Top 10 UAE Scholarships For International Students 2025-2026

The United Arab Emirates, a hub of innovation, culture, and economic growth, is rapidly becoming a top destination for international students seeking world-class education. With its state-of-the-art facilities, diverse learning environments, and commitment to academic excellence, the UAE offers a wealth of opportunities. To make this dream a reality for aspiring global scholars, numerous universities and organizations provide generous scholarships.

For the academic years 2025-2026, a range of scholarships are available that can significantly reduce or even eliminate the financial burden of studying in the UAE. This comprehensive guide will walk you through 10 of the best UAE scholarships for international students, detailing their eligibility, application process, benefits, scholarship amounts, stipends, and crucial deadlines.

Why Choose the UAE for Your Studies?

Before diving into the scholarships, let’s briefly touch upon why the UAE stands out:

• High-Quality Education: Universities in the UAE boast internationally recognized curricula and faculty.
• Multicultural Environment: Experience a vibrant and diverse student community.
• Career Opportunities: The booming economy offers excellent post-graduation employment prospects.
• Safety and Modernity: Enjoy a safe and modern lifestyle with world-class infrastructure.

Now, let’s explore the top scholarship opportunities for 2025-2026:

1. Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) Scholarships

MBZUAI is a graduate-level, research-based university dedicated to Artificial Intelligence. Their scholarships are highly competitive and aim to attract top talent.

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Open to all nationalities (UAE and international students).
  • Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree for Master’s programs and a Master’s degree for Ph.D. programs in relevant fields (e.g., Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, etc.).
  • Strong academic record is essential.
  • English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) may be required.
• Application Process: Apply for admission to MBZUAI through their official admissions portal. Scholarship consideration is typically part of the admission process.
• Benefits: This is a fully funded scholarship.
  • Full tuition fee coverage (100% tuition-free).
  • On-campus student accommodation.
  • Health insurance.
  • Sponsorship of UAE visa for non-UAE nationals.
  • Stipend:
    • For MSc students: AED 8,000 per month for international and UAE resident students.
    • For PhD students: AED 10,000 per month for international and UAE resident students.
• Scholarship Deadline: While specific dates for 2025-2026 may vary, typically applications for Fall admissions close around March/April of the preceding year. Always check the official MBZUAI admissions website for the most up-to-date deadlines.

2. Khalifa University Scholarships

Khalifa University is a leading research-intensive university offering comprehensive financial support for international students across various programs.

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Open to international undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D. students.
  • Strong academic performance is required.
  • For Master’s: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0.
  • For PhD: Master’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.25/4.0.
  • English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 91+ or IELTS 6.5+).
• Application Process: Scholarship assessment is typically part of the admission process. No separate scholarship application is usually required. Apply through the Khalifa University Admissions Portal.
• Benefits: Khalifa University offers various tiers of scholarships, many of which are fully funded.
  • Tier I (Full-Time): Full tuition fee coverage, monthly stipend of AED 10,000, free university accommodation for eligible students, textbooks, support to attend international research conferences, medical insurance, mobilization and demobilization flights.
  • Tier II (Full-Time): Full tuition fee coverage, monthly stipend of AED 5,000, textbooks, medical insurance, travel allowances, visa application fee coverage.
  • Research Path (Full-Time PhD only): Full tuition, basic monthly stipend of AED 20,000, additional monthly allowance of AED 20,000 (subject to approval and meeting progression criteria), textbooks, research conference support, medical insurance, mobilization/demobilization flights.
• Scholarship Deadline:
  • Fall 2025 Semester: Applications typically due by April 14, 2025.
  • Spring 2026 Semester: Applications typically due by October 31, 2025. (These are approximate and subject to change, always verify on their official site.)

3. United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) PhD Scholarship

UAEU, the first and largest national university in the UAE, offers fully funded PhD scholarships to exceptional international students.

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Open to all nationalities (UAE and international students).
  • Must have a Master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0.
  • Must not be employed or receiving any other financial sponsorship.
  • Research must align with UAE’s priority sectors (e.g., Renewable Energy, Health, Transportation, Water, Technology, Space).
  • English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
• Application Process: Apply online through the official UAEU website. Submit all required documents, including a research proposal.
• Benefits: This is a fully funded scholarship.
  • Full tuition waiver (100% free education).
  • Monthly stipend for living expenses (specific amount varies, but generally competitive).
  • Health insurance (if required).
  • Additional research funding (up to AED 2,000 from internal projects, up to AED 3,000 from external projects).
• Scholarship Deadline: The deadline varies depending on the specific program. Applicants should check the official UAEU website for the most up-to-date information.

4. Abu Dhabi University (ADU) Scholarships

Abu Dhabi University provides various scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students, aiming to support academic excellence.

• Eligibility Criteria: Varies per scholarship type. Generally, strong academic records are essential. Some scholarships are merit-based, others may consider financial need or specific talents.
  • H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Scholarship: Exclusively for top UAE public secondary school graduates.
  • Academic Scholarship: For continuing ADU students.
  • Merit-based Graduate Scholarship: Minimum CGPA of 3.5 (or equivalent) at the undergraduate level.
• Application Process: The scholarship application process usually begins after a student is formally admitted to ADU and assigned a unique student ID. Eligible scholarships will appear on their account page.
• Benefits: ADU offers both full and partial funding.
  • H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Scholarship: 100% waiver on tuition fees, application fee, registration, student services, and health services.
  • Academic Scholarship: 20% waiver on tuition fees for continuing students.
  • Merit-based Graduate Scholarship: Varies, but can include tuition waivers.
  • Some scholarships may include monthly stipends and books, depending on the specific award.
• Scholarship Deadline: Varies by program and scholarship type. It’s crucial to check the ADU official website for precise dates.

5. American University in Dubai (AUD) Scholarships

AUD offers a range of scholarships to empower students from diverse backgrounds, covering various levels of study.

• Eligibility Criteria: Varies significantly based on the scholarship.
  • H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship: High school applicants with at least 90% grade average, demonstrated financial need. Open to all nationalities.
  • The Gebran Tueni Media Scholarship: Lebanese nationality, excellent academic averages, creative portfolio.
  • The William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship at AUD: U.S. Citizens enrolled full-time at accredited four-year colleges/universities in the US, exemplary academic achievement.
• Application Process: Submit an online application through the AUD admissions portal. Required documents include transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statement, and financial documentation.
• Benefits: AUD offers various levels of funding, with some being fully funded.
  • Scholarship coverage can include tuition fees, monthly stipends, accommodation, and books, depending on the specific scholarship.
• Scholarship Deadline: Deadlines vary. Check the official AUD website for the most accurate information.

6. Masdar Institute Scholarship (part of Khalifa University)

The Masdar Institute, now integrated into Khalifa University, focuses on advanced energy and sustainable technologies. Scholarships are highly attractive for those in related fields.

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Strong academic background in science, engineering, or related fields.
  • Bachelor’s degree for Master’s programs, Master’s degree for PhD programs.
  • English proficiency.
• Application Process: Apply through the Khalifa University admissions portal, as Masdar Institute is now part of it.
• Benefits: Generally, these are fully funded scholarships.
  • Full tuition fees.
  • Monthly stipend (specific amount varies, but generally competitive for graduate studies).
  • Accommodation.
  • Health insurance.
  • Textbooks.
• Scholarship Deadline: Aligned with Khalifa University’s general admission deadlines (see Khalifa University above).

7. Canadian University Dubai (CUD) Scholarships

CUD offers various scholarships to both national and international students based on academic merit and other criteria.

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Generally requires a strong academic record (high school GPA for undergraduates, university GPA for graduates).
  • May have specific requirements for certain scholarships (e.g., leadership potential, specific programs).
• Application Process: Apply for admission to CUD. Information on available scholarships and their application processes is typically found on their financial aid or admissions pages.
• Benefits: CUD scholarships usually provide partial funding, primarily focusing on tuition fee waivers. The percentage of tuition coverage varies.
  • Scholarship amounts are not usually advertised as full stipends, but rather as a percentage off tuition.
• Scholarship Deadline: Deadlines vary by scholarship and intake. Check the CUD official website for details.

8. Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) Scholarships

For those interested in the booming tourism and hospitality sector, DCT offers scholarships to support aspiring professionals.

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Strong academic performance in relevant fields.
  • May require interviews or specific project submissions.
  • Focus on programs in tourism, hospitality, culinary arts, events, and retail.
• Application Process: Information is typically available on the DCT official website, often through their admissions or financial aid sections.
• Benefits: DCT scholarships provide financial assistance for tuition fees. Full scholarship amounts and stipends are less common for these vocational-focused scholarships, but they significantly reduce educational costs.
• Scholarship Deadline: Deadlines vary by program and intake. Refer to the DCT website.

9. University of Sharjah Scholarships

The University of Sharjah offers a range of scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, including those based on academic merit and financial need.

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • High academic achievement.
  • May have specific GPA requirements for different scholarship tiers.
  • English proficiency.
  • Some scholarships may consider financial need.
• Application Process: Apply through the University of Sharjah’s admissions portal. Scholarship details and application procedures are usually available on their financial aid section.
• Benefits: The University of Sharjah offers both full and partial tuition waivers. While full stipends are less common for all scholarship types, tuition coverage can be substantial.
• Scholarship Deadline: Deadlines vary by academic year and specific scholarship program. Check the official University of Sharjah website.

10. Zayed University Scholarships

Zayed University, a federal university in the UAE, offers various funding opportunities to attract top international talent, particularly in STEM and business fields.

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Excellent academic standing.
  • Specific program requirements may apply.
  • English proficiency.
• Application Process: Apply for admission to Zayed University. Scholarship information is typically integrated into the admissions process or available on their financial aid pages.
• Benefits: Zayed University scholarships usually offer partial funding, primarily as tuition fee waivers. The exact percentage of coverage can vary. Full stipends are not always a standard component of these scholarships.
• Scholarship Deadline: Deadlines vary by program and intake. Refer to the official Zayed University website for current dates.

General Eligibility Criteria for UAE Scholarships

While specific requirements vary, here are some common points:

• Academic Excellence: A strong academic record (high GPA, good grades) is almost always a primary requirement.
• English Language Proficiency: Most universities require proof of English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
• Transcripts and Certificates: Official academic transcripts and degree certificates from previous institutions.
• Recommendation Letters: Usually two letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
• Personal Statement/Motivation Letter: A compelling essay outlining your academic goals, reasons for choosing the UAE, and why you deserve the scholarship.
• Passport Copy: A valid passport copy.
• Resume/CV: An updated curriculum vitae.
• Research Proposal (for Graduate Studies): Especially for Master’s by Research or PhD programs.

General Application Process

1. Research Thoroughly: Identify scholarships that align with your academic goals and profile.
2. Meet Admission Requirements: Ensure you meet the admission criteria of your chosen university and program.
3. Prepare Documents: Gather all necessary documents well in advance.
4. Online Application: Complete the online application form for both admission and scholarship (if separate).
5. Adhere to Deadlines: Submit your application and all supporting documents before the specified deadlines.
6. Monitor Status: Keep an eye on your email for updates on your application status.

Conclusion 

Choosing to pursue your higher education in the UAE is an investment in a future defined by innovation, diversity, and unparalleled opportunities. With a commitment to academic excellence and a welcoming environment for international students, the Emirates offers a truly enriching experience.

The scholarships highlighted in this guide for 2025-2026 represent significant pathways to making this dream a reality. From fully funded programs at world-renowned institutions like MBZUAI and Khalifa University to partial tuition waivers at dynamic universities such as ADU and CUD, there’s a spectrum of support available.