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Ministry of Education and Higher Education Launches Psychological Counseling and Behavioral Health Program as Part of Government Scholarship Plan

Doha, March 29 (QNA) - The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has launched the Psychological Counseling and Behavioral Health Program as part of the government scholarship plan for the academic year 2026-2027, aiming to prepare Qatari personnel specialized in clinical psychology and psychological counseling, and to enhance the psychological and behavioral health system in the state, in line with society's needs and Qatar National Vision 2030 for developing human competencies.

Dr. Hareb Mohammed Al Jabri, Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, said in a press conference held today that the launch of the program comes within the framework of the ministry's shift from general scholarships to targeted ones linked to the state's development needs, stressing the ministry's keenness to attract and qualify national competencies in vital areas witnessing increasing demand, especially behavioral health.

Al Jabri explained that the ministry has recently succeeded in introducing specialized programs to meet strategic needs, such as nuclear engineering, noting that the new program represents a response to an urgent need to enhance national competencies in various fields of psychology and its branches, and to prepare a generation capable of supporting the psychological and social system in the country.

Regarding admission requirements, he confirmed that students wishing to enroll in the program must obtain a minimum of 80 percent in the secondary school certificate, achieve a score of 6 in the IELTS English test for external scholarships, and receive an unconditional acceptance from one of the accredited universities within the health and health sciences track, as the ministry has designated the top 200 global universities in this track.

He explained that financial benefits vary according to university category and specialization; a student on the 'Amiri Scholarships' receives a monthly salary of 20,000 riyals, two business-class tickets annually, and study years are counted as service.

As for the psychiatry specialty, the student receives 18,000 riyals monthly from the first to fourth year, rising to 30,000 riyals after the fourth year, with annual travel tickets. For specialties of psychologist or psychological counselor, the student is given a monthly salary of 14,000 riyals and a yearly economy-class ticket, along with various allowances granted to scholarship students.

Al Jabri stressed that the ministry has secured job opportunities for graduates immediately after completing their studies, in coordination with the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau and medical and social institutions in the country.

For her part, Dr. Sharifa Noaman Al Emadi, Executive Director of the Doha International Family Institute, affirmed the strategic importance of the program, considering that clinical psychology is a fundamental pillar for supporting mental health, especially with the increasing need for Qatari personnel who understand the specificity of the local community, its culture, and values.

Al Emadi pointed out that the institute's studies have shown challenges facing graduates in the practical aspect, stressing the need for external scholarships to focus on programs that provide intensive practical training in various fields such as addiction counseling, child and adolescent behaviors, and elderly health.

She called on Qatari students, especially males, to pursue these specializations to cover the clear shortage of qualified national cadres in this vital field.

It is noteworthy that the program aims to qualify students at the finest local and international universities, providing financial support and practical training to ensure the preparation of specialists capable of dealing with various psychological and social challenges with high efficiency.

Qatar

Ministry of Education

Psychological Counseling Program

Behavioral Health

Government Scholarship