Qatar University is the only university in Qatar, located in the suburbs of Doha. There are seven colleges and departments of education, humanities, science and engineering, law, engineering, economic management and technology, as well as some scientific research and experimental centers.

With the support of Qatar Foundation, many American and Canadian universities and colleges have also set up branches in Qatar Education City to offer professional courses. These universities include Carnegie Mellon University, Georgetown University, Texas A&M University, virginia commonwealth university and Cornell University. In 2004, Qatar established Qatar Science and Technology Park in the Education City to strengthen exchanges between universities and industries.

In June 2002, Emir Hamad established the Qatar Higher Education Committee. This institution guides and manages the education of people of all ages.