Scholarships in UAE for MS in Data Science
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UAE is one of the emerging study destinations for Indian students. In this article, we have covered clear breakdowns of fully funded scholarships, university eligibility rules, and real cost-of-living conversions in Indian Rupees (INR) for quick financial planning.
Indian students can study a Master's in Data Science in the UAE with full funding through Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and Khalifa University. MBZUAI offers a monthly stipend of AED 15,000 (about INR 3.89 lakh). Khalifa University provides a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend of up to AED 20,000 (about INR 5.19 lakh).
Both scholarships cover study cost, accommodation, health insurance, and a UAE student visa. Most applicants need a CGPA of 3.0 to 3.5 and an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of 90. All currency conversions in this guide use 1 AED = INR 25.92 (June 2026).
The UAE has become a leading destination for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence education. For Indian students, fully funded scholarships can reduce the total cost of studying in the UAE to almost zero. This guide explains the best scholarships in UAE for Master's in Data Science for the 2026 and 2027 intakes.
- Top Scholarships in UAE for Master's in Data Science
- Eligibility Criteria for Data Science Scholarships in UAE
- Cost of Attendance Before Getting Scholarships in UAE For MS in Data Science
- FAQs Related to Scholarships in UAE For MS in Data Science
Top Scholarships in UAE for Master's in Data Science
Indian students can apply for several scholarships in the UAE for a Master's in Data Science. The best options include fully funded scholarships from MBZUAI and Khalifa University, along with partial tuition discounts from the University of Dubai.
1. MBZUAI Graduate Scholarship (Fully Funded)
The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi offers one of the most generous fully funded scholarships in the UAE. All admitted MSc and PhD students are automatically considered for funding. No separate scholarship application is required.
Scholarship Benefits
- Tuition Fees: 100% waived
- Monthly Stipend: AED 15,000 (approximately INR 3.89 lakh per month)
- Accommodation: On-campus housing at Masdar City campus
- Housing Adjustment: AED 7,500 per month is deducted from the stipend for accommodation. The remaining cash stipend is AED 7,500 (approximately INR 1.94 lakh per month).
- Health Insurance: Fully covered
- UAE Student Visa: Sponsored by the university
- Program Duration: 2 years (MSc)
Eligible Data Science and AI Programs
- Machine Learning
- Computer Vision
- Natural Language Processing
- Other AI and Data Science-related specializations
Application Deadlines for Fall 2026 Intake: 30 April, 2026
Important Note: The scholarship does not apply to the Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) programme. Applicants should verify the latest scholarship details on the official MBZUAI website before applying.
2. Khalifa University Postgraduate Scholarship (Fully Funded)
Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi offers merit-based postgraduate scholarships for international students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees in STEM fields. Scholarship consideration is automatic when you submit your admission application.
Scholarship Benefits
- Tuition Fees: 100% waived
- Monthly Stipend: Up to AED 20,000 (approximately INR 5.19 lakh per month)
- Additional Support: An extra AED 20,000 per month may be available based on approval and academic performance
- Accommodation: On-campus housing or AED 2,000 monthly housing allowance
- Health Insurance: Fully covered
- Airfare: Return flights between India and Abu Dhabi may be covered, subject to approval
- Textbooks: Provided by the university
- UAE Visa Fees: Covered
- Conference Funding: Financial support to attend international research conferences
Popular Fields for Data Science Students
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
Application Deadlines
- Fall 2026 Intake: 2 March 2026
- Spring 2027 Intake: 15 September 2026
Post-Graduation Requirement: Scholarship recipients may be expected to work with Khalifa University or a nominated organization for a period equal to their study duration.
Important Note: MSc-only students usually receive tuition fee waivers. Monthly stipends are generally linked to research assistantship or teaching assistantship responsibilities. Applicants should confirm their scholarship package before accepting admission.
3. University of Dubai Merit Scholarship (Partial Funding)
The University of Dubai does not offer a fully funded scholarship for MSc Data Science programs. However, it provides merit-based tuition discounts for students with strong academic performance.
Scholarship Benefits
- Tuition Discount: 10% to 50% reduction in tuition fees
- Estimated Tuition Fee: AED 55,000 to 66,000 per year (approximately INR 14.3 lakh to INR 17.1 lakh)
- Savings Potential: Significant reduction in total tuition costs, depending on academic merit
Eligibility
- Minimum CGPA is generally around 3.5/4.0 or higher
- Scholarship consideration is usually based on bachelor's degree performance
Limitations
- No monthly stipend
- No accommodation support
- No health insurance coverage
The University of Dubai can be a good option for students who do not meet the admission or scholarship requirements of MBZUAI or Khalifa University and are prepared to fund part of their education costs.
Eligibility Criteria for Data Science Scholarships in UAE
Winning a scholarship requires meeting academic criteria. UAE universities prioritize students with strong backgrounds in tech and math.
| Criterion | MBZUAI | Khalifa University |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Background | STEM (CS, Maths, EE, Physics, Engineering) | STEM or related discipline |
| Minimum CGPA | 3.2/4.0 (MSc); 3.0/4.0 minimum accepted | 3.0/4.0 (MSc); 3.25/4.0 (MSc-to-PhD) |
| IELTS | 6.5 minimum | 6.5 minimum |
| TOEFL iBT | 90 minimum | 91 minimum |
| GRE | Optional (adds advantage) | Required (score report submitted) |
| Letters of Recommendation | 2 (for MSc) | 2 to 3 (for MSc) |
| Statement of Purpose | Required (500 to 1,000 words) | Required |
| Degree Attestation (outside UAE) | Certificate of Recognition from UAE MoE required within the first semester | Equivalency certificate from UAE MoE required |
| Indian Equivalent CGPA benchmark | ~75 to 80%+ aggregate in BTech/BSc (indicative) | ~70 to 75%+ aggregate in BTech/BSc (indicative) |
What strengthens your application:
- Python, R, or TensorFlow projects on GitHub or Kaggle
- Published research papers or conference presentations
- Work experience in data analytics, ML engineering, or related roles
- Strong GRE Quant score (160+)
Cost of Attendance Before Getting Scholarships in UAE For MS in Data Science
It is smart to plan for regular costs if you receive a partial bursary. Below is a breakdown of average costs for international master's students.
- Tuition Fee per Credit Hour: Average cost is AED 2,500 to AED 3,500 (INR 64,800 to INR 90,720). A full degree needs 30 to 36 credits.
- Student Housing (Off-Campus): Expect to pay around AED 1,500 to AED 2,500 per month (INR 38,880 to INR 64,800).
- Food and Groceries: Costs average around AED 600 to AED 1,000 monthly (INR 15,552 to INR 25,920).
- Local Public Transport: A monthly Dubai metro card costs approximately AED 300 (INR 7,776).
Candidates looking to study abroad can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for assistance with university applications. Candidates can also write to us in the comments section below.
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Raj Vimal is an education writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. He helps Indian students find the right universities, visas, and courses abroad. Currently, he leads content strategies at InfoEdge India
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