Doha, August 23 (QNA) - Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) held its Student Orientation Program for a record number of incoming students. Held at the Education City for new undergraduates and postgraduates, the event also provided an opportunity to welcome returning students back to campus.

Orientation marked the beginning of the 2025-2026 academic year, introducing 974 students, including 308 undergraduate and 666 postgraduate students, across HBKU's 48 innovative programs. These align with the five focus areas that inform Qatar’s economic, social, and technological development: Precision Health; Artificial Intelligence; Progressive Education; Sustainability; and Social Progress.

The new academic year also sees the university launching its School of Economics and Management (SEM), offering the Master of Science in Economics program to address a critical field in the development of Qatar’s economy, as well as the future needs of the labor market in both the public and private sectors.

Dr. Prabhat Hajela, Provost, said: “We are proud to welcome our latest cohort of undergraduate and graduate students. This promises to be a remarkable academic year for our university as enrollment numbers grow, and academic programs expand across several disciplines. HBKU will empower them to pursue the future they envision. Research and innovation are our strengths, and students understand the practical and positive impact these factors have on their education.”

University leadership and staff were on hand to acquaint the students with campus life and academic expectations. The deans of HBKU's six colleges and undergraduate department heads offered advice to new students, highlighting the university’s inclusive and high-quality research and education ecosystem.

The incoming set also includes 303 Qataris, bolstering the university’s track record of contributing to the country’s national human development efforts by offering future generations the opportunity to excel in their chosen fields.

Dr. Maryam Al Mannai, Vice President, Student Affairs, stated: “Hamad Bin Khalifa University is dedicated to enriching students' academic and extracurricular experience. As we break new ground by expanding our programs and welcoming more students, we remain committed to fostering an immersive environment that encourages academic excellence, professional development and personal growth. Today marks the beginning of their educational journey, an opportunity to interact with peers and explore the HBKU landscape”. (QNA)