Applications are now open for the Khalifa University UAE Scholarship for the 2026 academic year. Khalifa University is offering a fully funded scholarship for international students to pursue Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD Programs.
The KU Scholarship is for both National and International students. It is a public University Located in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
The fully funded scholarship covers full tuition fees, airfare tickets, accommodation, health insurance, monthly stipends, books, and UAE visa fees.
It is the best opportunity to study in the UAE on a full scholarship. Below are more details about the admission requirements, financial benefits, and application process.
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Khalifa University UAE Scholarship
1. Benefits of the Khalifa University UAE Scholarship
2. Eligibility Criteria for Khalifa University UAE Scholarship
3. Documents required for Khalifa University UAE Scholarship
4. How to Apply for the Khalifa University UAE Scholarship
5. Deadlines for Khalifa University UAE Scholarship
6. FAQs about Khalifa University UAE Scholarship
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1. Benefits of the Khalifa University UAE Scholarship
1. Tuition Fee Coverage
Bachelor’s: The scholarship offers full tuition coverage for eligible students. Depending on the scholarship tier, partial waivers of 75%, 50%, or 25% are also available for other students.
Master’s & PhD: Full tuition fees are covered for both Master’s and PhD students under the scholarship program.
2. Monthly Stipend
Bachelor’s: No monthly stipend is offered at the undergraduate level; financial support is primarily tuition-based.
Master’s: The Master Research Teaching Scholarship (MRTS) provides a monthly stipend of AED 4,000 alongside full tuition and health insurance.
PhD: PhD students receive a basic monthly stipend of AED 20,000, with an additional monthly allowance of up to AED 20,000 subject to approval and meeting scholarship progression criteria bringing the total potential stipend to AED 40,000 per month.
3. Accommodation
Bachelor’s: Free university accommodation and free weekly transportation are provided for eligible undergraduate students.
Master’s & PhD: Graduate scholars receive either free university accommodation or a monthly housing allowance, depending on the scholarship tier and student status.
4. Health / Medical Insurance
All Levels: Medical insurance is covered for full-time international Master’s students. The same applies to PhD students under the research path scholarship. This insurance is sponsored directly by Khalifa University.
5. Free Textbooks
All Levels: Textbooks are provided by the university across all scholarship tiers from undergraduate through to doctoral programs.
6. Airfare & Travel Support
Master’s & PhD (International Students): Mobilization and demobilization flights between the student’s home country and Abu Dhabi are covered for full-time overseas international students, subject to approval.
7. UAE Visa Fee Coverage
Master’s & PhD (International Students): The scholarship covers UAE visa application fees for full-time international students. This removes one of the more overlooked financial hurdles of relocating abroad.
8. Research Conference Support
PhD (and some Master’s): The scholarship includes support to attend international research conferences, subject to approval, which gives students direct exposure to global academic networks and cutting-edge research.
9. No Separate Application Needed
Scholarship eligibility is built into the admissions process students don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application. All applicants are automatically reviewed and assigned to a specific scholarship tier based on academic merit and other relevant factors.
10. Open to All Nationalities
The scholarship is open to both international students and UAE citizens, making it a genuinely global platform for academic excellence and cultural exchange.
11. World-Class Academic Environment
Khalifa University is a research-driven institution with three colleges, three research institutes, 18 research centers, and 17 departments offering programs across science, engineering, and medicine. Studying here means access to industry partnerships and a university committed to the UAE’s knowledge economy transformation.
Quick Note: Benefits vary by scholarship tier (Tier I, II, III, etc.) and are reassessed annually based on academic progress. Meeting eligibility criteria doesn’t guarantee a specific tier academic strength plays a big role in what you’re ultimately awarded.
2. Eligibility Criteria for Khalifa University UAE Scholarship
Bachelor’s Degree Eligibility:
1.Successful completion of Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification from a recognized educational curriculum.
2. Meeting specific subject prerequisites that vary depending on the chosen program.
3. Satisfying the English language proficiency requirement, or qualifying for an approved exemption.
4. Shortlisted candidates may need to undergo additional assessments.
Master’s Degree Eligibility:
- A relevant bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
2. Achieving at least the minimum CGPA set by the specific program.
3. Providing proof of English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, an equivalent qualification, or an approved exemption.
4. Submission of two letters of recommendation.
5. A Statement of Purpose that describes your academic and professional goals.
6. An interview may be required for applicants who are shortlisted.
PhD Eligibility:
- Regular PhD track: A relevant bachelor’s degree along with a master’s degree.
2. Direct PhD track: A high CGPA at the bachelor’s level allows direct entry into the PhD program.
3. GRE scores are mandatory for the Direct PhD route, as per Khalifa University’s guidelines.
4. Proof of English proficiency, or eligibility for an approved exemption.
5. Two letters of recommendation.
6. A Statement of Purpose and a Research Statement that detail your research interests and plans.
7. Shortlisted applicants may be asked to attend an interview.
3. Documents required for Khalifa UAE University Scholarship
If you intend to apply for the Khalifa University UAE Scholarship, it is important to gather and submit all necessary documents well ahead of time.
Having a complete and well-organized set of documents not only enhances your chances of receiving the scholarship but also facilitates a smooth and efficient application process.
Below is a comprehensive list of the required documents for both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.
1. School Certificates or Transcripts
2. Equivalency or Attestation Documents (if applicable)
3. English Test Score (if required)
4. Passport and Photograph
5. UAE Residency Documents (if applicable)
6. Postgraduate Applicants (Master’s/PhD)
1. School Certificates or Transcripts
Provide your most recent academic transcripts or certificates from your school. These should show the courses you have taken, your grades, and any honors or distinctions you have received.
2. Equivalency or Attestation Documents (if applicable)
If your academic qualifications come from an institution outside the UAE, you may need to submit official equivalency or recognition documents. This usually involves attestation by relevant authorities to verify your school certificates.
3. English Test Score (if required)
Many international students must submit a valid English proficiency test score, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or other recognized exams. Ensure your scores meet the eligibility criteria established by Khalifa University.
4. Passport and Photograph
A valid passport and a recent passport-sized photograph are required. These documents help confirm your identity and nationality. Make sure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your application date.
5. UAE Residency Documents (if applicable)
If you are a UAE resident, you must provide relevant residency documents. This may include your Emirates ID, visa, or other proof of your legal residency status in the UAE.
6. Postgraduate Applicants (Master’s/PhD)
For postgraduate applicants, additional documents are needed to verify academic qualifications and research potential. These include:
6.1. Degree Certificates and Transcripts
Submit your official degree certificates and transcripts from all previous higher education programs (e.g., a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent). These should provide a complete record of courses taken and grades achieved.
6.2. Equivalency or Recognition Documents (where required)
If your degree was awarded by an institution outside the UAE, you may need to provide equivalency or recognition documents. These are necessary to confirm that your degree is recognized within the UAE education system.
6.3. English Test Score Report
As with undergraduate applicants, postgraduate candidates may need to provide proof of English proficiency. Acceptable tests may include IELTS, TOEFL, or other recognized assessments, depending on the program. Ensure your scores are current and meet the minimum requirements.
6.4. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
An up-to-date CV is an essential part of your postgraduate application. Your CV should highlight your academic background, professional experience, research interests, publications (if any), and other relevant achievements that demonstrate your readiness for graduate studies.
6.5 Statement of Purpose
The Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a critical component of your application. It should explain your reasons for pursuing postgraduate studies, outline your academic and professional goals, and describe why you believe Khalifa University is the right fit for you. Your SOP should clearly express your long-term career aspirations and the specific program to which you are applying.
6.6. Research Statement (for PhD Applicants)
PhD applicants must submit a research statement describing the research they intend to undertake during their doctoral studies. This statement should outline your research questions, methodology, and the potential impact of your work on your field. It is an opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm for research and your readiness for doctoral-level study.
6.7. Two Letters of Recommendation via the KU System
You must submit two academic or professional recommendations through the Khalifa University system. These letters should come from individuals who can attest to your academic or professional qualifications and your potential for success in the program.
6.8. Passport, Photograph, and Residency Documents (if applicable)
Like undergraduate applicants, postgraduate candidates must provide a copy of their passport, a recent passport-sized photo, and relevant residency documents (such as an Emirates ID, visa, or residency permit) if they are UAE residents.
4. How to Apply for the Khalifa University UAE Scholarship
The application process at Khalifa University is straightforward, but it demands attention to detail at every step. Since scholarship consideration is automatically built into the admissions process, a strong, well-prepared application does the heavy lifting for you. Here’s how to go about it:
Step 1: Pick the Right Program
Start by browsing the programs on offer and choosing one that genuinely fits your academic background and career direction. Both undergraduate and postgraduate admissions open periodically, so check the official KU admissions page for current intake status.
Official Programs & Apply Page: https://www.ku.ac.ae/apply
Step 2: Head to the Official Application Portal
Once you’ve identified your program, go directly to KU’s online admissions portal. Khalifa University maintains a dedicated online application portal for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Don’t apply through third-party agents or unofficial websites always use the official portal to avoid errors or miscommunication.
Online Application Portal: https://admissions.ku.ac.ae
Step 3: Fill the Form & Upload Your Documents
Complete every section of the application carefully. Applicants must upload the following: a certified copy of their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree certificate and transcript, an equivalency certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education (for those who graduated outside the UAE), English language scores (IELTS, TOEFL, or EmSAT), a GRE score report, a detailed CV, a Statement of Purpose (500–1,000 words), a passport-style photo on a white background, and a valid passport. PhD applicants must also submit a Research Statement of 500–1,000 words. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Graduate Application Procedure (Official Catalog): https://ku-ae.smartcatalogiq.
Step 4: Scholarship Assessment Happens Automatically
You don’t need to file a separate scholarship application. Scholarship eligibility is reviewed as part of the admissions process itself. All applicants are evaluated and mapped to a specific scholarship tier based on academic merit and other relevant factors, in line with KU’s strategic priorities. Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee a scholarship award.
Scholarship Information: https://www.ku.ac.ae/
Step 5: Interview (If Required)
Some applicants may be called for an interview or additional assessment, particularly for postgraduate programs. Postgraduate admission decisions are generally released around eight weeks after the application deadline. Prepare well this stage can be a deciding factor.
Step 6: Receive Your Offer & Review Scholarship Tier
Selected students receive an offer letter via email or through the application portal, which often includes scholarship details. To confirm admission, candidates must accept the offer and pay a non-refundable AED 5,000 deposit within the stated timeline. Final steps include document verification and visa processing, after which students begin classes during the Fall intake in August.
A Few Practical Tips Before You Submit:
- Apply early seats and scholarship slots are limited and competitive
- Double-check that every document is clearly scanned and correctly formatted
- Keep an eye on your email and portal for any follow-up requests from KU
- The application fee for undergraduate programs is free, while postgraduate applicants pay AED 200.
Key Official Links at a Glance:
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Main Apply Page | ku.ac.ae/apply |
| Online Application Portal | admissions.ku.ac.ae |
| Undergraduate Scholarships | ku.ac.ae/scholarships- |
| Graduate Scholarships | ku.ac.ae/scholarships |
| Graduate Catalog (Application Procedure) | smartcatalogiq.com – KU 2025-26 |
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5. Deadlines for Khalifa University UAE Scholarship for International Students
Khalifa University literacy for 2026 are merit- grounded, covering education, hires, and accommodation for good scholars.
operations are generally integrated into the admission process. While specific 2026 dates are n’t yet perfected, operations generally open beforehand in the time, with crucial deadlines for transnational and domestic scholars being between April and May 2026.
6. FAQs about Khalifa University UAE Scholarship
Q: Do I need to submit a separate application for the Khalifa University UAE Scholarship?
No, a separate scholarship application is not required. Khalifa University incorporates scholarship consideration into the admissions process. This means that when you apply for admission, you are automatically assessed for the scholarship based on your overall profile and qualifications.
Q: Is the GRE mandatory for all postgraduate applicants?
No, the GRE is not required for every postgraduate applicant. According to Khalifa University’s guidelines, it is primarily required for those applying through the Direct PhD track. For other postgraduate programs, it may not be necessary, but it is strongly recommended to check the specific requirements of your chosen program.
Q: Is IELTS compulsory for all applicants?
Not in every case. Khalifa University has defined English language requirements and also provides approved exemptions. Depending on your academic background or if your prior education was conducted in English, you may be eligible for an exemption. It is important to review the latest official criteria to confirm whether you need to submit an IELTS or equivalent score.
Q: Will I automatically receive the scholarship if I meet the minimum requirements?
No, simply meeting the basic eligibility criteria does not guarantee that you will be awarded the scholarship. Admission and scholarship selection at Khalifa University are competitive, and the number of available scholarships is limited. Final decisions depend on the overall strength of your application relative to other candidates.
Q: Do all scholarship recipients receive the same benefits?
No, scholarship benefits vary among recipients. The support package depends on several factors, including the level of study, the assigned scholarship tier, and the specific conditions established by the university.
Final Note:
It is always advisable to consult the official Khalifa University UAE Scholarship website for the most up-to-date information, as requirements and policies may change over time. Staying informed will help you prepare a stronger application and avoid any confusion during the process.
