Dubai and the United Arab Emirates offer various scholarship opportunities for international students who want to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral studies. These awards may be provided by the UAE government, individual universities, or private foundations to support high-achieving students from around the world.
Finding fully funded scholarships at dubai universities uae grants requires a clear understanding of the different award types. Some scholarships cover full tuition and provide a monthly stipend, while others offer partial tuition waivers or discounts based on academic merit. International students should compare the award benefits with the cost of living in Dubai before applying.
This guide explains the major scholarship programmes available at Dubai and UAE universities, the eligibility requirements, required documents, application steps, and official links. Because funding and rules can change, applicants must verify the current official call on the university or government website before submitting an application.
What Are Fully Funded Scholarships at Dubai Universities?
Fully funded scholarships at Dubai universities are financial awards that cover the main costs of an approved degree programme. These costs may include full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, accommodation, health insurance, travel expenses, and visa costs.
The UAE government and universities such as the United Arab Emirates University and the University of Dubai provide various funding routes for international students. The final award depends on the student’s academic record, degree level, field of study, and nationality.
Types of UAE Grants and Scholarships
International students may find government-funded scholarships, university excellence awards, research assistantships, and private foundation grants. Some awards are for specific nationalities, while others are open to all international applicants who meet the academic and language standards.
For more information on regional opportunities, you can explore our Dubai scholarships guide and the UAE scholarships category. These resources provide additional details on studying in the Middle East.
If you are planning a global search, visit the WSScholar4u homepage or use the Scholarship Universe guide to find awards in other countries. You can also browse the top scholarships category for highly competitive international awards.
1. United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) Scholarships
The United Arab Emirates University offers several scholarship and fellowship options for international students. These awards are primarily for graduate and doctoral students, although some undergraduate options may be available.
PhD Fellowship
The UAEU PhD Fellowship is open to all nationalities. It is designed to attract excellent students to doctoral programmes, particularly in STEM and strategic areas such as renewable energy, transportation, health, water resources, technology, and space.
The fellowship may provide financial assistance for the duration of the programme. Applicants should check the current official call for the exact stipend, tuition coverage, and research support details.
Graduate Assistantships
UAEU provides graduate research, teaching, and administrative assistantships for students of all nationalities. These positions allow students to support university activities while receiving financial assistance for their studies.
Assistantships are competitive and depend on the department’s needs and budget. Applicants should contact the College of Graduate Studies for the latest application instructions and eligibility rules.
Chancellor’s Fellowship
The Chancellor’s Fellowship aims to attract outstanding students to graduate studies at UAEU. It is primarily provided to students in strategic fields but does not apply to Education, DBA, MBA, or MPA programmes.
For students from specific regions, our guide to Dubai scholarships for Pakistani students and the wider UAE scholarships for international students resource can help you find relevant funding.
2. University of Dubai Scholarships and Discounts
The University of Dubai provides scholarship and discount options for international students admitted to its colleges. The awards are based on academic merit and specific programme rules.
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Full Scholarship
The Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Full Scholarship is an annual award for 3 students from any nationality. It allows recipients to pursue studies in the Dubai Business School, the College of Engineering & IT, or the College of Law.
This is a highly competitive full scholarship. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and meet the university’s admission requirements.
Merit-Based Undergraduate Scholarships
The University of Dubai offers a 50% scholarship on undergraduate programmes for students with a high school score of 95% and above. This award helps reduce the tuition cost for high-achieving international students.
Other discounts and scholarships may be available for business partners or academic partners. However, these awards generally do not apply to visiting, short-course, or PhD students.
Application Process at University of Dubai
1.Submit an undergraduate application form online or on campus.
2.Provide official high school transcripts and identity documents.
3.Allow the admission team to review your eligibility for merit awards.
4.Receive the scholarship decision and follow the stated next steps.
5.Confirm the award terms and conditions before registering for classes.
Before writing your application, read our guide on how to write a winning scholarship essay to improve your chances of selection.
3. Khalifa University International Scholarships
Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi is known for providing generous scholarships to international students, particularly at the graduate and doctoral levels. These awards often include full tuition, a monthly stipend, and other benefits. Applicants should review the official Khalifa University graduate scholarships page for the current award rules.
Graduate Research Assistantships
International students admitted to Khalifa University’s master’s or PhD programmes may be eligible for research assistantships. These awards typically cover tuition and provide a stipend in exchange for research work.
Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants need a strong academic background in engineering, science, or technology. Required documents usually include transcripts, a CV, research interests, and recommendation letters.
4. Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
MBZUAI offers fully funded scholarships to all admitted students. This includes international students pursuing a Master of Science or PhD in artificial intelligence fields. Read the official MBZUAI scholarships page for current eligibility and application instructions.
Scholarship Benefits
The MBZUAI scholarship typically covers 100% of tuition fees, a monthly stipend, on-campus accommodation, health insurance, and UAE visa sponsorship. This is one of the most comprehensive fully funded scholarships at dubai universities uae grants for AI students.
Application Steps
1.Complete the online application through the MBZUAI portal.
2.Submit academic transcripts, a CV, and a statement of purpose.
3.Provide English-language proficiency test results.
4.Complete the required entrance examination or interview if requested.
5. UAE Ministry of Education and Government Grants
The UAE government may provide scholarship programmes for international students through the Ministry of Education or other government entities. These grants often target outstanding students from specific countries or in strategic fields of study.
Government-Funded Awards
Some government-sponsored awards provide full tuition, a monthly stipend, an annual airline ticket, books, and medical insurance. These awards are often managed through bilateral agreements or specific ministry initiatives. Applicants should check the official UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship page for the original programme information.
Eligibility and Deadlines
Eligibility rules and deadlines vary by programme. Applicants should monitor the official UAE Ministry of Education website and the websites of UAE embassies in their home countries for the latest calls. Students may also review the official Abu Dhabi University scholarships page when comparing UAE university funding.
Required Documents for Dubai University Scholarships
International students usually need the following documents for a scholarship application in Dubai or the UAE:
1.Valid passport and identity documents.
2.Official academic transcripts and certificates.
3.English-language proficiency test results (IELTS or TOEFL).
4.Curriculum vitae or résumé.
5.Motivation letter or personal statement.
6.Recommendation letters from academic or professional referees.
7.Research proposal for PhD and research-based programmes.
8.Financial documents when applying for need-based aid.
Documents that are not in English or Arabic may require certified translations. Use the same name and contact details across every document to avoid processing delays.
Final Deadline Advice for 2027
Scholarship deadlines in Dubai and the UAE depend on the university and the specific award. Many graduate programmes have deadlines between January and May for the following academic year.
The 2027 deadlines will be confirmed when the universities publish their new admission cycles. Applicants should check the official university websites in late 2026 or early 2027 to ensure they have the most current dates.
Final Answer: How to Find Fully Funded Scholarships at Dubai Universities in 2027
To find fully funded scholarships at dubai universities uae grants in 2027, research the official graduate and doctoral programmes at UAEU, Khalifa University, and MBZUAI, or apply for the Shaikh Hamdan award at the University of Dubai.
Check the eligibility rules for your nationality and degree level, prepare your academic and identity documents, meet the English-language requirements, and submit your application through the official university portal. Always verify the current funding status and award conditions on the official university website before making travel or study plans.
