FAQs

What is an educational voucher?

An educational voucher is funding the government provides for eligible students to use toward tuition fees in Voucher Schools.

What is a voucher school?

A voucher school is a school which the SEC has chosen to participate in the Educational Vouchers Program, based on an application that the school submits to demonstrate that it meets quality and curriculum criteria set by the SEC.

How does the Educational Vouchers Program relate to the Independent schools?

The Educational Voucher Program includes Independent schools as well as private schools. Eligible parents are free to choose among Independent and private schools that have been admitted into the Educational Vouchers Program. Independent schools already meet the SEC’s standards.

Can private Arabic schools participate?

Any school that meets the SEC’s criteria and is approved through the application process can participate.

How will I know which schools will be participating?

There will be a public announcement followed by a comprehensive media release.

Why has the SEC chosen only a small number of schools in the early years of the program?

The SEC agreed to introduce the system over a number of years. Their aim was to ensure that participating schools meet the prescribed quality criteria, and they were committed to obtaining feedback from parents to ensure the system was meeting those aims.

What are the criteria which voucher schools must meet to participate in the Educational Vouchers Program?

Voucher schools need to meet the highest standards in relation to: the curriculum and its delivery, whole school quality assurance and the quality of the teachers. The criteria requires all voucher schools to offer Arabic, Islamic Studies and Qatari History to voucher recipient children in their school.

What if there is no place available for my child?

Initially, there may not be enough places available for every student. Schools decide which students to admit based on their own selection criteria and system. Eventually, it is the SEC’s aim to have enough Voucher Schools and spaces within them for families to exercise choice for the schools for their children.

How is the voucher paid?

The voucher will be paid directly to the school. Money will not be given to eligible parents.

What is the value of the voucher?

The value of the voucher is currently equal to the amount per child paid by the government to Independent schools.

What if the school tuition fee is different from the voucher amount?

If tuition fees are higher than the voucher amount, the parent will be required to pay the difference. If the tuition fees are lower than the voucher amount, only the value of the tuition fee will be paid to the school.

What does the voucher pay for?

The voucher pays for tuition only. Additional fees will be met by the parent.

Who can receive a voucher?

Eventually, it will be every child who is currently eligible for a government-funded education place in Qatar. In 2009-2010, it will only be available to:

• Students who are Qatari citizens at or above 4 years of age until the end of secondary schooling,

• Students whose father is working in the private sector, is retired, or is unemployed

• Students whose parents do not already receive employer tuition benefits (this applies to both parents). Over a period of time other students will become eligible.

If my child is eligible for a voucher, will s/he automatically get a place in a private school?

The answer depends on whether the school has space and whether your child meets the school’s selection criteria. Schools can continue to maintain their existing entrance requirements. The Educational Vouchers Office is not involved in this decision making.

What if my employer pays for my child’s tuition fees?

If your employer already pays for your child’s tuition, and your child is in a voucher school, you will not be eligible for a voucher.

What if I have more than one child?

If your children are in a voucher school and you are eligible to receive a voucher, all your children will be eligible.

What if I do not want to send my child to a school that participates in the Voucher Program?

You have choice and will be able to decide where you wish to send your child(ren).

What are the policies for children who withdraw or who are enrolled mid-year with respect to vouchers?

Policies about withdrawal and mid-year enrolment vary according to each individual school.

Who do I talk to if I have additional questions?

You can telephone the Educational Vouchers Office for further help. Please telephone: 44560174.

What is the Outstanding Schools program?

The Outstanding Schools Program is an initiative to encourage more private schools, especially those with a reputation for excellence, to establish campuses in Qatar. They will operate in a way similar to current International schools. Qatari students who attend these schools will be eligible to receive a voucher, in line with Educational Voucher Program eligibility requirements.