Fully Funded Scholarships in UAE for Indian Students

For international students seeking a Dubai fully funded scholarship, the Dubai Business Associates (DBA) programme is a fully funded graduate training opportunity that covers accommodation, flights, visa support and a monthly living stipend. For degree scholarships, MBZUAI in Abu Dhabi offers funded MSc and PhD places with monthly stipends of AED 15,500 and AED 17,500, respectively.

Students looking for a fully funded scholarship in UAE can explore options in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Al Ain. However, not every award covers all expenses. Some scholarships waive 100% of tuition, while others provide a partial fee discount, accommodation, health insurance or a monthly stipend. Always check the benefits and renewal rules before applying.

Khalifa University and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) are both located in Abu Dhabi, not Dubai. Abu Dhabi University is also in Abu Dhabi. In Dubai, options include the University of Dubai and the Dubai Business Associates programme. Students can compare universities in the UAE and explore scholarships to study in UAE before shortlisting a course.

This guide covers the main Dubai scholarships for international students, Abu Dhabi university merit-based graduate scholarships, fully funded undergraduate options, scholarship amounts, eligibility, 2026–27 deadlines, visa costs and financial requirements.

Top Fully Funded Scholarships in UAE 2027

The following table compares major scholarship and funding options for international students. Some are full scholarships, while others are tuition waivers, need-based financial aid or funded professional programmes. The deadline column reflects the latest official information available on November 6, 2026. Where a new deadline has not been published, the table says so instead of carrying forward a past date.

Scholarship Details for Indian Students in UAE

Check the details on scholarships Indian students can apply for when studying in UAE.

Khalifa University Graduate Scholarship

Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi offers merit-based funding to eligible international master’s and PhD applicants. The scholarship is assessed as part of the admission process. Applicants should indicate that they want scholarship consideration in the admission application. Awards are competitive and depend on academic merit, research potential, programme and available scholarship tiers.

For master’s students, the current scholarship benefits may include full or partial tuition coverage, textbooks, accommodation, medical insurance, visa support and travel assistance. Master’s students are not eligible for a monthly stipend under the current scheme. PhD scholarships may include tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, accommodation, insurance, travel and other research support, depending on the award. The university’s scholarship FAQ states that students are assessed by tier and meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee a scholarship.

For Fall 2027, Khalifa University has opened PhD admissions until February 1, 2027. The university says prospective master’s applicants should register their interest to receive notification when applications open. Check the official postgraduate admissions page and Khalifa University postgraduate scholarships for updates.

MBZUAI Graduate Scholarship

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is based in Abu Dhabi and focuses on artificial intelligence. It offers fully funded MSc and PhD programmes for eligible students. The funded package includes tuition, a monthly stipend, one return airfare each year, health insurance for the approved funding period and a university-sponsored UAE residence visa and Emirates ID where eligible.

For international students, the published monthly stipend is AED 15,500 for MSc students and AED 17,500 for PhD students. Applicants generally need a relevant STEM degree. The minimum CGPA is programme-dependent: MBZUAI lists 3.0 or 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, depending on the programme. Applicants also submit a CV, statement of purpose, referee recommendations, English-language proof and complete a screening exam. Some applicants may be invited to a technical interview.

For the 2026–27 admission cycle, the portal opened on September 7, 2026. The final deadline for most graduate programmes is December 15, 2026. The MSc and PhD in Computational Biology deadline is January 22, 2027. Decision notifications are expected by March 31, 2027. The Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) is fee-based and is not eligible for this university-funded scholarship. Check the official MBZUAI graduate admissions page for programme-specific details.

UAEU PhD Fellowship

The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in Al Ain offers a PhD Fellowship for eligible international applicants in selected priority fields. The published criteria include a master’s GPA of at least 3.3/4.0, no employment or other financial sponsorship, and a dissertation aligned with UAE priority sectors such as renewable energy, transportation, health, water, technology or space.

The full package includes a full tuition waiver, a monthly stipend and health insurance where needed. The amount of the stipend is not specified on the public fellowship page. Eligible candidates must also maintain a PhD GPA of at least 3.0, enrol full-time and meet the fellowship’s research and assistantship duties. The application deadline is the same as the relevant PhD admission deadline. See the UAEU PhD Fellowship page for the current application form and requirements.

Dubai Business Associates (DBA) Programme

The Dubai Business Associates programme is a fully funded graduate training programme in Dubai, not a university degree or academic scholarship. It welcomes applicants from different academic backgrounds and provides accommodation, flights, visa support and a monthly stipend to cover living expenses. The official programme does not publish a fixed stipend amount, so claims of a USD 25,000 stipend should not be used as a confirmed annual figure.

As of November 6, 2026, the DBA website says the next round of admissions is expected to open in late 2026. Applicants should prepare a CV of one to two pages, a cover letter of up to 500 words and a video of up to 90 seconds. The programme typically selects around 30–40 associates per cohort. Check the official DBA application page and DBA FAQs for the live call and final requirements.

Abu Dhabi University Merit-Based Graduate Scholarship

The Abu Dhabi University merit-based graduate scholarship is a tuition waiver for postgraduate students. Applicants with an undergraduate CGPA of at least 3.5/4.0 or equivalent who pursue postgraduate studies at ADU are entitled to a 25% tuition fee waiver, according to the university. This is not a 100% or fully funded award.

The scholarship process starts after the applicant receives formal admission and a student ID. Eligible scholarship options appear in the student account, where the applicant can complete the online scholarship application. To retain the waiver, students must maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.5 in the master’s programme. If the required CGPA is not met, the waiver is lost for the following semester; it may be reinstated if the student later meets the requirement. Read the official ADU merit-based graduate scholarship rules.

American University of Sharjah President’s Scholarship

The President’s Scholarship at the American University of Sharjah is for eligible new international students who completed their secondary education outside the UAE and are applying for first-year undergraduate study in the fall semester. The award covers tuition and lab/technology fees and provides a monthly stipend, on-campus housing, medical insurance, an application fee waiver and three round-trip tickets during the degree.

For the Fall 2027 intake, AUS lists an application deadline of April 1, 2027. The published academic requirements are highly competitive and include an equivalent of 98% in Grades 10 and 11 and 98% in final Grade 12, along with an SAT composite score of 1400. Applicants must also submit the required essay, evidence of leadership and achievements, a three-minute video and two recommendation letters. Check the AUS scholarship information for the latest criteria.

NYU Abu Dhabi Financial Aid

NYU Abu Dhabi offers need-based financial aid to undergraduate applicants of all nationalities. The amount is calculated using the family’s financial information submitted through the CSS Profile. It is not a fixed merit scholarship and does not guarantee that every admitted student will receive a full-cost award.

For the 2026–27 application cycle, the CSS Profile deadline is January 10, 2027 for Early Decision II and February 1, 2027 for Regular Decision. The Early Decision I financial aid deadline of November 10, 2026 is upcoming as of this article’s November 6 check date. Students should submit the CSS Profile for the custodial and noncustodial parents where applicable. Read the official NYU Abu Dhabi financial aid application guidance.

University of Dubai Scholarships

The University of Dubai offers a range of scholarships and tuition discounts. Its Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Full Scholarship is awarded annually to three students of any nationality for eligible programmes in Dubai Business School, Engineering & IT, or Law. The university also lists partial merit-based tuition support, including a 50% tuition scholarship for eligible undergraduate students with a high school score of 95% or above, subject to the renewal conditions.

These awards have different eligibility and renewal rules. The University of Dubai’s published page says students receiving the 50% high-school merit discount must maintain a CGPA of at least 3.5 to continue receiving it. The next deadline for the full scholarship has not been published on the page checked for this article. Check the University of Dubai Scholarships and Discounts page before applying.

Fully Funded Scholarships in UAE for International Students: Eligibility

Students can also review fully funded scholarships for Indian students while comparing opportunities. Scholarship eligibility depends on the university, study level and funding type. A single GPA requirement cannot be applied to every fully funded scholarship in UAE. The examples below show how requirements differ across current programmes.

Academic Grades and GPA

For graduate scholarships, a CGPA between 3.0 and 3.5 on a 4.0 scale may be required, depending on the university and programme. MBZUAI lists a minimum CGPA of 3.0 or 3.5 depending on the programme. UAEU’s PhD Fellowship requires at least 3.3/4.0 in the master’s degree. Abu Dhabi University’s merit-based graduate scholarship requires an undergraduate CGPA of at least 3.5/4.0 and provides a 25% tuition waiver.

For undergraduate scholarships, universities assess Class 12 or equivalent results. Some awards are highly competitive and may require 95% or higher, while AUS’s President’s Scholarship has a more demanding published academic profile. Always check the grading equivalency accepted by the university.

English Language Requirements

Most English-taught programmes ask for IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or another accepted English test. The required score differs by university and course. For example, Khalifa University lists IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 91 for graduate admission, while its undergraduate admission page lists IELTS Academic 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79. MBZUAI requires valid English-language proof that meets its programme admission criteria. Check the university's current requirements rather than relying on a general IELTS 6.0–6.5 range. Students can read about a good IELTS score and TOEFL scores before applying.

Standardised Tests: GRE and SAT

Some graduate programmes may ask for GRE scores or a university screening exam. For example, Khalifa University requires a GRE quantitative score of at least 150 for direct PhD applicants without a master’s degree. MBZUAI requires applicants to complete a screening exam that assesses relevant mathematics, programming and, for PhD applicants, selected computer science and machine-learning topics.

For undergraduate admissions, a university may accept or prefer SAT scores. Remember that the SAT Math section is scored out of 800; a score of 1,200 is a total SAT score, not a Math score. Khalifa University lists a Math SAT score of 700 as a preferred test result, not a universal scholarship requirement.

Research Experience and Other Requirements

PhD applicants may need a research statement, publications, conference presentations, recommendation letters and a clear research proposal. Some fellowships are restricted to selected research areas or priority sectors. Undergraduate applicants may need evidence of leadership, extracurricular activities, community service, awards and strong school performance.

Documents Required for Fully Funded Scholarships in UAE

Prepare the documents listed by the university and programme. Requirements may differ, but international applicants commonly need:

• Academic transcripts and certificates: Class 12 marksheets or bachelor’s/master’s degree records, depending on the study level.
• Statement of Purpose: Explain your academic background, goals and reasons for choosing the programme. Read about writing a Statement of Purpose (SOP).
• Recommendation letters: Academic or professional references as required by the programme.
• CV or resume: Include education, work experience, projects, research and achievements.
• English-language test scores: IELTS, TOEFL or another accepted test, if required.
• Research statement or proposal: Usually required for PhD and research-based programmes.
• Passport: A valid passport copy and any additional identity documents requested by the university.
• Portfolio or video: Some undergraduate and professional programmes may ask for a portfolio, personal video or additional essay.

UAE Student Visa Costs and Bank Balance Requirements

International students generally stay in the UAE on a residence visa sponsored by an accredited university or an eligible resident parent. The UAE government confirms that universities facilitate the student visa process. However, there is no single UAE-wide student visa fee or fixed bank-balance amount published for every international student. The visa cost, medical examination, Emirates ID, insurance and any refundable deposit can depend on the emirate, university, visa sponsor and the student's circumstances.

Some fully funded scholarships, including MBZUAI’s funded MSc and PhD package and eligible Khalifa University awards, include university-sponsored visa support or coverage of visa application fees. Other universities may charge students separately. Before accepting an offer, request a written breakdown from the university covering visa processing, medical fitness test, Emirates ID, health insurance, renewal and any deposit.

Do not assume that the German blocked-account amount or a bank-balance figure from another country applies to the UAE. If the university or visa sponsor asks you to show funds, follow the exact amount and document format in its current written instructions. Read the UAE student visa requirements and application process before submitting your visa application. The UAE government’s student residence visa guidance was updated on February 18, 2026.

Scholarship Stipends in UAE: What Is Confirmed?

A stipend is a regular payment that helps students or programme participants cover living expenses. The amount and payment conditions differ by scholarship. Use the official amounts below only for the named programmes.

Scholarship Renewal Conditions

Receiving a scholarship for the first semester does not always mean that it will continue automatically for the full degree. Students may need to maintain a minimum CGPA, complete a required number of credits, remain enrolled full-time, meet research milestones and follow university policies.

• MBZUAI: Continued funding is subject to satisfactory academic progress and compliance with university policies. PhD funding after the first year depends on a confirmed faculty advisor match.
• Khalifa University: Scholarship eligibility is tier-based. Students are expected to maintain strong academic standing and meet programme progression requirements. Some PhD awards are reassessed annually.
• Abu Dhabi University: The merit-based graduate waiver requires a minimum CGPA of 3.5 in the master’s programme. The waiver may be lost for the following semester if the student does not meet the requirement.
• University of Dubai: Students receiving the high-school merit discount must maintain the required CGPA, currently listed as 3.5 or above for the 50% award.
• AUS: The President’s Scholarship is renewable only if the student continues to meet the scholarship's academic and other conditions.

How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in UAE

Most university scholarships require students to apply for admission first. Some universities assess scholarship eligibility automatically, while others ask admitted students to submit a separate scholarship form. Follow these steps:

1. Shortlist Universities and Scholarships

Choose the study level, subject and location. Check whether the scholarship is available to international students and whether it covers tuition only or also accommodation, insurance, flights and a stipend. Compare study in UAE options and the university course pages before applying.

2. Check Eligibility and Prepare Documents

Review the GPA, English-language, entrance test and research requirements. Prepare your transcripts, passport, CV, SOP, recommendation letters and research proposal if required. Some UAE universities may ask for degree recognition or attestation for qualifications earned outside the UAE. Follow the instructions of the university and the UAE Ministry of Higher Education rather than assuming the same attestation route applies to every applicant.

3. Submit the University Application

Complete the online admission form and upload the required documents before the deadline. For MBZUAI, applicants complete the screening exam and pay the application fee unless they qualify for a stated fee waiver. For Khalifa University, scholarship consideration is linked to the admission application; master’s applicants should register their interest while the Fall 2027 application opening is pending.

4. Complete Scholarship Forms and Interviews

If a separate scholarship application is required, submit it through the university portal after receiving the student ID or admission offer. Some programmes also conduct interviews, technical assessments or research discussions. Keep copies of all submissions and monitor the application portal for updates.

5. Review the Offer and Arrange the Student Visa

Read the scholarship offer carefully. Check the amount covered, stipend payment schedule, accommodation, insurance, flight allowance, visa support and renewal conditions. Confirm any costs that are not covered before accepting the offer. Then follow the university's instructions for the UAE student visa.

Check Your Fit for UAE Scholarships

Use the official eligibility pages to check whether your academic record and study plans match the scholarships listed above. For help shortlisting universities, comparing scholarship coverage and estimating the costs not covered by an award, connect with Shiksha Study Abroad counsellors.

Students interested in Dubai can also compare the American University in Dubai and other universities in the country. Remember that an institution's location, scholarship level and course availability should all be checked separately.