Top scholarship programmes in the UAE
Looking for reputable scholarships in the UAE? Apart from reducing or eliminating tuition costs, academic scholarship programmes allow gifted applicants to reach their full potential and boost their chances of pursuing fruitful careers in the future. Many universities in the country offer grants to recognise the outstanding academic achievements of students and provide them with financial assistance to complete their higher education. We have compiled a list of scholarship programmes which allow international students to study in the country and also those that cater to UAE Nationals.
Scholarships for International applicants in the UAE
Many academic institutions in the UAE offer scholarships to international students who wish to continue their education in the country — based on mutual agreements between the UAE and foreign governments. Here are some reputed scholarships in the UAE that are accepting applications from foreign students:
UAE Government IRENA Scholarships for International Students
Those looking for renowned Abu Dhabi university scholarships can consider this scholarship programme by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The programme is supported by the UAE Government and includes 20 scholarships at the MASDAR Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, the programme also extends to the Master of Science Programmes offered at the institute.
The IRENA Scholarship focuses on sponsoring international students, especially those from developing countries, for the following courses:
- Chemical Engineering
- Computing and Information Science
- Electrical Power Engineering
- Engineering Systems and Management
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Microsystems Engineering
- Water and Environmental Engineering
For more information, please visit the official website of the MASDAR Institute of Science and Technology.
- Course level: Masters programme
- Deadline: 15th September 2020
- Scholarship worth: Full financial support for IRENA MSc scholars
International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship at Zayed University
Those looking for a Dubai scholarship for undergraduate programmes may consider Zayed University (ZU). Zayed University is recognised by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education which means that their academic initiatives are also recognised internationally.
The Undergraduate Merit Scholarship from the ZU is open only to international applicants with students from any nationality welcome to apply. Several majors are available in departments like the:
- College of Arts and Creative Enterprises
- College of Technological Innovation
- College of Natural and Health Sciences
- College of Business
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- College of Communication and Media Sciences
- College of Education
- College of Natural and Health Sciences
Apart from obtaining a minimum average of 95% or an equivalent, applicants are also required to provide proof of their English Language Proficiency.
- Course level: Undergraduate
- Deadline: June 30th, 2020
- Scholarship worth: 50% of tuition fees
UAEU International Undergraduate Scholarship
The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is inviting students from around the world to apply for an undergraduate scholarship opportunity for the year 2020-2021. Foreign applicants can acquire a full or partial waiver of their tuition fees at the university depending on their academic credentials.
The eligibility criteria for the undergraduate UAEU scholarship includes:
- A Grade 12 certificate or an equivalent with a score of at least 90%
- English language proficiency requirements with a score of at least 6.5 on IELTS or an equivalent.
Besides this, successful applicants must also maintain a specific GPA and complete a minimum of 15 credit hours in each academic term. Interested applicants may apply for the scholarship on the official website of the university.
- Course level: Undergraduate
- Deadline: July 2020
- Scholarship worth: 100% or 50% waiver of tuition fees
International Scholarships at Khalifa University
Khalifa University also offers scholarships in the UAE for Non-UAE nationals. Offered in the university’s bachelor degree programme, the scheme favours students who have obtained a minimum score of achievement in the following EmSAT subjects:
- Math: 825
- Physics: 500
- Arabic: 800
- English: 1100
The sponsorship will be awarded at the College of Science and the College of Engineering at the university. Applicants must also maintain a GPA of 3.3 or higher for admission. As one of the best universities in Abu Dhabi, Khalifa University can be ideal for foreign students looking to pursue undergraduate degree programmes in the UAE.
- Course level: Undergraduate
- Deadline: Open
- Scholarship worth: 50% to 100% waiving of tuition fee
Scholarships in the UAE for Emirati students
Apart from academic programmes that cater to international applicants, there are also several scholarship programmes in the UAE that focus on giving the same opportunities to local aspirants. These are the best scholarships in the UAE for local applicants:
TRA Scholarship Programme
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) offers the BETHA programme for graduate and undergraduate students. Through its ICT Fund, the TRA aims to enhance the country’s education sector in ICT-related courses.
The scholarships are available in disciplines like Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science and many other disciplines.
The BETHA programme has given hundreds of scholarships and enabled local students to study in the best institutes in the UAE, Japan, Australia and the USA. Here are some of the eligibility requirements:
- Applicant must be Emirati nationals and provide proof of the fact
- Must not have received financial assistance or scholarship from another programme
- Must have applied for specialisation in Telecommunications And Information Technology
Several universities and majors in the country are accredited in the BETHA programme. These include the American University of Sharjah, Khalifa University, The American University of Ras Al Khaimah and The British University in Dubai.
- Course level: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) and postgraduate (Master’s) degree programmes
Masaar Programme for College Scholarships
Launched by the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the Masaar programme offers college scholarships to UAE high school graduates. The initiative enables Emirati students to pursue further studies in Accounting, Finance and similar disciplines in accredited universities across the UAE.
Open only to UAE nationals, the programme requires applicants to possess one of three qualifications — a Diploma, Higher Diploma or a Bachelor’s Degree. Students must also obtain high school certificates with an aggregate of at least 75% or a 3.0 GPA.
Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University Scholarships
The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) offers various types of financial aid and scholarship schemes. There are currently 20 scholarships being offered in these programmes. The schemes include:
TUITION REMISSION
The e-university offers tuition remission for its undergraduate and post-graduate courses. Eligibility requirements for the undergraduate scheme include a minimum grade point average of 90% for a maximum 20% reduction in tuition fees. New students to the post-graduate programme who maintain a cumulative grade average of 3.60 out of 4.00 or an equivalent are also entitled to the same tuition remission.
STAFF AND STAFF RELATIVE DISCOUNT
Full-time staff at HBMSU who have completed their probation are entitled to a 20% scholarship provided that they have fulfilled the academic requirements.
Entaliq Scholarship Programme
Offered by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), the Entaliq scholarship programme for Emirati students is ideal for those who want to become qualified engineers and scientists. Successful applicants are provided access to various MBRSC partnerships in the world.
MoFAIC Scholarship
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) offers a scholarship scheme for gifted Emirati students. The overall goal of the programme is to allow students the chance to specialise in areas that fulfil UAE diplomatic requirements. Eligibility requirements include gaining admission in specialisations and universities that are approved by MoFAIC. Additionally:
- Applicants must be a maximum of 21 years of age
- Must have graduated high school with a grade average of 90% in the last academic year
- Must agree to study in a third language if required
- Must have an IELTS band score of at least 6.0, TOEFL score of 70 or an equivalent
- Must agree to join the Emirates Diplomatic Academy upon graduating
A full list of the eligibility requirements is available on the MoFAIC website.
EDAAD Scholarship Programme
An academic financial aid scheme under the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the EDAAD programme offers outstanding UAE nationals the chance to pursue post-graduate education in some of the world’s top universities.
ADNOC Scholarship program
Established in 1974, the ADNOC Scholarship programme enables Emirati students to apply for graduate and post-graduate programmes in leading global universities and also those in the UAE. The key purpose of the initiative is to encourage UAE Nationals to engage in academics that are relevant to the future of the ADNOC Group.
Those who wish to pursue higher education in the UAE via an ADNOC scholarship must complete these eligibility requirements:
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME
- An average score of not less than 85% from a school recognised by MoE, KHDA and ADEK with a minimum of 85% in each subject
- IELTS score of at least 6.0 or TOEFL score of 80 or above
- High school certificate (or equivalent) in a science stream or an equivalent
POST-GRADUATE PROGRAMME
- Minimum grade point average of 3.5 in a Masters or Undergraduate programme from an approved institute.
- IELTS 7.0 or above and a TOEFL score of at least 100
Eligibility requirements differ for UAE Nationals who want to use the ADNOC scholarship to study abroad. For a full list of conditions, visit the ADNOC website.
That’s all for our list of scholarships in the UAE. If you want to search for other academic opportunities yourself, you can start with the universities and colleges in Dubai.
For more information on the latest developments in the UAE, stay tuned to MyBayut.
