Learn about financial aid and whether it’s an option for you.

At Northwestern Qatar, we understand a university education involves a significant financial decision for students and their families. We aim to create a community that is diverse, supportive, and inclusive as possible. As such, we are committed to ensuring this rigorous process is both accessible and as affordable as possible. 

Need-Aware Admission

Overview

At Northwestern Qatar, we have a need-aware admission review, meaning that a request for financial aid and the amount of financial aid you require may factor into your admission decision.


Financial Aid Awards

  • Consists of interest-free loans from the Qatar Foundation (QF), which would be paid back or forgiven if certain criteria are met after graduation.

  • All applicants will be considered for merit scholarships during the application review. There is no additional application for consideration. Selected students will be notified at the time of admission.

Northwestern Qatar cannot assume responsibility for economic changes such as currency fluctuation, increases in cost of living, or loss of parental employment. The university cannot replace lost support a student may have expected to receive from friends, relatives, and government or corporate grants.


Cost of Attendance

Northwestern charges the same tuition in Doha, Qatar as in Evanston, Illinois. 

For a complete list of expenses, please visit https://my.qatar.northwestern.edu/finance/tuition.html

Financial Aid Deadlines

Early Action Applicants

November 15, 2023

QF Portal and Documents Deadline

December 14, 2023

Admissions Letters Released

January 2024

Financial Aid Letters Released


Regular Decision Applicants and Transfer Applicants

FEBRUARY 15, 2024

QF Portal and Documents Deadline

MARCH 28, 2024

Admissions and Financial Aid Letters Released 


Other Deadlines

February 1

Northwestern Qatar recommends the FAFSA (United States citizens and residents only) be received by this date for maximum consideration for QF financial aid. Once the FAFSA is completed, applicants are required to inform Northwestern Qatar.

May 1

The final deadline to pay the enrollment deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (mandatory for US citizens and residents). The FAFSA form is used to determine eligibility for US Government grants and loans.
  2. Students interested in financial assistance can apply for Qatar Foundation interest-free education loans. We highly encourage all applicants to explore the opportunities offered by QF through their world class financial aid program by visiting the Qatar Foundation Financial Aid website.

The following documents are required for the QF financial aid application.  Applicants may be requested to provide additional documents as requested by QF Student Financial Services.

A copy of the applicant’s passport, as well as for all family members

Qatari Resident Permit (if issued), as well as for all family members

A copy of your national ID

Latest transcript and/or enrollment letter

Student release form

Parent obligation form

Copy of receipts for educational payments for applicant and siblings

Official income letter from parents’ employer (father and mother)

Copy of bank statements for parents for the last 19 months as well as bank letters

If the family owns a business/company, please provide:

  1. Copy of registration documents
  2. Latest balance sheet and profit and loss statement
  3. Twelve months' bank statement in the name of the business
  4. Tax form (if applicable)

Deed certificate(s) for house and land

Tax forms - if any 

Valid rental contract -  if any 

Bank loan letter(s) stating the initial amount, remaining balance, number of installments, as well as the expiration date of the loan(s), if any.

Qatar Foundation Student Financial Services will share a financial aid award decision after the admission decision is released.  Admitted students with awards will receive another financial aid letter from Northwestern Qatar with information about the expected family contribution and indirect costs in advance of the May 1 enrollment decision deadline.

This is the total amount your family can contribute annually. Your family contribution is not the amount you will owe to Northwestern Qatar and/or the Qatar Foundation, but an estimate of the total “out-of-pocket” costs. The Expected Family Contribution is calculated based on your family’s unique circumstances, as reported on your financial aid application.

Northwestern Qatar awards a limited number of highly competitive merit scholarships for students. All applicants are automatically evaluated during the admissions process. Students will be informed of any merit scholarship in their admission letter.

To apply for federal student aid, you must:

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

  • Have a valid US Social Security number