UDST Enrollment Rises Fueled by Market Demand

UDST Enrollment Rises Fueled by Market Demand

The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has finalized preparations for the 2024-25 academic year, enrolling over 7,500 students, including 1,500 freshmen. These students will begin their studies in five colleges, offering more than 70 programmes across business, computing and IT, engineering and technology, health sciences, and general education.

UDST President Dr. Salem bin Nasser Al-Naemi credited the increase in enrollment to the university’s focus on applied research and its partnerships with respected local and international organizations. He noted that Qatari students, who constitute 20% of the total enrollment, are particularly interested in programmes from the colleges of business and computing and IT, such as Data and Cybersecurity and Human Resources Management.

Dr. Al-Naemi emphasized that UDST’s programmes, particularly those introduced in the past two years, are aligned with the demands of the Qatar and global labor markets. This alignment is supported by strong infrastructure, including well-equipped laboratories. He also highlighted the international accreditations some programmes have earned, which were developed in consultation with industry employers to meet labor market needs.

For the 2024-25 academic year, UDST will introduce new programmes aimed at addressing modern professional and technological challenges and fostering economic growth locally and globally.

The new offerings include:

• The College of Computing and Information Technology will offer a Bachelor of Science in Digital Communication and Media Production (Arabic-English track) and a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Cybersecurity
• The College of Engineering and Technology will offer a Master of Science in Process Safety
• The College of Health Sciences will offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with three tracks: the first for high school graduates, the second for registered nurses who wish to continue their studies after a diploma, and the third for those who wish to continue their studies after a practical nursing diploma.

Dr. Al-Naemi reaffirmed UDST's commitment to targeted applied research and its active collaborations with key local and international partners. He praised the university’s work with the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council, which helps students secure future employment opportunities.

He also mentioned that five research teams from UDST are engaged in summer research projects with prestigious global universities, including the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto in Canada, as well as institutions in Singapore and Indonesia. These collaborations enhance students' research and professional skills while improving the overall quality of education at UDST.

Later this year, research teams from Singapore and other universities will visit UDST to conduct joint projects with its students. Dr. Al-Naemi also highlighted that UDST offers over 70 programmes, many of which align with professional certifications required in the job market. These certifications are available through various colleges within the university, including information technology, business, engineering, and health sciences.

Finally, Dr. Al-Naemi noted that all UDST programmes are designed to contribute to human, social, and economic development at both national and international levels. The university is also planning to host several conferences and events in the coming months.