Since its inception in 1973, Qatar University has become the country national and major institution of higher education. It is comprised of seven colleges: the College of Education, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies, the College of Engineering, the College of Law, the College of Pharmacy and the College of Business and Economics.

Programs offered at the University attract professional recognition through their emphasis on close working links with business, industry, and other professions. At the same time, however, they emphasize the importance of a solid base of general skills and knowledge through a carefully designed Core Curriculum, which was conceived with an eye to the needs and requirements of Qatari society and its labor market. The University's teaching and research are innovative, collaborative, enterprising, and flexible endeavors, based on the intelligent use of emerging technologies.

In addition to two notable libraries, Qatar University boasts a number of support-for-learning centers and units, including an audio library, an e-library, advanced internet facilities, an educational-technology center, advanced video-conferencing facilities, and an active Office for Faculty and Instructional Development.