Doha, September 13 (QNA) - The Academic Bridge Program (ABP), part of Qatar Foundation's Pre-University Education, has recorded significant growth in applications and student enrollment for the 2026-2027 academic year, reflecting rising demand for its programs and academic pathways designed to prepare students for university and equip them with strong academic foundations for their future studies.

ABP recorded a 35 percent increase in applications compared with the 2025-2026 academic year, while enrollment rose by 40 percent, bringing the total number of students enrolled this year to 255.

Students enrolled in the program are pursuing a diverse range of academic pathways aligned with their future academic and career aspirations. Of the total enrollment, 45 percent are pursuing the STEM track, 26 percent are studying Social Sciences, 25 percent are pursuing Humanities and Visual Arts, and 4 percent have opted for the newly introduced medical track.

An additional 39 students, representing 16 percent of the student body, are enrolled through the Tajseer pathway, which enables high school graduates from the Arts/Literary track to transition to the Science track through ABP's STEM pathway.

The student body remains predominantly Qatari, with Qatari nationals accounting for 94 percent of enrollment, alongside an international cohort representing 6 percent, including students from the United Kingdom, China and Syria. The figures reflect ABP's continued commitment to serving Qatari students while also supporting students from the wider regional and international community.

The outcomes achieved by ABP graduates further demonstrate the program’s role in supporting students' transition to higher education. Among the 2025-2026 graduating cohort, 78 percent enrolled at universities in Education City, while 98 percent of graduates secured admission to leading universities in Qatar and internationally -- the highest admission rate in ABP's 25-year history.

Dr. Hareb Mohammed Al Jabri, Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, said the Academic Bridge Program plays a strategic role in facilitating students' transition to higher education and developing a highly skilled national workforce aligned with Qatar’s development priorities.

He noted that continued growth in student participation across scholarship-supported pathways demonstrates the success of aligning academic preparation with national talent development objectives.

He added that the Ministry looks forward to building on its partnership with ABP to prepare future-ready graduates capable of contributing to Qatar’s knowledge-based economy and long-term sustainable development.

Dr. Saheim Khalaf Al Temimi, Director of ABP, said the significant growth recorded this year reflects growing confidence among students and parents in Qatar in the program and its role in preparing students for a successful university experience.

He said the rise in enrollment also demonstrates increasing recognition of the importance of establishing a strong academic foundation before students transition to university.

Al Temimi added that, as ABP welcomes a new cohort of students and expands its Medicine and Tajseer pathways, the program remains focused on empowering students to realize their potential and succeed at university and beyond. (QNA)