Scholarship
Overview
- Khalifa University offers a portfolio of merit-based graduate scholarships for Master’s and PhD students (UAE nationals and international).
- The scholarships are tiered: different levels (Tier I, Tier II, Tier III, Tier IV) provide varying benefits in terms of tuition waiver, monthly stipend, accommodation, and other allowances.
- Top tiers often include full tuition waiver, monthly stipends, textbooks, medical insurance, visa & travel support, free accommodation (for full-time students), and in some cases commitment to work with KU or an affiliate upon graduation (for certain research-track tiers).
- Scholarship eligibility is evaluated as part of the graduate admission process; applicants do not usually need to submit a separate scholarship application.
Scholarship amount details
Max scholarship per student: Not specified officially
Scholarship amount will be given: Variable and Tier-based
Type of Expense Covered
| Expense | Covered |
| Tuition & Fees | Yes (Full or Partial) |
| Living Expenses/stipend | Yes |
| Accommodation | Yes |
| Health Cover | Yes |
| Airfare/Travel | Yes |
| Visa/Immigration Fees | Yes |
| Others (e.g. textbooks, Conference funding) | Yes |
Scholarship
application details
Scholarship eligibility is assessed as part of the general postgraduate admission process; applicants do not need to submit a separate scholarship application. All applicants are evaluated and mapped to a specific scholarship Tier based on academic merit, research potential, and other relevant factors.
Document Requirements:
- Bachelor’s / Master’s degree certificate(s) (as applicable)
- Official transcripts (with grading scale)
- English language proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL) or equivalent; sometimes EmSAT for UAE students
- GRE score (for direct PhD / some criteria)
- Statement of Purpose / Research Statement
- Two or more letters of recommendation
- Valid passport / ID, photograph
- For international students: visa/immigration documentation as required
- Any institutional equivalency required (for degrees from outside the UAE)
Additional
Info
- Applicants are automatically considered for the scholarship as part of the admission process. No separate scholarship application is usually required.
- Scholarship offers must typically be accepted by signing an award contract in the first semester.
- Students must maintain the required academic performance and follow progression rules to retain the scholarship.
- In some research-track scholarship tiers, there is a post-study work commitment to KU or an affiliated entity for a period equivalent to the study duration. n
- Meeting minimum eligibility does not guarantee an award; selection is competitive
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FAQs
Indian students can apply for UAE universities or government scholarships by researching available opportunities through official university websites and platforms like StudyfromUAE. Students typically need strong academics, English proficiency, and supporting documents. Some scholarships are need-based or merit-based, and others are tied to specific programs or fields of study.
The UAE offers several government-funded scholarships for international students, including Indians. Examples include Khalifa University Scholarships, Masdar Institute Scholarships, and the Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Scholarships. These are highly competitive and generally require excellent academic performance, recommendation letters, and English language proficiency scores like IELTS or TOEFL.
International students can apply for merit-based, need-based, or program-specific scholarships offered by UAE universities like Khalifa University, UAEU, and the University of Sharjah. Government grants and corporate sponsorships are also available. Platforms like StudyfromUAE list updated scholarships with eligibility, deadlines, and application guides.
Most universities in the UAE offer partial scholarships covering 20% to 80% of tuition fees for undergraduate and master’s programs. These are awarded based on merit, financial need, or leadership potential. Partial funding is more common than full scholarships, and students can increase their chances by applying early with strong credentials.
Eligibility varies, but typically includes academic excellence (e.g., 85%+), English language proficiency, and extracurricular achievements. Some scholarships also consider financial need or specific program requirements. Each scholarship has its own criteria, so students must review the eligibility on the official university website or the Study from UAE platform.
International students, including those from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Africa, can apply. Eligibility usually depends on academic performance, program type (UG/PG), and English proficiency. Both high school graduates and working professionals pursuing higher education may be eligible.
Yes, Indian students are eligible for merit-based scholarships in UAE universities. These are awarded to students with high academic scores, strong entrance test results, and leadership or extracurricular achievements. Each university defines its own merit criteria, so checking individual policies is important.
Deadlines vary by university and scholarship type, but most fall between March and August for the September intake. Government-funded scholarships may have earlier deadlines. Always check the official university websites or the Study from UAE platform for the most up-to-date timelines.
It’s best to apply 6–12 months before your intended program starts. Some scholarships are offered during admission, while others require a separate application. Early applications often receive priority, especially for merit-based and limited-seat funding options.
Start by identifying the universities and scholarships that match your profile. Prepare necessary documents (transcripts, SOP, reference letters, test scores), and apply through the university’s admissions portal. Some require a separate scholarship application, while others consider all admitted students automatically.
Common documents include academic transcripts, a passport copy, a personal statement/SOP, recommendation letters, proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), and a resume. Some scholarships may also request financial documents, a research proposal (for PG), or test scores like SAT/GRE.
Not all, but most reputed UAE universities offer scholarships for international students. Institutions like Khalifa University, UAE University, and the University of Sharjah have various merit and need-based funding programs. Always check specific university websites or use StudyfromUAE to compare.
Partial merit-based scholarships are generally easier to obtain than fully funded options. Universities often award these based on academic scores (80%+), with less competition. Community-focused scholarships and institutional grants are also more accessible compared to competitive government scholarships.
Focus on academic excellence, standardised test scores, and a compelling SOP. Research universities in Dubai that offer scholarships and apply directly through their portals. Some scholarships are automatic upon admission, while others require a separate application. Use StudyfromUAE to discover active opportunities.
Yes, international students can get scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or specific study fields. Many UAE universities offer such funding, along with UAE government initiatives. Applying early and submitting a strong application increases your chances.
To apply for a 100% scholarship, target programs that offer full tuition waivers or stipends based on merit or need. Submit a stellar application with high grades, strong test scores, and compelling SOPs. Some UAE universities and government programs do offer fully funded options.
While it varies, most universities require at least 80–90% in your previous academic records for merit-based scholarships. Higher-ranked programs or full scholarships may expect even more. English test scores and extracurricular achievements can also influence eligibility.
No, studying on a visit visa is not allowed. You must obtain a student visa, which is sponsored by the university after you’re admitted and have completed all documentation. A student visa also allows limited work rights and renewals.