Top Fully Funded Scholarships in the UAE for 2025

Top Fully Funded Scholarships in the UAE for 2025

Are you dreaming of studying in the United Arab Emirates but concerned about the financial implications? The good news is that numerous fully funded scholarships in the UAE for 2025 are available to both international and domestic students. These comprehensive scholarship packages cover tuition fees, provide monthly stipends, and offer additional benefits to support your academic journey in this dynamic educational hub.

The UAE has established itself as a premier destination for higher education in the Middle East, with world-class universities, cutting-edge research facilities, and a multicultural academic environment. Fully funded scholarships make these exceptional educational opportunities accessible to talented students regardless of their financial circumstances.

Read also: Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships

What Fully Funded Scholarships in the UAE Cover

Unlike partial scholarships that only cover a percentage of educational expenses, fully funded scholarships in the UAE typically provide comprehensive financial support, including:

• Complete tuition fee coverage
• Monthly living stipends
• Accommodation allowances or on-campus housing
• Health insurance
• Research funding and conference attendance support
• Textbook and academic resource allowances
• Travel allowances for international students
• Visa application fee coverage

These extensive benefits allow recipients to focus entirely on their studies without financial concerns, maximizing their academic potential during their time in the UAE.

Top Fully Funded Scholarship Programs in the UAE for 2025

1. Khalifa University Doctoral Scholarships

Khalifa University offers one of the most comprehensive fully funded scholarship packages for doctoral students in the UAE. For the 2025 academic year, these prestigious scholarships are available across various disciplines in science, engineering, and medicine.

Key Benefits:

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Basic monthly stipend of 20,000 AED
• Additional monthly allowance of up to 20,000 AED (depending on tier level)
• Textbooks provided by the university
• Support for attending international research conferences
• Medical insurance coverage
• Travel allowances for international students
• UAE visa application fee coverage

Scholarship Tiers:

Tier	Tuition Coverage	Basic Stipend	Additional Allowance
Tier I	100%	20,000 AED	20,000 AED
Tier II	100%	20,000 AED	10,000 AED
Tier III	75%	20,000 AED	None
Tier IV	50%	None	None

Eligibility Requirements:

• Strong academic background with research potential
• Minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0 in previous degree
• English proficiency (minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)
• Meeting admission requirements for chosen program

The application process for Khalifa University scholarships requires submitting academic documents, research proposal, English proficiency scores, and letters of recommendation through the university’s online application portal.

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2. United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) Scholarships

As the UAE’s flagship university, UAEU offers fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing master’s and doctoral programs across various academic disciplines for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Key Benefits:

• Complete tuition fee coverage
• Monthly stipend (up to 3,000 AED from research projects)
• Health insurance when needed
• Research support and academic resources

Eligibility Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0
• Meeting English language proficiency requirements
• Strong academic recommendations
• Admission to UAEU program

Application Deadline:

• Master’s programs: April 30, 2025
• PhD programs: March 31, 2025

UAEU scholarship applications require submitting identity documents, academic transcripts, English proficiency scores, CV, and letters of recommendation through the university’s online application system.

3. Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) Scholarships

MBZUAI offers prestigious fully funded scholarships for students pursuing master’s and PhD programs in artificial intelligence and related fields. As a specialized institution focused on AI research and education, these scholarships represent exceptional opportunities for students interested in this cutting-edge field.

Key Benefits:

• 100% tuition waiver
• Monthly stipend
• On-campus housing
• Health insurance
• UAE visa sponsorship for international students

Eligibility Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in relevant field
• Strong academic background in computer science or related discipline
• Demonstrated interest and aptitude for AI research
• English proficiency (minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)

All full-time students admitted to MBZUAI programs are granted full scholarships, making it one of the most accessible fully funded opportunities in the UAE for AI education.

Read also: Schwarzman Scholars Programme

4. Abu Dhabi University Scholarships

Abu Dhabi University offers several fully funded and partial scholarship programs for international students. The most comprehensive is the H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Scholarship, which provides 100% coverage of educational expenses.

Key Benefits:

• 100% tuition fee waiver
• Application fee waiver
• Registration fee waiver
• Student services fee waiver
• Health service fee waiver

Eligibility Requirements:

• Outstanding academic achievement
• Full-time enrollment (minimum 12 credit hours per semester)
• Meeting English proficiency requirements
• Maintaining required GPA throughout studies

The scholarship application process begins after formal admission to Abu Dhabi University, with candidates receiving a unique student ID for accessing the financial aid section.

5. Zayed University Scholarships

Zayed University offers fully funded scholarships to exceptional international students for undergraduate and graduate programs. These scholarships embody the spirit of innovation rooted in tradition.

Key Benefits:

• Tuition fee coverage
• Monthly stipends for selected programs
• Academic resources and support

Eligibility Requirements:

• Strong academic record
• Meeting admission requirements for chosen program
• English language proficiency
• Demonstration of leadership potential

These scholarships encourage students to embrace creativity and critical thinking while providing the financial support necessary to pursue their educational goals.

Comparison of Top Fully Funded UAE Scholarships for 2025

Scholarship Program	Level of Study	Monthly Stipend	Application Deadline	GPA Requirement	Additional Benefits
Khalifa University	PhD	20,000-40,000 AED	Varies by intake	3.5/4.0	Conference funding, travel allowance
UAEU	Master’s, PhD	Up to 3,000 AED	Apr 30/Mar 31, 2025	3.0/4.0	Research support
MBZUAI	Master’s, PhD	Varies	Rolling	Not specified	Housing, health insurance
Abu Dhabi University	Undergraduate, Graduate	None specified	Varies by intake	Varies by program	Fee waivers
Zayed University	Undergraduate, Graduate	Varies by program	Varies by program	Not specified	Academic resources

How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in the UAE

Step 1: Research and Selection

Start by identifying scholarship programs that align with your academic goals and qualifications:

• Review official university websites for detailed scholarship information
• Note application requirements, deadlines, and benefits
• Check eligibility criteria carefully
• Identify required documentation for each scholarship

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

Common documents needed for UAE scholarship applications include:

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• English proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement or research proposal
• Updated CV/resume
• Copy of passport
• Research samples or portfolio (for specific programs)

Ensure all documents are authenticated and translated if required.

Read also: Vital Voices Global Fellowship (VVGF)

Step 3: Submit University Application

For most UAE scholarships, you must first apply and secure admission to the university:

• Create an account on the university’s application portal
• Complete the application form with accurate information
• Upload required documents
• Pay application fees (if applicable)
• Submit your application before the deadline

Step 4: Apply for Scholarship

After receiving admission or simultaneously (depending on university policy):

• Complete the scholarship application form
• Provide additional scholarship-specific documentation
• Submit a compelling personal statement highlighting your achievements and goals
• Secure strong recommendation letters
• Submit scholarship application before the deadline

Step 5: Prepare for Interviews

If shortlisted:

• Research the university and program thoroughly
• Prepare to discuss your academic background and research interests
• Practice articulating your motivation and career goals
• Develop questions to ask the selection committee

Step 6: Follow Up

After submitting applications:

• Monitor your email for communications
• Respond promptly to requests for additional information
• Prepare for scholarship interviews if required
• Accept or decline offers within specified timeframes

FAQ: Fully Funded Scholarships in the UAE for 2025

What distinguishes fully funded scholarships from partial scholarships in the UAE?

Fully funded scholarships in the UAE cover complete tuition fees and provide additional financial support like monthly stipends, accommodation allowances, health insurance, and research funding. Partial scholarships typically cover only a percentage of tuition costs (25-75%) without additional living expenses, requiring students to finance remaining educational and personal expenses independently.

Are UAE fully funded scholarships available to all international students?

Yes, most UAE fully funded scholarships are open to all international students regardless of nationality, though some programs may have regional preferences or quotas. Institutions like Khalifa University, UAEU, and MBZUAI offer scholarships to qualified students from around the world, evaluating candidates based on academic merit, research potential, and program fit rather than country of origin.

What are the typical GPA requirements for fully funded scholarships in the UAE?

Fully funded scholarships in the UAE generally require minimum undergraduate GPAs of 3.0/4.0 for master’s programs and 3.5/4.0 for doctoral programs. Premier scholarships like Khalifa University’s Tier I funding often require GPAs of 3.7 or higher. Maintaining this academic performance throughout your studies is typically necessary for scholarship renewal.

What English proficiency scores are needed for UAE scholarships?

Most UAE fully funded scholarships require minimum IELTS scores of 6.5 (academic) or TOEFL iBT scores of 90. Some specialized or advanced programs may require higher scores (IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 100+). Certain universities may accept alternative tests like PTE Academic or have conditional acceptance programs for students slightly below these thresholds.

Can scholarship recipients work while studying in the UAE?

Most fully funded scholarship agreements in the UAE restrict off-campus employment, as these programs are designed to support full-time academic focus. However, some scholarships permit on-campus work as teaching or research assistants, which may provide additional experience and income. Always review your specific scholarship terms regarding employment limitations before accepting any work opportunities.

Is there an age limit for applying to fully funded scholarships in the UAE?

While most UAE scholarships don’t specify explicit age limits, they typically target recent graduates for master’s programs and early-career academics for doctoral studies. Some programs may have indirect age considerations through requirements like maximum years since graduation. However, mature students with strong credentials and clear research objectives are regularly considered, especially for specialized or professional programs.

Read also: University of Dayton Scholarships

Conclusion: Your Pathway to Funded Education in the UAE

Fully funded scholarships in the UAE for 2025 offer exceptional opportunities for talented students to pursue quality education without financial burden. These comprehensive packages not only cover tuition but provide the financial support necessary to fully engage with your academic program and the vibrant cultural experience of studying in the Emirates.

The key to securing these prestigious scholarships lies in early preparation, thorough research, and strong application materials. Begin by identifying programs aligned with your academic interests and career goals, then focus on developing a compelling application that highlights your academic achievements, research potential, and personal qualities.

Remember that competition for fully funded scholarships is intense, with institutions seeking candidates who demonstrate not just academic excellence but also leadership potential and a clear vision for how their education will contribute to their field and society. Start your application process early, prepare thoroughly, and present yourself as a candidate who will make the most of this valuable opportunity.

By investing time and effort in your scholarship applications, you open the door to a transformative educational experience in one of the world’s most dynamic and innovative nations.

Written by Dr. Fatima Al-Khouri, International Education Consultant with 10+ years of experience advising students on UAE scholarship opportunities.