Are you an international student dreaming of pursuing higher education in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) without worrying about tuition fees or living costs? Good news: The UAE offers fully funded scholarships to outstanding international students through prestigious universities and government programs.
Whether you’re aiming for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree, there are generous UAE scholarship opportunities in 2025 that cover full tuition, monthly stipends, accommodation, medical insurance, and even airfare.
This article provides full details, eligibility criteria, and official application links for UAE scholarships 2025 for international students.
Table of Contents
Top UAE Universities Offering Fully Funded Scholarships (2025)
| University Name | Scholarship Program Name | Degree Level | Apply Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khalifa University | Graduate Scholarship (KU MED, MS, PhD) | MS, PhD | kustar.ac.ae |
| United Arab Emirates Univ. | UAEU Graduate Scholarship | MS, PhD | uaeu.ac.ae |
| Mohamed Bin Zayed Univ. AI | MBZUAI Fully Funded AI Scholarship | MS, PhD | mbzuai.ac.ae |
| American Univ. of Sharjah | International Student Scholarship | BS | aus.edu |
| University of Sharjah | Sharjah Government Scholarship | BS, MS | sharjah.ac.ae |
| Al Qasimia University | Fully Funded Islamic & Arabic Studies Grant | BS | alqasimia.ac.ae |
Why Study in the UAE?
- 🌍 International study destination with global standards
- 🏛 Prestigious universities & modern campuses
- 🎓 English-taught programs in engineering, IT, AI, health sciences & more
- ✈️ Gateway between Asia, Europe, and Africa
- 🤝 Welcoming multicultural environment
Benefits of UAE Fully Funded Scholarships
Most scholarships in the UAE offer:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly living allowance (varies by university)
- On-campus housing or housing allowance
- Health insurance
- Round-trip airfare (some programs)
- Visa sponsorship
Detailed Scholarship Highlights
1. Khalifa University Graduate Scholarship
- 🎓 For MS & PhD in Engineering, Science, Health, & IT
- 💰 Covers tuition, monthly stipend (AED 8,000–12,000), accommodation, insurance
2. MBZUAI AI Scholarship
- 🎯 Special focus on Artificial Intelligence research
- 👩🎓 Open to global students with strong academic backgrounds
- 💰 Includes full tuition, monthly stipend (AED 8,000+), housing, insurance
3. UAE University Graduate Scholarship
- 🎓 For MS & PhD students
- 💰 Tuition waiver, monthly stipend, medical insurance, lab access
4. University of Sharjah Scholarship
- 🎓 Open to undergraduate & postgraduate students
- 💰 Full/partial fee waivers, dormitory, and allowances for top-performing students
5. Al Qasimia University Fully Funded Program
- 🎓 Primarily for Islamic & Arabic studies
- 🌎 Open to students from developing countries (Asia, Africa, etc.)
- 💰 Tuition, monthly allowance, airfare, and accommodation included
General Eligibility Criteria
- International nationality (non-UAE residents)
- Excellent academic record (GPA > 3.0/4.0 or equivalent)
- Valid passport
- IELTS/TOEFL score (for English-medium programs)
- Recommendation letters & Statement of Purpose
- Some may require GRE (for PhD applicants)
Required Documents
- Scanned passport copy
- Attested academic transcripts & certificates
- English proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Updated CV or resume
- Academic recommendation letters
- Research proposal (for PhD)
Application Timeline for 2025
| University | Deadline (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Khalifa University | October 2024 – March 2025 |
| MBZUAI | December 2024 – April 2025 |
| UAEU | October 2024 – February 2025 |
| University of Sharjah | April – July 2025 |
| Al Qasimia University | February – May 2025 |
FAQs – UAE Scholarships 2025 for International Students
Q1: Do I need a visa for study in UAE if selected?
Yes, but universities will sponsor your student visa once selected.
Q2: Can I work part-time during my studies in UAE?
Most universities allow part-time work on-campus. Some off-campus work is allowed with permission.
Q3: Is Arabic language required?
No. Most programs are taught in English, but basic Arabic can be helpful for daily life.
Q4: Can Pakistani students apply?
Absolutely. All these scholarships are open to Pakistani and other international students.
Final Words
The UAE is rapidly emerging as a global education hub, and these fully funded scholarship programs offer life-changing opportunities for students from around the world. From cutting-edge research in Artificial Intelligence to Islamic studies, UAE universities provide a unique blend of tradition and technology.
If you’re ready to study in the UAE with zero tuition fees, start preparing your application now!