Any Qatari who wishes to study internationally must now receive official government permission before doing so.
This doesn't just apply to government-funded students, but to the self-financed too.
The country's education ministry announced the new rule this week.
"The student must also commit to the conditions set by the ministry to guarantee the equation of their certificates," a senior ministry official said, according to Doha News.
Any student who began her or his studies after Dec. 29, 2014 is subject to the new regulation, meaning students currently enrolled at universities abroad will potentially be required to switch institutions.
If students began their studies prior to the 2014 date, they will be allowed to continue in their current programs without seeking the approval.
Students are now required to consult a list (PDF) of accredited institutions before choosing where to apply to pursue their undergraduate or graduate studies abroad.
The list includes more than 400 international and Arab higher education institutions in about 60 countries. When seeking government permission to attend the institution, students must submit their official acceptance letter and a study plan in order to receive approval.
The requirements may be seen as stringent by some. But the ministry says they are part of an effort to combat fraud.
The ministry also said that the aim is to ensure a higher quality of education among overseas students.