Cost of Living in Qatar for Indian Students 2026

How much will it actually cost to study and live in Qatar in 2026? This is one of the first questions Indian students ask when shortlisting Gulf countries for higher education. Qatar remains a major education hub and consistently ranks among the top 68 % of the world’s most expensive cities, mainly due to higher accommodation and imported goods costs.

Recent 2025 estimates show that a single person’s monthly living expenses in Qatar average QAR 4,141 (₹1,01,496) excluding rent, and range from QAR 8,141 (₹1,99,531) to QAR 13,141 (₹3,22,087) including rent, depending on location and lifestyle. These figures make it essential for students to understand the full cost breakdown before planning their move.

This guide uses the latest 2025–26 data to outline accommodation prices, food and daily expenses, transport costs, and expected tuition ranges for Indian students. By the end, you will have a clear, data-backed picture of what it genuinely costs to study and live in Qatar.

Understanding your key expenses upfront is crucial for managing the cost of living in Qatar for Indian students. Here are the core annual and monthly financial considerations.

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Note: Currency conversion uses the rate 1 QAR = 24.51 INR.

Accommodation is the single largest financial challenge for Indian students in Qatar, often representing the primary factor driving up the cost of living. Your ability to save and manage your budget depends almost entirely on strategically planning this expense.

Important Note for Students: A one-bedroom apartment outside the centre alone costs approximately QAR 4,000 (₹98,040) per month. To significantly lower this part of the cost of living in Qatar for Indian students, it is highly recommended to:

• Opt for university dormitories (if available).
• Choose shared apartments or living spaces with roommates.

Exchange rates vary daily. The INR values provided are approximate (as per the 2025 rate 1 QAR = 24.51 INR) and should be checked against the latest rates when planning your finances.

To lower your cost of living and ensure a high ROI, you must actively reduce your accommodation costs.

• Prioritise Shared Living: Aim for shared apartments or living spaces with roommates. Splitting the cost of a two or three-bedroom apartment in Al-Rayyan can reduce your individual share to under QAR 2,500 (₹61,275) per month.
• University Dormitories: Always opt for university-provided dormitories or student housing if available. These options are usually subsidised and are invariably the safest and most cost-effective solution.
• Location Strategy: Focus your search on suburbs or areas slightly outside the main Doha centre, such as Al-Rayyan or Al Wakra, where rents drop significantly without compromising essential amenities.

Daily expenses such as food, utilities, and communication can add up quickly due to Qatar’s reliance on imports. Knowing these costs early helps students plan realistically.

Utilities in Qatar are generally predictable, but telecom plans and cooling charges can influence your monthly budget. 

The monthly average spending on food and non-alcoholic drinks is forecasted to be QAR 2,051 (approx. ₹50,260) per person in 2025.

• Dining Out: A three-course dinner at a mid-range restaurant typically costs between QAR 200 and QAR 450 (approx. ₹4,902 – ₹11,030). Students can purchase meals cheaply at a café for QAR 10 (₹245), but consistent home cooking is critical to manage the cost of living in Qatar for Indian students.
• Staple Prices (Per Unit/Kg) in QAR (2025): Milk: QAR 7.50–8.00 (₹184–₹196) per litre; Eggs: QAR 11.00–11.50 (₹270–₹282) per dozen.

Tip for Saving on Groceries: Utilise large hypermarkets like Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, and Al Meera, which offer competitive prices compared to smaller stores.

For students, relying on affordable public transport is a key budget strategy for the cost of living in Qatar for Indian students.

Tip: The high cost of car ownership and maintenance means relying on Doha's efficient and economical public transport system (Metro) is the most cost-effective solution to manage the cost of living in Qatar for Indian students.

While public healthcare is heavily subsidised for GCC citizens, foreign nationals are mandated to carry private health insurance.

• The average expected monthly cost for healthcare is QAR 315 (approx. ₹7,710) per person in 2025.
• A basic Mandatory Visitors’ Health Insurance policy is available for QAR 50 per month, but this only covers basic emergency care. Students should ensure they have comprehensive coverage.

Tuition fees vary widely across Qatar’s public universities, international branch campuses, and specialised institutions.  Fees vary significantly by program and university. Here are the tuition fees at top universities in Qatar.

1. Local Subsidised Universities – Public institutions offering heavily subsidised tuition for many programs.
   
2. International Branch Campuses – Global universities operating in Qatar with tuition similar to their home campuses.
   
3. Specialist / High-Demand Institutions – Medical, research, and graduate-focused universities with premium fee structures.

Tip for Indian Students: Look closely at subsidised programs offered by local institutions like Qatar University. These offer high-quality education at a much lower fee than the international branch campuses, making your overall cost of living in Qatar for Indian students drastically lower.

Securing a scholarship is the single best way to manage the financial burden. Scholarships can cover both tuition and the daily cost of living in Qatar for Indian students.

• Financial Assistance: Several financial assistance options are available, including scholarships from universities and organisations like the Qatar Foundation.
  
• Key Scholarships: Be sure to apply for the Qatar University Scholarships, Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarships, and the Qatar Foundation Scholarships. These merit-based or need-based awards can significantly reduce tuition fees and provide a stipend to cover your living expenses.

The high cost of living in Qatar for Indian students is justified by the excellent career prospects in a booming, tax-free economy. The ultimate ROI of your education is directly linked to the lucrative, high-paying jobs available post-graduation.

Why the High ROI? Qatar has zero personal income tax, meaning your high gross salary translates directly into high net disposable income and savings. Professionals in high-demand fields can earn salaries over QAR 400,000 (₹98,04,000) annually, making the initial investment in the cost of living in Qatar for Indian students worthwhile.

Simple planning choices can lower your total monthly expenses. Shared housing, budgeting, and public transport are the most effective strategies.

1. Shared Accommodation is Key: Opting for shared apartments or university dormitories is the most effective way to reduce your single biggest expense rent.
2. Public Transport Focus: Rely on the affordable Metro and public transit options instead of considering car ownership, which involves high insurance and maintenance fees.
3. Secure Scholarships: Actively apply for scholarships from institutions like the Qatar Foundation to significantly reduce your tuition burden.
4. Explore Part-time Work: Look for on-campus part-time work or internships to supplement your income and gain local experience.
5. Budget Diligently: Create a detailed budget for all living expenses to track spending and effectively manage the monthly cost of living in Qatar for Indian students.

The cost of living in Qatar for Indian students is undeniably high, anchored by premium housing and imported goods. However, for an Indian student, Qatar offers an unparalleled combination of a world-class education and a highly lucrative, zero-tax employment market.

Your financial success hinges on strategic planning during your studies (especially shared housing and utilising public transport). By managing your expenses carefully and leveraging the available scholarships, Qatar remains an aspirational and rewarding destination for your academic journey, with the potential for substantial savings and career growth post-graduation.

Planning for your intake? Start your prep now, and if you’d like guidance on shortlisting universities or scholarships, Leap Scholar’s experts are here to help.