Doha: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) has released a circular detailing the procedures for student enrollment and relocation in public schools for the academic year 2026-2027. The new guidelines aim to streamline processes for parents and ensure that schools are prepared to accommodate students in a timely manner. According to Qatar News Agency, the first step involves the automated transfer of students who have completed their studies to the next educational level. This includes students moving from kindergarten, fourth grade in boys' model schools, sixth grade, and ninth grade. Schools will begin processing these transitions internally in February 2026, with parents receiving notifications between March 29-31, 2026. For new enrollments or transfers, the ministry has introduced the "Maaref" portal, allowing students to register online according to a specified timeline. The initial phase starts on April 12, 2026, for siblings of Qatari citizens, children of Qatari women, and children from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. Registration for all students begins on May 24, 2026, and will reopen on August 25, lasting until October 1, 2026, to ensure ample opportunity for registration. The MoEHE has set December 31, 2026, as the age eligibility cutoff date. Children born by the end of 2022 are eligible for kindergarten, those born by the end of 2021 for pre-kindergarten, and children born by December 31, 2020, can enroll in first grade. The ministry has also exempted Qatari students born in January and February from the minimum age requirements for kindergarten through fourth grade. The ministry is also focused on providing educational opportunities for children of residents working in the private sector and those living in remote areas by allocating 18 schools for them. These include Al Shamal, Al-Zubara, Al-Kaaban, Al-Ghuwairiya, Al-Jemailiya, Dukhan, Rawdat Rashid, Al-Karaana, and Al-Kharsaa Primary, Preparatory, and Secondary Schools. Enrollment in these schools requires proof of res idence, such as a lease agreement or utility bill. For students with disabilities, the circular specifies that cases involving learning or speech disorders should be registered directly in schools. Meanwhile, cases of autism or mental and auditory disabilities should be referred to the student support service center for evaluation. The ministry advises parents to prepare necessary documents, including QIDs, birth certificates, health files, and proof of employment for resident students. Additionally, parents are encouraged to use the "Where is My School" system to find suitable schools based on their location, facilitating a smooth transition at the start of the new academic year.