MBZUAI Scholarship for International Students in 2026 (Fully Funded)

if you’re wrapping up your bachelor’s or master’s and you’re deep into artificial intelligence or anything STEM-related, the MBZUAI Scholarship could be your ticket to studying in Dubai without a single worry about costs. It’s all about chasing graduate programs in AI at a cutting-edge university that’s basically built for the future of tech.

This fully funded scholarship covers everything from tuition waivers to monthly stipends and even on-campus housing, so you can zero in on research in machine learning, computer vision, or natural language processing without side hustles. It’s open to internationals from anywhere, and with Dubai’s vibe — think endless innovation hubs and tax-free living — it’s a no-brainer for anyone eyeing AI careers in the UAE.

Details About MBZUAI Scholarship

Host Country	United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi)
Host Institution	Muhammad Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
Degree Level	Masters / PhD (Graduate)
Eligibility	International students
Benefits	Fully Funded
Number of Awards	All full-time admits (limited by program capacity)
Duration	Program length (1-2 years MSc; 3-4 years PhD)
Application Fee	None
Deadline	January 15, 2025

MBZUAI Scholarship Overview 2026

Muhammad Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is this sleek, forward-thinking spot in Abu Dhabi, focused 100% on AI graduate degrees. No undergrad distractions here — it’s all masters and PhD programs in fields like computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, physics, and even newer ones like computational biology and human-computer interaction kicking off in fall 2026. The whole setup screams relevance: labs packed with the latest tools, faculty who’ve worked at Google or OpenAI, and ties to UAE’s massive push in AI research opportunities.

See Also: Simmons University Kotzen Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)

What makes the MBZUAI Scholarship stand out in the world of UAE scholarships for international students? It’s automatic for admitted full-timers — no extra begging required. You’re in a cohort of sharp minds tackling real-world stuff, like AI ethics or sustainable tech, with access to Masdar City’s eco-campus (solar-powered everything, plus gyms and coffee spots). It’s designed for folks ready to level up in deep learning or robotics engineering, blending academics with that desert-meets-futurism energy Dubai brings.

Scholarship Benefits

The perks hit hard right from day one, turning what could be a financial nightmare into smooth sailing.

• Tuition fees → 100% waived, no questions.
• Monthly stipend → Cash in your pocket to cover life: 8,000 AED for masters in AI students, bumping to 10,000 AED for PhD in artificial intelligence. It’s meant for rent, food, and fun, but yeah, you’ll dip into it for housing fees.
• Accommodation and meals → Free on-campus digs in Masdar City — think en-suite rooms, shared kitchens, Wi-Fi everywhere, plus a gym, sports courts, and a canteen slinging breakfast through dinner.
• Health insurance → Full coverage, no copays on doctor visits or emergencies.
• Visa sponsorship → They handle your UAE entry and renewal, saving you headaches and fees.

Eligibility Requirements for 2026 Intake

They keep it straightforward but selective — it’s about proving you can hang in a high-octane AI research environment.

• A solid STEM background: For masters programs, a bachelor’s in computer science, engineering, math, or physics from a recognized uni (UAE MOE-approved). For PhD tracks, add a master’s on top.
• GPA minimum: 3.0 out of 4.0 overall, but aim higher (3.5+ shines) — transcripts in English, with degree certs.
• English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS Academic 6.5 overall — no waivers unless your degree was fully in English.
• Work or research experience? A plus, especially for PhDs, but not mandatory if your academics pop.
• UAE folks need extra like Emirates ID, but internationals? Just your passport and proof you’re not a UAE national (to qualify fully).
• Seniors can apply mid-program with partial transcripts — just finalize everything by semester one. It’s all geared toward international AI scholarships seekers with a spark for data science or neural networks, no matter your home turf.

Also See: Stanford University Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded | USA

Required Documents

Gather these sharp and in English (or certified translations):

• Official transcripts and degree certificates (or expected grad letter if you’re wrapping up).
• CV — one-pager highlighting academics, projects, publications, and AI skills like Python or TensorFlow.
• Research proposal (PhD only, 3-5 pages): Outline your idea, gap it fills, methods, expected impact — keep it original, no faculty hand-holding.
• Statement of purpose (500-1,000 words): Spill on why MBZUAI AI programs, your background, career goals in machine learning applications.
• Letters of recommendation: Two for masters (academic or pro refs), three for PhD — they’ll get a link to upload.
• Passport copy and recent photo (white background).
• English test scores: TOEFL or IELTS, valid and uploaded.
• Optional GRE General: Not required, but a strong score (300+ quantitative) can tip scales for borderline apps.

For UAE degrees, add attestation; outsiders, equivalency cert by semester one. It’s the backbone of your fully funded PhD UAE pitch.

How to Apply For MBZUAI Scholarship

The process is clean — all online, no fees, just focus.

1. Head to apply.mbzuai.ac.ae and register — pick your masters in computer engineering or whatever fits.
2. Build your profile: Plug in education, experience, and upload that CV right away.
3. Craft your SOP — make it personal, tying your AI passion to UAE’s vision.
4. For PhD, draft that proposal — research a gap in reinforcement learning, justify your angle.
5. Line up refs — enter their emails; they handle the rest by deadline.
6. Attach everything: Transcripts, tests, passport — double-check formats (PDFs under 10MB).
7. Prep for the screening exam (math, programming, ML basics — sample questions on site).
8. Submit and exhale — if shortlisted, technical interview follows (chat your research fit).

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Website

For full details and deadlines visit the MBZUAI Scholarship Page.