MBZUAI Graduate Scholarships 2026 – Fully Funded Scholarships in UAE

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is a world-leading, graduate research university dedicated to advancing AI. For Fall 2026, it’s offering fully funded Graduate (MSc & PhD) AI programs. Here’s your complete guide to MBZUAI’s graduate admission process, eligibility, requirements, scholarship details, and deadlines.

Eligibility & Requirements

To apply for an MSc or PhD at MBZUAI, you must meet the following:

• Hold a degree in a STEM field (e.g. Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, etc.) from a university recognized by UAE’s Ministry of Education. Minimum CGPA is usually 3.0 to 3.5 / 4.0, depending on the program.
• Senior-level students can apply if they have an expected graduation letter; official transcripts and degree certificates are required later.
• Degree attestation (for UAE degrees) or Certificate of Recognition (for degrees outside UAE) must be submitted, usually by first semester.

Additional required materials include:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) — academic background, any research experience, work experience, coding / programming skills.
• Statement of Purpose
• Research Statement (for PhD applicants)
• Referee recommendations — typically 2 for MSc, 3 for PhD.
• Official transcripts / degree certificates (or expected versions if not yet completed)
• Valid English language proficiency certificate (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) and passport copy.

Admission Process

Here’s how the application steps typically go:

1. Complete the online application form via MBZUAI’s portal.
2. Submit all required documents (CV, transcripts, statement of purpose, research statement (if applicable), recommendation letters, English test scores, etc.) before the deadline.
3. Take the screening exam, which checks foundational knowledge (programming, mathematics, computer science basics). PhD candidates may also be tested on more advanced subjects like Machine Learning.
4. If selected, you’ll be invited to a technical interview with members of the admissions committee.
5. Wait for final decision notification. MBZUAI aims to inform applicants by a specific date (see deadlines below).

Scholarship & Financial Support

All full-time admitted MSc & PhD students (except those in the Master in Applied AI – MAAI program) receive a full scholarship, which includes:

• 100% tuition coverage
• Monthly stipend (higher for UAE nationals)
• Visa sponsorship (for international students)
• Health insurance coverage

Monthly stipend amounts (AED) are approximately:

• For UAE nationals: ~ AED 37,500 for MSc, ~ AED 43,500 for PhD
• For international students: ~ AED 15,500 (MSc), ~ AED 17,500 (PhD)

Note: stipend includes housing support, but students are responsible for housing costs (on/off campus) from their stipend. On-campus housing option exists, with monthly fee to be deducted if used.

Why MBZUAI?

• It’s the first university in the world dedicated solely to AI, with cutting-edge research and faculty.
• Small class sizes, high faculty-to-student ratio, strong mentorship.
• Strong financial support so you can focus on studies without financial burden.