Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation Doctoral Research Grants
Offered by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research
Max per student
AED 100,000.00
Closing date
Varies annually
Scholarships awarded
Not Available
Education level
Ph.D
Related fields of study
Education, Public Health, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Urban Planning
Scholarship type
General
Mode of Study
Full Time
Nationality
Open to All
Scholarship
Overview
- The Al Qasimi Foundation Doctoral Research Grants are intended to support PhD candidates conducting policy-relevant, applied field research in Ras Al Khaimah / the UAE.
- The grant covers all costs associated with fieldwork, including accommodation, travel, living stipend, and research support, for up to 12 months.
- Recipients are expected to produce one to two policy papers, present to the local research community, and participate in foundation research communications (podcasts, presentations).
- The 2026 cycle is announced to reopen on November 2025, with application submission opening then.
Scholarship amount details
Max grant per student: Full coverage of field research costs (furnished accommodation, travel, stipend, research costs)
Grant amount disbursement: Disbursed over the period of field research (up to 12 months)
Type of Expense Covered (Yes/No)
| Expense | Covered |
| Tuition & Fees | No |
| Living Expense/Stipend | Yes |
| Accommodation | Yes |
| Health cover | No |
| Airfare/Travel | Yes |
| Visa/Immigration fees | No |
| Others (Research support/Publications) | Yes |
Scholarship
application details
Applicants must be current PhD students with coursework completed, a research proposal approved by their advisor and the Institutional Review Board (IRB), and the research must focus significantly on Ras Al Khaimah and address an education or public policy issue. Application is via the Foundation’s online grants portal.
Document Requirements & Eligibility
- Current PhD student in good academic standing at an accredited university
- Completed all PhD coursework; ready for field research component
- Approved or in-process research proposal with methodology, literature review, and IRB approval (or plan for IRB)
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT ≥ 85 or IELTS ≥ 6.5 (if English is not the first language)
- Research must include Ras Al Khaimah / UAE as part of the field component, and be policy-relevant
- Two letters of reference (one from PhD advisor)
- Budget template, CV, transcripts, cover letter, etc.
Additional
Info
Non-qualifying research areas include business, engineering, IT, laboratory-based/scientific studies, and medical degrees, as the grant's focus is on applied social science and policy-related research. The selection is highly competitive and based on merit and research relevance. The grant offers a chance to contribute to policy discourse in the UAE.
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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.
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