The UAE has some of the most generous university scholarships in the world — and most international students don't know about them. NYU Abu Dhabi is need-blind and meets 100% of demonstrated need. Khalifa University offers full tuition plus a monthly stipend to STEM students. AUS awards merit scholarships covering 25–100% of fees. If you're academically strong, the UAE can cost you close to nothing.

Here are the scholarships worth applying for, what they cover, and how to win them.

NYU Abu Dhabi: The Most Generous Package in the Region

NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is one of the few universities in the world that is genuinely need-blind for international students. That means your financial situation does not affect your chances of admission. And if you're admitted, the university meets 100% of your demonstrated financial need.

What's Covered

Full tuition (valued at ~$72,000/year for 2025/26)
On-campus housing
Dining plan
Travel to and from Abu Dhabi at the start and end of each academic year
Health insurance
A personal enrichment stipend (approximately $2,000/year)

Students from families earning under $65,000/year typically receive a full package covering everything. Students from higher-income families still receive significant aid on a sliding scale. Even middle-to-upper-income families can receive meaningful support.

Admission Requirements

NYUAD admits roughly 4–6% of applicants. It's among the most selective universities globally. You need exceptional academics (top 5% of your class), strong standardized test scores (SAT 1500+ or ACT 34+, or equivalent), and compelling extracurricular involvement and essays. The holistic review is genuinely holistic — students with unusual backgrounds or talents can succeed.

Apply in Round 1 (November 1 deadline) for priority consideration. Round 2 is January 1. Notification in late March.

Khalifa University: Full Funding for STEM

Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi is an Emirati government-funded research university focused on engineering, science, and technology. For competitive international students, it offers one of the most attractive scholarship packages in the Middle East.

Khalifa University Scholarship for International Students

Value: Full tuition waiver + monthly stipend of AED 2,000–3,000 ($545–$820)
Duration: 4 years (undergraduate) or program length (postgraduate)
Fields: Engineering, computer science, aerospace, nuclear sciences, petroleum engineering
Requirements: Strong STEM background, SAT/equivalent scores, recommendation letters, academic interview

The stipend won't cover rent in Abu Dhabi (where a shared room costs AED 1,800–3,000/month), but combined with paid research assistant positions (which many Khalifa students hold from Year 2), it's manageable. The university also has affordable on-campus housing available to scholarship recipients at reduced rates.

Postgraduate Scholarships at Khalifa

Master's and PhD students at Khalifa University typically receive a full tuition waiver plus a research assistant stipend of AED 5,000–9,000/month. These are among the best-funded postgraduate STEM positions in the Arab world. Competition is intense; a strong undergraduate GPA (3.5+) and research experience are essential.

American University of Sharjah: Merit Scholarships

AUS awards merit scholarships to international students based on academic achievement at admission. These are not need-based — they're automatic if you meet the GPA threshold.

Scholarship Tier	Tuition Covered	Requirement
Chancellor's Scholarship	100% of tuition	GPA 3.9+ / SAT 1500+
President's Scholarship	75% of tuition	GPA 3.75+ / SAT 1400+
Dean's Scholarship	50% of tuition	GPA 3.5+ / SAT 1300+
Excellence Scholarship	25% of tuition	GPA 3.25+ / SAT 1200+

AUS tuition runs AED 60,000–90,000/year. A Chancellor's Scholarship saves you AED 60,000–90,000/year. Even the 25% tier reduces costs meaningfully. These scholarships are renewable annually if you maintain a 3.0+ GPA.

UAE Government Scholarships for Specific Nationalities

The UAE government and Abu Dhabi government offer scholarships specifically for students from partner countries. These aren't widely advertised — they're typically bilateral agreements between the UAE and other governments.

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives

Various scholarships under the MBR umbrella cover study at UAE universities. Some are targeted at Arab students, others at African students, others at students from developing nations in Asia. Check the MBRGI website directly — these programs change annually. The scholarships are fully funded (tuition + accommodation + stipend).

Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEK) Scholarships

ADEK occasionally funds international students to study at specific Abu Dhabi institutions (NYUAD, Khalifa, Sorbonne Abu Dhabi) as part of educational exchange programs. These are government-to-government grants — check with your home country's education ministry for eligibility.

OIC Scholarships for Muslim-Majority Countries

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation administers scholarship programs that include UAE universities. Students from OIC member states can apply. Fully funded, including flights and health insurance.

University of Sharjah Scholarships

The University of Sharjah (UoS) offers several scholarships for international students:

Academic Excellence Scholarship: 25–50% tuition reduction for students with GPA 90%+ from their high school
Postgraduate Research Scholarships: Full waiver + stipend for PhD students in active research areas
Student Aid Fund: Partial support for students facing financial difficulty mid-program

UoS tuition runs AED 30,000–60,000/year, making it one of the more affordable options. A 50% scholarship brings undergraduate costs to AED 15,000–30,000/year — competitive with many European universities.

Heriot-Watt University Dubai Scholarships

Heriot-Watt's Dubai campus offers a range of merit scholarships at admission:

International Merit Scholarship: AED 10,000–30,000 per year for high-achieving students
Engineering Excellence Award: AED 20,000/year for outstanding engineering applicants
Postgraduate Scholarships: 10–25% tuition reduction for qualified master's applicants

These are smaller than NYUAD or Khalifa but still worthwhile. A AED 25,000/year scholarship at Heriot-Watt reduces fees from ~AED 70,000 to ~AED 45,000.

Middlesex University Dubai Scholarships

Middlesex Dubai offers early application discounts and academic merit reductions:

Early Enrolment Scholarship: AED 5,000–10,000 one-time discount for early enrollment
Academic Achievement Scholarship: 10–20% tuition reduction based on prior grades
Research Studentships (postgraduate): Full tuition waiver for PhD students working on funded research

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi

Sorbonne Abu Dhabi offers scholarships for French-speaking students and students from Francophone countries, as well as merit awards for students with strong baccalaureate results. The French government's Campus France program also funds some students to study at Sorbonne Abu Dhabi as part of bilateral agreements.

External Scholarships You Can Use in the UAE

Several international scholarship programs allow recipients to study at UAE institutions:

DAAD (Germany)

The German Academic Exchange Service funds German students studying abroad, including at UAE universities. If you're a German student and your chosen UAE university is an established partner, DAAD grants of €750–1,200/month can offset costs significantly.

Erasmus+ International

EU students studying at UAE universities through an exchange agreement can receive Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility grants. These typically cover flights plus a monthly allowance of €700–1,000 for short exchange periods (one semester).

Chevening Scholarships

UK government Chevening Scholarships can be used at British-affiliated UAE universities (Heriot-Watt Dubai, University of Birmingham Dubai). Check Chevening's eligible institutions list annually.

Your Home Country Government

Many governments offer overseas study scholarships usable at accredited international universities. UAE universities are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and often hold international accreditations (AACSB, ABET, QAA). Check with your home ministry of education.

Scholarship Application Strategy

Approach UAE scholarships with the same preparation you'd give to any competitive process:

Apply early. AUS and other merit scholarships are often awarded in order of application. First-round applicants get priority consideration. Don't wait until the deadline.
Apply to NYUAD if you're academically strong. The acceptance rate is low but the package is exceptional. Even if you don't get in, the application process sharpens your other applications.
Contact admissions directly. Ask specifically what scholarships you'd be eligible for based on your academic profile. Admissions staff are often forthcoming with this information.
Negotiate. If you receive competing offers from multiple UAE universities, it's acceptable to present a competing scholarship offer and ask if your preferred university can match it.
Maintain your GPA. Most merit scholarships require a minimum GPA (usually 3.0–3.5) for renewal. Losing a scholarship mid-degree is a painful and expensive situation.

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi: French-Track Funding

Sorbonne Abu Dhabi offers merit-based scholarships for students admitted to its French-language programs. These include:

Excellence Bursaries: AED 10,000–25,000/year for high-achieving students from French-speaking countries or with strong baccalaureate results
Campus France Grants: The French government funds selected students to study at Sorbonne Abu Dhabi through Campus France bilateral agreements — typically AED 2,500–4,000/month stipend for 1–2 semesters
Research Funding (Master's/PhD): Joint funding with Abu Dhabi's ADEK for research students in priority fields

If you completed the French baccalaureate or its equivalent, Sorbonne Abu Dhabi is worth investigating. The Campus France grant effectively makes it a funded option — rare for a private university in the UAE.

When Scholarships Don't Cover Everything: Bridging the Gap

Even with a partial scholarship, many students face a funding gap. Here's how to bridge it:

Part-Time Work

Students on UAE residence visas can work up to 20 hours/week with a part-time work permit. Typical earnings: AED 1,600–2,400/month in retail or hospitality, AED 4,000–9,600/month tutoring. There's no income tax. See the visa guide for work permit details.

Research Assistantships

Research-active universities (Khalifa, UAEU, NYUAD) offer paid research assistant positions from Year 2 onward. These pay AED 1,500–3,000/month and count toward your academic record. Apply directly to faculty members whose research aligns with your interests.

Teaching Assistantships

AUS, University of Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi University offer teaching assistant roles for strong undergraduates (grading, lab supervision, tutoring). Pay: AED 800–1,500/month. Not huge, but useful for students needing a small supplement.

Emergency Aid Funds

Most UAE universities have a small emergency fund for students facing unexpected financial hardship mid-degree. These are non-competitive grants (not loans) for specific emergencies. Ask your student services office. They're not widely advertised — you need to request them directly.

Scholarship Application Timeline

University	Application opens	Scholarship deadline	Notification
NYU Abu Dhabi	September	November 1 (Round 1) / January 1 (Round 2)	Late March
Khalifa University	September	January 15	February–March
American University of Sharjah	October	Rolling (apply early)	With admission offer
Heriot-Watt Dubai	October	Rolling	With admission offer
University of Sharjah	November	March 31	April–May

For a full picture of UAE study costs with and without scholarships, see our UAE costs guide. For visa requirements, read the UAE student visa guide. The main overview is at study in UAE and details on funding at UAE costs and funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NYUAD truly free for low-income students?

For most admitted students from families with limited financial resources, yes — the package covers tuition, housing, meals, flights, and a personal stipend. The exact amount depends on your family's financial situation as assessed through their aid application process. Students from families earning under $65,000/year have historically received packages covering 90–100% of costs.

Can I apply to multiple UAE universities' scholarships simultaneously?

Yes. There's no restriction on applying to multiple universities. Apply broadly, collect all offers, and then make your decision. Each university has its own scholarship review process.

Are Khalifa University scholarships open to all nationalities?

Khalifa University scholarships are open to international students of all nationalities, with some targeted programs specifically for students from Arab countries. Check the university's financial aid office for any nationality-specific provisions in the current cycle.

Do UAE universities offer scholarships after the first year?

Merit scholarships are typically renewable annually if you maintain the required GPA. Some universities (AUS, Heriot-Watt) have an internal scholarship competition for continuing students who didn't receive a scholarship at admission. These are less generous but worth applying for.

What GPA do I need to maintain an AUS scholarship?

AUS requires a minimum 3.0 GPA per semester to retain your scholarship. If you fall below, you receive one warning semester. A second semester below 3.0 typically results in scholarship suspension.

Can international students work while holding a scholarship?

Yes. Scholarships don't prohibit part-time work. Students at NYUAD, Khalifa, and AUS regularly hold part-time jobs or research assistant positions. Work permits still apply — see our visa guide for the rules on part-time work.

Are there scholarships specifically for postgraduate (Master's/PhD) students?

Yes. Khalifa University offers fully funded postgraduate positions (tuition waiver + stipend AED 5,000–9,000/month) for research master's and PhD students. The University of Sharjah has postgraduate research scholarships. NYUAD's graduate programs are smaller but competitive. For PhD programs, most research students at UAE universities receive institutional funding.

What's the deadline for NYUAD scholarships?

NYUAD uses a unified application — financial aid is part of the admission application, not a separate process. Round 1 deadline: November 1. Round 2 deadline: January 1. There is no separate scholarship application form.

Top Scholarships for the UAE 2026