Applications for the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) graduate scholarships for the 2027 intake are now open. This is for master’s and doctoral studies at the world’s first AI-dedicated university, located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The university accepts candidates from all countries with backgrounds in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics, physics, and other relevant STEM fields.
Here is the important change: the funding model is no longer automatic for everyone. PhD students receive centrally funded support in Year 1 while matching with a faculty advisor. MSc students are fee-paying by default, but merit-based funding may be available through a faculty-sponsored research or teaching assistantship or an approved government scholarship for UAE nationals. The Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) is fee-based and not eligible for university or faculty-sponsored funding.
Founded in 2019, MBZUAI is a graduate-level, research-based academic institution that offers programs in artificial intelligence to meet market needs. It has quickly become a top 10 global institution in AI, home to leading faculty and researchers. The university now offers both undergraduate and graduate pathways to prepare the next generation of AI innovators.
Program Details
- Host Institution: Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- Eligible Programs:
- Master’s: Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI), MSc in Computer Science, MSc in Computational Biology (pending regulatory approval), MSc in Computer Vision, MSc in Machine Learning, MSc in Natural Language Processing, MSc in Robotics, MSc in Statistics and Data Science.
- PhD: PhD in Computer Science, PhD in Computational Biology (pending regulatory approval), PhD in Computer Vision, PhD in Human-Computer Interaction (pending regulatory approval), PhD in Machine Learning, PhD in Natural Language Processing, PhD in Robotics, PhD in Statistics and Data Science.
- Number of awards: Not publicly specified. Admissions are highly competitive with limited places.
- Duration: MSc programs are typically 2 years full-time. PhD programs are typically 4 years full-time.
- Target group: Domestic (UAE) and international students holding relevant STEM degrees (bachelor’s for MSc; bachelor’s and master’s for PhD).
MBZUAI Scholarship & Student Benefits
The funding model depends on the program and the student’s academic standing. Here is what funded students receive:
- 100% tuition coverage for funded students.
- Monthly stipend:
- International and UAE resident students: MSc AED 15,500; PhD AED 17,500.
- UAE national students: MSc AED 37,500; PhD AED 43,500.
- On-campus housing or housing support.
- Health insurance coverage for the full duration of studies.
- UAE visa sponsorship for non-UAE nationals.
- One return airfare each year to the home country (for funded students).
Important: The funding model for PhD students includes centrally funded support in Year 1 while matching with a faculty advisor. Funding then transitions to the faculty advisor’s funding no later than the start of Year 2. For MSc students, funding is not automatic; it is secured through a faculty-sponsored research or teaching assistantship or an approved government scholarship for UAE nationals.
Note : Funded students are expected to maintain an in-person presence on campus throughout their funded period. Scholarships do not apply to the Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) program, which is fee-based. Continued eligibility requires maintaining good academic standing, following the Code of Conduct, and meeting research progress requirements.
MBZUAI Graduate Admissions Eligibility
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Hold a relevant STEM bachelor’s degree (for MSc) or a bachelor’s and master’s degree (for PhD) from an accredited university or college recognised by the UAE Ministry of Education.
- Have a minimum CGPA of 3.0 or 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) depending on the programme.
- If currently in the final year of undergraduate or master’s studies: may apply provisionally with the official transcript and expected-graduation letter; final degree certificate is needed if admitted.
- Provide required application documents: CV, degree certificate/transcript (or expected graduation letter), English-language proficiency certificate (if required), passport copy, photo, and (for PhD) research statement and referee recommendations.
- Pass the screening exam and, if shortlisted, a technical interview (for most programs).
- Pay the AED 200 application fee after submission. Applications with unpaid fees will not proceed to review. Fee waivers are available if the screening exam score is 75% or above, or upon enrollment (fee reimbursed).
Other Opportunities
How to Apply for MBZUAI (Graduate)
To benefit from this scholarship program, applicants must apply and be admitted to a master’s or PhD program at MBZUAI. All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified English translations. Official academic records must carry the university’s official stamp and signature.
Required Documents – All Applicants
- Completed online application form.
- CV (with academic background, work experience, research publications, and programming/coding skills).
- Official bachelor’s degree transcript and degree certificate or expected graduation letter.
- Official master’s degree transcript and degree certificate or expected graduation letter (only for PhD applicants with a master’s degree).
- Referee recommendations (minimum of three for PhD applicants and two for MSc applicants).
- Research statement (only for PhD applicants, upload as PDF).
- Statement of purpose (upload as PDF).
- Valid English language proficiency certificate (must meet admission criteria and be submitted at the time of application).
- Valid passport copy.
- Photo with white background.
Additional Documents for UAE Nationals
- Valid Emirates ID.
- Valid passport copy with unified ID number.
- UAE national service completion/exemption letter (only for UAE national males).
- Family book (or UAE national mother’s family book, for children of Emirati mothers).
- UAE birth certificate (only for children of Emirati mothers).
- UAE national mother’s valid Emirates ID (only for children of Emirati mothers).
- UAE national mother’s valid passport copy (only for children of Emirati mothers).
- Valid UAE visa (only for non-GCC children of Emirati mothers).
Additional Documents for UAE Residents
- Valid UAE visa.
- Valid Emirates ID.
Application Deadlines for the 2027 Intake
| Program | Application Portal Opens | Final Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| All graduate programs except MSc & PhD Computational Biology | 7 September 2026 (8 a.m. GST) | 15 December 2026 (5 p.m. GST) |
| MSc & PhD Computational Biology | 7 October 2026 (8 a.m. GST) | 15 December 2026 (5 p.m. GST) |
Decision notification date: 31 March 2027 (5 p.m. GST).
Offer response deadline: 15 April 2027.
Note : Only one application per admission cycle must be submitted. Multiple submissions will not be processed. Admissions are highly competitive, and space in the incoming cohort is limited. For inquiries on how to apply and program information, contact Student Recruitment at [email protected]. For questions on your submitted application, email Admissions at [email protected].
The application deadline is . For more details on the Mohamed Bin Zayed University Scholarship, please visit the university website.
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Bravo!!!