Khalifa University Scholarships 2025-2026: Full Guide for International Students

Khalifa University

2025-2026

Are you looking to advance your education at one of the UAE‘s premier research institutions? Khalifa University scholarships offer international students the opportunity to pursue world-class education with comprehensive financial support. This guide provides everything you need to know about applying for Khalifa University scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year.

What Makes Khalifa University Stand Out?

Khalifa University of Science and Technology is a comprehensive research-intensive university located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Established to be a catalyst for the growth of Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s rapidly developing knowledge economy, the university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across three colleges:

• College of Engineering
• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Medicine and Health Sciences

With its state-of-the-art facilities, distinguished faculty, and strong industry connections, Khalifa University has quickly risen to become one of the top-ranked universities in the Arab region and is gaining recognition globally.

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Types of Scholarships Available for International Students

Khalifa University offers various scholarship programs to support qualified international students pursuing postgraduate degrees. These scholarships are assessed as part of the admission process, with no separate application required.

Master’s Scholarships

The university offers several tiers of scholarships for Master’s students based on academic merit:

Tier I (Full-Time)

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Monthly stipend of 10,000 AED
• Textbooks provided by the university
• Support to attend international research conferences (subject to approval)
• Medical insurance coverage for full-time international students
• Mobilization and demobilization flights between home country and Abu Dhabi
• Coverage of UAE visa application fees

Tier II (Full-Time)

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Monthly stipend of 5,000 AED
• Textbooks provided by the university
• Medical insurance coverage
• Travel allowances
• Visa application fee coverage

PhD Scholarships

PhD scholarships at Khalifa University are particularly generous, with two main pathways available:

Research Path (with work commitment)

Tier I (Full-Time)

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Basic monthly stipend of 20,000 AED
• Additional monthly allowance of 20,000 AED (subject to approval and meeting scholarship progression criteria)
• Textbooks provided by the university
• Support to attend international research conferences
• Medical insurance coverage
• Travel allowances
• Visa application fee coverage
• Commitment to work with Khalifa University or a nominated entity upon graduation for a period equivalent to the period of study

Tier II (Full-Time)

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Basic monthly stipend of 15,000 AED
• Additional allowances and benefits similar to Tier I

Study Path (without work commitment)

This pathway offers various tiers with different benefits, including tuition waivers, stipends, and accommodation support, without the post-graduation work requirement.

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Eligibility Requirements

Meeting the following requirements is essential for scholarship consideration, though fulfilling these criteria does not guarantee a scholarship award:

For Master’s Programs

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0
• English proficiency with minimum TOEFL iBT score of 91+ (home edition not accepted) or IELTS overall score of 6.5+
• Strong academic background and potential for research excellence
• Meeting specific program admission requirements

For PhD Programs

• Master’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.25 out of 4.0 in a relevant discipline
• Outstanding academic achievements
• Research potential and clear research interests
• English language proficiency (same requirements as Master’s programs)

Step-by-Step Application Process

The application process for Khalifa University scholarships is integrated with the general admission process. Here’s how to apply:

1. Research Programs: Explore Khalifa University’s official website to find a program that aligns with your academic and career goals.
2. Prepare Required Documents:
   • Certified copy of Bachelor’s/Master’s degree certificate(s)
   • Equivalency certificate issued by the UAE Ministry of Education (for degrees from non-UAE institutions)
   • Official transcripts showing the grading scale
   • English language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL or EmSAT)
   • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score report (if applicable)
   • Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   • Passport-style photograph on a white background
   • Valid passport copy
   • UAE visa copy (for applicants residing in the UAE)
   • Statement of Purpose (500-1,000 words)
   • Research Statement for PhD applicants (500-1,000 words)
   • At least two recommendation letters
3. Submit Application: Complete the online application through the Khalifa University Admissions Portal.
4. Admission Decision: Applications are evaluated based on academic merit, research potential, and alignment with the university’s strategic priorities.
5. Scholarship Award: If selected, you will receive a scholarship offer along with your admission letter.

Key Deadlines for 2025-2026

For the 2025-2026 academic year, applications for postgraduate programs at Khalifa University are typically processed according to the following timeline:

• Fall 2025 Semester: Applications due by April 14, 2025
• Spring 2026 Semester: Applications due by October 31, 2025

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to submit a separate application for the scholarship?

No, there is no separate application for scholarships. All applicants are automatically considered for scholarships as part of the admission process.

Is there an application fee for Khalifa University?

No, Khalifa University does not charge an application fee for graduate programs.

Are scholarships available for all academic programs?

Yes, scholarships are available for all graduate programs offered by Khalifa University, though the number of scholarship slots is limited and highly competitive.

How are scholarship recipients selected?

Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic merit, research potential, and alignment with the university’s strategic priorities. Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee a scholarship award.

Do I need to maintain specific academic standards to keep my scholarship?

Yes, scholarship recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress and meet the scholarship progression criteria. Students are reassessed for scholarship eligibility annually.

Conclusion

Khalifa University scholarships represent an exceptional opportunity for international students to pursue advanced degrees at one of the Middle East’s leading research institutions. With generous financial support covering tuition, living expenses, and additional benefits, these scholarships make quality education accessible to talented students worldwide.

If you’re seeking to advance your academic and professional career in a dynamic, multicultural environment with state-of-the-art facilities, consider applying to Khalifa University for the 2025-2026 academic year. Start preparing your application early to maximize your chances of securing these competitive scholarships.