A record number of high school students applied for Early Decision at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), a Qatar Foundation partner university. Applications for Early Decision were up 25% from the previous year, and 27 students were offered admission.

Michael Trick, dean of CMU-Q, spoke of the competitiveness of this year’s applicants: “With 25% more applications for Early Decision than we have ever had, competition was intense. I am so proud to welcome these students as the first members of the Class of 2026. They are a group of exceptionally talented and enthusiastic young people.”

The Early Decision application deadline is three months before the regular deadline of February 1. Students who have attended a CMU-Q outreach program are invited to apply for Early Decision if CMU-Q is their first choice in universities. Successful students are offered acceptance packages before the winter break.

This year’s Early Decision students include 27 students from a total of 20 high schools, including the first students admitted from Qatar Academy for Science and Technology, Durham School for Girls Doha, and Qatar-Finland International School.

CMU-Q offers undergraduate programs in biological sciences, business administration, computer science and information systems.