The Abu Dhabi University Scholarships 2025-26 offer exceptional financial support to both UAE nationals and international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Abu Dhabi University aims to make obtaining a quality undergraduate or postgraduate degree as accessible as possible. These scholarships aim to reward academic excellence, financial need, and leadership potential. The maximum coverage period of any Abu Dhabi University scholarship is four years, or upon graduation, whichever is sooner. Students do not need to reapply if they continue to meet the maintenance criteria outlined for their scholarship.
This University ranked among the top 10 universities in the UAE. Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has risen 79 places to rank 501st globally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. It holds prestigious international accreditations such as AACSB for Business and ABET for Engineering programs. With full and partial funding options available, Abu Dhabi University Scholarships ensure that deserving students can achieve their educational aspirations. Applications typically close by 21 February 2025, but specific deadlines may vary based on the program.
Winter Semester
- 3 January 2025 – Registration deadline for newly admitted students
- 6 January 2025 – First day of classes
- 7 January 2025 – Payment deadline
Spring Semester
- 21 February 2025 – Registration deadline for newly admitted students
- 24 February 2025 – First day of classes
- 28 February 2025 – Payment deadline
Spring Term B Semester
- 28 April 2025 – First day of classes for Postgraduate Students
- 29 April 2025 – Payment deadline
Summer Semester
- 27 June 2025 – Registration deadline for newly admitted students
- 30 June 2025 – First day of classes
- 1 July 2025 – Payment deadline
University/Institution
- Name: Abu Dhabi University (ADU)
- Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Ranking: Among the top universities in the UAE, recognized globally for academic excellence
- Programs: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD programs in various disciplines
- Duration: Typically 4 years for undergraduate programs and 1-2 years for postgraduate studies
TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS
The postgraduate scholarships offered at Abu Dhabi University include:
- Merit-based Graduate Scholarships
- Alumni Scholarships
The undergraduate scholarships offered at Abu Dhabi University include:
- Athletic Scholarships
- Academic Scholarships
- University Scholarships
- Family Tuition Waiver
- H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Scholarships
Study Areas
Abu Dhabi University offers a wide range of study areas for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, including but not limited to:
- Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science, and Aerospace Engineering
- Business and Management: Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and MBA programs
- Health Sciences: Public Health, Nursing, and Biomedical Sciences
- Arts and Humanities: Psychology, Media Studies, and Education
- Science and Technology: Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Environmental Science
These programs are designed to provide practical knowledge, research opportunities, and industry-relevant skills.
Abu Dhabi University Scholarships Benefits
Abu Dhabi University Scholarships 2025-26 in the UAE offer various opportunities for international students. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the available scholarships:
University Scholarship
- High school graduates who enroll at ADU within two years of graduation may receive tuition waivers ranging from 15% to 50%, depending on their high school grades and campus location.
- A minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.60
Academic Scholarship
- 20% waiver on tuition fees
- Available for two consecutive semesters
- A minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.60
Merit based Graduate Scholarship
- Postgraduate students at Abu Dhabi University are entitled to a 25% waiver on tuition fees.
- Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 in the Master level program is required
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Scholarship
- The H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship that offers 100% waiver on tuition, application fee, registration fee, student services fee and health service fee.
- A minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.70
Family Tuition Waiver
- If two or more family members are enrolled in undergraduate courses at Abu Dhabi University, the family tuition waiver will apply the following discounts on tuition fees:
- 15% for 2 family members
- 20% for 3 family members
- 25% for 4 or more family members
- Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.5 is required for each family member.
Alumni Scholarship
- Abu Dhabi University alumni who want to pursue graduate studies at any of its campuses are eligible for a 20% discount on tuition fees.
- Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 in the Master level program is required.
Athletic Scholarship
- 25% waiver on tuition fees for continuing Abu Dhabi University students per academic year.
- A minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.75
Benefits Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Accommodation costs (unless explicitly mentioned)
- Travel expenses
Abu Dhabi University Scholarships Eligibilities
Abu Dhabi University Scholarships 2025-26 in the UAE offer various opportunities for international students. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the available scholarships:
University Scholarship
- Abu Dhabi University offers scholarships to UAE residents and GCC nationals who meet specific criteria.
- A minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.60
- A minimum of 12 passed credit hours per semester, except for Winter and Summer terms
- The scholarship will not cover repeated courses including courses graded as F, WA, and W
- The scholarship applies while the student is enrolled full-time at ADU, taking at least 12 credit hours. Exceptions may be made during the first semester and the following term if the student is still completing English language requirements.
Academic Scholarship
- A minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.60
- A minimum of 12 passed credit hours per semester, except for Winter and Summer terms
- The scholarship will not cover any repeated courses including courses graded such as F, W, and W
Merit based Graduate Scholarship
- To maintain the waiver, a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 in the Master level program is required
- One Waiver Rule: If a student qualifies for multiple postgraduate waiver programs, they must choose one and cannot switch during their studies.
- CGPA Requirement: Waivers are lost if the minimum CGPA is not met. However, they will be reinstated automatically if the required CGPA is achieved again.
- Code of Conduct Violations: Students found guilty of misconduct or academic dishonesty will permanently lose their waiver.
- Term Coverage: Merit-based waivers include tuition for winter and summer terms.
- Excluded Costs: Merit-based waivers do not cover repeated courses, including those with grades F, WA, or W.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Scholarship
- A minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.70
- A minimum of 12 passed credit hours per semester, except for the Winter and Summer terms
- The scholarship will not cover repeated courses including courses graded as F, WA and W
- The scholarship is available to the top 20 public secondary school graduates in the UAE who have been newly admitted to Abu Dhabi University (ADU) for the fall semester of the year they graduate from high school.
- Receiving the scholarship depends on selection and formal approval from the Office of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
- The scholarship remains valid as long as the student maintains full-time enrollment at ADU, with a minimum of 12 credit hours.
- To qualify, applicants must meet the English language proficiency requirements set by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
- EmSAT (or equivalent exams) requirements:
- Math: Minimum score of 1,200
- English: Minimum score of 1,600
- Arabic: Minimum score of 900 (for all colleges).
Family Tuition Waiver
- The Family Tuition Waiver applies to students from the same family, including siblings, spouses, or parents, as long as more than one family member is enrolled at ADU at the same time.
- To maintain the tuition waiver, a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.5 is required for each family member.
Alumni Scholarship
- To maintain the waiver, a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 in the Master level program is required.
- Students can choose only one postgraduate tuition scholarship, waiver, or grant and cannot switch between schemes during their studies. If a student’s CGPA falls below the required minimum, they will lose the scholarship for the next semester, but the scholarship will be reinstated once the CGPA meets the requirement. Violating the student code of conduct or academic integrity will result in the loss of the scholarship for all future semesters. Postgraduate scholarships for ADU alumni cover all semesters (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer). Scholarships apply only to credit hour tuition fees and do not cover repeated courses (grades F, WA, and W).
Athletic Scholarship
- A minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.75
- A minimum enrollment of 12 passed credit hours from the previous semester except for Winter and Summer terms
- A minimum enrollment of 12 credit hours registered in the current semester except for Winter and Summer terms
- The scholarship will not cover any repeated courses including courses graded as F, WA, and W
- Approved recommendation letter from the ADU Student Affairs Department
Required Documents
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Recommendation letters
- Statement of purpose or personal essay
- Passport-sized photo with white background
- Copy of a valid passport
- Certificate of Good Conduct issued by the high school where the student successfully completed Grade 12/Year 13.
- Official transcripts and course syllabi from other universities for credit transfer if student would like to transfer courses to ADU.
- For programs taught in English, you need to submit one of the following official English proficiency test scores:
- A police clearance certificate
- IELTS: Band 5.0
- EmSAT English: Score of 1100
- TOEFL IBT: Score of 61
- TOEFL CBT: Score of 173
- TOEFL ITP: Score of 500 (only from AmidEast Institute)
- Cambridge English: Score of 154-161
- IESOL/SESOL: B1/B2 level
- Pearson PTE: Score of 36-41
Application Process Abu Dhabi University Scholarships
- Visit the official scholarship portal of Abu Dhabi University.
- Select the appropriate scholarship and complete the online application.
- Upload all required documents in the specified formats.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
- Await the results, typically announced within a few weeks after the deadline.
Tips for Successful Application
- Highlight your academic and extracurricular achievements in your essay.
- Ensure all documents are complete, clear, and properly formatted.
- Apply early to avoid technical issues near the deadline.
- Seek recommendation letters from individuals familiar with your academic strengths.
- Tailor your personal statement to align with the university’s values and goals.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
Living expenses in Abu Dhabi vary depending on lifestyle, but a typical breakdown includes:
- Accommodation: AED 2,000–3,500 per month (shared apartments or university housing)
- Food: AED 1,000–1,500 per month
- Transportation: AED 200–500 per month (public transport or shared rides)
- Utilities: AED 300–500 per month
- Miscellaneous: AED 500–1,000 per month (entertainment, personal expenses)
Estimated Total: AED 3,000–5,500 per month
Living in university housing or sharing accommodation can help reduce costs.
Why Choose This Opportunity?
Abu Dhabi University provides world-class education, cultural diversity, and excellent career opportunities. The scholarships make high-quality education affordable while fostering personal and professional growth in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are international students eligible for all scholarships at Abu Dhabi University?
Yes, most scholarships are open to both UAE nationals and international students.
Q2: What is the minimum GPA required to qualify?
Typically, you need a GPA of 3.0 or higher, although this requirement may vary depending on the program and scholarship type.
Q3: Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Students can apply for multiple scholarships, but the university will award only one.
Q4: Does Abu Dhabi University provide accommodation for scholarship students?
The scholarship details specify whether accommodation is included.
Q5: How long does it take to receive the scholarship decision?
The university usually communicates decisions within 4–6 weeks of the application deadline.
Official Link for More Details and Application
For comprehensive information and the application portal, visit the Abu Dhabi University Scholarships Official Page.