Scholarship
Overview
- Hamdan bin Rashid Foundation – UAEU: This program supports Emirati students applying to the Master of Educational Innovation in the College of Education at UAEU. Hamdan funds 10 scholars annually.
- Hamdan Master; in Gifted & Talented Education: In 2025, Hamdan Foundation opened applications (Mar 26 – Apr 30) for this specialised master’s at UAEU, aimed at Emirati teachers and educators.
- Graduate Research Fellowships (UAEU): UAEU provides fellowships to selected graduate students. Recipients must typically devote 10 hours/week as research assistants with faculty.
- PhD Fellowship (all nationalities): UAEU offers PhD fellowships that provide full continuous support for high-achieving students in selected majors.
- Graduate Assistantships: At UAEU, Research Assistantships, Teaching Assistantships, and Administrative Assistantships are open to graduate students meeting certain criteria (GPA, enrollment status).
- These specialised scholarships/assistantships aim to attract and support high-performing Emirati and international graduate students, enhancing research output and academic excellence at UAEU.
Scholarship amount details
Max scholarship per student:
For PhD Fellowships: full support (tuition + stipend) for the duration of the PhD program.
For Hamdan master’s: full or major relevant funding; precise stipend not publicly listed.
For Graduate Fellowships / Assistantships: a full or partial tuition waiver plus a stipend is typical.
Scholarship amount will be given: For the full duration of the degree (master’s / PhD), renewable if conditions are met, through assistantship/faculty supervision terms.
Type of Expense Covered (Yes/No)
| Expense | Covered |
| Tuition & Fees | Yes |
| Living Expense/Stipend | Yes (Stipend/Salary Roles) |
| Accommodation | No |
| Health cover | No |
| Airfare/Travel | No |
| Others (research cost, materials) | Yes (Research support) |
Scholarship
application details
Applicants must first meet the admission requirements for the thesis-based Master's program, and then separately apply for the Full-Ride Scholarship.8 They must have a Bachelor's GPA ≥ 3.5/4.0 from UAEU, commit to full-time study and research (40 hours/week), and have no other employment or financial sponsorship.
Document Requirements & Eligibility
- Hamdan Master / Educational Innovation:
- Must be an Emirati national.
- Applicant should not already have a master’s degree.
- Must be employed in the education field / supporting schools/teachers.
- Age requirement: 25–40 years for certain Hamdan grants.
- Application typically through UAEU + coordination with Hamdan Foundation.
- Graduate Assistantships / Fellowships (UAEU):
- Must be accepted or enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program at UAEU.
- Maintain good academic standing (e.g. GPA ≥ 3.0 / 4.0) for assistantship eligibility.
- No other financial sponsorship conflicts with the assistantship.
- For a PhD Fellowship, candidates must be high-achieving in selected majors; continuous support is contingent on performance.
- For Research Fellowships, recipients commit to working ~10 hours/week alongside research faculty.
- For Teaching Assistantship, must fulfil teaching duties as assigned, maintain a GPA ≥ 3.0, and have no conflicting sponsorships. (United Arab Emirates University)
Additional
Info
- The Hamdan bin Rashid Scholarship Program for the Master's in Gifted & Talented Education had its application window in 2025 from March 26 to April 30.
- The Graduate Scholarships, Fellowships, and Assistantships Policy (UAEU) outlines the rules, funding forms, renewal conditions, etc.
- Research Assistantships (All nationalities) are open to graduate students at UAEU; they must first gain admission to the program.
- Graduate Administrative Assistantship: open to active graduate students with good academic standing (GPA ≥ 3.0), with no other financial sponsorship.
- PhD Fellowship (All nationalities): full support for selected PhD candidates at UAEU.
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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.