Paying for university is one of the biggest concerns for students planning to study abroad. If you’re considering the UAE, the good news is that many universities offer scholarships to international students to help reduce tuition costs.

The challenge is knowing which scholarships you can actually apply for.

Many websites mix scholarships for Emirati nationals with funding available to international students, making it difficult to understand what’s genuinely available. This guide cuts through that confusion by focusing only on scholarships international students can realistically apply for.

You’ll discover:

  • which universities offer scholarships for international students
  • where fully funded scholarships are available
  • what eligibility requirements you need to meet
  • how much funding you could receive
  • how to improve your chances of securing a scholarship

Whether you’re planning to study in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, this guide will help you compare your options and make informed funding decisions before you apply.

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Can International Students Get Scholarships in the UAE?

International students can get scholarships in the UAE, but almost all of them come from universities rather than the UAE government. UAE federal government scholarship schemes, run by bodies such as the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Ministry of Presidential Affairs Scholarship Office, are designed to send Emirati nationals to study abroad rather than to fund international students coming into the UAE.

Scholarship Provider Open to International Students Funding Type
UAE federal government (MoHESR, Scholarship Office) No, for Emirati nationals studying abroad Outbound government funding
UAE public universities and research institutions Yes, in most cases Merit and fully funded research scholarships
Private universities and branch campuses Yes Merit scholarships and tuition discounts
External and foundation scholarships Yes, depending on the programme Partial funding, not UAE specific
Explore Why Study in UAE?

How Competitive Are UAE Scholarships?

Not all scholarships are equally competitive. Understanding how funding is typically awarded can help you focus on opportunities that best match your academic profile and set realistic expectations when planning your study budget.

Scholarship Type Competition What It Offers Best For
Fully funded scholarship Very High Covers full tuition and may include living costs, accommodation and health insurance. Students with exceptional academic or research profiles.
Merit scholarship Moderate to High Partial tuition fee reduction based on academic achievement. High-performing students with strong school or university grades.
Tuition waiver or discount Lower Reduces tuition fees based on specific eligibility criteria. Students eligible through academic performance, family enrolment, sports or other university schemes.

StudyIn Tip

While fully funded scholarships receive the most attention, they’re also the most competitive. Most international students secure partial tuition scholarships or merit-based discounts, so compare universities where your academic profile gives you the strongest chance of receiving financial support.

Scholarship Eligibility and Renewal Requirements

Getting a scholarship is only the first step, keeping it is just as important. Most universities require scholarship recipients to continue meeting academic and enrolment conditions throughout their studies. Reviewing these requirements before you apply can help you choose awards you’re more likely to secure and maintain throughout your studies.

  • Strong academic performance that meets the university’s published scholarship criteria.
  • Admission to an eligible programme at the university offering the scholarship.
  • English language proficiency, such as IELTS, TOEFL or another accepted qualification, where required for admission.
  • Supporting documents, which may include academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a personal statement or portfolio, depending on the scholarship.
  • Additional eligibility criteria, such as financial need, leadership experience, sporting achievements or extracurricular involvement for certain awards.

Scholarship renewal checklist

To continue receiving your scholarship after enrolment, you may need to:

  • Remain enrolled as a full-time student.
  • Maintain the minimum GPA or academic standard specified by the scholarship.
  • Meet satisfactory academic progression throughout your programme.
  • Comply with the university’s scholarship terms and conditions, including any attendance or conduct requirements.
  • Complete any renewal formalities, if required by the scholarship provider.

StudyIn Tip

Before accepting a scholarship, review both the eligibility criteria and the renewal conditions. A scholarship that’s easier to maintain throughout your degree may offer better long-term value than one with stricter renewal requirements.

Which UAE Scholarship Category Fits Your Profile?

Before comparing individual universities, it helps to know which broad category of funding actually matches your academic level and goals. Working through this in order, from your study level to the type of programme you want, narrows the search considerably.

  1. International student
  2. Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD or working professional
  3. Academic strength, financial need or research ambition
  4. Recommended scholarship category
  • Merit scholarships. Automatic or lightly competitive tuition discounts based on your school or degree results.
  • Need-based financial aid. Grants assessed against demonstrated financial circumstances alongside academic standing.
  • Fully funded research scholarships. Tuition, stipend and often housing, mostly at Master’s and PhD level.
  • Tuition waivers. Fixed discounts tied to a specific criterion, such as family enrolment or athletic ability.
  • External scholarships. Foundation or third-party funding not tied to a single UAE university.

Can Scholarships Make Studying in the UAE Affordable?

Scholarships reduce the cost of studying in the UAE, but very few cover everything. Most international students should plan for a meaningful personal contribution even after a scholarship is applied, particularly toward living costs, health insurance top ups and visa fees.

Funding Level Tuition Coverage Living Costs Covered Typical Student Contribution
Fully funded 100 percent Often included as a stipend Personal spending only
High merit scholarship 30 to 50 percent Rarely included Remaining tuition plus full living costs
Standard merit scholarship 10 to 30 percent Not included Most of tuition plus full living costs
No scholarship 0 percent Not included Full tuition and living costs

Fully Funded Scholarships in the UAE

Fully funded scholarships exist in the UAE, but they are concentrated at a small number of research-focused institutions and are genuinely competitive rather than widely available.

1. Khalifa University scholarship

  • Who can apply. International students at undergraduate, Master’s and PhD level.
  • Coverage. A limited number of full scholarships cover 100 percent of tuition for non-national students with outstanding academic results. A broader partial scholarship track covers 50 percent of tuition. Postgraduate funding can include a monthly stipend, medical insurance and support to attend research conferences.
  • Renewal. Tied to maintaining strong academic standing throughout the programme.
  • Competition level. Very high for the full scholarship, high for the partial track.
  • Best for. High-achieving STEM applicants, particularly at Master’s and PhD level.

2. MBZUAI scholarship

  • Who can apply. International and UAE-based applicants to Master’s and PhD programmes in artificial intelligence at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi.
  • Coverage. Funding is bundled with admission for most accepted students and typically includes full tuition, a monthly stipend, health insurance and UAE residence visa sponsorship for non-nationals.
  • Renewal. Requires maintaining academic standing and progress in your research.
  • Competition level. Very high. This is a specialised, research-intensive university with a small annual intake.
  • Best for. Strong applicants in computer science, machine learning or related fields pursuing postgraduate research.

3. Al Qasimia University Scholarship

  • Who can apply. International students worldwide, at Bachelor’s and Master’s level, with the exception of UAE nationals.
  • Coverage. Full tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, health insurance, airfare after 50% course completion and visa processing.
  • Renewal. Subject to maintaining academic and conduct standards.
  • Competition level. High, though the university actively recruits a large international cohort from more than 75 countries.
  • Best for. Students seeking an Islamic-values-integrated curriculum alongside modern academic disciplines.

Expert View

“Students often assume a fully funded scholarship is the default option in the UAE. In reality, it is the exception, and it usually goes to applicants with a strong research profile, not just a high GPA. Most students should plan around a merit discount and build the rest of the budget around that.”

Rahul Chauhan — Counsellor, StudyIn

Compare UAE University Scholarships

Beyond the fully funded institutions, most private universities and branch campuses in the UAE offer merit-based tuition discounts. These are the most common forms of scholarship international students actually receive.

1. American University of Sharjah

American University of Sharjah (AUS) offers one of the UAE’s most comprehensive scholarship programmes for international students. Academically strong applicants may be automatically considered for Merit Scholarships, covering 10% to 20% of tuition and laboratory fees, with no separate application required. Students with exceptional academic achievements and leadership potential can apply for the competitive President’s Scholarship, which covers full tuition and laboratory fees, on-campus accommodation, a monthly stipend, medical insurance and additional benefits. AUS also offers need-based financial grants, and according to the university, around two-thirds of students receive some form of scholarship or financial assistance, making it a strong choice for students seeking funding opportunities.

2. Abu Dhabi University (ADU)

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) offers a range of scholarships and tuition waivers for international students based on academic achievement, postgraduate performance and extracurricular talent. Undergraduate students can qualify for Academic Scholarships, while postgraduate applicants may be eligible for Merit-based Graduate Scholarships, and talented athletes can apply for dedicated Athletic Scholarships. ADU also offers family tuition waivers and other financial support schemes. Although the university has a 100% H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Scholarship, it is reserved for top graduates of UAE public secondary schools and is generally not available to international applicants studying from abroad.

3. University of Sharjah

University of Sharjah (UoS) offers a broad range of scholarships and tuition discounts that reward academic achievement from admission through to graduation. High-performing undergraduate students can receive a 50% tuition discount (except medicine and dentistry) in their first semester based on their school results, while continuing students may qualify for 15% to 40% distinction discounts by maintaining an excellent GPA. The university also offers sibling discounts, programme-specific tuition reductions and postgraduate tuition discounts, making UoS one of the more affordable study destinations for international students in the UAE.

4. Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Heriot-Watt University Dubai offers one of the UAE’s most flexible scholarship portfolios, giving international students multiple ways to reduce their tuition fees. Undergraduate applicants can receive Merit Scholarships of up to 50%, while eligible postgraduate students may qualify for 10% or 15% tuition scholarships. The university also recognises sporting excellence, community engagement and women in business through dedicated scholarship awards, alongside family and alumni discounts. Most scholarships are renewable, provided students continue to meet the university’s academic progression requirements.

5. University of Birmingham Dubai

University of Birmingham Dubai rewards strong academic performance through its Chancellor’s Academic Merit Scholarships, offering up to 30% tuition support for undergraduate and postgraduate students. All eligible applicants are automatically considered during the admissions process, with no separate scholarship application required. Students may also benefit from additional awards, including the Secure Your Spot Scholarship and Alumni Scholarship, where eligible. For exceptional applicants, the university also offers a limited number of invitation-only scholarships with significantly higher funding, making Birmingham Dubai an excellent choice for academically ambitious international students.

6. Middlesex University Dubai

Middlesex University Dubai offers a broad range of scholarships and grants designed to support students at different stages of their academic journey. High-performing applicants can benefit from the Academic Excellence Scholarship, while additional funding is available through the International Study Grant, Professional Study Grant and Alumni Study Grant. Many awards are automatically assessed or activated once students accept their offer and meet the eligibility requirements. With multiple funding pathways available, Middlesex Dubai is a strong option for international students looking to make studying in the UAE more affordable.

Canadian University Dubai, The British University in Dubai (BUiD), Curtin University Dubai and Murdoch University Dubai also offer merit-based scholarships and tuition discounts for international students. As funding varies by programme and intake, exploring multiple universities can help you find the scholarship that best matches your academic profile.

Key Insight

Most private universities in the UAE offer tuition discounts or merit scholarships rather than fully funded awards, so it is worth budgeting for the remaining tuition and full living costs even with a scholarship in hand.

Explore Best Universities in UAE

How to Apply for Scholarships in the UAE

The scholarship process usually runs alongside your university application rather than as a separate track, though some awards do require additional documents or an interview.

  1. Research universities and confirm which scholarships apply to international applicants
  2. Shortlist universities based on your budget and academic profile
  3. Submit your university application
  4. Complete any separate scholarship assessment, where required
  5. Receive your offer and scholarship decision
  6. Apply for your student visa

Documents commonly required:

  • Passport
  • Academic transcripts
  • English language test results
  • Personal statement
  • Recommendation letters
  • CV, where required
  • Research proposal, for postgraduate research programmes

Common Reasons Applications Are Rejected

  • Missing the scholarship or admission deadline
  • A weak or generic personal statement
  • Applying for a scholarship tier above your current academic profile
  • Incomplete or missing supporting documents
  • Not meeting the minimum academic or English language requirement

Ready to Apply? Use This Scholarship Checklist

Before you apply for scholarships in the UAE, take a few minutes to assess whether you’re targeting the right opportunities for your academic profile, budget and study goals.

Scholarship readiness checklist

  • Do you meet the academic requirements for the scholarships you’re applying for?
  • Can you maintain the required GPA throughout your studies to keep your scholarship?
  • Do you need full financial support, or will a tuition scholarship be enough?
  • Can you cover any remaining tuition fees and living expenses after the scholarship is applied?
  • Are you applying for scholarships that match your academic profile rather than only the highest-value awards?
  • Have you considered both scholarship value and university fit when shortlisting your options?

StudyIn Tip

The best scholarship isn’t always the one that offers the highest funding. Choosing a university that aligns with your academic profile, career goals and budget can deliver better long-term value than focusing on tuition costs alone.

Need Help Finding the Right Scholarship?

With hundreds of scholarships available across UAE universities, it can be difficult to know which opportunities you’re most likely to secure. A StudyIn counsellor can help you compare universities, identify scholarships that match your profile and understand the total cost of studying before you submit your applications.

Book Your Free Scholarship Consultation

FAQs

Can international students get scholarships in the UAE?

Yes. International students can apply for scholarships in the UAE. Most funding is offered by individual universities rather than a central UAE government programme. Scholarships range from partial tuition discounts to a limited number of fully funded awards, particularly for postgraduate and research programmes.

Are scholarships in the UAE fully funded?

Some scholarships are fully funded, but they are less common. Most international students receive partial tuition scholarships or fee discounts and should plan to cover accommodation and other living expenses unless their award states otherwise.

Which university offers the best scholarships?

There isn’t a single best university for scholarships. The right option depends on your course, level of study and academic profile. Research-focused universities often offer comprehensive postgraduate funding, while many public and private universities provide generous merit-based tuition scholarships.

Can Indian students apply for UAE scholarships?

Yes. Indian students can apply for most UAE university scholarships if they meet the academic, English language and other eligibility requirements. However, some government or specialised scholarship schemes may have nationality or residency restrictions, so always check the scholarship criteria before applying.

Do scholarships cover accommodation?

Some scholarships include accommodation or a living allowance, but most focus on reducing tuition fees. Unless your scholarship specifically states that housing and living expenses are covered, you should budget for these costs separately.

Can scholarships be renewed every year?

Many scholarships are renewable if you continue to meet the university’s requirements. These typically include maintaining the required GPA, remaining enrolled full-time and meeting the scholarship’s academic and conduct conditions throughout your studies.

When should I apply for UAE scholarships?

Apply as early as possible, ideally before the university’s main admission deadline. Some scholarships have separate application deadlines, while others automatically assess eligible applicants during the admissions process. Always check the timeline for each university and scholarship.

Do I need IELTS to get a scholarship in the UAE?

Most UAE universities require proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, for admission to English-taught programmes. Scholarship eligibility usually depends on meeting these admission requirements, although some applicants may qualify for an approved exemption.

Can I combine multiple scholarships in the UAE?

It depends on the university. Some institutions allow students to combine a scholarship with selected discounts or grants, while others permit only one award at a time. Check your university’s scholarship policy before relying on combined funding.

What GPA do I need to keep a scholarship?

The GPA required to renew a scholarship varies by university and scholarship type. Higher-value awards often have stricter academic requirements, while others may have lower renewal thresholds. Always check your university’s published scholarship renewal criteria before accepting an award.