Scholarship
Overview
- The ICT Fund Scholarship, managed by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), was established to build national capacity in the ICT sector and support Emirati students in pursuing world-class education in technology-related fields.
- Through the Betha Program, TDRA funds outstanding Emirati students enrolled at UAEU and other accredited UAE institutions.
- The program covers all major academic and personal expenses and aims to strengthen the UAE’s leadership in information and digital technology.
- At UAEU, this scholarship is administered by the Centre for Graduate Studies (CGS) in coordination with TDRA.
Scholarship amount details
Max scholarship per student: Full scholarship (covers tuition and other approved academic costs).
Scholarship amount will be given (how many times): For the full duration of the degree program (renewable each academic year based on academic performance).
Type of Expense Covered (Yes/No)
| Expense | Covered |
| Tuition & Fees | Yes |
| Living Expense/Stipend | Yes (stipend) |
| Accommodation | Yes (For out-of-city students) |
| Health cover | Yes |
| Airfare/Travel | Yes |
| Visa/Immigration Fees | No |
| Others (Visa, ID, Transport) | Yes |
Scholarship
application details
Applicants must be UAE citizens accepted into a relevant ICT major at an approved university (locally or internationally). The application is submitted online via the TDRA/ICT Fund portal. Full university acceptance (unconditional) is mandatory for final approval.
Document Requirements
- Completed ICT Fund Scholarship Application Form (available through UAEU or TDRA portals).
- Copy of valid UAE Passport and Emirates ID.Academic transcripts (High School Certificate or University transcript for postgraduate applicants).
- Admission letter from UAEU (or eligible partner university).
- Updated CV.
- Two recommendation letters.
- Personal statement outlining academic interests and career goals.
- Medical fitness certificate.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a UAE national.
- Must have a strong academic record (minimum 85% for high school / 3.0 GPA for university).
- Enrolled or accepted in a TDRA-approved ICT major.
- Demonstrate leadership potential and interest in contributing to the UAE's digital sector.
- Maintain the required GPA throughout the program to renew funding.
Additional
Info
The program aims to develop highly skilled Emirati professionals in the ICT sector, aligning with the UAE's strategic national goals. The program, also known as the Betha program, has expanded its reach to prominent universities in the USA, Australia, and Japan to ensure scholars receive a world-class education.
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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.