Scholarship Summary:
Funding: Fully Funded
Host University: Muhammad bin Zayed University
Level: Masters, PhD
Subjects to study: Computer Science, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence
Host Country: International Students, Domestic Students
Host Country: United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Application Deadline: 31 May 2025
Description
The Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi is offering fully funded scholarships for 2025, targeting future leaders and researchers in AI. With state-of-the-art facilities and a global academic environment, MBZUAI provides an exceptional opportunity for Master’s and Ph.D. students to engage in cutting-edge AI research. The scholarship covers 100% tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, UAE visa sponsorship, and a monthly stipend. Applications open on 1st October 2024, with a regular deadline of 15th January 2025 and late submissions accepted until 31st May 2025.
About the University:
The Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi is the world’s first graduate-level, research-based university focused solely on artificial intelligence (AI). Established to advance AI knowledge and drive innovation, MBZUAI offers specialized Master’s and Ph.D. programs in areas such as computer vision, machine learning, and natural language processing. The university provides students with access to cutting-edge research facilities, a globally recognized faculty, and collaborative opportunities with leading industry partners. Its mission is to prepare graduates to become leaders in AI, whether in academia, industry, or government sectors.
Degree Level
Muhammad Bin Zayed University UAE Graduate Scholarships 2025-2026 (Fully Funded) is available to undertake Masters, PhD level programs at Muhammad bin Zayed University.
Benefits
MBZUAI provides students with a range of graduate programs in a dynamic and innovative university environment, set in Abu Dhabi, the vibrant capital of the UAE. It merges a modern education system with a strong curriculum, enriched by Abu Dhabi’s rich culture and heritage, offering a distinctive learning experience.
All full-time students benefit from a complete scholarship, but maintaining this scholarship, along with stipends and other benefits, requires high academic performance, adherence to the university’s code of conduct, and meeting specific requirements throughout the program.
The scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees
- On-campus accommodation
- Health insurance and UAE visa sponsorship for non-UAE nationals
- Monthly stipend (as per university regulations outlined in the University Catalogue):
International and UAE resident students:
- MSc: AED 8,000
- PhD: AED 10,000 (Married PhD students may request off-campus accommodation with an additional AED 5,000 housing allowance, subject to approval and required documentation).
UAE national students:
- MSc: AED 30,000 (single) or AED 33,000 (married, upon submission of official documents)
- PhD: AED 36,000 (single) or AED 39,000 (married, upon submission of official documents).
Eligible Nationalities
This scholarship is open to domestic and international students of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria for Master of Science (MSc) and Ph.D. in Computer Science at MBZUAI
- Academic Background:
MSc:
Completed Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) from a UAE MoE accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent.
Ph.D.:
Computer Science: Completed Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from a UAE MoE accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent.
Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, or Robotics: Completed Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a STEM field from a UAE MoE accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 (Bachelor’s) or 3.2 (Master’s) or equivalent.
- English Language Proficiency:
Proof of English language ability through a valid certificate of:
- TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 90
- IELTS Academic with a minimum score of 6.5
- EmSAT English with a minimum score of 1550
- Waiver available for citizens of UK, USA, Australia, and New Zealand who completed K-12 through relevant degrees in those countries.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE):
- Optional, but considered a plus factor in the evaluation.
Additional Requirements:
MSc:
- Statement of Purpose (500-1000 words) outlining motivation, background, experience, achievements, goals, and supporting details.
- Two referee recommendations.
- Online Screening Exam (highly encouraged, but waivable with strong evidence).
- Interview (for a select number of applicants).
Ph.D.:
- Statement of Purpose (500-1000 words) outlining motivation, background, experience, achievements, goals, and supporting details.
- Research Statement summarizing your potential research project and the research gap you aim to address.
- Three referee recommendations.
- Online Screening Exam (highly encouraged, but waivable with strong evidence).
- Interview (for a select number of applicants).
Other Notes:
- All applicants must submit transcripts, degree certificates, and (for graduating students) an expected graduation letter.
- Degree attestation from UAE MoE (for UAE degrees) or Certificate of Recognition from UAE MoE (for international degrees) is required within the first semester at MBZUAI.
- All submitted documents must be in English or include official English translations.
- Official academic documents should be stamped and signed by the university authorities.
Application Procedure
Required Documentation for MBZUAI Admissions
All Applicants:
- Application Form: Complete the online application form.
- CV: Submit a CV detailing your academic background, work experience, research publications, and programming/coding skills.
- Academic Documents:
- Official Bachelor’s degree transcript and certificate (or expected graduation letter if still completing the degree).
- Official Master’s degree transcript and certificate (or expected graduation letter if still completing the degree) for Ph.D. applicants only.
- Recommendations: Provide at least 3 recommendations for Ph.D. applicants and 2 for MSc applicants.
- Research Statement: Required only for Ph.D. applicants (upload in PDF format).
- Statement of Purpose: Upload in PDF format.
- English Language Proficiency: Submit a valid English language proficiency certificate (must meet admission criteria and be provided upon admission).
- Passport Copy: A valid copy of your passport.
- National ID: A valid copy of your Pakistan national identity card (for Pakistani nationals).
- Photo: A photo with a white background.
- Entrance Exam: Highly recommended, but applicants may opt out.
UAE Nationals:
- Emirates ID: A valid copy of your Emirates ID.
- Passport Copy: A valid copy of your passport with a unified ID number.
- National Service Letter: A valid UAE national service completion or exemption letter (for UAE national males).
- Family Book: A copy of your family book or your UAE national mother’s family book (if an Abnat Mwatnat applicant).
- Birth Certificate: A UAE birth certificate (for Abnat Mwatnat applicants).
- Mother’s Documents: If an Abnat Mwatnat applicant, provide a valid Emirates ID and passport copy of your UAE national mother.
- UAE Visa: A valid UAE visa (for non-GCC Abnat Mwatnat applicants).
UAE Residents:
UAE Visa: A valid UAE visa.
Emirates ID: A valid copy of your Emirates ID.
Note: All documents must be in English or accompanied by legal English translations. Official academic documents should be stamped and signed by the university authorities.
How to Apply?
This guide outlines the application process for Master’s (MSc) and Ph.D. programs at MBZUAI.
Step 1: Review Admission Criteria
Check requirements for your desired program (Master’s or Ph.D.)
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
All documents must be in English or translated.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Apply by the “Regular Deadline” for full consideration (Jan 15, 2025).
Late applications are accepted until May 31, 2025, but not guaranteed full consideration.
Step 4: Check Application Status
Track your application and recommendation letters through the online portal.
Step 5: Online Screening Exam (Optional)
Take the exam to strengthen your application (highly encouraged).
Waiver possible with strong evidence of research skills and expertise.
Step 6: Technical Interview (For Selected Applicants)
Prepare for a potential interview with the admissions committee.
Step 7: Admission Decision
Admissions decisions are sent by March 31st for applications submitted by the regular deadline.
Additional Information:
Transfer credits may be considered (up to 25% of total program credits).
All admitted students receive full scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, stipend, and health insurance.
Scholarship details vary for international and UAE national students.
