Dr Khalid al-Khanji, vice president of Student Affairs, welcomes incoming students at HBKU Orientation 2015.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University ( HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation, has kicked off the 2015-2016 academic year by welcoming a record intake of more than 200 students across a significantly expanded range of programmes.
This year, HBKU welcomes its first cohort of students pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) law degree through its newly established graduate law school, as well as the first masters and PhD students in Biomedical and Biological Sciences, Sustainable Energy, and Sustainable Environment through its College of Science and Engineering.
In addition to these, new offerings and the existing graduate programmes offered by the Translation and Interpreting Institute and Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies, the university also welcomes its first undergraduate students this year, with the launch of its Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering programme.
HBKU president Dr Ahmed Hasnah said: “This year marks the beginning of an important new chapter for Hamad Bin Khalifa University. The launch of six new masters and PhD programmes, plus the introduction of a graduate law school that is the first of its kind in the region, is a significant milestone in the university’s short history.
“HBKU is committed to fulfilling the vision of HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation, by providing high-quality graduate research programmes that are aligned with the grand challenges of Qatar and the region, and promoting a knowledge-based society.”
Newly admitted students represent a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds and Qatari students are well represented across all programmes. Among the new programmes, Qataris make up more than half of students enrolled on the Biological and Biomedical Science graduate programmes and in excess of 70%  of the first Juris Doctor class.
In addition to targeting the educational needs of the local population, the university’s reputation is also growing internationally, drawing talented students from around the world. In addition to an expanded student body, the university has also welcomed many new faculty members across its academic departments.