Scholarship
Overview
- The Al Qasimi Foundation (Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi’s foundation) runs a Scholarship Office that supports high-performing Emiratis (especially from Ras Al Khaimah) to undertake university studies both locally and abroad.
- They administer Domestic Scholarships for local / U.A.E institutions and Overseas Scholarships for top universities abroad.
- One flagship scheme is the Doctoral Research Grants (2025 cycle), which supports PhD candidates (any nationality) whose research includes Ras Al Khaimah / UAE policy relevance.
- They also have Domestic Scholarship rules with eligibility criteria (for Emirati students) tied to standardised exams, required subject scores, and alignment with strategic degree lists.
- Additionally, the foundation provides Seed Grants and research/grant programs supporting academic work and projects for individuals or institutions.
Scholarship amount details
Max scholarship per student:
• Domestic bachelor’s: Full (100%) tuition & fees in UAE universities.
• Domestic master’s: Up to 50% tuition & fees.
• For overseas/strategic master’s / PhD: Full scholarships (tuition + stipend + travel + insurance) may be awarded.
Scholarship amount will be given: For the duration of the degree/program, subject to maintaining eligibility, performance, and alignment with the foundation strategy. I am running a few minutes late; my previous meeting is running over.
Type of Expense Covered (Yes/No)
| Expense | Covered |
| Tuition & Fees | Yes |
| Living Expense/Stipend | Yes (For overseas/research grants) |
| Accommodation | Yes (Research grants) |
| Health cover | No |
| Airfare/Travel | Yes (For overseas/research grants) |
| Visa/immigration | No |
| Others (e.g., application, Conference registration) | No |
Scholarship
application details
Applicants submit a comprehensive research proposal that focuses on policy-relevant issues in the UAE/Ras Al Khaimah. The application is submitted online via the Foundation's portal. The process is competitive and includes administrative screening, external peer review, and final management approval, taking 8-10 weeks.
Document Requirements & Eligibility
From the Doctoral Research Grant and Domestic Scholarship rules:
- Domestic Scholarship Eligibility (local Emiratis / Ras Al Khaimah):
- UAE citizen (or child of a national mother) from Ras Al Khaimah.
- Minimum score of 90% in General Secondary Certificate (or equivalent).
- Valid standardised subject exam/language scores: for medical studies, higher thresholds (IELTS, TOEFL) as applicable.
- Enrollment / unconditional admission in an eligible university/degree program.
- The chosen degree must align with the list of strategic degrees approved by the foundation.
- Applicants must not hold another external scholarship unless permitted (or the other is from the university).
Doctoral Research Grant Eligibility:
- Must be a current PhD student in good standing at an accredited institution.
- Have completed PhD coursework and be ready for field research stage.
- Accepted/approved research proposal, with IRB approval (or in process).
- Proficiency in English: minimum TOEFL ≥ 85 or IELTS ≥ 6.5 for non-native speakers.
- The research must include Ras Al Khaimah / UAE as part of field data or analysis.
Additional
Info
- The Doctoral Research Grants 2025 cycle closed on 02 March 2025.
- Two grants are awarded per year under the Doctoral Research Grant scheme.
- Recipients are expected to produce one or two policy papers, give presentations or podcasts in the local research community.
- The grant call for 2026 is expected to reopen in November 2025 for submissions.
- The Scholarship Office also provides academic advising, support for overseas applications, and career guidance for selected scholars.
- The foundation’s domestic program lists eligible universities (e.g. AUS, NYU Abu Dhabi, Khalifa, RAK Medical & Health Sciences, etc.).
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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.