MBZUAI Scholarship at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi is one of the most competitive and fully funded opportunities for graduate students in STEM fields. This innovative university is the first of its kind, dedicated solely to AI education and research, and it offers Master’s and Ph.D. programmes designed to prepare future leaders and researchers in artificial intelligence.
Located in the vibrant capital of the UAE, MBZUAI combines a rigorous academic environment with world-class facilities and a strong emphasis on practical research. The MBZUAI Scholarship provides exceptional students from around the world the chance to pursue advanced studies while being fully funded and immersed in a rich cultural setting.
Scholarship Benefits
MBZUAI Scholarship provides a generous financial package for admitted full-time students:
- 100% tuition coverage.
- Monthly stipend:
- UAE Nationals: AED 37,500 (M.Sc.), AED 43,500 (Ph.D.)
- International Students: AED 15,500 (M.Sc.), AED 17,500 (Ph.D.)
- UAE visa sponsorship (for non-UAE nationals).
- Health insurance coverage.
Note: Scholarships do not apply to the Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) programme. Stipends are inclusive of housing support, with AED 7,500/month charged for on-campus housing, deducted directly from the stipend.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the MBZUAI Scholarship, applicants must:
- Hold a degree in a STEM field (e.g., computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, mathematics, physics, or other relevant majors) from an accredited university recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education.
- Have a minimum CGPA of 3.0 or 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale), depending on the chosen programme.
- Senior-level students can apply with a current transcript but must submit the official degree certificate/transcript upon admission.
- Provide attestation (for UAE degrees) or Certificate of Recognition (for degrees obtained outside the UAE) within the first semester.
Application Process
The application process for the MBZUAI Scholarship involves several steps:
- General required documents (in English or with legal English translations):
- Completed online application form.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Official transcripts and certificates (Bachelor’s for M.Sc.; Bachelor’s and Master’s for Ph.D. where applicable).
- Referee recommendations (2 for M.Sc., 3 for Ph.D.).
- Statement of Purpose (PDF).
- Research statement (for Ph.D. applicants, PDF).
- Valid English language proficiency certificate.
- Passport copy and photo with white background.
- UAE Nationals must also provide: Emirates ID, passport, national service completion/exemption (for males), family book, birth certificate (if applicable), and mother’s Emirates ID/passport (for children of Emirati mothers).
- UAE Residents must provide a valid Emirates ID and UAE visa.
- Prepare for the Screening Exam – shortlisted applicants will be invited to take the exam.
- Technical Interview – applicants are evaluated based on their knowledge and research potential.
- Wait for the Decision – successful candidates are notified by email.
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Required Documents
Applicants to the MBZUAI Scholarship must prepare the following documents:
- Online application form.
- CV (including academic background, work experience, research publications, and programming skills).
- Academic transcripts and certificates.
- Recommendation letters.
- Statement of Purpose.
- Research statement (Ph.D. applicants).
- Valid English proficiency test result.
- Passport copy and photo.
Additional documents apply for UAE Nationals and UAE Residents.
Selection Process
MBZUAI Scholarship selection process is highly competitive and includes:
- Eligibility screening – review of submitted documents.
- Screening exam – assessment of academic readiness and AI-related knowledge.
- Technical interview – evaluation of skills, research interests, and suitability.
- Final decision – offers sent to successful candidates.
Scholarship Duration
The MBZUAI Scholarship supports both Master’s and Ph.D. programmes. Programme duration varies:
- M.Sc. programmes: typically 2 years.
- Ph.D. programmes: typically 4 years.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the MBZUAI Scholarship 2026 is as follows:
- Application portal opens: September 1, 2025 (8:00 a.m. GST)
- Priority deadline: November 15, 2025 (5:00 p.m. GST)
- Final deadline: December 15, 2025 (5:00 p.m. GST)
- Decision notification date: March 15, 2026 (5:00 p.m. GST)
- Offer response deadline: April 15, 2026 (5:00 p.m. GST)
