The United Arab Emirates has transformed into a premier global education destination, with Dubai hosting over 60 prestigious university campuses and 30,000 international students. For the 2026 academic year, Dubai scholarships provide essential funding through 100% tuition waivers, monthly stipends up to AED 20,000, and comprehensive health insurance for eligible candidates. The primary scholarship requirements for Dubai programs include a minimum high school average of 90%, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to 3.5 for graduate studies, and official English proficiency scores like an IELTS band 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 91. Furthermore, international applicants must submit a valid passport copy, certified academic transcripts, and 2-3 letters of recommendation to secure their admission and financial aid packages.
Dubai universities host thousands of international scholars. The Ministry of Education funds these academic awards. Students submit online applications. Selection committees evaluate academic performance.
These 10 scholarships are mentioned because they represent the most verified, high-value financial aid opportunities available to international students in Dubai for 2026. Each award is backed by current university data or government-supported platforms like “Study in UAE.” Use the factual details below to meet eligibility criteria and strengthen your application for the upcoming semester.
1. Khalifa University Graduate Scholarship (2026)
Khalifa University provides fully funded scholarships for Master’s and PhD students across all nationalities. The Tier I package offers full tuition coverage, free university accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend of up to AED 20,000. You must hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 to qualify for PhD entry.
- Deadline: March 2, 2026.
- Requirements: GRE score of 150, two referee recommendations, and a statement of purpose.
2. University of Dubai Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Scholarship
This merit-based award offers 100% tuition coverage for undergraduate programs in Business, Engineering, and Law. The University of Dubai grants this scholarship to only a few top-performing students per cycle. You must maintain a high CGPA during your studies to continue receiving the waiver.
- Deadline: January 2026.
- Requirements: Senior secondary school certificate with an average of 95% or above.
3. American University in Dubai (AUD) Mohammed Bin Rashid Scholarship
The AUD scholarship program entitles recipients to a 100% tuition waiver and coverage for dormitory housing and visa charges. This program is open to all nationalities applying for undergraduate programs. You must maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.5 to renew the award annually.
- Deadline: April 2026.
- Requirements: 90% high school average, creative portfolio, and a qualifying interview.
4. University of Birmingham Dubai Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
The University of Birmingham offers scholarships worth up to AED 30,000 specifically for international students at their Dubai campus. The award is applied as a discount on tuition fees for the first year of study. You must select the university as your firm choice by April 30 to stay eligible.
- Deadline: June 30, 2026.
- Requirements: 2.1 Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and an accepted full-time offer.
5. Middlesex University Dubai Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarship
Middlesex University provides combined scholarships and discounts worth up to £8,500 (approx. AED 40,000) for 2026 entry. The Excellence Scholarship specifically offers £5,000 toward course fees for high-achieving UAE and international residents. You must apply by the Early Bird deadline of February 15 to secure additional savings.
- Deadline: March 31, 2026.
- Requirements: Minimum CGPA of 3.7 (90%+) and IELTS 7.0 overall.
6. Canadian University Dubai (CUD) Academic Excellence Scholarship
CUD provides tuition fee reductions of up to 60% for students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. This scholarship is reassessed every academic year, requiring students to meet specific GPA milestones. You must pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of AED 2,500 to register for courses after receiving the offer.
- Deadline: December 8, 2025 (Spring 2026 intake).
- Requirements: Official transcripts, references from teachers, and proof of academic ranking.
7. Mohammed Bin Rashid University (MBRU) Jood Scholarship
MBRU offers the Jood Scholarship for continuing and new MD students in the medical field. The award provides significant tuition relief based on academic merit and financial need. You must pay the seat reservation deposit before you are eligible to apply for this funding.
- Deadline: December 31, 2025 (for Spring 2026).
- Requirements: Maintaining a CGPA of 2.0 or higher for renewal.
8. Heriot-Watt University Dubai International Merit Scholarship
Heriot-Watt University allocates over £500,000 (AED 2.3 Million) in merit scholarships for international fee-paying students. These awards are usually paid as a partial fee abatement for the first year of undergraduate or postgraduate study. You will be automatically considered based on the strength of your admission application.
- Deadline: Rolling for September 2026.
- Requirements: Offer of admission and international fee-payer status.
9. Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) International Scholarship
MAHE Dubai offers international scholarships of up to 50% on the first-year tuition fee. The award amount is determined by your geographical location and previous academic grades. You can extend the scholarship to second and third years by maintaining high university scores.
- Deadline: February 20, 2026.
- Requirements: 80% or higher in the latest qualification and a valid student visa.
10. Amity University Dubai Merit Scholarship
Amity University provides merit scholarships of up to 50% for students entering their Dubai campus. These scholarships are granted annually and reassessed based on your ongoing CGPA. All RTA employees and their families are also eligible for a specialized 30% scholarship.
- Deadline: Rolling admissions for 2026.
- Requirements: High school average of 93% or higher for the maximum waiver.
Application Process for Dubai Scholarships
To apply for scholarships in Dubai, access the official university application portal and submit your admission form first. You must prepare digital copies of your academic documents, including your high school diploma, Bachelor’s degree (for postgraduates), and certified transcripts.
Upload your English proficiency test scores, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or EmSAT results, depending on the university’s specific language requirements. You should craft a 500-1,000 word statement of purpose that highlights your research interests or career goals. Complete the scholarship-specific application form if the university requires a separate submission beyond the standard admission process. You will receive an official offer letter via email, which you must accept by the stated deadline to reserve your scholarship seat.
