Scholarships for International Students in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates has become a leading hub for higher education in the Middle East. International students now look at the UAE not only for its quality universities but also for the wide range of scholarships for international students. These awards cover undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels across federal universities, private institutions, and global branch campuses. With the right planning, you can secure partial or even fully funded scholarships in the UAE for international students.

What Changed for 2025-26?

For 2025-26, several programs have either expanded or introduced new calls. UAE University opened fresh tracks for international graduates, while MBZUAI and Khalifa University continue to provide fully funded scholarships in the UAE for international students at postgraduate and doctoral levels. 

Private institutions like the American University of Sharjah and Abu Dhabi University also renewed their merit and need-based awards. English language requirements have broadened, with many campuses now accepting IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Rolling admission cycles at select AI and technology programs also allow more flexibility.

Who Qualifies and What Do You Get?

Each UAE university scholarship for international students comes with its own eligibility rules. Strong academic performance remains the common factor. For undergraduate scholarships for international students in the UAE, universities usually require a high GPA in secondary school. For master’s and PhD scholarships in the UAE for international students, you need transcripts, a research proposal (for thesis-based programs), and proof of English proficiency.

Benefits vary by institution but often include:

• Full or partial tuition coverage
• Monthly stipends for living expenses
• Housing or accommodation allowance
• Health insurance and visa support
• Research funding or travel grants for graduate students

Renewal depends on your GPA and maintaining program requirements.

Key Scholarships to Consider in the  UAE

Which Public and Federal Universities Offer the Strongest Funding?

Khalifa University

Khalifa University remains one of the most attractive destinations for scholarships in the UAE for non-UAE nationals. At the undergraduate level, it provides partial and full tuition coverage, while postgraduate and doctoral students receive comprehensive packages including stipends, housing, and research funding. The programs mainly target engineering, medicine, and technology.

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)

MBZUAI offers one of the most generous master’s scholarships in the UAE for international students. Every admitted student automatically receives a full package: tuition, monthly stipend, on-campus housing, health insurance, and visa sponsorship. The programs focus exclusively on AI-related fields such as machine learning, robotics, and computer vision.

United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)

As the country’s oldest federal institution, UAEU provides Chancellor’s scholarships for undergraduates and graduate assistantships at the master’s and PhD levels. These cover tuition, housing, stipends, and health insurance. High academic performance and research commitment are mandatory.

Zayed University

Zayed University targets high-achieving undergraduates with merit awards that reduce tuition costs. Renewal depends on maintaining the GPA threshold, making it important for students to stay consistent throughout their studies.

Which Private Universities Lead on Aid?

Abu Dhabi University (ADU)

ADU runs multiple scholarship tracks, including merit-based, need-based, and program-specific awards. Some cover full tuition, while others offer partial waivers. The university welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, making it a strong choice for scholarships for UAE residents as well as international students.

American University of Sharjah (AUS)

AUS stands out with its President’s Scholarship, which offers up to 100% tuition, housing, stipend, and flights. The university also provides merit and need-based scholarships, giving students flexibility based on their academic record and financial situation.

American University in Dubai (AUD)

AUD runs the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Scholarship as its flagship award. This prestigious option covers full tuition for highly qualified international students. Additional merit and diversity scholarships cover partial costs.

Emirates Aviation University (EAU)

For students pursuing aviation-related programs, EAU provides partial tuition scholarships. These focus on high academic performers in aviation management, engineering, and flight training programs.

Canadian University Dubai (CUD)

CUD offers up to 50% tuition coverage through its Academic Excellence Scholarships. Other tracks focus on sports talent, cultural contribution, or financial hardship. Renewal depends on maintaining GPA standards.

Which Global Branch Campuses in Dubai Give Strong Support?

Several British, Australian, and Canadian universities operate in Dubai with their own scholarship structures.

• Middlesex University Dubai offers 10-50% tuition discounts based on academic achievement.
• University of Birmingham Dubai awards merit scholarships at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with intake-specific criteria.
• Heriot-Watt University Dubai provides partial tuition scholarships and intake-based merit discounts.
• University of Wollongong Dubai (UOWD) runs bachelor scholarships across multiple bands, reviewed each intake.

These awards allow students to study under globally recognized universities while paying reduced tuition in Dubai.

Which Specialized and Foundation Awards Fit Niche Goals?

Masdar / IRENA Scholarships

For students in renewable energy and sustainability, the Masdar Institute and IRENA provide fully funded scholarships in the UAE for international students. These cover all tuition, housing, stipends, and travel allowances.

Al Jalila Foundation

Focused on health sciences and medical research, Al Jalila offers scholarships at postgraduate and doctoral levels. These awards target future doctors and researchers working on UAE health priorities.

Al Qasimi Foundation

The Al Qasimi Foundation supports doctoral candidates whose research relates directly to UAE public policy, education, or social development. It provides grants, housing allowances, and research funding.

Aga Khan Foundation

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme supports students from eligible countries pursuing postgraduate studies in the UAE. Funding is partial and needs-based.

How Do You Apply Without Missing Key Steps?

When applying for a UAE university scholarship for international students, you should:

• Shortlist universities that fit your academic interests and funding needs.
• Review the UAE university scholarship for international students requirements carefully.
• Prepare all documents: transcripts, English test results, personal statement, CV, passport copy, recommendation letters, and research proposal (if needed).
• Apply to the program and the scholarship, as some universities require separate applications.
• Track deadlines, since each university runs on a different cycle.

When Do Deadlines Fall for 2025 Intakes?

Most deadlines for major scholarships fall between January and May 2025. Federal universities often close earlier, while branch campuses may run multiple intakes. AI and technology programs sometimes run rolling admissions, so early applications work best.

What Mistakes Cost Offers?

Applicants often lose their chance because of late submissions, weak personal statements, or failure to meet English proficiency requirements. Others confuse the admission portal with the scholarship portal. For graduate applicants, missing a detailed research proposal can result in rejection.

FAQs

Can you secure a full ride at the undergraduate level in the UAE?

Yes. AUS and AUD offer full undergraduate UAE scholarships for international students.

Do universities cover housing and insurance for international students?

Most postgraduate scholarships include housing and health insurance, while undergraduate awards vary by institution.

Which scholarships suit AI, health sciences, or aviation?

MBZUAI targets AI, Al Jalila supports health sciences, and EAU caters to aviation studies.

Can you use PTE instead of IELTS or TOEFL?

Yes. Many universities in the UAE now accept PTE as proof of English proficiency.

Do branch campuses match the aid at home campuses?

They provide strong aid, but the packages differ from home campuses and often cover partial tuition only.