Qatar has very well-developed education provision at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. The primary and secondary levels consist of the elementary stage (6 years of education), the preparatory stage (3 years) and the secondary stage (3 years). Education is compulsory until the end of the elementary stage, and is free for all Qatari citizens.

Free education is also provided in government schools for the children of non-Qatari nationals who work for the public sector. In addition, there are many schools catering for the various Arab and non-Arab communities in Qatar.

Most expatriate children attend one of the many international schools, the most popular of which include the Doha English Speaking School, Doha College, the American School, Qatar Academy and Qatar International School. Most of the international schools follow either the British or American curricula.

The international school fees are quite high, but many expatriates have these included in their work contracts.

There are also a wide range of English-speaking nurseries and pre-schools, and a Montessori school.

A number of American universities including Cornell Medical, Virginia Commonwealth, Carnegie Mellon and Texas A&M - have branch campuses in Qatar, located in a development called Education City.