Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions families make for their children. With Qatar’s growing expatriate community and expanding educational choices, navigating the school admissions process can feel overwhelming—especially for families applying from abroad.

To simplify the journey, NAISAK’s Interim Director of Admissions and Marketing, Mr. Waleed Al-Qassem, shares what parents need to know about the differences between local and international applications and the key steps involved.

Local vs. International Applications in Qatar: What’s the Difference?

Whether you are applying from inside Qatar or overseas, the required documents are nearly identical.
The main difference?

Attestation of Previous School Reports

“Attestations are required for any student joining after Year 1 up to Year 13,”
— Mr. Waleed Al-Qassem

Attestation is typically required only for students coming from outside Qatar or switching schools from a non-Qatari system. Other than this, the admissions steps remain the same for both groups.

Step-by-Step Guide to Qatar’s School Application Process

1. Complete the School Application Form

All Qatar schools require an official application form.
NAISAK’s admissions form includes:

• Personal Information

• Learning Disclosure

• Declaration of Needs

This form acts as your child’s first introduction to the school and includes key information such as academic background, language proficiency, and any medical or educational support needs.

2. Submit Your Child’s Personal Documents

Common required documents include:

• Passport copy

• Qatar ID (QID)

• Birth certificate

• Vaccination card

• Independent medical report (when needed)

• Passport-size photograph

These documents help verify your child’s identity and assist the school in supporting their learning.

3. Submit Parents’ Personal Documents

Parents must also provide:

• Passport copy

• Qatar ID (QID)

This step ensures the family is properly registered in the school and Ministry system.

4. Early Years Independent Toilet Policy (For EYFS Students)

For families with younger children, NAISAK requires that pupils entering Early Years Foundation Stage can use the toilet independently. Parents complete a waiver form to help the school understand any specific needs.

5. Entrance Assessment

Entrance assessments are essential for understanding each child’s academic level—not for grading or passing/failing.

“We contact parents to arrange an assessment, and once completed, we aim to finalize the offer within two working days,”
— Mr. Al-Qassem

Assessments guide teachers in recognizing students’ strengths and ensuring they receive appropriate support.

At NAISAK, parents of primary students may even select the teacher they feel is best suited to their child.

“This builds trust and strengthens the relationship between families and teachers,”
— Mr. Al-Qassem

6. Sign the Offer Letter + Terms & Conditions

Once your child is accepted, parents must:

• Sign the parent agreement

• Review and sign the seat offer letter

• Agree to the school’s terms and conditions

“After parents pay the seat reservation, we take care of everything else, including enrolling the child into the Ministry system,”
— Mr. Al-Qassem

This ensures all legal and administrative processes are completed.

7. After Enrollment: What Happens Next?

You’re officially part of the school community!

At NAISAK, communication with families is ongoing and supportive.

“I personally invite new families to any event before the academic year starts. It helps them feel welcomed and involved,”
— Mr. Al-Qassem

Parents can also explore the Parent Guide for information on uniforms, transportation, school timings, and more.

Conclusion: You’re Now Ready for Qatar’s School Application Process

Whether you are a local resident or applying internationally, you now have a clear understanding of the steps involved in Qatar’s school admissions process. With your documents prepared and assessments completed, your family can confidently navigate applications like experts.

If you're considering applying to NAISAK and want additional support, our Admissions Team is ready to help every step of the way.