Doha, July 09 (QNA) - The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE), in cooperation with Doha University of Science and Technology (UDST), announced on Thursday the launch of new academic programs in animal health and veterinary sciences, alongside a foundation program for humanities-track students, aimed at expanding higher education opportunities and preparing national talent for priority sectors aligned with labor market needs.
Speaking at a press conference, Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education Affairs at the Ministry, Dr. Hareb Mohamed Aljabri, described UDST as a key strategic partner in delivering high-quality applied education that equips graduates with practical skills required by the labor market.
He explained that the new animal health and veterinary sciences programs were developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality and other stakeholders to address national workforce needs in animal security, public health, and food safety. He added that the initiative supports Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country's long-term workforce development strategy.
Aljabri also highlighted the Ministry's efforts to broaden academic pathways, particularly for humanities-track graduates, who account for around 75 percent of secondary school graduates. He noted that the new foundation program will enable eligible students to pursue scientific and engineering disciplines after meeting the required English and mathematics standards, expanding their academic and career prospects.
He added that students admitted through the government scholarship program will receive a monthly stipend of QR 4,000 while pursuing a diploma, rising to QR 6,000 upon progressing to a bachelor's degree. The program also offers a clear pathway to employment based on the needs of participating entities.
For his part, Vice President for Student Affairs at UDST, Fahad Abdullah Al Hajri, described the Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences program as the first of its kind in Qatar, noting that it was designed in direct response to labor market demand through an applied curriculum combining veterinary and health sciences with extensive practical training.
Al Hajri said the program will start in Fall 2026 semester and prepare graduates for careers in animal welfare, animal security, public health, and food safety through specialized coursework in animal diseases, nutrition, laboratory techniques, and veterinary science, complemented by practical training in veterinary hospitals, laboratories, and related institutions. 
He noted that the program provides students with flexibility in their academic pathway, allowing them to obtain a diploma after successfully completing the first two years, or continue their studies to earn a bachelor's degree, with the option of pursuing veterinary medicine in the future in accordance with the requirements of universities offering the specialization.
He also highlighted that the first two years of study include common courses and intensive practical training, enabling students to graduate with a diploma and enter the labor market, or continue their studies to obtain a bachelor's degree. He noted that admission to the program requires a high school certificate in the scientific track with a minimum grade of 60 percent, while meeting the requirements for core science subjects, English and mathematics, in addition to the option of enrolling in the foundation program that prepares students for university studies.
Al Hajri confirmed that admissions remain open, calling on students to benefit from the new programs, which represent a qualitative addition to Qatar's higher education system and contribute to preparing national competencies capable of meeting the needs of vital sectors and supporting sustainable development. (QNA)