In recent years, the United Arab Emirates has become one of the most attractive study destinations in the region—not only because of its modern, high-ranking universities, but also due to a growing number of fully funded scholarship programs targeting Master’s and PhD students (and sometimes Bachelor’s students) from around the world.
This practical guide focuses on:
The most important fully funded UAE Scholarships 2026 at top universities such as:
Khalifa University
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
Al Qasimia University, and others
You can also check out the Lusail University Scholarship in Qatar
Why Are UAE Scholarships 2026 Fully Funded?
Before exploring the universities and programs, it is important to understand why UAE scholarships have become an increasingly appealing option for international students:
1. Modern universities with strong research infrastructure
Universities such as Khalifa University, MBZUAI, and UAEU invest heavily in laboratories, scientific research, and innovation in fields like engineering, energy, artificial intelligence, and medicine.
2. Funding that covers tuition and living expenses
Many scholarship programs in the UAE offer full tuition waiver, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and sometimes on-campus housing or housing support, in addition to student visa sponsorship.
3. Strategic location and diversified economy
The UAE is a regional hub for global companies, aviation, technology, renewable energy, and finance, offering broad opportunities for internships and career connections after graduation.
4. Multicultural and Arab-friendly environment
The UAE hosts a highly diverse population where English is widely used in universities and the job market, while remaining culturally familiar and comfortable for most Arab students.
5. Clear and structured residency systems for students
Most scholarship-offering universities sponsor student visas and residency throughout the duration of the program, reducing legal and administrative complexity.
For regular updates on scholarships and academic opportunities, follow our official platforms:
Types of Fully Funded UAE Scholarships 2026
Fully funded UAE scholarships fall into three main categories:
1. University-Based Full Scholarships
These are scholarships offered directly by the university to admitted students, such as:
MBZUAI Scholarship
UAEU Postgraduate Scholarships & Assistantships
Al Qasimia University scholarships for international students
2. Governmental / National Institutional Scholarships
These are funded by federal or local government bodies (e.g., Ministry of Education or innovation and telecommunications funds).
However, such programs usually target UAE nationals primarily, with limited international slots.
3. Strong Partial Scholarships + Complementary Funding Options
Some universities (e.g., UAEU and Abu Dhabi University) offer significant tuition waivers—up to 100% for outstanding students.
Students may cover living expenses through part-time work or family support, though these are not always fully funded scholarships in the strict sense.
Top Fully Funded UAE Scholarships 2026 (Leading Universities)
1. Khalifa University Scholarship 2026
Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi is one of the strongest universities in the region in engineering, energy, space, AI, and medicine.
The university offers scholarships for postgraduate programs (Master’s and PhD) for Emirati and international students.
There are also full and partial scholarships for outstanding Bachelor’s students.
Key Benefits (Postgraduate Scholarships – General Overview):
Full or partial tuition waiver (with full scholarships available)
Monthly stipend varying by program and nationality
Health insurance
On-campus housing or housing support (depending on scholarship type and availability)
Support for attending international conferences, especially for PhD students
Key Fields:
Electrical, Mechanical, Nuclear, Petroleum, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Medicine & Health Sciences, Renewable Energy.
You can also check out the Open University Scholarship – Kuwait Branch
2. MBZUAI Scholarship 2026 (Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence)
MBZUAI is a research-oriented university entirely specialized in artificial intelligence and located in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi.
The official website states that all full-time admitted Master’s and PhD students receive a fully funded scholarship, including:
100% tuition fee waiver
Monthly stipend, according to the latest updates:
Around AED 15,500/month for Master’s students
Around AED 17,500/month for PhD students
(Amounts may change from year to year)
Student visa sponsorship
Comprehensive health insurance
On-campus housing or housing support in Masdar City (priority for first-year students)
Official and media sources also indicate that the university is expanding scholarship initiatives, including new AI bachelor-level funding under programs such as the Tahnoon bin Zayed Scholarship in AI Excellence, starting from academic year 2025–2026.
Study Areas at MBZUAI:
Machine Learning
Computer Vision
Natural Language Processing
Robotics / AI Systems (depending on the offered programs)
3. UAEU Scholarships 2026 (United Arab Emirates University)
UAEU, located in Al Ain, is the oldest national university and offers a variety of scholarships for Bachelor’s and postgraduate students.
Undergraduate Scholarships (for International Students):
May include up to 100% tuition waiver (e.g., Chancellor’s Scholarship for top-performing students).
Policies apply to students admitted from academic year 2025/2026 onward.
Postgraduate Scholarships:
Full Ride Scholarship for outstanding Emirati students (Master’s + PhD)
PhD Fellowship open to multiple nationalities (tuition + stipend depending on regulations)
Graduate Assistantships for Master’s and PhD students (research/teaching duties in exchange for funding)
4. Al Qasimia University Scholarship 2026
Al Qasimia University in Sharjah focuses on Islamic studies, Sharia, Arabic language, and humanities, and offers fully funded scholarships for international students from outside the UAE.
Scholarship Benefits:
Monthly stipend
University housing for international students
Summer stipend disbursement for enrolled students
This scholarship is considered nearly fully funded (tuition + living + housing).
5. Abu Dhabi University Scholarships 2026 (ADU)
Abu Dhabi University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid, including:
Academic Excellence Scholarships
Scholarships for UAE citizens
Need-based funding
Some scholarships may reach 100% tuition waiver for top-performing students.
However, most do not cover monthly stipends or free housing, so they are usually classified as partial scholarships.
You can also check out the Qatar University Scholarship for Undergraduate Students
Benefits of Studying and Living in the UAE for Scholarship Recipients
1. Student Visa Sponsorship & Residency
Most fully funded programs (especially at Khalifa University and MBZUAI) clearly state that they:
Sponsor the student residency visa
Assist with medical and security procedures required for visa issuance
2. Safe, advanced living environment
The UAE consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world.
Cities like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah offer modern infrastructure, advanced public transportation, health facilities, and a rich multicultural atmosphere.
3. Opportunity to build strong professional networks
Major UAE universities host international faculty and students from dozens of countries, enabling rich networking opportunities.
4. Pathways for internships and employment
MBZUAI collaborates with global and local companies to provide training and AI-focused employment pathways.
Khalifa University is linked to strategic national projects in technology, energy, and aerospace.
Important Note: Work and residency regulations after graduation depend on UAE immigration laws, which may change. Always consult the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security or your university for up-to-date information.
For regular updates on scholarships and academic opportunities, follow our official platforms:
Practical Application Plan for Securing Fully Funded UAE Scholarships
Step 1: Define your academic goal clearly
Are you seeking a fully funded Master’s in engineering, AI, business, or health sciences?
Or a research-focused PhD with a stipend?
Your goal determines your university choice:
Engineering, energy, medicine → Khalifa University
AI specialization → MBZUAI
Broad fields (science, humanities, education) → UAEU
Islamic & Arabic studies → Al Qasimia University
Step 2: Prepare a shortlist of universities and scholarships
Example of a simple tracking table:
| University | Scholarship Type | Degree | Fully Funded? | Scholarship Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khalifa University | PG Scholarships | Master’s + PhD | Yes (specific tracks) | Postgraduate Scholarships |
| MBZUAI | Scholarship | Master’s + PhD | Yes (all full-time students) | Graduate Admission Process |
| UAEU | UG/PG Scholarships | Bachelor’s + Master’s + PhD | Some fully funded | Scholarships Pages |
| Al Qasimia University | International Scholarship | Bachelor’s | Fully funded | Tuition Scholarships |
Step 3: Prepare the essential documents early
Most UAE fully funded scholarships require:
Valid passport
Bachelor’s/Master’s degree certificate + transcript (certified English translation)
Academic/Professional CV
2–3 Recommendation Letters
Statement of Purpose / Research Proposal
English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL) depending on university requirements
Step 4: Apply to MBZUAI 2026 (Practical Example)
Visit the Graduate Admission Process page
Choose the program (MSc or PhD) in ML, CV, NLP, etc.
Create an account on the online portal
Fill in personal and academic information
Upload required documents (transcripts, CV, recommendations, SOP)
Check the scholarship and admission deadlines (often late 2025 for Fall 2026 entry)
Submit the application and wait for the decision
Begin visa procedures with the university after acceptance
Step 5: Apply to Khalifa University
Visit the PG Admissions / Scholarships page
Select your program (Master’s or PhD)
Review admission criteria (GPA, English score, prerequisites)
Create an online application
Upload academic documents, CV, recommendations, SOP, research proposal (for PhD)
Confirm whether the scholarship is automatic or requires a separate step
Submit before the deadline
Step 6: Apply to UAEU or Al Qasimia University
At UAEU:
Apply for program admission first
Then apply separately for applicable scholarships or assistantships
At Al Qasimia University:
Follow the instructions on the Tuition Scholarships page
Submit the online application or required forms for international students
Step 7: Prepare for Interviews (If Required)
Universities may conduct short video interviews to assess:
English proficiency
Understanding of your academic field
Motivation for studying in the UAE
Prepare by reviewing your application, achievements, and research interests.
You can also check out the University of Camerino Scholarship in Italy (No IELTS)
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning Fully Funded UAE Scholarships
Present a coherent academic story connecting your background to your future goals
Target priority fields in the UAE: AI, renewable energy, cybersecurity, medicine, digital economy
Strengthen your academic/research profile: projects, conference participation, publications
Apply to multiple universities to increase your chances
Monitor deadlines regularly—as some UAE scholarships close early
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