International Scholarships for BSc, MSc and PhD Students in the UAE 2026/2027

 

If you want to study in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) but are worried about tuition fees and living expenses, there are several scholarship opportunities worth exploring for the 2026/2027 academic year. Universities in the UAE offer different types of support for international students, including tuition discounts, merit-based awards, graduate research funding, and scholarships that may cover accommodation or provide a monthly stipend.

The key is knowing where to look. Some awards are designed for undergraduate students who have just finished secondary school, while others target master's students and PhD researchers with strong academic records. A few programmes offer substantial financial support, but others cover only part of the tuition fees.

Important: The UAE government scholarships advertised by some ministries are reserved for UAE citizens, not all international applicants. If you are a foreign student hoping to study in the UAE, focus first on scholarships offered directly by universities and their graduate research programmes. The Ministry of Higher Education confirms the nationality restriction for its own government scholarship scheme.

This guide explains the main opportunities, eligibility requirements, benefits, application steps, and practical ways to prepare a stronger application.

1. Khalifa University Scholarships for International Students

Khalifa University of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi is one of the first institutions to investigate if you want to study engineering, science, computing, health sciences, or another research-related subject in the UAE.

The university offers scholarships for international students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Awards are competitive, and the benefits depend on the degree programme, academic performance, scholarship category, and applicable conditions.

BSc scholarships at Khalifa University

International students applying for a bachelor's degree can be considered for scholarship support as part of the admission process. The published scholarship categories range from full tuition coverage to partial tuition waivers.

Depending on the award, benefits may include:

• 100% tuition-fee coverage.

• A 75% tuition-fee waiver.

• A 50% tuition-fee waiver.

• A 25% tuition-fee waiver.

• Textbooks provided by the university.

The availability of a full scholarship is limited, and applicants should not assume that admission automatically means they will receive on

MSc scholarships at Khalifa University

Students applying for eligible master's programmes may also be considered for graduate scholarships. The university assesses applicants on academic merit and other relevant factors, including the programme's requirements and institutional priorities.

Some scholarship categories provide full tuition coverage, while others offer partial support. You should indicate your interest in scholarship assistance in your admission application and check the current rules for your intended programme.

PhD scholarships at Khalifa University

Doctoral applicants may find more comprehensive funding packages, particularly in research-related programmes. Depending on the scholarship category, a package may cover tuition, provide a monthly stipend, and include benefits such as medical insurance, textbooks, visa fees, travel support, and conference assistance.

Some doctoral awards have work commitments after graduation. Others have different conditions. Funding may also be reassessed annually, so you must maintain the required academic progress.

The university's published international graduate scholarship information describes research-path PhD awards with tuition coverage and monthly stipends, although the precise package depends on the award tier and current terms.

How to apply: Select a suitable programme, review its entry requirements, prepare your transcripts and supporting documents, and apply through the university's official admissions system. Confirm the scholarship terms for the 2026/2027 intake before making financial plans.

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

If you are interested in artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, or related technologies, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is another important option.

Located in Abu Dhabi, MBZUAI focuses on artificial intelligence education and research. Its undergraduate and graduate programmes attract students interested in building technical skills and contributing to AI development.

Undergraduate scholarships for 2026/2027

MBZUAI's undergraduate programme accepts eligible students who have completed, or are in the final year of completing, a recognised secondary-school qualification. The university's published admissions requirements include a minimum overall average of 90% or equivalent, subject to the relevant curriculum and the competitiveness of the admission cycle.

The university states that merit-based and need-based scholarships are available and may cover up to 100% of tuition and the cost of attendance. The exact award depends on the applicable scholarship programme and its conditions.

For the 2027 undergraduate intake, the published dates are:

• Early Action deadline: 1 November 2026.

• Regular Decision deadline: 1 February 2027.

• Expected Early Action decisions: 15 January 2027.

• Expected Regular Decision decisions: 1 April 2027.

These dates are especially important for students preparing applications now. Always recheck the official admissions page before submitting documents, because programme schedules can change.

MSc and PhD funding at MBZUAI

MBZUAI also offers master's and PhD programmes in specialised AI fields. Graduate funding opportunities vary by programme and may depend on faculty-supported research projects, applicant qualifications, and available funding.

If you are applying for a postgraduate programme, check the funding information for that exact degree rather than assuming all students receive identical benefits.

Strong applicants should demonstrate academic ability, quantitative skills, research interest, and a clear reason for choosing AI. Research experience, programming projects, relevant work, or technical competitions may strengthen an application.

How to apply: Visit the official MBZUAI admissions website, choose your programme, review its deadlines, and prepare the required academic records, recommendation letters, and English-language evidence.

3. United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) Scholarships

United Arab Emirates University, located in Al Ain, offers undergraduate and graduate programmes in areas such as science, engineering, business, education, law, and health-related fields.

It is worth checking UAEU if you want a broad range of academic choices rather than a university focused on a single specialisation.

Undergraduate scholarships

UAEU's undergraduate scholarship system includes a Chancellor's Scholarship for Elite Students, which offers a 100% tuition-fee discount to eligible new students who meet demanding academic and language requirements. The published criteria include a minimum secondary-school score of 98%, approved English-language test results, and additional mathematics requirements for many colleges.

The university also advertises a Chancellor's Scholarship for Talented Students that offers a 50% tuition discount to qualifying students who demonstrate abilities in areas such as innovation, arts, sports, or technology.

However, these awards do not automatically cover living expenses, accommodation, and every other study cost. Scholarship seats are limited, and meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee an award.

MSc and PhD scholarships

UAEU has graduate programmes leading to master's and doctoral degrees. Admission generally requires relevant previous qualifications, and individual programmes may set additional academic, language, or research requirements.

Graduate applicants should investigate the university's scholarships, fellowships, and graduate assistantships. Depending on the programme and award, support may be linked to research, teaching, or other academic responsibilities.

If you want to study for an MSc or PhD, contact the relevant department and ask which funding packages are available to international applicants for the intended intake.

Official information: UAEU graduate admissions and scholarships.

4. American University of Sharjah (AUS) Scholarships

American University of Sharjah offers another option for international students who want an undergraduate education in the UAE. Its scholarship and financial-grant options include awards for high-achieving applicants and support for students who demonstrate financial need.

President's Scholarship

AUS has published a President's Scholarship for qualifying first-time, first-year students who completed their secondary education outside the UAE and will begin in the fall semester.

The published benefits include:

• Full coverage of tuition and laboratory fees.

• An application-fee waiver.

• A monthly stipend.

• On-campus housing.

• Student medical insurance.

• Round-trip travel benefits, subject to the programme's terms.

The award is competitive and subject to eligibility, renewal requirements, and the university's current scholarship policy. The published annual deadline is the second Thursday of March, so students planning for a future fall intake should verify the latest schedule well ahead of time.

AUS also offers merit scholarships and financial grants that may cover a percentage of tuition or housing costs. These alternatives can be useful if you do not qualify for a full award.

Before applying, check whether your preferred degree is available, whether you meet the relevant entry requirements, and whether the scholarship requires a separate application after admission.

5. Scholarships for International BSc Students in the UAE

If you have just finished secondary school, your main task is to identify undergraduate scholarships that accept students from your country and match your intended subject.

A BSc scholarship may be particularly attractive if it pays tuition and includes accommodation, insurance, or a monthly allowance. But it is important to distinguish between a full tuition waiver and a complete living-cost package.

Here is a practical way to begin:

1. Choose your field: Decide whether you want engineering, computer science, AI, biology, business, mathematics, or another subject.

2. Check admission requirements: Review your secondary-school results, required subjects, English-language evidence, and any entrance examinations.

3. Compare scholarship coverage: Find out whether the award pays only tuition or also covers housing, food, travel, insurance, and other costs.

4. Check the application deadline: Some universities use different deadlines for early admission, regular admission, and scholarship consideration.

5. Confirm renewal conditions: Many scholarships require you to maintain a particular GPA or complete a specified course load.

MBZUAI may suit students interested in artificial intelligence, while Khalifa University offers a wider range of science and engineering opportunities. UAEU and AUS are worth comparing if you want additional subject choices.

6. Scholarships for International MSc Students in the UAE

For master's applicants, funding often depends on your academic record, previous degree, chosen specialisation, and research potential.

Start by checking Khalifa University and MBZUAI if your interests align with engineering, computing, science, health, or AI. You should also review the graduate scholarship and assistantship opportunities at UAEU.

A competitive MSc application typically includes a recognised bachelor's degree, academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency where required. Certain programmes may ask for relevant work experience, a portfolio, or additional tests.

Your statement of purpose should explain why you want to pursue the course and how it connects with your future goals. Avoid simply stating that you want a scholarship because education is expensive. Instead, show what you hope to learn, what you can contribute, and why the institution's programme is a good fit.

Before accepting an award, ask whether funding is guaranteed for the entire programme or reviewed every year. Also confirm whether the scholarship covers tuition alone or includes a stipend and accommodation.

7. Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in the UAE

Doctoral funding can be a particularly useful option for students who want to conduct advanced research. In some cases, PhD scholarships provide a more comprehensive package than undergraduate awards because research is central to the programme.

At Khalifa University, eligible doctoral awards may include tuition coverage and monthly financial support, with additional benefits depending on the award tier. At MBZUAI, graduate funding may be linked to a research project, programme, or faculty funding arrangement.

When comparing PhD offers, examine the following:

• Tuition coverage for the full expected study period.

• Monthly stipend and payment conditions.

• Medical insurance and accommodation arrangements.

• Research equipment and laboratory access.

• Conference and publication support.

• Teaching or research duties.

• Annual academic-progress requirements.

• Any work obligation after graduation.

A PhD scholarship should be evaluated as a complete package. A generous stipend may be less useful if tuition is not covered, while an award with full tuition but no living allowance may require additional personal funding.

You should also contact potential supervisors when the programme allows it. A clear research interest and a good match with a department's expertise can help you understand whether your proposed work fits its current priorities.

8. Required Documents for UAE Scholarship Applications

Preparing your documents early can save time and help you avoid missing deadlines. The exact checklist varies by university, programme, and scholarship, but many applicants should prepare:

Academic transcripts and certificates: Provide your secondary-school records for BSc applications and recognised university qualifications for MSc or PhD applications.

Passport: Ensure your passport is valid and your personal information matches your application documents.

Curriculum vitae: List your education, projects, research, employment, volunteering, awards, and relevant technical skills.

Statement of purpose or motivation letter: Explain your academic interests, reasons for choosing the programme, and future plans.

Recommendation letters: Ask teachers, lecturers, employers, or research supervisors who know your work well.

English-language evidence: Submit the IELTS, TOEFL, or other evidence accepted by your university. Some institutions allow eligible applicants to request a waiver.

Research proposal: PhD applicants may need to describe their research topic, objectives, methods, and expected contribution.

Financial documents: Need-based aid may require evidence of household income or other financial circumstances.

Portfolio or supporting evidence: Some programmes may ask for research papers, coding projects, creative work, competition results, or other evidence of achievement.

Use the institution's official checklist to confirm what is required. Do not assume that a document accepted by one university will satisfy another university's rules.

9. How to Apply for UAE Scholarships in 2026/2027

Follow a simple process to keep your applications organised.

Step 1: Select your degree level. Decide whether you are applying for a BSc, MSc, or PhD. This helps you eliminate scholarships that do not match your qualifications.

Step 2: Shortlist universities. Choose institutions offering your preferred subject and accepting international applicants.

Step 3: Review scholarship conditions. Confirm nationality rules, minimum grades, language requirements, award coverage, and renewal conditions.

Step 4: Apply for admission. Some universities assess scholarship eligibility during admission, while others require a separate funding application.

Step 5: Submit complete documents. Check file formats, translations, certification requirements, and submission deadlines before uploading your application.

Step 6: Monitor your email and application portal. Universities may request additional documents, interviews, tests, or clarification.

Step 7: Read the award letter carefully. Before accepting, confirm the scholarship amount, duration, benefits, conditions, and any expenses you must pay yourself.

Because it is October 2026, students aiming for the next undergraduate intake should pay close attention to the current MBZUAI deadlines. Other universities may have different schedules, so verify the official programme pages instead of assuming a single deadline applies to the entire UAE.

10. How to Avoid Scholarship Scams

Be careful when searching online. Fake agents and fraudulent websites sometimes promise guaranteed admission, free visas, or scholarships worth large amounts of money.

A genuine scholarship has identifiable eligibility rules, an official provider, a selection process, and written terms. Verify the details through the university's own website before sharing personal documents or making payments.

Remember that paying a legitimate university application fee, where required, is different from paying an unverified person who promises to secure a scholarship for you.

Also, do not describe a partial tuition discount as a fully funded scholarship. Ask the provider to clarify tuition, housing, food, insurance, travel, visa expenses, and monthly support.

Finally, make sure you understand the conditions attached to the award. Some scholarships require you to maintain a minimum GPA, participate in research, or accept employment obligations after graduation.

Conclusion

International scholarships for BSc, MSc, and PhD students in the UAE can help make a high-quality education more affordable, but the best option depends on your academic level and chosen field. Khalifa University offers undergraduate and graduate scholarship opportunities, MBZUAI is worth exploring for artificial intelligence and related studies, UAEU offers undergraduate discounts and graduate programmes, and American University of Sharjah has competitive awards for qualifying new undergraduate students.

Start by choosing the right programme, checking the latest official eligibility rules, and preparing your documents early. Compare the full value of each scholarship instead of looking only at tuition coverage, and remember that not every award pays all living expenses. With careful planning, a strong application, and accurate information from official university websites, you can identify funding opportunities that fit your goals for 2026/2027 and beyond.