For decades, Qatar has been the jewel of the global energy sector. With the massive North Field Expansion project currently underway—the largest Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project in history—the demand for talent in 2025 is at an all-time high. For fresh graduates, this represents a life-changing opportunity: tax-free salaries, world-class training, and a chance to work on engineering marvels.
However, landing oil and gas jobs in Qatar for fresh graduates is not as simple as uploading a CV to a website. The market is competitive, and major companies like QatarEnergy often have distinct pathways for “Nationals” (Qatari citizens) versus “Expatriates” (foreigners).
If you are a fresh graduate looking to launch your career in Qatar’s energy sector, this guide is your roadmap. We will strip away the confusion, reveal the salaries you can expect in 2025, and show you exactly how to bypass the “experience required” barrier.
The Golden Opportunity: Why Qatar Needs Fresh Graduates Now
In 2025, Qatar is not just maintaining its oil fields; it is expanding them aggressively. The North Field East (NFE) and North Field South (NFS) projects aim to boost Qatar’s LNG production capacity from 77 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 126 Mtpa by 2027.
This expansion requires a fresh workforce. While senior engineers handle the strategy, companies need fresh graduates for:
- Field Operations: Monitoring new rigs and pipelines.
- Data Analysis: Managing the digitization of oil fields.
- HSE (Health, Safety, Environment): ensuring safety compliance on massive new construction sites.1
- Support Services: Logistics, procurement, and HR to manage the influx of workers.
Top Companies Hiring Fresh Graduates in 2025
When searching for oil and gas jobs in Qatar for fresh graduates, you must target the right organizations. Do not waste time applying to small subcontractors; aim for the giants and their direct partners.
1. QatarEnergy (Formerly Qatar Petroleum)
The state-owned giant.
- The Reality Check: QatarEnergy has a strict “Qatarization” policy.2 Their official “Fresh Graduate” programs are almost exclusively for Qatari nationals.
- The Expat Route: As a foreigner, you rarely get hired directly by QatarEnergy as a fresh grad. Instead, you get hired by their contractors (EPC companies) working on QatarEnergy projects.
2. Qatargas (Now QatarEnergy LNG)
The world’s largest LNG producer.
- Opportunities: They frequently hire for “Graduate Trainee” roles in engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical).
- Application Strategy: Monitor their LinkedIn page for “Early Career” posts.
3. International Oil Companies (IOCs)
These global giants have massive operations in Qatar and are often more open to international graduates than state-owned firms.
- Shell Qatar: Operates the Pearl GTL plant.3 They have a renowned “Shell Graduate Programme.”
- TotalEnergies: Has a strong presence in the Al Shaheen oil field.
- ExxonMobil: heavily involved in the LNG expansion.
4. EPC Contractors (The Best Route for Expats)
This is where 80% of foreign fresh graduates find work. These companies build the infrastructure for QatarEnergy. They need armies of junior engineers and support staff.
- Chiyoda Corporation
- Technip Energies
- Samsung C&T
- McDermott
- CCC (Consolidated Contractors Company)
High-Demand Roles for Fresh Graduates (2025)
You don’t have to be a Petroleum Engineer to work in oil and gas. In 2025, the industry is hiring across a broad spectrum of degrees.
1. Engineering Roles (The Core)
- Process Engineer: Monitoring gas flows and chemical reactions.
- Mechanical Engineer: Maintenance of rotating equipment (turbines, pumps).4
- Instrumentation & Control Engineer: Managing the sensors that run the plant.5
- Civil / Structural Engineer: Designing the infrastructure for new expansion sites.
2. Non-Engineering Roles (The Hidden Gems)
- HSE Officer: Safety is the #1 priority. Degrees in Environmental Science or Occupational Health are highly valued.
- Supply Chain / Logistics Coordinator: Moving massive equipment requires huge logistical support.
- Quantity Surveyor: Calculating material costs for construction projects.
- Data Analyst: Analyzing drilling data to optimize output.
Salary Expectations for Fresh Graduates in Qatar (2025)
One of the main reasons you are searching for oil and gas jobs in Qatar for fresh graduates is the money. Here is a realistic breakdown of monthly salaries for entry-level expats. (Note: These are tax-free).
| Role | Monthly Salary (QAR) | Equivalent (USD) |
| Junior Engineer (Direct Hire) | QAR 12,000 – 16,000 | $3,300 – $4,400 |
| Junior Engineer (Contractor) | QAR 7,000 – 11,000 | $1,900 – $3,000 |
| HSE Officer (Entry Level) | QAR 6,000 – 9,000 | $1,650 – $2,470 |
| Admin / Document Controller | QAR 4,000 – 6,000 | $1,100 – $1,650 |
Additional Benefits:
Most oil and gas contracts also include:
- Accommodation: Free housing or a housing allowance.6
- Transport: Free bus to the site (Ras Laffan/Mesaieed) or a car allowance.
- Flights: One return ticket home per year.
- Food: Free meals while on site.
How to Apply: The Strategy for Foreigners
If you apply on a company website and check “No” for “Are you a Qatari National?”, your application is often filtered out by the ATS (Applicant Tracking System). To bypass this, use the Agency Route.
1. The Recruitment Agency Hack
Large companies outsource their junior hiring to global recruitment agencies. Register your CV with these specific agencies that hold contracts in Qatar:
- Airswift: Specializes in technical and engineering roles.
- Brunel: A major player in Qatar’s energy staffing.
- NES Fircroft: Has a massive database of technical jobs.
- MPH: Specializes in oil and gas staffing in the Middle East.
Action Plan: Go to their websites, filter jobs by “Qatar” and “Entry Level,” and upload your CV. Connect with their recruiters on LinkedIn.
2. LinkedIn “Boolean” Search
Don’t just scroll the feed. Use specific search strings to find hiring managers.
- Search:
"Qatar" AND "Hiring" AND ("Graduate" OR "Junior") AND "Engineering" - Search:
"Ras Laffan" AND "Vacancy" AND "Entry Level"
3. The “Shutdown” Entry Point
Oil plants regularly shut down for maintenance (called a “Turnaround”). Companies hire hundreds of temporary staff for 3-6 months during these periods.
- Why it’s great: They are desperate for bodies, so “no experience” is often accepted.
- The benefit: Once you are inside and prove you work hard, they often keep you for permanent roles.
Visa Requirements for Fresh Graduates
To work in Qatar, you need a sponsored Work Visa. You cannot work on a Visit Visa.
The Process for 2025:
- Job Offer: You secure a job from your home country.
- Medical & Police Check: You perform a medical test (GAMCA/Wafid) and get a Police Clearance Certificate in your home country.7
- Degree Attestation (CRITICAL): Your degree must be attested.
- Step 1: Ministry of Education in your home country.
- Step 2: Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your home country.
- Step 3: Qatar Embassy in your home country.
- Step 4: Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar (after arrival).
- Entry: The employer sends you an entry visa.8 You fly to Qatar.
- Residency (RP): The employer converts your visa to a Residency Permit (ID card).9
Warning: If your degree is not attested, you cannot get an Engineer visa. You might be put on a “Laborer” visa, which affects your ability to get a driving license or bring family later.
Resume Tips: Tailoring for the Middle East
Your CV needs to look different for Qatar than it does for the UK or USA.
- Photo is Optional but Common: In the Middle East, a professional headshot on the CV is standard practice.
- Personal Details: Include your Nationality, Age, and Marital Status. Employers use this for visa processing quotas.
- Degree First: As a fresh grad, your education is your biggest asset. Put it at the top.
- Internships Count: Treat your university internships as “Work Experience.” Detail the projects you worked on, specifically any software you used (e.g., AutoCAD, HYSYS, Primavera).
Scam Alert: How to Protect Yourself
The search term “oil and gas jobs in Qatar for fresh graduates” attracts scammers.
- The “Visa Fee” Scam: A real company (QatarEnergy, Shell, etc.) pays for your visa and flight. If an “agent” asks you to pay $500 for a visa processing fee, it is a scam.
- Fake Offer Letters: Scammers send PDF offer letters that look official but come from
@gmail.comor@outlook.comaddresses. Real offers come from@company.com. - No Interview: If you are offered a job without a video interview, it is fake. No one hires an engineer based on a CV alone.
Conclusion: Start Your Journey Today
Securing oil and gas jobs in Qatar for fresh graduates is challenging but entirely possible. The key is to stop trying to compete with locals for “direct” roles and instead target the international EPC Contractors and Recruitment Agencies that power the industry.
Qatar is building the future of energy. They need energetic, ambitious young professionals to help them do it. Get your degree attested, polish your LinkedIn profile, and start connecting with the agencies listed in this guide. Your career in the energy sector starts now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I get a job in Qatar without experience?
A: Yes, but you must target “Graduate Trainee” programs or “Junior” roles with contractors. Internships count as experience, so highlight them on your CV.
Q: Is it better to visit Qatar on a tourist visa to find a job?
A: For fresh graduates, no. Most entry-level hiring happens through agencies online or university recruitment drives. Coming on a tourist visa is expensive and risky, as you cannot legally work or easily convert the visa without leaving the country first in some cases.
Q: Which engineering degree is most in demand in Qatar?
A: Chemical/Process Engineering is #1 due to the LNG focus. Mechanical and Instrumentation are close seconds.
Q: How long does the hiring process take?
A: It is slow. From application to flying out, expect 3 to 6 months. The visa and security clearance process alone can take 4-8 weeks. Be patient.