Mohammed Bin Zayed University Scholarships 2026

You know what’s really exciting about studying artificial intelligence right now? The field’s moving so fast that you can literally be part of shaping tomorrow’s technology. And honestly, there’s no better place to do this than at Mohammed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi, through the Mohammed Bin Zayed University Scholarships.

The MBZUAI Scholarship 2026 offers international students the prestigious opportunity to pursue Master’s and PhD programs in Artificial Intelligence at the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. As the first research university in the region specializing entirely in AI, this institution isn’t just following trends – it’s creating them. What I’ve noticed is that most students don’t realize how comprehensive these scholarships actually are. We’re talking about full funding that covers everything from tuition to your monthly living expenses.

Actually, let me clarify something important here. For most of its graduate programs, MBZUAI grants all full-time admitted students the privilege of completing their studies with a full scholarship. That means if you get accepted, you’re basically guaranteed financial support. Pretty amazing, right?

Also read: Chinese Government Scholarship 2026 for International students

Scholarship Overview

Here’s what you need to know upfront:

Academic Level: Master’s and PhD programs in the Artificial Intelligence field
Host Institution: Mohammed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
Country: United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi)
Duration: 2 years for Master’s programs, 3-4 years for PhD programs
Application Type: Online application through the official portal
Scholarship Type: Fully funded with comprehensive benefits
Language: English (all programs taught in English)
Research Focus: Cutting-edge AI research with world-class faculty
Eligible Countries: Open to all countries worldwide
Regular Deadline: January 15th, 2026
Late Deadline: May 31st, 2026

Also read: Yale University Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded) for International Students.

Mohammed Bin Zayed University Scholarships Coverage

So here’s the thing – when I say “fully funded,” I mean it covers absolutely everything you’d need as an international student. MBZUAI Scholarships 2025 provides international students with a fully funded pathway to study AI in the UAE, covering tuition, living expenses, and healthcare.

The comprehensive scholarship package includes:

100% tuition fee waiver for the entire program duration
A monthly stipend allowance is provided to all admitted students during their study period
PhD students receive AED 10,000 monthly (Married PhD students may request off-campus housing with an additional AED 5,000 housing allowance)
On-campus accommodation in modern Masdar City residence halls with en-suite facilities
Meals and dining facilities – canteen open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Health insurance coverage throughout your studies
Round-trip flight tickets to Abu Dhabi at program start and completion
Visa and Emirates ID processing assistance
Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a gym, sports areas, restaurants, and coffee shops
Internet and utilities are included in the accommodation
Professional development opportunities and conference funding
Career services and industry networking events

Wait, actually let me mention something important about maintaining these benefits. To keep your scholarship, stipend, and other benefits, you’re expected to maintain high academic standing, comply with the University code of conduct, and fulfill certain academic requirements throughout your studies.

Remember, for the Master’s in Applied Artificial Intelligence program, a different scholarship framework applies since it’s primarily fee-based, with scholarships available to only a limited number of students.

Also read: Gates Cambridge Scholarship for Master’s (Fully Funded)

Eligibility Criteria for Mohammed Bin Zayed University Scholarships

Now, don’t worry – the eligibility requirements aren’t as scary as they might seem at first glance. What I’ve observed from working with scholarship applicants is that MBZUAI looks for genuine passion and potential rather than just perfect grades.

The basic eligibility requirements include:

Bachelor’s degree from a university accredited or recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education for Master’s applicants
Master’s degree from a university accredited or recognized by the UAE MOE for PhD applicants
Minimum CGPA of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent – this is confirmed across multiple official sources
English proficiency demonstrated through TOEFL iBT (minimum 90) or IELTS Academic (minimum 6.5)
STEM background in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or other relevant science and engineering fields
All nationalities welcome – this scholarship is open to students from all countries worldwide
4-year bachelor’s degree equivalent to UAE degree program standards
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General score is optional, but considered a plus during evaluation
Strong motivation to contribute to AI research and development

Also read: Chevening Scholarships 2025 | Fully Funded for Master’s

Required Documents for Mohammed Bin Zayed University Scholarships

Honestly, gathering documents can feel overwhelming, but here’s exactly what you’ll need to submit. I always tell students to start collecting these early because some take time to obtain.

Required documents include:

Completed online application form with all sections filled accurately
Official academic transcripts in English from all previously attended institutions
Degree certificates with a minimum 3.2 CGPA (Bachelor’s for Master’s applicants, Master’s for PhD applicants)
English proficiency test scores (TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS Academic 6.5+ official results)
Two to three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
Statement of Purpose (500-1,000 words) outlining your research interests and career goals
Research proposal (3-5 pages, PhD applicants only) – must be written completely independently
Updated CV/Resume highlighting academic and professional achievements
Passport-sized photo and a copy of the passport with at least 6 months’ validity
GRE General test scores (optional but recommended for a stronger application)
Portfolio or published research papers (if applicable to strengthen your application)

Also read: Required Scholarship Documents: 47 Must-Have Documents

Available Programs and Courses

Before you apply, you’ll want to know exactly which programs qualify for these scholarships. MBZUAI offers specialized graduate programs that are directly relevant to current market needs in AI.

Available degree programs include:

Master of Science in Computer Vision
Master of Science in Machine Learning
Master of Science in Natural Language Processing
Master of Science in Robotics
Master’s in Applied Artificial Intelligence (fee-based program with limited scholarships)
PhD in Computer Vision
PhD in Machine Learning
PhD in Natural Language Processing
PhD in Robotics

What’s really cool is that MBZUAI is located in Masdar City, a sustainable urban community designed as a smart innovation cluster. The campus uses low-carbon transportation methods, including electric buses and golf carts. All students receive housing accommodation in modern facilities with en-suite bathrooms, a kitchen, and living areas with TV and internet connection. You’ll also have access to a gym, multi-purpose sports areas, restaurants, coffee shops, and a canteen open for all meals.

How to Apply for Mohammed Bin Zayed University Scholarships

The application process is actually pretty straightforward once you understand the timeline. Here’s the thing, though – you really want to apply by the regular deadline to get full consideration.

Follow these application steps:

Step 1: Visit the official MBZUAI admissions portal and create your account
Step 2: Complete the online application form with accurate personal and academic information
Step 3: Upload all required documents in PDF format through the portal
Step 4: Request letters of recommendation to be submitted directly through the online system
Step 5: Submit your complete application before the deadline (no application fee required)
Step 6: Take the online screening exam to demonstrate your technical knowledge and skills
Step 7: Attend the technical interview if selected by the admissions committee
Step 8: Wait for admission decision and scholarship confirmation by March 31st, 2025

Actually, let me clarify something about that screening exam. All applicants with complete files, including the required number of recommendations, will be invited to participate in an online screening exam to assess their knowledge and skills. While it’s not mandatory, I’d strongly recommend taking it. It’s basically your chance to show what you know beyond just your transcripts.

Also read: Fulbright Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded for International Students

Application Deadline for MBZUAI Scholarships

This is super important, so pay attention to these dates. Application Portal Opens | Regular Deadline | Decision Notification Date | Late Deadline | 1st October 2026 (8:00 AM UAE time) | 15th January 2026High-calibre applicants who apply by the ‘Regular Deadline’ and have complete applications (including the required recommendations) will be given full consideration. | 31st March 2026 (5:00 PM UAE time)*Due to the EID holidays, decisions for ‘Regular Deadline’ applicants will be communicated no later than April 2nd or 3rd, depending on which day is the first working day. | 31st May 2026The online application portal will remain open until the ‘Late Deadline’. We do not guarantee that these late applications will be given full consideration.

So basically, you’ve got until January 15th, 2026, for the regular deadline, but honestly? Don’t wait until the last minute. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting full consideration for both admission and funding.

Tips for a Winning MBZUAI Scholarship Application

After helping dozens of students with their applications, here’s what I’ve learned makes the difference between acceptance and rejection:

Statement of Purpose Strategy: Your 500-1,000-word statement needs to tell a compelling story. Don’t just list your achievements – explain how they connect to your AI goals. What specific problem do you want to solve? How does MBZUAI fit into your career vision?

Research Proposal Excellence (PhD applicants): This 3-5 page document can make or break your application. The key is identifying a genuine research gap and proposing a feasible investigation method. Remember, you must write this completely independently – MBZUAI faculty won’t help during the application process.

GPA Requirements Reality Check: That 3.2 minimum CGPA is non-negotiable. If you’re slightly below this, consider strengthening other parts of your application or gaining more relevant experience before applying.

English Proficiency Beyond Minimums: While the minimum is TOEFL iBT 90 or IELTS 6.5, competitive applicants often score much higher. Aim for TOEFL 100+ or IELTS 7.0+ to stand out.

Alternative UAE Scholarship Opportunities

If you’re interested in studying in the UAE, consider these additional fully funded options:

Abu Dhabi University Scholarships – offering up to 100% tuition waivers
American University of Sharjah Scholarships – merit-based funding available
Khalifa University Scholarships – engineering and science focus
UAE University Scholarships – various programs for international students

Also, check other scholarships in the UAE: Scholarships in the UAE

Official Website

Ready to start your application? Head over to the official MBZUAI website, where you’ll find the most up-to-date information and application portal. The admissions team is actually pretty responsive if you have questions. Applicants are encouraged to contact the admissions team via email at [email protected] or by completing the form below.

You can access all the application materials and submit your scholarship application at the official MBZUAI admissions page. Don’t forget to check out their specific program requirements, too, since each AI specialization might have slightly different expectations.

Apply Now and take the first step toward your AI career in one of the world’s most innovative tech hubs.