DOHA: Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) launched a new funding programme to support research-based PhD studies in Qatar.
The programme will support outstanding local students and attract international students to study in the country.
The Graduate Student Research Awards (GSRA) is QNRF’s latest initiative to develop human capital in research and push forward the creation of new PhD programmes in Qatar.
It is designed to be highly competitive on international level in terms of funding provided and standards of excellence required to apply.
Dr Abdul Sattar Al Taie, Executive Director of QNRF, said: “We are excited to be launching the Graduate Student Research Awards, as this will give an opportunity for more doctorate students to participate in hands-on research while enhancing creativity and productivity of research in Qatar’s universities and research institutions. We continuously strive to encourage and support high-quality research that serves Qatar’s needs and interests.”
The fund covers basic and applied research in all fields of natural sciences, engineering and technology, medical and health sciences, agricultural sciences, creative artworks, social sciences and humanities.
Successful students will have their tuition fees paid and will be awarded a competitive stipend to the equivalent $42,000 per year.
A generous living allowance will include travel, accommodation and insurance for international students and their dependents. Successful Qatari students will also receive a retention allowance of an additional 8 percent of the stipend.
“Students selected for the GSRA will be privileged to receive highly competitive funding compared to other research funding agencies worldwide,” said Sunitha Shyam, Training Programmes Manager at QNRF.
“Aside from this, students will also gain recognition for their outstanding merit which could lead to opportunities to take a leading role in future research opportunities.”
Prospective students must show an interest in GSRA support when applying for enrolment in any approved graduate studies at a QNRF-approved institution.
QNRF, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, has many funding programmes available for research in Qatar, with GSRA being the latest.
There will be two award cycles of GSRA per academic year, one beginning in the fall semester and one in the spring semester.
For the first cycle, the application process starts on September 23.
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