MBZUAI Scholarships in the UAE 2026: Fully Funded AI (Deadline: December 15)

MBZUAI is accepting applications for fully funded master’s and PhD places for the 2026 intake. The scholarship covers 100% tuition, UAE residence visa (for non-UAE nationals), health insurance, and a monthly stipend. Final deadline: December 15, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. GST (priority review by November 15, 2025).

Why MBZUAI Scholarships ?

• A research-only university focused on AI with world-class labs and faculty.

• Scholarship for all full-time admitted MSc/PhD students (note: the MAAI program is not scholarship-eligible).

MBZUAI Scholarships Programs

Master’s (M.Sc.)

• Computer Science (CS)

• Computer Vision (CV)

• Machine Learning (ML)

• Natural Language Processing (NLP)

• Robotics

• Statistics & Data Science

Doctorate (Ph.D.)

• Computer Science

• Computer Vision

• Machine Learning

• Natural Language Processing

• Robotics

• Statistics & Data Science

Funding & Benefits (for full-time MSc/PhD)

• Tuition: 100% waived

• Monthly stipend (AED): International students — 15,500 (MSc) / 17,500 (PhD)

• Visa & health insurance provided (non-UAE nationals)

• Housing: On-campus allocation prioritized for undergraduates and first-year grads; AED 7,500/month fee is deducted from the stipend.

• Scholarships require maintaining good academic standing and conduct.

Note: Scholarships do not apply to the Master in Applied AI (MAAI) program.

Who can apply for the MBZUAI Scholarships?

• STEM degree (e.g., CS, EE, CE, Mathematics, Physics) from a recognized institution; program-specific GPA thresholds apply.

• English proficiency (any one): IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 90, or EmSAT 1550.

• GRE: optional; a plus if submitted.

• Selection may include a screening exam (math/programming; for PhD also core CS/ML) and a technical interview.

Required documents

• Online application form

• CV

• Official transcripts and degree certificates (Bachelor’s; and Master’s for PhD, if applicable)

• 2 recommendations (MSc) / 3 recommendations (PhD)

• Statement of Purpose (all)

• Research Statement (PhD)

• Valid English-test score (see above)

• Passport + photo (white background)

How to apply for the MBZUAI Scholarships (step-by-step)

1. Create an account and complete the online application.

2. Upload all required documents in PDF/clear scans.

3. Sit the screening exam (if invited) and attend a technical interview.

4. Wait for the decision according to the admissions timeline (below).

Timeline (2026 intake)

• 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 notifications: March 15, 2026 (5:00 p.m. GST)

• Offer response deadline: April 15, 2026 (5:00 p.m. GST)

Official links (apply & read more)

• Official application portal (apply online). apply.mbzuai.ac.ae

• Graduate admission process (requirements, steps, deadlines, scholarship details). MBZUAI

• Master’s programs (full list). MBZUAI

• PhD programs (full list). MBZUAI

Tips to strengthen your application

• In your Statement of Purpose, tie prior projects/publications to the MBZUAI research you want to join.

• Brush up on linear algebra, probability, optimization, data structures, and Python for the screening exam. staticcdn.mbzuai.ac.ae

Quick FAQ

Is everyone fully funded?
All full-time admitted MSc/PhD students receive full scholarships with monthly stipends; MAAI is excluded.

What English scores are accepted?
IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90 or EmSAT 1550 (validity windows apply).

Is housing free?
On-campus housing is available; AED 7,500/month is deducted from your stipend (allocation prioritized for undergrads and first-year grads).