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Qatar Finland International School

Qatar, Doha

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The school at a glance
Fees QAR 44,125 - 61,885
Ages 5 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 750
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Finnish Curriculum
Typical class size 8
Introduction

Qatar Finland International School is an international K–12 school in Doha (Umm Salal Muhammed) that delivers education based on the Finnish National Core Curriculum adapted to the Qatari context. The school implements separate curricula for pre‑primary, basic education and high school and is approved by the State of Qatar Ministry of Education and the Finnish National Agency for Education; high‑school students sit the English‑language Finnish International Final Exam (FIFE). It serves learners aged 5 to 18 across primary, middle and high school and the language of instruction is English. Arabic mother‑tongue and Islamic studies are taught in Arabic, and students may study French or Spanish as additional foreign languages; the school uses Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and staged A1/B2/B3 language pathways. Notable on‑site resources include a library collection of over 13,000 books (including nearly 3,000 Arabic titles) and a range of indoor, outdoor and digital learning spaces; an organised after‑school “Lynxes” programme provides sports, music, drama, debate, coding and other extracurricular activities.

Umm Salal Muhammed, Qatar

The Essentials

Qatar Finland International School has 750 pupils, typical class sizes of 8.

Location
The school is located in the Al Kheesa area, Zone 70, Street 461, Building 90, Doha, Qatar (PO Box 27888). The campus sits in a developing residential district on the edge of Doha and is accessible by major roads. There are nearby amenities and housing options in Al Kheesa. This site serves as the main campus for KG to Grade 12.

Stages
The school provides education for 4–18-year-olds, with Pre-Primary (KG1–KG2), Basic Education (Grades 1–9), and High School (Grades 10–12). The language of instruction across all grade levels is English.

Type
International K-12 school (co-educational by nature for a mixed-gender student body).

Pupil Nationality Mix
The school serves 700+ students from almost 60 nationalities. Public sources do not publish a single dominant nationality or the exact local-to-international student ratio.

Additional learning support
There is a dedicated SEN team, with SEN teachers assigned to KG2 and each upper grade (G1–G12), plus a school counsellor available to support student wellbeing and learning needs.

Country affiliation
The curriculum is the Finnish National Core Curriculum, accredited by the Finnish National Agency for Education, and it is also approved by Qatar's Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

Religious affiliation
There is no formal religious affiliation; the curriculum includes Arabic language and Islamic studies as part of the Arabic program.

School day structure
The school day typically starts around 7:30 am, with the gate opening around 6:30 am. Timetables include a morning start, a sequence of lessons with breaks, and a lunch period; grade-level schedules (e.g., Grade 5) show a structured homeroom period followed by several lessons and breaks.

Bus service
School transport is provided by Mowasalat. The school is listed as having a transport arrangement with Mowasalat, and contact information for transport inquiries is isbs@mowasalat.com.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are supplied by Noble House Trading. The Uniform Shop is listed as a quick link on the site, and Noble House's contact details are provided for ordering.

Food Options
The school operates a canteen called Jazz Café, which is the canteen provider. For assistance, contact Jeronimo Dsouza at +974 3360 8088.

Governance and Ownership
The school is powered by EduCluster Finland in partnership with the University of Jyväskylä; governance is via a Board of Trustees.
Fees

Annual tuition at Qatar Finland International School ranges from QAR 44,125 to QAR 61,885 for 2026/27.

Application & assessment fees

- Assessment (placement) fee: QAR 500 (single, non-refundable). Assessment for KG1 and KG2 is free of charge.
- Registration fee (one-off, non-refundable): QAR 2,500.
- Seat reservation fee (annual, non-refundable; deducted from first term tuition): QAR 2,000.

Tuition fees (per academic year and per term)

The school invoices the tuition for a full academic year which is divided into three terms; the per-term amounts below equal the school's term invoicing for AY 2025–26.

- KG1: Annual QAR 44,125 — Term 1 QAR 14,708; Term 2 QAR 14,708; Term 3 QAR 14,709.
- KG2: Annual QAR 44,125 — Term 1 QAR 14,708; Term 2 QAR 14,708; Term 3 QAR 14,709.
- Grade 1–6: Annual QAR 48,537 — Term amounts QAR 16,179 each term.
- Grade 7–9: Annual QAR 54,604 — Term 1 QAR 18,201; Term 2 QAR 18,201; Term 3 QAR 18,202.
- Grade 10–12: Annual QAR 61,885 — Term 1 QAR 20,628; Term 2 QAR 20,628; Term 3 QAR 20,629. High‑school tuition is charged as a fixed yearly amount and is not subject to proration or reduction for partial attendance within the high‑school program.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition is invoiced for the full academic year but divided into three term invoices (first, second, third term). Guardians are responsible for ensuring fees are paid on time; unpaid fees or consistent non-payment may lead to suspension of attendance, withholding of reports, or refusal to renew place for the following year. Written notice to cancel a student place must be given to Admissions at least two weeks before the end of the current term; otherwise the fee for the following term will be due.
- The seat reservation fee is payable when accepting a place (or before the new academic year for returning students) and will be deducted from the first term invoice. Registration and seat reservation fees are non‑refundable. The assessment fee is non‑refundable (except where stated that KG1 and KG2 assessment is free).

Boarding fees

- Boarding: not applicable. Qatar‑Finland International School operates as a day school; no boarding fees are listed.

Other costs and fees

- Uniforms: charged separately; the school's uniform supplier is Noble House Trading (contact information provided in school materials). Uniform purchase and any repair/replacement costs are additional to tuition.
- Transport: school transport is arranged through Mowasalat; transport fees are separate and billed through/arranged with the transport provider.
- Canteen: meals are provided by an external canteen provider (Jazz Café) using a cashless bracelet system; canteen purchases are separate from tuition.
- Extra‑curricular activities (ECAs): most ECAs are provided by the school or outsourced providers and carry additional termly fees; ECAs require separate sign‑up and online payment each term through the ClubSys portal. Study club and some after‑school clubs may incur extra charges.
- High‑school laptop requirement: laptops for high‑school students (where required) are an additional cost. Special trips, external examination fees and some resources may also be invoiced separately.

Refund information and cancellation

- Assessment fee: non‑refundable (assessment for KG1 and KG2 is free). Registration fee and seat reservation fee: non‑refundable.
- Notice to cancel: written notice of intention to cancel must be given at least two weeks before the end of the current term; otherwise the following term's fees are due. High‑school tuition is not prorated or reduced for partial attendance within the high‑school program. Late or unpaid fees may result in loss of attendance rights, withholding of report cards, or non‑renewal of the place for the following year.

Fee payment options

- Accepted payment methods: bank transfer to the school bank account, direct bank deposit, or cheque payable to EduCluster Finland. Parents must provide proof of transfer/deposit showing payer name and student details to the Finance Office or by e‑mail to finance@qfischool.com.
- Bank details (for transfers/deposits): Beneficiary Name: EduCluster Finland; IBAN: QA71 CBQA 0000 0000 4670 4163 6420 1; Bank Name: The Commercial Bank; Account Number: 4670-416364-201; Swift Code: CBQAQAQA. Transfer charges, if any, must be paid by the parent.

(End of fees overview)
Academics

Qatar Finland International School teaches Finnish Curriculum for students aged 5 to 18.

Curriculum
The curriculum is based on the Finnish National Core Curriculum and adapted to Qatar's standards, with approval and accreditation from the Qatar Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Finnish National Agency for Education. Teaching is conducted in English across all grade levels, with separate curriculums for Pre-Primary (KG1–KG2), Basic Education (Grades 1–9), and High School (Grades 10–12). In Primary and early years, the Finnish class-teacher model supports integrated learning; the year is divided into three terms with End of Term Reports; in early education evaluations are descriptive, while from Grade 3 onward more subjects are graded numerically, and three pedagogical conferences are held with progress tracked in Personal Learning Plans. The language program provides Arabic, French and Spanish as foreign language options, with English as the language of instruction for all grade levels; Arabic Mother Tongue is taught for Arabic passport holders, and CLIL is used to develop language skills. In High School, students may undertake the Finnish International Final Examination (FIFE), administered by the Finnish Institute for Educational Research, with six passing grades required for a certificate; FIFE tests cover Biology, Chemistry, English Language and Literature, Mathematics, and humanities, with spring and autumn test periods (the Spring 2026 window runs 24 April to 7 May).
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEL is delivered through the Finnish-model student support for KG–9, featuring a Personal Learning Plan (PLP), long-term flexible planning, and multi‑professional collaboration among teachers, learning assistants, SEN staff, and school counsellors to address each student's social, emotional, and learning needs. .

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
SEN support is provided by a multi‑professional Student Welfare Team (academic principal, school counsellor, and SEN teachers) with differentiated instruction, remedial teaching, part-time SEN education, and assistive services, all planned and documented in the student's PLP. .

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the overall language of instruction; CLIL is used to develop language skills, and students may study Arabic, French, or Spanish as foreign languages with progression from A1 (first language) to B2 (second language) and a possible B3 option. .

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported by guidance counselling as part of the Finnish curriculum, with a dedicated school counsellor and guidance counsellor, and two full‑time nurses available for emergencies and health matters. .

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is addressed in the AY2025‑2026 policy with a multi‑professional Student Welfare Team (academic principal, school counsellor, and SEN teachers) to monitor welfare and plan support, complemented by Home–School collaboration and a formal complaints process. .
Parent Experience

History
Qatar-Finland International School was founded in 2014 after an invitation to Qatar by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. The formal inauguration took place in November 2014 in Doha with attendance by Qatar's Education Minister and Finland's Education Minister, signaling a bilateral partnership. It is the first Finnish international school in Qatar and delivers Finnish educational practices adapted to the Qatari context, with English as the language of instruction, and is powered by EduCluster Finland. EduCluster Finland is associated with the University of Jyväskylä Group. In the 2024–2025 academic year, the school celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Community
The school community is culturally diverse, with more than 60 nationalities represented. The language of instruction is English, within a Finnish-based curriculum adapted for Qatar, with a strong emphasis on holistic wellbeing. The school hosts and participates in events that foster community and cultural exchange, such as International Day and Qatar National Day, with close collaboration from families via the Parent Association. Parents are welcomed to engage with school life and provide feedback.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school has an active Parent Association (PTA) that works closely with the school. The PTA coordinates and supports major events, including International Day, Qatar National Day, Winter Fest, Sports Day, and Art Night. Theme days such as Character Day, World Book Day, and Kindness Day are organized with PTA involvement. Parent volunteers contribute to event planning, chaperoning, communications, and open-house activities, with dedicated parent evenings and information sessions. The school emphasizes that parent ideas and feedback are valued, and encourages ongoing parent participation in school life.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is an international K-12 campus serving children aged 4 to 18 (KG through Grade 12). The language of teaching across all grade levels is English. Learning spaces include indoor, outdoor, and digital environments designed to support innovative teaching methods. The on-site library houses more than 13,000 books in multiple languages, supporting reading and research. The Lynxes after‑school program provides on‑campus activities in sports, arts, and clubs, extending learning beyond the classroom.

Sports Facilities
The Lynxes after‑school program offers sports including basketball, football, badminton, and volleyball. Teams compete across age groups in inter‑school leagues in Qatar, including QPPSSA for primary and QUESS for secondary levels. Lynxes athletes have participated in track and field competitions. The program emphasizes fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship, with regular practices and fixtures.

Academic Facilities
The Finnish approach underpins the curriculum, emphasizing cross‑curricular themes, independent learning, and collaborative spaces. Learning spaces extend beyond the classroom to indoor, outdoor, and digital environments to support flexible, student‑centred teaching. The library contains over 13,000 books, including Arabic, Finnish, French, and Spanish titles, to support reading and research. Every teacher is qualified and trained in evidence‑based teaching and learning methods used in Finland.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Lynxes is the school's flagship after‑school programme, offering activities in sport, music, drama, debate, chess, and coding with dedicated coaching. The programme is built on four pillars: finding one's own passion, goal setting and effort, belonging to a community, and creating memorable moments. Students participate in sports (basketball, football, badminton, volleyball) and other clubs, with school teams competing in inter‑school leagues across Qatar. The program runs during the school year with on‑campus practices during or after school.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Qatar-Finland International School offers international K-12 education for students aged 4–18 (KG and Grades 0–12). The language of instruction for all grade levels is English.

Arts & Creative
The Finnish approach emphasizes themes and phenomena across subjects with a focus on creativity, arts, and self-expression as part of a holistic learning experience. The school aims to foster a joy of learning and participation through versatile working methods.

Cultural & Language
Arabic mother tongue is taught in Arabic along with Islamic studies in Arabic; students can study Arabic, French, or Spanish as a first foreign language, with additional options (second and third foreign languages) available depending on grade level and student numbers.

Social & Hobbies
The Finnish approach supports social and collaboration skills through cross-curricular themes and learning in multiple spaces beyond the classroom, including school outdoor environments, with a focus on active participation and teamwork.

Community & Service
Family collaboration is emphasized in the Finnish model, with involvement from home driving better social and academic outcomes, and a shared responsibility for learning.

Leadership & Professional
The school operates a student-centered framework with teachers as facilitators and a focus on self-regulation, motivation, and personal learning goals, supporting pathways for future global citizenship and lifelong learning.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Finnish approach integrates well-being as a core element, aiming to create a continuous positive learning environment that supports holistic well-being and personal development.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction for all grade levels; Arabic mother tongue and Islamic studies are taught in Arabic. The school uses Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) to support and develop students' language skills. Students may study Arabic, French, or Spanish as foreign languages; Arabic mother tongue is taught according to Qatari regulations, and the program includes A1 (first foreign language), B2 (second foreign language), and optional B3. KG1 offers Arabic lessons, and KG2 introduces Arabic, French, and Spanish with AMT for Arabic passport holders; Grades 1-6 study A1 language four lessons weekly; Grades 7-9 continue A1 and add B2; Grades 10-12 continue A1/Arabic and may include B2 and optional B3 depending on enrollment.

Bilingual Teaching
The school uses English as the language of instruction, with Arabic mother tongue and Islamic studies taught in Arabic.

Immersion Programs
Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is used to develop language skills across subjects.
Reputation
Admissions

Admissions
Admission is open year-round. The following steps apply to the application process. 1. Complete the online Admission form. Fill in all mandatory fields and upload all required attachments in English. If any information is missing, the application cannot proceed. A detailed list of required attachments is provided in the Admissions Policy. 2. Application review. The admissions team reviews the application and attachments and determines the appropriate grade level for the entrance assessment. 3. Entrance assessment. Applicants are invited to attend the entrance assessment in a small group setting. The assessment reflects Finnish curriculum standards and uses a holistic evaluation of learning, including academic, social, emotional, behavioural, and motor skills. Online assessment can be arranged for applicants abroad. The assessment has a non-refundable fee of QAR 500. 4. Offer. The admissions team makes the final decision regarding admissions and notifies whether the child can be accommodated at Q.F.I. School. 5. Acceptance. A seat is confirmed by paying the registration fee of QAR 2,500 and signing the School Policy Document. The seat reservation (if applicable) is QAR 2,500 and is deducted from Term 1 tuition. Fees include: Placement Test 500; Registration 2,500; Tuition by grade (e.g., Grade 0 44,125; Grade 1–6 48,537; Grade 7–9 54,604; Grade 10–12 61,885).
School Events
The school has not added events
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