How much scholarship can I expect for universities in UAE for my master's course?
UAE master's scholarships fall into two tiers. Full scholarships at research universities like Khalifa University or MBZUAI cover one hundred percent tuition plus a monthly stipend of three thousand to over twenty thousand dirhams, while private universities typically offer partial waivers of fifteen to fifty percent off tuition instead.
How much scholarship money you can get for a Master's in the UAE depends mainly on whether you target a public research university or a private branch campus, since the two operate on very different funding models. STEM fields generally attract the strongest funding across both types.
Full versus partial scholarship coverage
| Scholarship type | What it typically covers | Example institutions |
|---|---|---|
| Full (comprehensive) | 100% tuition waiver, AED 3,000-20,000+/month stipend, often housing and insurance | Khalifa University, MBZUAI, UAEU |
| Partial (merit waiver) | 15% to 50% tuition reduction, rarely a living stipend | American University of Sharjah, American University in Dubai, University of Dubai |
What decides which tier you land in
- Field of study: engineering, computer science, AI, and renewable energy applicants see significantly higher funding chances and amounts than humanities applicants.
- Academic profile: partial scholarships usually require an undergraduate CGPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- No separate application at some universities: at institutions like Khalifa University, master's applicants are automatically screened for scholarships during regular admissions review.
My Advice
If your field is STEM, apply directly to Khalifa University or MBZUAI first since their full funding, stipend, and housing packages are hard to match elsewhere in the region. If you are set on a private branch campus instead, ask the admissions office in writing exactly what CGPA cut-off unlocks their top merit waiver before you finalise your application.
More expert answers
Yes, there are several scholarship opportunities for Master's programs in Computer Science in the UAE, and your strong academic background and likely IELTS waiver make you a competitive candidate.
- Khalifa University: Offers merit-based scholarships covering full tuition and sometimes stipends. Eligibility is assessed during admission, and an IELTS waiver may be possible for strong profiles.
- MBZUAI: Provides fully funded scholarships including tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and a monthly stipend (AED 8,000). IELTS waiver may be possible.
- UOWD: Academic Merit Scholarships cover 15 - 25% of tuition fees per trimester.
- Zayed University: Offers competitive graduate merit scholarships; automatic consideration during admission.
- University of Dubai: Full scholarships are available for select students in relevant programs.
Scholarship amounts and requirements are subject to change. For the most current details and next steps, connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.
The maximum scholarship available in Dubai depends on the university and scholarship program.
- Up to 100% tuition: Some universities, like BITS Pilani Dubai, offer merit-based scholarships that can cover the full tuition fee for students with outstanding academic records.
- Typical range: Most universities offer scholarships covering 10% to 50% of tuition, based on academic performance and eligibility.
Scholarship amounts and criteria are subject to change each academic year. For details on your eligibility and the latest options, please connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.
You can typically expect merit-based scholarships in Dubai universities ranging from 15% to 50% of tuition fees for master's programs, depending on your academic performance and the specific institution.
Most universities offer scholarships starting at 15% and can go up to 50% for top-performing students. Your strong academic record makes you a competitive candidate for these awards.
Scholarship percentages for master's tuition fees in the UAE typically range from 10% to 40%, depending on the university and your academic merit.
- Some universities, like Zayed University, offer up to 40% scholarships for high CGPA. - Others, such as University of Wollongong in Dubai, provide 15% - 25% scholarships. - A few universities may have highly competitive full tuition scholarships, but these are limited.
Actual scholarship offers depend on your academic profile and the specific university.
You can get scholarships for a master's program in the UAE ranging from 10% of tuition to full tuition coverage, depending on the university and your academic profile.
- Partial scholarships: Many universities offer 15% - 40% of tuition based on your GPA.
- Fully funded options: Top universities like Khalifa University and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence may cover full tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, and insurance.
- Typical awards: Most students receive partial scholarships in the 25% - 40% range, but full scholarships with extra benefits are possible at select institutions.
Scholarship availability and amounts depend on your academic performance and each university’s criteria.
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