Is there any fully funded scholarship option for masters programs in UAE for a Master's?
Yes, fully funded Master's scholarships are available in the UAE. Khalifa University offers comprehensive fellowships covering tuition, housing, and a monthly AED 4,000 to AED 8,000 stipend. MBZUAI automatically awards full scholarships to all admitted students. UAEU and the Sheikh Saud Foundation also offer competitive fully funded options.
The UAE has become one of the most actively funded destinations for international postgraduate study, with government-backed universities offering scholarship packages that are genuinely competitive with the best awards available in Europe and North America. If you are targeting a Master's in the UAE, a fully funded place is an achievable goal if you apply strategically and early.
Major Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in the UAE
| Scholarship | University | Benefits Package | Key Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Research and Teaching Assistantship | Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi | 100% tuition, free accommodation, round-trip flights, health insurance, UAE visa, monthly stipend AED 4,000 to AED 8,000 | Minimum CGPA 3.2, strong IELTS or TOEFL scores, STEM focus preferred |
| Automatic Full Scholarship | MBZUAI - Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI | Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend, free student housing, health insurance, UAE visa sponsorship | All admitted full-time students receive this automatically; AI, Machine Learning, Computer Vision focus |
| Graduate Assistantship | United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) | Full tuition waiver, monthly living stipend, health insurance | Competitive selection; students assist in teaching, research, or administration for set weekly hours |
| Research and Policy Grant | Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation (Ras Al Khaimah) | Tuition support, research funding, academic mentoring, and travel costs | Education, public policy, public health, urban planning, economics, and social sciences focus |
General Application Tips for UAE Scholarships
| Factor | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Academic Merit Requirement | UAE institutions typically require a minimum CGPA of 3.0 to 3.2 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent |
| Application Deadlines | Spring and fall intake deadlines often close 4 to 6 months in advance; check each university portal for exact dates |
| Field of Study | STEM, AI, energy, and medical physics attract the most generous and readily available funding packages |
My Advice
MBZUAI is your strongest fully funded option if your field is artificial intelligence or machine learning since admission automatically triggers the full scholarship package with no separate application required. For Khalifa University, apply at least 4 to 6 months before your target intake and email potential supervisors in your research area directly since a professor's support significantly improves your assistantship chances. Both institutions are internationally accredited and are gaining rapid global recognition for research output in technology and engineering.
More expert answers
You have a strong chance of securing a fully funded Master's scholarship in the UAE, given your Computer Science background, solid academic record, and 9 years of work experience.
Top UAE universities like Khalifa University and MBZUAI offer full scholarships that typically cover tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, and health insurance. You’ll need a relevant Bachelor's degree, strong grades, and an IELTS score (minimum 6.5 for MBZUAI is typical, subject to change).
Your work experience and academic profile make you a competitive applicant. Focus on preparing for the IELTS and clearly highlighting your experience in your application.
For personalized guidance on applications and timelines, connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.
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