Voucher Program Underway

This month, the Supreme Education Council (SEC) began the first phase of its new educational voucher system, which aims to increase variety and choice within Qatar’s educational system.

“This program is part of Qatar’s ongoing commitment to building a world-class education system and providing a variety of quality schooling options for parents and their children,” said Fauziya Al Khater, Director of the Voucher Office at the Education Institute. “Parents have expressed their interest in expanding the number of choices, and this pilot phase of the voucher program is the first step in providing that choice to parents and families.”

A limited number of schools are participating in phase I to test the mechanisms and administrative procedures of the program. Qatar Academy, the International School of London and the Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions have either completed or are in the process of completing the application for participation. Over time, it will be possible for Qatari parents to use the voucher amount in any school (public or private) that meets high standards of excellence as specified by the SEC. The value of the voucher is equivalent to the per student financial allocation in Independent schools (QR 19,000 for primary, QR 19,400 for preparatory and QR 21,800 for secondary schooling).

“Parents wishing to participate in the program in the above mentioned schools are urged to complete the application forms and provide the supporting documentation before the deadline of October 15, 2008,” said Al Khater. In order to participate in the program, children must be enrolled at one of the participating pilot schools, must be Qatari, and the parent must be working in the private sector. Additional criteria for inclusion are listed on the website.

Over time, the SEC expects to expand the voucher program to include more private schools to complement the independent school system. This will promote equity of educational benefits and will increase the quality of the educational experience for students in Qatar. Ultimately, all students eligible for a government-funded education are expected to receive an educational voucher. In this way, families will be able to choose either Independent or private schools for their children.

The schools that are participating in the pilot phase of the voucher program are required to meet stringent selection criteria set by the SEC including teaching an internationally recognized, standards-based curriculum and meeting basic requirements in relation to the teaching of Arabic, Islamic Studies, Qatari History and Citizenship, and providing for the English language needs of Qatari students whose first language is not English. There are also additional criteria for school quality assurance in relation to accreditation, and teacher qualifications and standards. Any school that is not able to meet the application deadline or selection requirements is not eligible to participate in the pilot phase.

For more information:

• Education Institute hold an open meeting about the vouchers program
• Three schools to participate in first phase of Voucher program
• Increasing Variety and Choice of Quality Schooling Options in Qatar
• New programs to increase variety and choice in schooling options