Last week marked an exciting milestone for The Student Sport Company as we visited Qatar for the very first time.
While we have supported students from the region in recent years, this trip was about something deeper.
It was about being present on the ground, meeting schools face to face, speaking directly with student-athletes and their families, and understanding first-hand the ambition that exists within the Qatari sporting landscape.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this is a region full of driven, internationally minded students who are serious about both their sport and their education.
Inside the Schools
A key part of the visit was spending time in schools across Doha.
We had the pleasure of meeting student-athletes and staff at a wide range of schools, including Middle East International School, ACS Doha and Doha British School Ain Khaled. In each school, we were warmly welcomed and encouraged by the level of engagement from both students and staff.
What stood out most was the quality of questions being asked. Students wanted to understand scholarship opportunities, performance standards, application timelines and how UK university sport compares with other global pathways. These were thoughtful, ambitious young athletes actively planning their futures.
The conversations were not just about “if” they could play at university level, but “where” and “how” they could find the right fit academically and athletically.
Connecting at the American School of Doha Fair
We also had the opportunity to exhibit at a university fair hosted by the American School of Doha. Events like this create space for open discussion and exploration, and it was fantastic to meet families who were discovering the UK university sport pathway for the first time.
For many, the UK is not always the most visible option when it comes to structured university sport recruitment. Being able to explain the system, the competitive opportunities and the academic advantages in person made a real impact.
Reconnecting with Our Network
Alongside the school visits and fair, we also met with students and families already connected with us in the region. Some are progressing through the recruitment process, while others are planning ahead for future intakes.
Meeting face to face adds clarity and confidence. It allows us to refine university shortlists, discuss realistic performance targets and ensure families feel supported at every stage of the journey.
It reinforced something we strongly believe: this process works best when relationships are built on trust and understanding.
Looking Ahead
For a first visit, Qatar exceeded expectations. The standard of sport, the ambition within the schools and the openness to international opportunities all point to a region with genuine potential in UK university sport.
We look forward to continuing to support student-athletes from Qatar as they explore the opportunity to combine high-level sport with a world-class UK degree.
If you are based in Qatar and would like to learn more about UK university sport opportunities, we would be delighted to connect.
