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Here are some general guidelines for how best to prepare for undergraduate admission at CMU-Q.

Courses you should take

We expect you to complete the following coursework to be considered for admission.

  • English (3-4 years)
  • Mathematics (3-4 years)
  • Laboratory science (3-4 years)
  • Native or foreign language (2-3 years)
  • Social sciences such as history, government, or economics, (2-3 years)
  • Electives* (2-3 years)

*Note that coursework in programming is highly recommended for prospective Computer Science and Information Systems majors

Are you a student attending a British stream school? 


Are you attending an Indian stream school?


How to prepare for mathematics

Because of the highly quantitative nature of Carnegie Mellon’s curriculum, your four years of secondary school mathematics should include algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, and elementary functions.

Academic Credit for AP, IB and A-Levels

Advanced Placement (AP)

Carnegie Mellon may grant advanced placement and credit for scores of four and five on exams taken in the CEEB Advanced Placement program. When you take the tests, be sure to request the results to be sent to the Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar Admission Office. We’ll receive your scores in early summer. Once you are admitted, we will evaluate your scores and let you know if AP credit has been awarded. The AP code for Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar is 4246.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Carnegie Mellon recognizes the quality of the International Baccalaureate curriculum. We may grant advanced standing and/or credit in various fields for scores of six and seven on higher-level examinations. Send the results of IB exams to the Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar Admission Office, and we will evaluate your scores and notify you if credit has been awarded.

British Advanced Level (A-Level) Examinations

Carnegie Mellon Qatar may award university course credit for grades of A or B received in A-Level exam results. An original copy of your A-Level results must be provided to the Academic Affairs Office at Carnegie Mellon Qatar in order for credit to be awarded.

Placement or Credit for College-Level Work

Carnegie Mellon may grant placement or credit for college work you’ve completed while in secondary school. Have your college transcript sent to the Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar Admission Office for transfer credit evaluation. Please send the descriptions of your college courses as well.

A full listing of transferrable credit for AP, IB and A-levels can be accessed here.

Workshops and events

For secondary school students who would like a glimpse into college life, CMU-Q holds workshops in all of the different program areas, as well as events that celebrate academic exploration and achievement.

Learn more