UAEU Merit-based Scholarships
Offered by United Arab Emirates University
Max per student
Not specified
Closing date
October 20, 2025
Scholarships awarded
Not Available
Education level
Ph.D, Post Graduate, Under Graduate
Related fields of study
Not Available
Scholarship type
General
Mode of Study
Full Time
Nationality
UAE nationals & internationals
Scholarship
Overview
UAEU offers several merit-based scholarships and fellowships to reward high academic performance and to support students (local and international) in undergraduate and graduate studies.
Some key programs/schemes include:
- Undergraduate Merit Scholarships - For new admits / international students, offering tuition waivers (full or partial) based on high school performance and test scores.
- Merit Fellowship Award (Graduate / Newly Admitted Students) - Partial tuition waiver for master’s / PhD students with strong credentials.
- PhD Scholarship (All Nationalities) - Full scholarship for high-performing PhD applicants, with continuous support.
- Full Ride Scholarship for Master's to PhD (for UAE nationals) - full support for high achievers among UAE nationals.
- Graduate Research / Teaching / Graduate Assistantships - available as assistant roles that come with tuition waivers + stipends for graduate students.
Scholarship amount details
Max scholarship per student: Undergraduate: Up to 100% tuition waiver for top merit applicants.
Graduate / PhD: Full tuition coverage in some PhD scholarships; partial in some fellowships.
Scholarship amount will be given: Usually for the entire study duration (subject to performance) for merit scholarships; graduate scholarships and assistantships may be annual or per semester.
Type of Expense covered (Yes/No)
| Expense | Covered |
| Tuition & Fees | Yes |
| Living expense/stipend | Sometimes |
| Accommodation | No |
| Health cover | No |
| Airfare/Travel | No |
| Others (e.g. Textbooks, conference funding) | No |
Scholarship
application details
For Undergraduate students, eligibility for the tuition waiver is assessed automatically based on high school academic results submitted during the admissions process. Graduate applicants for the PhD Scholarship/Fellowships must submit a separate application after completing the admission application, demonstrating high academic credentials and research potential.
Document Requirements & Eligibility
- While specific requirements vary by program, typical requirements include:
- High academic performance: for undergraduates, excellent high school grades; for graduates, strong prior degree GPA.
- English language proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) as required by the program.
- Standardised test scores / subject proficiency (for undergraduate merit, e.g. EMSAT, SAT, etc.)
- Minimum credit load / full-time enrollment (for continuing eligibility)
- Maintain a required GPA / academic standing to continue receiving the scholarship.
- For graduate / PhD: research proposal, letters of recommendation, prior research record, etc.
- Not holding conflicting financial awards/sponsorships.
Additional
Info
- For PhD Scholarship (All Nationalities), UAEU provides full and continuous support for high-performing PhD students in certain majors.
- The Merit Fellowship Award for newly admitted graduate students is a partial tuition waiver.
- Graduate students may also be eligible for Graduate Research Fellowships which include full tuition waiver and partial stipend.
- Some scholarship awards are renewable per year/semester under maintaining conditions (e.g. GPA).
- Meeting minimal criteria does not guarantee an award; selection is competitive.
- For undergraduates, the merit scholarships do not cover housing or application fees (only tuition).
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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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