🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates · Scholarships
Scholarships and financial aid for studying in United Arab Emirates — government, university, and international programs.
Quick answer
In the UAE, funding for international students comes mainly through the universities, several of which offer generous, often fully funded scholarships — for example Khalifa University, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), NYU Abu Dhabi and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. Explore each university's scholarship pages, confirm coverage (tuition, stipend, housing) and apply by the deadline.
Most UAE government scholarships (via the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research) are reserved for Emirati nationals. International students can still find substantial funding directly from universities — notably fully-funded postgraduate scholarships with stipends at Khalifa University and MBZUAI (AI). Many universities and foundations offer merit and need-based awards; check each institution.
- Most government scholarships (MOHESR) are for Emirati nationals.
- International postgraduates can access fully-funded scholarships at Khalifa University and MBZUAI.
- Many universities and foundations offer merit and need-based awards — check each institution.
Step-by-step
- 1
Map the funding landscape
Map UAE funding: generous, often fully funded university scholarships (Khalifa University, MBZUAI, NYU Abu Dhabi, Sorbonne Abu Dhabi).
- 2
Check eligibility and deadlines
Confirm eligibility (level, nationality, grades, language) and note that scholarship deadlines are often months before course start.
- 3
Prepare your documents
Prepare transcripts, a language-test score, reference letters, a strong personal statement and (for research) a proposal.
- 4
Apply to the scheme and university
Submit the scholarship application and, where required, a separate university/admission application by each deadline.
- 5
Interview, results and acceptance
Attend any interview or selection stage; if awarded, formally accept the scholarship and your study place.
- 6
Handle visa, funds and conditions
Apply for your student visa, arrange disbursement, and note any conditions such as progress requirements or a return/service obligation.
Checklist
- Funding sources identified (government / university / private)
- Eligibility + deadlines confirmed
- Transcripts + language test + references
- Personal statement / research proposal
- Scholarship + university applications submitted
- Interview / selection completed
- Offer accepted + funding terms understood
- Student visa + disbursement + any bond/return rules
Official authorities
- Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research
Official higher-education authority.
- Scholarships (u.ae)
Official higher-education and scholarship information.
Frequently asked questions
How do international students fund study in the UAE?
Mainly through university scholarships; several UAE universities offer generous, often fully funded packages, especially at graduate level.
What is MBZUAI?
The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, a graduate AI university that offers fully funded scholarships to admitted students.
Are programs taught in English?
Yes — most UAE universities teach in English, which makes them accessible to students from around the world; check each program.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- The UAE Government Portal — Official UAE government portal — services, visas, residency
- Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship (ICP) — Entry permits, residence visas, Golden Visa, Emirates ID
- Federal Tax Authority (FTA) — VAT and corporate-tax registration and filing
- Ministry of Economy — Company registration, business licensing, foreign investment