Golden opportunity to study for free with a scholarship in the UAE
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Last Update 2025-04-06
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Scholarship in the United Arab Emirates

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If you are ready to study at one of the world’s most advanced nations, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can prove to be your ultimate study destination! With over 20 globally ranked universities, the UAE provides amazing scholarships that cover 100% of your tuition fees, costs of living, and even health insurance.

The UAE has opened its doors to students from all around the globe, allowing you to pave the way to an idealistic future for yourself. In this article by Dxboffplan, you would learn about the terms and conditions, privileges, and how to get your hands on a highly desirable scholarship in the United Arab Emirates. Ready to take your chances in fields like AI learning, engineering, business, and healthcare, without any financial burden? Let’s dive in!

Requirements to Get Scholarship in the UAE

Being granted a scholarship in the United Arab Emirates is a tempting opportunity that can be granted to international students eager to study at the top universities in the country. The UAE provides numerous scholarships, full, research and also partial scholarships. To study in the UAE, however, one has to fulfill some particular conditions. The following are the key conditions one has to be aware in order to secure a scholarship in the UAE:

Notable Academic Records

Most universities in the UAE demand that scholarship students perform exceptionally well in their earlier studies. The minimum GPA study in the UAE varies depending on the major and institution, but as an average, having a GPA of 3.5 out of 4 and its equivalent greatly opens up the doors for you.

Valid Language Competence Tests (TOEFL or IELTS)

Since all the universities of UAE are English-based, you would require an English proficiency certification. The minimum requirements for a scholarship in the United Arab Emirates are usually as follows:

  • IELTS score of 6.5
  • TOEFL (iBT): At least 85

Some institutions may require higher scores from specific fields. Some universities also accept alternative tests such as the EmSAT English. For instance, UAEU requires an EmSAT score of 1250 or higher. To study in the UAE, you do better to check each institution’s terms and conditions before applying.

نمره زبان آیلتس

Strong Letters of Recommendation

Two or three letters of recommendations from employers or professors are generally expected for postgraduate scholarship applications. The letters of recommendations must highlight the applicant’s research, academic, and professional prospects. Professors, research advisors, or someone who has hired you that can provide detailed insights into your strengths such as Academic Excellence and research skills are ideal. To study in the UAE, we recommend asking for the letter at least 4 weeks earlier to allow enough time for it to be thorough.

A Strong SOP

One of the crucial papers for a scholarship in the United Arab Emirates is the Statement of Purpose or SOP. To study in the UAE, you are required to indicate why you chose this subject course and institution and how the scholarship shall facilitate your academic and professional growth. You can start with an interesting personal story or explain how the scholarship will help you contribute to your industry or community in the long run.

A Good Academic and Research Resume

For scholarship in the United Arab Emirates at master’s and doctoral level, published papers on research, work experience, or international conference attendance can significantly help aid applications. To study in the UAE, remember to add measurable results.

Attending Scholarship Interviews

Interview invitations are offered by some universities as part of the selection. In an interview for a scholarship in the United Arab Emirates, you may be questioned about your education, why you are motivated, and how you are going to use the scholarship. Proper preparation at this step may get you among the confirmed scholarship winners. We suggest:

  • Preparing for common questions
  • Practicing with a mentor or friend to get more comfortable
  • Expressing your passion for your field and the scholarship

Meeting Age Requirements

There may be certain age restrictions as per each university or scholarship organization. Some master’s scholarships, for example, are awarded to those who are under 30 years of age, and other Ph.D. scholarships are awarded to those under 35 years applicants.

Financial Ability (in certain circumstances)

To study in the UAE, there are also partial scholarships, and therefore students may be required to prove their ability to cover the remaining cost of living in Dubai. Here are couple of suggestions:

  • Provide official bank statements showing enough funds to cover the necessary costs.
  • Sponsorship Letters: If someone in particular is funding your sturdy, attach to your documents their formal sponsorship letter.
  • Do some research on if your student visa allows part-time work and how that can affect your expenses.
  • There is sometimes the option of student loans from banks or financial institutions to cover the remaining costs.

Documents Required For Scholarships In UAE

Having all the proper and full documents is among the most important processes to gain scholarship in the United Arab Emirates. Transcripts, language examination scores, letters of advice, and other documents are mainly required by universities of the UAE from international students. The following are all the documents required to gain a scholarship to the UAE:

  • Admission and Scholarship Application Form
  • University Name
  • Academic research papers (Bachelors, Master
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Valid English Language Certificate (TOFL or IELTS).
  • Statement of Purpose (S.O.P.)
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
  • Academic Recommendation Letters
  • Research Papers and Scientific Projects
  • Valid Passport and Passport-size Photo Medical Fitness Certificate (Some Universities Require)
  • Financial Support Proof
  • Proof of Community Service or Extracurricular Activities

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Best Universities Offering Scholarships to Foreign Students in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) boasts world-class universities with modern facilities, and it is one of the most popular destinations among international students. Most of the universities operating in the UAE offer scholarships to students in different shapes and forms, here are the top institutions for you to consider:

1. Khalifa University

Khalifa University is among the best universities of the UAE in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, and technology. It is very popular among applicants for its advanced research centers, partnerships with global tech leaders, and emphasis on innovation in AI, robotics, and aerospace. It offers numerous scholarships to international students, including:

  • Full Graduate Scholarship: It covers fees, monthly allowance, health insurance, and research
  • Doctorate Fellowship Scholarship: For Best PhD Students
  • Master’s Scholarship: Offered to exceptional students in the fields of engineering and science

2. UAE University

UAE University, Founded in 1976 and located at Al Ain, is among the older and best universities of the UAE. It offers courses in science, engineering, business administration, medicine, and information technology. Scholarships awarded are:

  • Total Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships
  • Partial Scholarship Waivers to International Students
  • Scholarships For Master and PhD Students

3. American University of Sharjah (AUS)

American University of Sharjah is an internationally ranked American standard education provider within the UAE. It is accredited by US and international bodies, welcoming students from over 90 nationalities to study business, engineering, and architecture programs. Some of the scholarships offered are:

  • Need-based financial assistance
  • Scholarships For Outstanding Students In Sport and Art

4. Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)

Located in Abu Dhabi, MBZUAI is the first-ever university globally to be focused on artificial intelligence and natural language processing. It offers full scholarships to international students, including:

  • Total Tuition Fee
  • Monthly Allowance for Living Expenses
  • Free Accommodatie and Free Healthcare Insurance

دانشگاه محمد بن زاید

5. Zayed University

Located in Abu Dhabi, Zayed University is among the best universities of the UAE. The institution specializes in business, media, IT, and education. They give various scholarships to exceptional students. They include:

  • Scholarships For Outstanding Undergraduate Students
  • Scholarships to Students Based on Their Academic Performance
  • Scholarships For Master and PhD Students

Advantages of Studying in the UAE Under Scholarship

As we discussed, the UAE is one of the top choices of foreign students, here are some of the most significant advantages of studying on scholarship:

1. Partial or Complete Waiver of Fees

Among the significant benefits of scholarships provided by the UAE is exemption or decrease in tuition fees. A few of the best universities like Khalifa University, UAE University, and Mohamed bin Zayed University provide full scholarships covering all expenses of tuition fees.

In some cases, half scholarships are given, reducing the tuition fees and making it easier for the students to meet their educational costs.

2. Monthly Allowance of Living Expenses

Most scholarships provided by the UAE also come along with a monthly allowance besides the payment of fees. It can be spent on housing, diet, transport, and other everyday costs.

It varies by institution and scholarship type. In some cases, it is up to 8,000 AED per month, and it is sufficient to pay living expenses in major UAE cities like Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

3. Free Health Cover

The United Arab Emirates has a highly established health system, and full scholarship students are usually offered coverage against all health costs. This includes check-ups, medication as needed, blood and urine analysis, and hospitalization. This is very beneficial to international students considering the considerable cost to get healthcare in Dubai.

4. Students Free or Discounted Accommodations

Majority of the universities of the UAE offer good quality dormitories with high-end facilities. Free housing or discounts on the housing charge are often offered to students who get full scholarships.

UAE student dormitories are equipped with high-speed Internet connections, study areas, recreational facilities, and housekeeping amenities so life becomes as safe and as easy as possible.

بورسیه‌ های دولتی امارات

5. Post Graduation Employment and Placement

It is great to study in the UAE since it offers tremendous career opportunities. Numerous multinational companies are based here and are always seeking graduates from the top universities of the UAE. Therefore, students studying at the UAE can obtain UAE residence through education and are likely to find a generous amount of employment offers at the top industries after graduation.

Scholarship Types within the United Arab Emirates

Scholarships granted in UAE are full (comprehensive, including all costs) or partial (only the fee). In this section, we are detailing the best scholarship opportunities within the UAE:

1. Complete Scholarships

Scholarships covering the full cost cover are awarded to high achievers and usually comprise

Full tuition fee waiver. They include:

  • Living expense allowance per month
  • Health cover and sponsored housing
  • Scholarships and research grant (postgraduate)

There are the universities offering full scholarship:

  • Khalifa University Scholarship (both undergraduate and postgraduate students)
  • UAE University Scholarship (merit-based scholarship)
  • Scholarship at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI For Fields of AI)

2. Partial Scholarships

Partial scholarships are offered to students who don’t qualify under full funding criteria but are otherwise good students. Partial scholarships reduce the cost of tuition but don’t help cover living expenses. Here are some examples of universities with partial scholarships:

  • American University of Sharjah (AUS) Fee Waiver
  • Zayed University Scholarships as Merit Scholarships

3. Sponsored Scholarships

Sponsored Scholarships are offered by the government through several departments and non-profit organizations. Scholarships are mostly awarded to students studying subjects important to the development of the country. Examples of government scholarships are:

  • ICT Fund Scholarship (students studying information and communication technology)
  • Abu Dhabi Scholarship (For Undergraduate and Master Students)

4. PhD and Research Scholarships

Master’s and PhD students can apply for research scholarships that arise from agreements between research organizations and universities. Examples of research scholarships given by excellent universities include:

  • Khalifa University PhD Scholarship
  • MBZUAI Research Grants (Research on AI
  • UAE University Scholarships PhD

تامین خوابگاه دانشجویی رایگان یا با تخفیف

5. Art or Athletic Scholarships

Universities within the UAE offer scholarships to students who have notable sports talent, are musicians or fine arts students. University examples offering scholarships for sport and arts include:

  • American University of Dubai (AUD) Scholarships
  • Scholar
  • University of Sharjah Scholarships (scholarships for music students and arts students)

Final Words

For those wishing to live their best years of academic learning, It is an excellent option to study in the UAE on a scholarship. Renowned universities of the highest class such as Khalifa University, UAE University, Mohamed bin Zayed University offer world-standard education facilities and scholarship plans.

If you are on a scholarship in the UAE, you are studying at little or no cost in one of the world’s most advanced and stable nations. Your health insurance and living cost is paid, and even postgraduate placements are paid by most of the scholarships. Good grades, proper documentation, high language examination scores, motivation letters, and letters of recommendations are requirements to get the scholarship in the United Arab Emirates. If you are also interested in property prices in Dubai or other cities in UAE, DXBoffplan’s professional team with over 10 years of experience in the real estate sector is always available to offer free consultation. Feel free to contact us today.

frequently asked questions

Yes, they are and students are offered full scholarships covering all costs. But such scholarships are highly competitive and often demand high academic backgrounds, decent letter recommendations, and high English language competency scores (IELTS/TOEFL). There are some government-funded scholarships, i.e., the ICT Fund Scholarship, to cover international students opting to study technology courses.

Minimum GPAs also vary per scholarship and per institution, but most fully funded scholarships require 3.5 and above GPA on 4.0 (equivalent). Partial scholarships may require lower grades, and students with 3.0 and up GPA are sometimes considered. In addition to GPA, universities also give consideration to extracurricular activities and research work experience.

Yes, although more common are scholarships given to students pursuing STEM courses, scholarships are provided to students studying humanities, social sciences, and arts by the University of Sharjah and American University of Dubai. Scholarships are provided to good students who are good at media, performing arts, and literary skills. Scholarships are also provided to students who perform well at sports.

A good personal statement should highlight your academic history, professional desire, and scholarship eligibility. Be concise, make it interesting, and organize it properly, and be sure that you are able to share your personal journey and enthusiasm.

The time to respond is different per university and scholarship scheme, but generally speaking, an applicant would have to wait about one to three months after the application deadline to receive any notice. Some scholarships, especially those with multi-round assessments that involve interviews or further verification of documents, might take longer.

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