Scholarships to Study in UAE for International Students 2025

Content Curator | Updated On - Oct 7, 2024

Scholarships to study in UAE for international students are available in the form of merit based and need based scholarships. Up to 100% scholarships are available for applicants who demonstrate strong academic performance, work experience and test scores. Generally, there is no separate application form for merit-based scholarships. However, some universities may ask for a separate scholarship application along with essays and other documents.

Students seeking need based scholarships to study in UAE must demonstrate strong financial need by providing financial proof such as bank statements. Need based scholarships in UAE covers cost of living, flight charges, visa applications fees, textbooks, and health insurance. However, such scholarships are available in limited numbers for international students. Hence, you are advised to apply for scholarships at least 4–5 months in advance to receive priority consideration.

Scholarships to Study UG Courses in UAE

Undergraduate students in UAE can avail a scholarship ranging from 50 to 100% in UAE based on academic average/GPA, ELP scores or EMSAT scores. To improve your chances of receiving undergraduate scholarships in UAE, you must target an academic average above 90% in Std 12th along with an IELTS score of 6.5 or better. Check out some of the popular UG scholarships with eligibility criteria and amount awarded.

Awarded By	Scholarship Name	Eligibility Criteria	Amount
Khalifa University	Undergraduate Scholarship	3.3 GPA	100% tuition fee
		3.0-3.29 GPA	75% tuition fee
		2.50-2.99 GPA	50% tuition fee
UAE University	Undergraduate Scholarship	98% in high school with IELTS-7.5 or 1800 EMSAT English for 100% scholarship	100% tuition fee
		97% in high school with IELTS-7.0 or 1675 EMSAT English for 75% scholarship	75% tuition fee
		95% in high school with IELTS-6.5 or 1550 EMSAT English for 50% scholarship	50% tuition fee
Al Qasimia University	Undergraduate Scholarship	2.0 GPA \| Student must maintain 2.0 GPA each semester or else the scholarship will be discontinued	1,500 AED Stipend
American University of Sharjah	Merit Scholarships	Applicants with 90% or above in high school	10-30% tuition fee waiver
	President’s Scholarship	First-time first year students, commencing their studies in fall semester	100% tuition fee waiver
	Chancellor’s Scholarships	First-time first year students, commencing their studies in fall semester	100% tuition fee waiver
Ajman University	Undergraduate Scholarship	99% or above in High school	30% tuition fee discount
		95% or above in High school	20% tuition fee discount
		90% or above in High school	20% tuition fee discount
Zayed University	UG Merit Scholarship	International students 95% or above average in High School	100% tuition fee + 25,000 AED
BITS Pilani	UG Scholarship	90% aggregate in 12th board examination	50% first year tuition fee
Emirates Aviation University	Chancellor Scholarships	95% in last year of high school and IELTS score of 6.0	100% tuition fee
Emirates Aviation University	Vice Chancellor’s Scholarships	90% in last year of high school and IELTS score of 6.0	50%

Scholarships to Study PG Courses in UAE

Indian students are eligible to receive scholarships for both masters and PhD degrees in UAE. Master’s degree students are eligible to receive a scholarship between 10 - 100% on a merit basis.

Awarded By	Scholarship Name	Eligibility Criteria	Amount Awarded
Zayed University	Graduate Merit Scholarship	3.8 GPA	40%
		3.6 - 3.8 GPA	25%
		3.2 - 3.6 GPA	10%
Khalifa University	Master's Scholarship	Tier I and Tier II	100% tuition fee + Flights coverage + textbook + medical insurance + UAE visa application fee
		Tier III	50% tuition fee + Flights coverage + textbook + medical insurance + UAE visa application fee
		Tier IV	Flights coverage + textbook + medical insurance + UAE visa application fee
UAE Government	IRENA Scholarships	3.0 GPA and IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 91 \| GRE Quantitative score of 155	Variable
UAE University	PhD Scholarship	3.5 GPA in Masters degree	Full tuition fee + monthly stipend + health insurance (if required) + 3,000 AED for external scholarship or 2,000 AED for international scholarship
Emirates Aviation University	Chancellor Scholarships	3.8 GPA on 4.0 scale in bachelor’s degree and IELTS score of 7.0 \| Must be admitted in the fall semester	100%
Emirates Aviation University	Vice Chancellor’s Scholarships	3.5 GPA on 4.0 scale in bachelor’s degree and IELTS score of 7.0	50%

MBA Scholarships to Study in UAE

MBA students in UAE typically receive a scholarship up to 50% in UAE based on proven work experience, strong academic background and GMAT/GRE scores. Very handful of universities in UAE offer MBA scholarships for international students, which are as follows:

Awarded By	Scholarship Name	Eligibility Criteria	Amount Awarded
Heriot Watt University	Tomorrow’s Leaders MBA Scholarships	Applicants with 5 years of full-time work experience \| Must hold unconditional admission offer to full-time and part-time MBA at Heriot-Watt \| Must have paid tuition fee deposit and should be self funded \| Separate application form and 800 words essay required	50%
NYU Dubai	NYUAD MBA Scholarship	Students with strong academic background	Varies
NYU Dubai	Dean’s Scholarship	Meritorious admitted students are considered for this scholarship	Varies
Bayes Business School	Asia & Asia Pacific Award	Applicants with strong academic background and professional experience are considered	30%
	Impact Scholarship	Applicants from diverse background with exceptional academic background are eligible	Varies
	Academic Distinction Scholarship	Applicants with high GMAT or GRE score and strong academic standings are considered for this scholarship	Varies

How to Apply for Scholarships in UAE?

The basic eligibility requirements for scholarships may vary depending on university, level of program. However, there are some basic criteria and steps that you must follow to secure scholarships in UAE:

Research scholarships at least 4 to 6 months before the application deadline.
Shortlist the scholarship based on your academic background, desired course and university.
Check the minimum eligibility criteria and application deadlines for scholarships.
Gather documents such SOP, LOR, transcripts, and test score reports for merit based scholarships.
You will be automatically considered for merit based scholarships without submission of separate applications.
A need-based may require a separate application along with proof of finance.

Students achieving strong academic average and test scores are more likely to avail merit based scholarships in UAE. Those who couldn't meet the minimum requirements for merit based scholarships may look for other options such as need based scholarships, part-time work and assistantships (research based courses). With part-time jobs in UAE, you can expect to earn between 1,200 to 2,400 AED (27,326 to 54,652 INR) per month while working 20 hours per week. This will help you cover your monthly living expenses in UAE.