United Arab Emirates (UAE) Scholarships
1. United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) Scholarships
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United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is the UAE’s flagship national university and offers scholarships for high-achieving international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Scholarship types include full and partial tuition waivers depending on academic performance and program.
📍 Location: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
🎓 Degree: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
🟡 Status: 2026 application dates not yet publicly posted — monitor the admissions portal
What scholarships may cover:
- Full or partial tuition waiver
- Additional benefits vary by scholarship type and program
⚠️ Action required: UAEU scholarship information is not always publicly accessible in advance. Sign up for UAEU’s mailing list and check the scholarship and admissions pages regularly for 2026/2027 announcements.
👉 Visit UAEU Admissions & Scholarship Page
2. Khalifa University Scholarships
Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi is one of the Arab world’s top-ranked research universities, specialising in science, engineering, and technology. It provides fully funded scholarships for graduate students, typically covering tuition, a monthly stipend, and accommodation.
📍 Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
🎓 Degree: Master’s and PhD — science, engineering, and technology
🟡 Status: Applications typically open between December and April — check the portal for 2026/2027 dates
What the scholarship covers:
- Full tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation support
👉 Visit Khalifa University Admissions Portal
3. Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) Scholarships
Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is the world’s first graduate-level AI university, located in Abu Dhabi. It offers fully funded scholarships to all admitted students — covering every major cost so you can focus entirely on your research.
📍 Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
🎓 Degree: Master’s and PhD — Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing)
🟡 Status: Applications typically open December–April — check portal for current 2026/2027 cycle
What the scholarship covers:
- Full tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend
- On-campus accommodation
- Access to world-leading AI research facilities
💡 Perfect for: Computer science graduates, data scientists, and engineers who want to specialise in AI at the postgraduate level.
👉 Apply at the MBZUAI Admissions Portal
Regional Arab-Wide Scholarship: Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL)
The Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL) is a regional scholarship program supporting female students from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to pursue undergraduate and graduate study at partner universities around the world. It is one of the most impactful women-focused scholarship programs operating across the Arab region.
📍 Scope: MENA region applicants — global university placement
🎓 Degree: Undergraduate and Graduate
🔴 2026/2027 cycle: Opened November 5, 2025 — closed January 30, 2026
🟡 Next cycle: Expected to open November 2026 — watch the DFL website from October
What the scholarship covers:
- Full tuition at a partner university
- Housing
- Meals
- Air travel
Eligibility requirements:
- Female citizens and residents of a MENA country
- Demonstrated financial need
- Strong academic record — minimum 75% average
- Resilience and commitment to community service
- Intent to return to home country after completing studies
How to apply: The DFL Scholarship Program page contains separate application forms for undergraduate and graduate applicants. During an open cycle, click the button for your intended level of study to access the online application portal. You must also apply directly to your chosen partner university as instructed on the site.
⚠️ The 2026/2027 cycle is now closed. The next cycle typically opens in late November. Bookmark the DFL website and return in October 2026 to prepare your documents in advance.
👉 Visit the Daughters for Life Foundation Scholarship Page
Full Summary: UAE & Regional Arab Scholarships at a Glance
| Scholarship | Country | Level | Status | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAEU Scholarships | UAE | UG & PG | Monitor portal | UAEU Portal |
| Khalifa University | UAE | Master’s & PhD | Dec–Apr cycle | KU Portal |
| MBZUAI (AI University) | UAE | Master’s & PhD | Dec–Apr cycle | MBZUAI Portal |
| Daughters for Life (DFL) | MENA-wide | UG & Graduate | Next cycle: Nov 2026 | DFL Site |
Key Recommendations: How to Stay Ahead of These Deadlines
- Act immediately on open Saudi opportunities. As of April 25, 2026, KFUPM is still accepting applications until April 26 and KAUST until May 7. If you have not applied yet, stop reading and submit now.
- Plan ahead for KAU. King Abdulaziz University’s graduate scholarship deadline is October 31. The next cycle may open mid-2026 — prepare your documents now.
- Track UAE portals monthly. UAEU, Khalifa University, and MBZUAI do not always announce deadlines publicly in advance. Add their admissions pages to your bookmarks and check every month from October onwards.
- Set a reminder for DFL in October 2026. The Daughters for Life Foundation typically opens applications in November and closes in January. Female applicants from MENA countries should prepare their documents before October.
- Follow Qatar partner institutions. QFFD scholarships depend on the admission timelines of Doha Institute, Lusail University, and HBKU. Track their admissions pages directly for 2026/2027 announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigerian students apply for UAE university scholarships?
Yes. Khalifa University and MBZUAI both accept international applicants globally, including from Nigeria. UAEU also considers international students — check each institution’s specific eligibility criteria on their admissions pages.
Is MBZUAI only for AI specialists?
MBZUAI focuses exclusively on artificial intelligence at the graduate level. Strong backgrounds in computer science, mathematics, or engineering are typically required. If you have these foundations, it is one of the most generously funded AI scholarships in the world.
Does the DFL scholarship apply to students studying outside the MENA region?
Yes. DFL places scholars at partner universities around the world — not only in the MENA region. The scholarship requirement is that the applicant is a female citizen or resident of a MENA country and intends to return home after completing her studies.
When should I start preparing my scholarship application?
At least three to four months before the expected deadline. For UAE universities, begin gathering transcripts, reference letters, and English test scores by September for cycles that typically open in December. For DFL, start preparing in September for a November opening.
Start Your Application — Direct Links
👉 United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
👉 Khalifa University — Graduate Admissions
👉 MBZUAI — World’s First AI Graduate University
👉 Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL) — MENA Women’s Scholarship
All information verified against official university and foundation portals as of April 25, 2026.
