✨ Introduction
The United Arab Emirates is not just a global business hub—it’s rapidly becoming a center for academic excellence. With top-tier universities, world-class research centers, and international campuses, education in the UAE has become more accessible and inclusive. One of the key enablers behind this growth is the range of scholarships in the UAE.
Whether you’re an Emirati national, a resident expatriate, or an international student, the availability of scholarships in the UAE for 2025 is more diverse and generous than ever before. These funding opportunities span across bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs, supporting students in various fields from STEM to arts, humanities, to business.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore 15 prominent scholarships and grants offered across the UAE in 2025, how to apply, eligibility requirements, and tips to improve your chances. Let’s begin.
1️⃣ 🇦🇪 Khalifa University Scholarships
Khalifa University offers full and partial scholarships in the UAE to both local and international students.
Eligibility:
- Excellent academic standing
- STEM program enrollment
- IELTS or TOEFL scores
Coverage:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Health insurance
- Accommodation
2️⃣ 🏫 Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI (MBZUAI)
MBZUAI provides competitive scholarships in the UAE for postgraduate students in Artificial Intelligence and related fields.
Benefits include:
- 100% tuition coverage
- Monthly allowance
- On-campus housing
The university is located in Abu Dhabi and is globally ranked in AI research.
3️⃣ 🎓 United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) Scholarships
UAEU offers a range of scholarships in the UAE for undergraduate and graduate programs.
Categories:
- Full scholarships for Emiratis
- Merit-based scholarships for international students
- Research assistantships for graduates
4️⃣ 🕌 Islamic Development Bank Scholarship (IDB)
This is one of the international scholarships in the UAE available for Muslim students who wish to pursue studies in fields critical to development.
Coverage:
- Tuition and living expenses
- Health insurance
- Research grants
Students from eligible countries can apply for programs in UAE universities.
5️⃣ 🧑🏫 Zayed University Merit Scholarships
Zayed University offers partial and full scholarships in the UAE for high-achieving students.
Key Points:
- Open to Emiratis and expats
- Competitive GPA and extracurriculars required
- Renewable yearly, based on performance
6️⃣ 🌍 American University in Dubai (AUD) Grants & Scholarships
AUD provides various scholarships in the UAE:
- Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship
- Academic Excellence Scholarship
- Financial Hardship Grants
Students must demonstrate academic merit and/or financial need.
7️⃣ 📚 American University of Sharjah (AUS) Financial Grants
AUS supports students through merit and need-based scholarships in the UAE:
Options include:
- Chancellor’s Scholars Award
- Family Tuition Grants
- Athletic Scholarships
The application deadline usually falls in March/April each year.
8️⃣ 👩🎓 Middlesex University Dubai Scholarships
Middlesex offers up to 50% tuition discounts through its scholarships in the UAE, based on:
- Academic excellence
- Sports achievements
- Financial hardship
Early application increases the chance of being awarded.
9️⃣ 📖 University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD)
UOWD’s scholarships in the UAE range from 15% to 50% of tuition fees and cover various undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Eligibility:
- Academic merit
- Leadership or volunteer work
🔟 🌐 Canadian University Dubai Scholarships
Canadian University offers a wide array of scholarships in the UAE:
- Academic Excellence Scholarships
- Financial Hardship Scholarships
- Special Talent Scholarships
Students must maintain a certain GPA to renew benefits each semester.
1️⃣1️⃣ 🎓 Heriot-Watt University Dubai Scholarships
Known for engineering and business programs, Heriot-Watt offers scholarships in the UAE, including:
- Early Bird Discounts
- Merit-Based Grants
- Women in Engineering Scholarships
1️⃣2️⃣ 💡 INSEAD UAE Campus Fellowships
INSEAD provides need-based scholarships in the UAE for MBA candidates at its Abu Dhabi campus.
Criteria include:
- Demonstrated financial need
- Professional excellence
- Leadership potential
1️⃣3️⃣ 🌱 Masdar Institute of Science and Technology Scholarships
Integrated into Khalifa University, this Abu Dhabi-based school focuses on sustainability and innovation, offering full scholarships in the UAE.
Specialties include:
- Renewable Energy
- AI and Robotics
- Advanced Materials
1️⃣4️⃣ 🎨 Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) Grants
DIDI’s creative scholarships in the UAE support young designers with financial aid based on talent and academic performance.
Programs include:
- Visual Arts
- Product Design
- Fashion Futures
1️⃣5️⃣ 🧑🎓 Government and Private Organization Scholarships
Many government ministries and private companies in the UAE offer scholarships in the UAE:
Examples:
- Ministry of Education Grants
- ADNOC and ENOC scholarships for engineering
- Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) scholarships
These are typically tied to employment bonds after graduation.
💡 Application Tips for 2025
To improve your chances of securing scholarships in the UAE:
- Apply early and monitor deadlines
- Ensure all documents (transcripts, personal statements) are updated
- Highlight community service and extracurricular activities
- Get recommendation letters from reputable sources
Use tools like ScholarshipPortal and university websites for updates.
🎯 Conclusion
Pursuing higher education in the UAE has become more financially feasible, thanks to a growing number of scholarships. From merit-based and need-based awards to specialized fellowships in design, AI, and engineering, students in 2025 will have more options than ever before.
Whether you’re a high school graduate aiming for an undergraduate degree or a working professional seeking a master’s or PhD, the opportunities for scholarships in the UAE are abundant and varied. Each institution has its application process and eligibility criteria, so it’s crucial to research thoroughly and apply beforehand.
Remember, scholarships in the UAE are more than financial relief—they are also a vote of confidence in your potential. The right scholarship can open doors to top-tier education and a transformative career.
Don’t let tuition fees hold you back—explore the scholarships above, prepare a strong application, and take that next step toward academic success in the UAE.
🌐 External Links
- Khalifa University Scholarships
- Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI
- Zayed University
- UAEU Scholarships
- American University in Dubai
- AUS Scholarships
- Canadian University Dubai
- University of Wollongong in Dubai
- DIDI Scholarships
Also Read: Top Universities in the UAE: A 2025 Guide to Higher Education Excellence