in Data Science and Engineering, are the first of their kind in the Gulf region and offer students the opportunity to conduct novel research alongside HBKU’s world-renowned faculty members and researchers. The university also initiated a PhD program in Computer Science and Engineering this fall, complementing the university’s existing doctorate-level offerings in sustainable energy, sustainable environment, and biological and biomedical sciences.
Students have enrolled on a range of programs across HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering, its College of Humanities and Social Sciences, its College of Law and Public Policy, and Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies.
Fahad Al-Obaidli, a new PhD student in Computer Science and Engineering at the University, commented: “As a local, I knew I wanted to stay in Qatar as I had little interest in living outside my country for an extended period of time. Education City has a stellar reputation and HBKU, while still young, has made its name in research in recent years. This made it clear that it was a great university for me to study at and gain a Ph.D. from.”
“The program and the curriculum is a great addition to my work experience in information and communications technology. I currently work in research at Qatar Foundation and I think HBKU’s program will offer me the tools and resources to grow my career and help me make a mark in my country.”
Najla Al-Thani, newly enrolled in HBKU’s MA in Islamic Studies program, echoed this sentiment: “I was attracted to HBKU’s program because it perfectly complements my work. I work at the Museum of Islamic Art, and I was looking for a degree program that would help me in my career and add to my experience.”
“It’s great that HBKU gives me the chance to get a high level of education in my home country. I’m proud to attend a university with such high standing and reputation in Qatar.”
With each passing year, HBKU continues to expand its degree programs, inspire a spirit of innovation, and grow its research facilities to better meet market demands and cultivate strong leaders. This year’s new students come from a wide range of notable companies, including Qatar Petroleum, Ernst & Young, Ashghal, Deloitte, Vodafone, Sidra Medical and Research Center, Kahramaa, and Qatar Central Bank. Others have previously worked with the Qatar Armed Forces, the Emiri Diwan, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).