The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, in cooperation with the Academic Bridge Program, a member of Qatar Foundation, has launched a new initiative enabling secondary school graduates from the arts track to enrol in scientific majors at higher education institutions after fulfilling admission requirements and successfully completing the STEM programme offered by the Academic Bridge Program.
The initiative was announced during a press conference organised by the Higher Education Affairs Sector at the Ministry’s headquarters, as part of the Ministry’s efforts to expand academic opportunities for students and enhance their readiness for future specialisations that align with labour market needs and sustainable development goals.
Under the initiative, arts track students will have access to an approved academic pathway that prepares them to transition into scientific disciplines through enrolment in the STEM programme at the Academic Bridge Program. The programme provides comprehensive academic preparation based on international standards and equips students with the knowledge and skills required for university success.
The programme focuses on developing academic English language skills and strengthening competencies in mathematics and core sciences, including biology, chemistry, and physics, in addition to computer and programming skills, which are considered essential requirements for admission into scientific majors.
Students will also benefit from the Academic Bridge Program’s network of academic partnerships with several universities inside and outside Qatar. These partnerships allow the academic year completed at the programme to be recognised as part of the student’s university pathway, supporting progression into a variety of scientific fields, including medicine, engineering, computer science, and sciences.
Dr Harib Mohammed Al Jabri, Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, stated that the initiative represents a strategic step toward empowering arts track students to broaden their academic options and pursue scientific majors needed by the country.
He added that the initiative aligns with the country’s vision of building a knowledge and innovation-based economy and contributes to preparing qualified national talents in priority scientific fields. He also noted that cooperation with the Academic Bridge Program provides a supportive and flexible learning environment that helps students acquire the skills and knowledge needed for success in higher education.
For his part, Dr Suhaim Khalaf Al Tamimi, General Manager of the Academic Bridge Program, expressed his pride in the strategic partnership with the Ministry, emphasising that it reflects a shared commitment to providing flexible and inclusive educational pathways that open new opportunities for students.
He explained that the Academic Bridge Program’s courses are designed to equip students with essential skills in English, science, mathematics, and computer studies, enabling them to transition confidently into scientific and other university specialisations and succeed in their academic journey.
The initiative has set several admission requirements, including obtaining a secondary school certificate with a minimum score of 70%, submitting an IELTS certificate or equivalent with a minimum score of 4.5, passing English and mathematics placement tests, and completing the application procedures through the approved admission system.
The initiative comes as part of the Ministry’s efforts to provide flexible and innovative educational pathways that keep pace with higher education and labour market requirements while supporting the preparation of generations capable of competing and succeeding in vital sectors, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
