Qatar Government School Registration 2026-2027: How to Enroll Online via Maarif Portal
If you are planning to enroll your child in a government school in Qatar for the 2026-2027 academic year, or if you want to transfer them from one public school to another, the registration window is now open. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education announced on August 24, 2026 that electronic registration and transfer for students of all nationalities in Qatar’s public schools is available from August 25 to October 1, 2026.
Everything is done online through the Maarif portal. Here is what you need to know.
Key Details: Qatar Government School Registration 2026-2027
Registration period: August 25 to October 1, 2026
Who can apply: Students of all nationalities
Type: New enrollment and school transfers
How to apply: Online through the Maarif portal
Portal link: Click here
Announced by: Ministry of Education and Higher Education Qatar (@Qatar_Edu)
Who Is This For?
This registration window covers two groups of families. First, families with children who are joining a Qatar government school for the first time, whether they are new to Qatar or transitioning from a private school to the public system. Second, families who already have children in a government school but want to transfer them to a different public school, whether due to a change of address, a new sibling at a different school, or any other reason.
The announcement specifies that this is open to students of all nationalities, which means both Qatari nationals and expatriate residents can apply through the same online system.
How to Register: The Maarif Portal
All registration and transfer applications must be submitted electronically through the Maarif portal, which is the Ministry of Education’s central digital services platform. The portal is available at eduservices.edu.gov.qa.
If you have used the Maarif portal before, including for educational voucher applications or other Ministry services, your existing account login should work. If you are a first-time user, you will need to create an account before submitting your child’s registration.
The portal supports applications in both Arabic and English, making it accessible for the full range of families across Qatar’s diverse community.
Important Dates to Remember
The registration and transfer window runs from August 25 to October 1, 2026. That is approximately five weeks to complete the process. While October 1 may feel like a comfortable deadline, schools begin on August 30 for students, meaning early registration gives your child the best chance of a smooth start to the academic year with their placement confirmed in advance.
Do not leave it to the last week of September. School places and transfer approvals take time to process, and submitting early avoids unnecessary stress.
What Is New This Year
The 2026-2027 academic year brings significant changes to Qatar’s government school system alongside the registration opening. Six new government schools are opening this year, which may affect school zoning and availability of places in certain areas. Families living near Al-Sakhama, Rawdat Al-Hamama, Ain Khalid, Muaither and Al-Dhakhira may now have new local school options available. For the full list of new schools, see our Qatar new government schools 2026-2027 article.
The curriculum is also being updated significantly this year, with new unified science at Grade 10, Life and Professional Skills programmes, and self-learning courses in AI, Data Science and Economy and Trade. See our Qatar new school subjects 2026-2027 guide for full details.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Qatar government school registration open for 2026-2027?
Registration opened on August 25, 2026 and runs until October 1, 2026.
How do I register my child for a government school in Qatar?
Through the Maarif portal at eduservices.edu.gov.qa. All applications are submitted online.
Can expats enroll in Qatar government schools?
Yes. The registration is open to students of all nationalities.
Can I transfer my child to a different government school?
Yes. The same registration window and Maarif portal handles both new enrollments and school transfers.
What if I miss the October 1 deadline?
The Ministry has not specified a late registration process. It is strongly advisable to complete registration before the October 1 deadline to avoid complications.
When does school start for students in 2026-2027?
Students return on Sunday August 30, 2026. See our full Qatar school calendar 2026-2027 for all term dates.
Source: Ministry of Education and Higher Education Qatar, announcement of August 24, 2026 via @Qatar_Edu on X.
