Dreaming of a top-tier AI education with zero tuition? MBZUAI (Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence) in Abu Dhabi offers fully funded MBZUAI UAE Scholarships for Fall 2026. These merit-based scholarships grant admitted M.Sc. and Ph.D. students full tuition coverage plus generous stipends. You’ll study cutting-edge AI in the UAE’s innovation hub without worrying about fees or living costs.
MBZUAI is the world’s first graduate-level AI university, located in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. Its state-of-the-art AI Master’s and PhD programmes combine theory and research in fields like Machine Learning, Computer Vision, and Data Science. The scholarship lets you focus on these programmes (typically ~2 years for a Master’s and ~4 years for a PhD) while enjoying financial peace of mind. The UAE’s thriving capital and MBZUAI’s modern campus provide a vibrant, international learning environment.
Overview
MBZUAI UAE Scholarships 2026 is a fully-funded graduate scholarship for study in the UAE. It is automatically awarded to all admitted full-time M.Sc. and Ph.D. students at MBZUAI. Recipients receive a comprehensive funding package: 100% tuition waiver, a monthly living stipend, health insurance, and UAE visa sponsorship. In short, it’s a full financial grant that removes tuition and living expenses from your concerns.
Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI is a graduate research university established by the UAE government. Located in Abu Dhabi – the UAE’s thriving capital – it offers a modern curriculum and cutting-edge research labs. Studying here means joining a multicultural cohort and collaborating with leading AI researchers. MBZUAI’s focus is purely on AI and related sciences, making it a global destination for future AI leaders.
See Also: Canadian University Dubai Scholarship 2026: Study in Dubai
Eligibility Criteria
- Academic background: Bachelor’s (for M.Sc.) or Bachelor’s + Master’s (for Ph.D.) in a relevant STEM field (Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, etc.). Applicants should have strong academic records (roughly a 3.0+ GPA on a 4.0 scale).
- English proficiency: Valid English test scores (e.g. IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90+) are required.
- References: Minimum 2 academic recommendations for Master’s applicants; 3 for Ph.D. candidates.
- Nationality: Open to UAE nationals and international students (non-UAE nationals will be sponsored for a UAE visa).
- Merit-based: The scholarship is awarded purely on merit – no separate scholarship application is needed. Simply apply for admission by the deadline.
- Program specifics: Applies to all M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes (note: the one-year Master in Applied AI (MAAI) programme is not covered). Recipients must maintain good academic standing to keep the scholarship.
Coverage / Benefits
MBZUAI’s scholarship covers virtually all study costs:
- Full tuition waiver: 100% of programme fees are paid by the university.
- Monthly stipend: Generous living allowances (e.g. ~15,500 AED for international M.Sc. students and 17,500 AED for Ph.D., higher for UAE nationals).
- Health insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage is provided.
- UAE visa sponsorship: International students get full visa support and processing.
- On-campus housing: Subsidised dorms (AED 7,500/month, deducted from stipend) are available for first-year graduates.
- Additional support: Access to modern labs, mentorship, and career services on campus.
This full financial aid package (tuition waiver plus stipend, insurance, visa) means you can concentrate on studies and research without financial stress.
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Host Country & University Info
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a safe, modern country in the Middle East known for its high quality of life and investment in education. Abu Dhabi, the capital, is a multicultural city with excellent infrastructure and a growing tech sector. MBZUAI’s campus is in Masdar City (Abu Dhabi), a leading sustainability and innovation hub. The city hosts a diverse student body and industry partners in AI.
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence was launched in 2021 as a graduate-only university focusing exclusively on AI research and education. Its faculty and facilities rival global tech institutions. As MBZUAI notes, it offers graduate programmes in “a modern and innovative university setting, located in the thriving capital of the UAE”. Students benefit from collaboration with UAE’s AI initiatives and get a chance to build international networks.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Prepare documents & apply online: Create an account on the MBZUAI portal (apply.mbzuai.ac.ae) and fill out the online application. Upload required documents: a CV, official transcripts and degree certificates (Bachelor’s and, if applicable, Master’s), statement of purpose (in PDF), and English test scores. Include academic references as needed.
- Screening exam: After submission, you must take MBZUAI’s online screening exam. This tests your foundation in mathematics and programming (and core AI topics for Ph.D. candidates). Study guides are available on MBZUAI’s program pages.
- Technical interview: If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to a technical interview with faculty members. This may be in person or online, covering your background and research interests.
- Decision notification: Admissions decisions (with scholarship offers) will be released by 15 March 2026. If offered admission, you must accept the offer (and scholarship) by 15 April 2026.
Important Deadlines
- Application opens: 1 September 2025.
- Priority deadline: 15 November 2025.
- Final deadline: 15 December 2025.
- Decision notification: 15 March 2026.
- Offer acceptance: 15 April 2026.
Applying by the priority deadline is encouraged; all applications submitted by 15 December will be considered.
Also Available: Central European University Scholarships 2026
Tips for Applicants
- Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to prepare documents and study for the exam before deadlines.
- Highlight AI experience: Emphasize any AI-related projects, internships or competitions in your CV and SOP. MBZUAI looks for passion and achievement in AI and STEM.
- Strong SOP and research interests: Articulate clear goals and why MBZUAI’s programs fit your career path. Be specific about research topics you want to explore.
- Secure good references: Choose referees (professors or mentors) who know your academic work well.
- Prepare for the exam: Review advanced math (calculus, linear algebra), statistics and programming fundamentals. For PhD applicants, refresh core ML concepts.
- Academics count: Maintain a high GPA – scholarship renewal requires good standing.
- Leverage university resources: Check MBZUAI’s website and reach out to alumni or student forums for insights.
- Stay motivated: Believe in your potential. This is a competitive scholarship, but a compelling application can make you stand out.
Apply now for MBZUAI UAE Scholarships 2026. Don’t miss this chance to launch your AI career with full funding!
Conclusion
The MBZUAI UAE Scholarships 2026 are an exceptional opportunity for ambitious AI students. With full financial support and world-class AI programs in Abu Dhabi, this is the perfect launchpad for your future career. If you meet the criteria, don’t hesitate to apply before the deadlines – and be sure to share this news with friends and colleagues who might benefit. For other global scholarship leads, [See also: Leiden University Mandela Scholarship 2026] and [Check Fully Funded Asia Pacific University ADB Scholarship 2026].
Your AI journey begins here – seize this opportunity!
FAQ
What is the MBZUAI UAE Scholarship?
It’s a fully funded scholarship program at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi. It covers 100% tuition, plus living stipends, insurance, and visa support for admitted Master’s and PhD students.
Who is eligible to apply?
The scholarship is open to UAE nationals and international students with a strong STEM background. Applicants need a Bachelor’s degree for M.Sc. programs (and a Master’s degree for Ph.D. programs) with a high GPA. They must also meet English language requirements (e.g. IELTS 6.5/TOEFL 90) and submit a complete application by the deadline.
What does the scholarship cover?
It includes a full tuition waiver, a monthly stipend for living costs, health insurance, and a UAE residency visa. Basically, all major expenses for your studies are funded. On-campus housing is also available at a subsidised rate.
Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?
No – MBZUAI scholarships are awarded on a merit basis to all admitted students. Simply apply for admission by the deadline. If you are admitted to an M.Sc. or Ph.D. program, the scholarship is automatically included.
What are the deadlines?
The MBZUAI graduate portal opens on 1 September 2025, with a priority deadline of 15 November 2025 and a final deadline of 15 December 2025. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but all must be in by 15 December. Admission decisions will be released by 15 March 2026.
How competitive is it?
Very. MBZUAI seeks outstanding candidates with strong academic records and achievements in STEM. A compelling statement of purpose, solid grades, and relevant experience (projects or research) will strengthen your application. Preparing well for the screening exam and interview will also boost your chances.
Can international students apply?
Absolutely. The scholarship is open to students from any country. In fact, international scholars receive UAE visa sponsorship under the scholarship package. Just ensure you have valid passport and visa documents when applying.
Good luck with your MBZUAI Scholarship application, and remember to spread the word! Your future in AI awaits.
