Doha, January 26 (QNA) – The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has announced the opening of applications for Qatar Science and Technology Schools for the 2026-2027 academic year, coinciding with the inauguration of two new schools for boys and girls. The Ministry stated that applications will be accepted from now until February 20, 2026, through the "Maaref" portal for public services on the Ministry's website.

The Ministry explained that Qatar Science and Technology Schools are specialized government institutions offering high-quality education based on the integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Their curricula are designed according to the National Curriculum Framework and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

The Ministry said that the new schools and grade levels targeted for the upcoming academic year include: Qatar Science and Technology Preparatory Secondary School for Boys in the Al Sakhama area, a new school targeting the seventh grade with a capacity of 100 students; and Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Girls in the Rawdat Al Hamama area, a new school targeting the ninth grade with a capacity of up to 100 students.

Registration is also ongoing at the Qatar Science and Technology School for Boys in the Umm Al Seneem area for the seventh and ninth grades, with a capacity of 48 students for each grade.

The Ministry noted that English is the primary language of instruction for all science subjects, while Arabic language, Islamic education, and social studies are taught in Arabic, according to the Ministry's curriculum.

It added that the admission process involves several stages, beginning with screening applications to ensure applicants have achieved a minimum of 80% in mathematics, science, and English. This is followed by specialized entrance exams, including a mathematics test covering the knowledge of the last two academic years, an English language test (APTIS), a cognitive abilities test (CAT4), and an Arabic language skills test.

If an applicant meets the initial criteria, they will be invited for a personal interview, in the presence of their guardian, to assess their personal qualities and academic aptitude.

The Ministry emphasized that Qatar Science and Technology Schools provide an advanced learning environment with specialized laboratories in robotics, digital manufacturing, biomedicine, energy, and augmented reality.

This qualifies graduates to obtain a locally and internationally accredited specialized secondary school diploma, in addition to the possibility of obtaining Advanced Placement (AP), SAT, and IELTS certificates.

The Ministry also noted that free transportation is provided to all areas of the country. School hours are from 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Sunday through Wednesday, and until 1:40 PM on Thursday.

The Ministry noted that the final results for accepted students will be announced no later than the end of May 2026, based on the highest achieved scores and according to the capacity of each school.

This aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which prioritizes human development and the growth of national capabilities in science and innovation. (QNA)