Education in Qatar.

Overview & Synopsis

Education in the State of Qatar was traditionally limited to the "orthography of the Arabic language." In 1952 Qatar had one elementary school for boys with 240 pupils and 6 teachers. By 1955, an elementary school for girls (n=50) was established. In 1980-81, schooling increased to 71 schools for boys with 20,588 students and 70 schools for girls with 19,356 students. Qatar established its academic system with 6 years for primary education, 3 for preparatory (Junior High), and 3 for secondary. At present, the university is limited to undergraduate studies. Specialization in science, mathematics, or literature starts by the second year in the secondary education level. The educational system also contains an Institute of Religious Studies and vocational schools (both limited to boys). Most students study academics leading to a university degree. Few students are interested in vocational education, a trend which makes Qatar dependent upon foreign labor. Education is free at all levels and many services are provided free to the students (Qatar has the highest per capita expenditure in education in the world--$1,990). Teacher preparation, student attrition, and grade repetition due to subject failure of the one time final examinations are educational problems. (PN)