Khalifa University Scholarships in UAE 2026 are fully funded and highly competitive awards for international and UAE students who want to study undergraduate, master’s or PhD degrees in Abu Dhabi, covering full tuition fees and generous monthly stipends for 2026 intakes. These scholarships are among the best fully funded scholarships in the UAE for international students, combining world‑class research opportunities with excellent funding and strong career prospects.
Basic scholarship information 2026
Khalifa University Scholarships 2026–2027 support graduate (master’s and PhD) students for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 intakes in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. These scholarships are designed for high‑achieving students in science, engineering, technology and related fields who want to study at one of the top research universities in the UAE.
- Level of study: Master’s and PhD (plus selected funded options at undergraduate level through separate schemes).
- Location: Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Application deadline (Fall 2026): The online graduate application portal for Fall 2026 closes on 2 March 2026.
- Some PhD scholarship calls for Spring 2026 list deadlines around 15 September 2025, useful as a guide for future spring cycles.
- Merit-based scholarships for outstanding students
- Supports academic excellence, research, and innovation
- Available for Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD programs
- Scholarship awarded automatically with admission (no separate application)
- Students must maintain required CGPA and academic progress
University and location details
Khalifa University is a research‑intensive public university in Abu Dhabi, known for strong STEM programs and strategic partnerships with industry and government in the UAE. The university consistently ranks among the leading universities in the region and focuses heavily on innovation, space science, AI, engineering, and health technologies.
- Campus: Modern, high‑tech campus with advanced laboratories, research centers and innovation hubs.
- Environment: Multicultural student body with a large number of international postgraduate students.
- Intakes: Undergraduate and postgraduate intakes mainly in Fall, with some postgraduate opportunities in Spring.
Study areas and available programs
Khalifa University Scholarships in UAE 2026 cover a wide range of science and engineering programs at master’s and PhD level. Exact program lists may change each year, but typically include core STEM and technology‑focused degrees.
Typical master’s and PhD fields include:
- Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Master of Science in Chemical Engineering
- Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Civil Infrastructure and Environmental Engineering
- Master of Science in Engineering Systems and Management
- Master of Science in Applied Chemistry or related sciences
- PhD in Engineering (with specializations such as Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, etc.)
- PhD in Computer Science and related computing disciplines
Khalifa University Scholarships benefits
Khalifa University Scholarships 2026 are well known as fully funded UAE scholarships because they cover almost all academic and basic living costs for strong candidates. Benefits can differ by scholarship type and tier (e.g., GRTA, PhD full funding tiers), but common funding elements include:
- Full or partial tuition fee coverage
- Monthly stipend (for postgraduate students)
- Accommodation (for international postgraduate students)
- Textbooks
- Medical insurance
- Visa processing & travel support (for students outside UAE)
- Funding support for conferences (subject to availability)
- International research internship (subject to funding)
- Teaching experience & career development opportunities
- Opportunity to study at a top university in the UAE
These benefits make the Khalifa University Scholarship one of the most attractive fully funded master’s and PhD scholarships in the Middle East.
What is not included?
Despite being generous, some costs may not be fully covered, depending on the scholarship tier and personal lifestyle.
Common items not always included:
- Personal expenses such as entertainment, personal travel, clothing and gadgets.
- Extra housing costs if a student chooses to live off‑campus beyond the provided accommodation or housing allowance.
- Dependant or family expenses; most scholarships focus on the student alone.
- Some visa‑related or government document fees that fall outside standard university coverage, depending on the student’s situation.
Eligibility criteria for Khalifa University Scholarships 2026
Eligibility requirements combine academic excellence, English proficiency and sometimes research potential. General criteria usually include:
Undergraduate Program
- Must have completed Grade 12
- High school certificate attested by UAE Ministry of Education
- Graduation must be within the last 2 years
Master’s Program
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
- Minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0 or equivalent
- English proficiency:
- TOEFL iBT: 91 (Home Edition not accepted)
- or IELTS Academic: 6.5
PhD Program
- Master’s degree with CGPA 3.25/4.0, or
- Direct PhD after Bachelor’s with CGPA 3.5/4.0
- English proficiency:
- TOEFL iBT 91 / IELTS 6.5 / EmSAT English 1550
- Minimum GRE score: 150
- Admission interview required
- Must meet departmental requirements
Required documents for the application
To apply for Khalifa University Scholarships in UAE 2026, prepare a complete online application with high‑quality scanned documents. Typical documents include:
- Bachelor’s / Master’s degree certificate
- Official academic transcripts
- UAE Ministry of Education equivalency (if degree from outside UAE)
- English proficiency certificate (IELTS / TOEFL / EmSAT)
- GRE score report
- Updated CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Research Statement (especially for PhD)
- Two reference letters
- Passport-size photo (white background)
- Valid passport
- UAE National ID (if residing in UAE)
Step‑by‑step scholarship application process
The application process for the Khalifa University Scholarships 2026 is fully online and integrated with the university’s admissions portal. Follow this step‑by‑step guide:
- Apply online through Khalifa University website
- Create an account and complete the application form
- Select your desired program
- Upload all required documents
- Provide two referees (they submit online references)
- Scholarship decision announced at the end of admission cycle
- No separate scholarship application needed
Tips for a successful application
To increase your chances of winning a Khalifa University Scholarship in UAE 2026, focus on building a strong, well‑presented application.
- Start early and aim to submit at least 2–3 weeks before the 2 March 2026 deadline to avoid technical issues and rushing.
- Target programs that closely match your academic background and professional goals; relevance strengthens your profile.
- Put serious effort into your Statement of Purpose and (if applicable) Research Statement, showing clear motivation, understanding of KU research, and long‑term plans.
- Highlight any publications, conference presentations, final‑year projects, or industry experience related to your field.
- Choose referees who know you well academically and can provide detailed, positive recommendation letters.
- Retake English or GRE tests if your scores are below or just at the minimum; stronger scores improve scholarship competitiveness.
Monthly living expenses in Abu Dhabi (in USD)
Abu Dhabi is a modern and relatively high‑cost city, but Khalifa University scholarships offset many major expenses such as tuition, accommodation (for some tiers) and health insurance. Actual monthly living costs depend on lifestyle and whether accommodation is covered.
Estimated monthly expenses for an international student:
- Accommodation (if not fully covered): Shared apartment or off‑campus housing can range roughly from 600–1,000 USD per month depending on location and sharing.
- Food and groceries: Around 250–400 USD per month for a modest student lifestyle.
- Local transport: 60–120 USD per month using buses, metro links, and occasional taxis.
- Study materials and personal items: 50–100 USD per month (many textbooks are covered by scholarship, reducing this cost).
- Phone and internet: 50–80 USD per month.
Overall, a student without university housing might spend approximately 1,000–1,600 USD per month, but those with on‑campus accommodation and stipends will manage comfortably on the Khalifa University scholarship funding.
Why choose this scholarship? (at least 5 reasons)
Khalifa University Scholarships in UAE 2026 are an excellent choice for ambitious international students looking for a fully funded study abroad opportunity.
- Fully funded financial package
Full tuition fee waivers, monthly stipends, accommodation or housing support, health insurance and sometimes flights make it one of the most comprehensive scholarship packages in the region. - Study at a top UAE research university
Khalifa University is a leading science and technology institution in the Middle East, with strong rankings, advanced labs and active research centers. - Strong focus on STEM and innovation
Programs are closely aligned with high‑demand areas like AI, renewable energy, aerospace, robotics, and healthcare technology, which boosts employability. - Excellent career and research prospects
Scholarship holders often engage in funded research projects, publish papers and attend international conferences, building a strong research CV for industry or academia. - Strategic location in Abu Dhabi
Studying in Abu Dhabi provides exposure to a global business hub, multicultural environment and growing tech and energy sectors in the UAE. - Supportive environment for international students
Medical insurance, visa support, and sometimes mobilization flights help international students settle and focus on their studies.
Use keyword combinations such as “why choose Khalifa University scholarship” and “benefits of studying in Abu Dhabi with scholarship” in your blog or personal statements to align with search intent.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. Is Khalifa University Scholarship 2026 fully funded?
Yes. Many graduate scholarships at Khalifa University, especially for master’s and PhD students, are fully funded and cover full tuition fees plus monthly stipend, health insurance, textbooks and often accommodation and flights, depending on the scholarship tier.
2. What is the application deadline for Fall 2026?
For graduate programs (master’s and PhD), the application portal for Fall 2026 closes on 2 March 2026. Earlier PhD calls for Spring 2026 used deadlines such as 15 September 2025, suggesting similar timelines for future spring intakes.
3. Can international students apply?
Yes. International students from all countries can apply for Khalifa University Scholarships in UAE 2026, as long as they meet academic and language requirements and submit a complete online application.
4. What GPA is required to get the scholarship?
Khalifa University expects strong academic performance; many programs use a minimum equivalent of around 3.0/4.0 for admission, but successful scholarship applicants often have higher GPAs and strong profiles.
5. Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
Most international applicants must provide valid English proficiency scores such as IELTS or TOEFL (or EmSAT), although some exemptions exist for previous study in English under certain conditions.
6. Is there any work obligation after graduation?
Some scholarship types, especially fully funded PhD packages, may include a commitment to work with Khalifa University or a nominated entity for a period equivalent to the study duration. Always read the conditions in your offer letter carefully.
7. How competitive is the Khalifa University scholarship?
The scholarship is highly competitive because of its fully funded nature and high stipends, attracting top students from the UAE and abroad. A strong profile, excellent documents and a good interview performance are essential.
Application Deadline
- 2 March 2026
