Khalifa University Fully Funded Scholarships 2026 for International and UAE Students

Overview of the Khalifa University Scholarship Program 2026

Khalifa University in the United Arab Emirates is offering fully funded scholarships for the 2026 academic year, open to both international and domestic students. This prestigious program supports Undergraduate, Master's, and Ph.D. degrees across a wide range of academic disciplines. As a top-ranked institution in the Arab world, Khalifa University is dedicated to academic excellence, pioneering research, and fostering an innovative learning environment. The scholarship aims to attract exceptional global talent, providing a pathway to study in a world-class setting with advanced research facilities. Students will benefit from a vibrant multicultural campus, preparing them to become future leaders, researchers, and professionals in critical sectors like engineering, science, medicine, and business. This initiative ensures comprehensive financial support, enabling scholars to concentrate fully on their studies and research, thereby contributing significantly to their personal growth and societal advancement.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

Prospective students for the Khalifa University Scholarship 2026 must meet specific academic and linguistic requirements, which vary by degree level. The program is open to both UAE nationals and international candidates. Key eligibility guidelines include:

• General Requirements: English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or EmSAT), a strong Statement of Purpose, and two Recommendation Letters are mandatory. Graduate program applicants also need a Research Statement and may undergo an interview.

• Undergraduate Programs: A robust academic background is required. For certain bachelor's degrees, a 2-year college degree or equivalent may be necessary.

• Master's Programs: Candidates need a 4-year Bachelor's degree or equivalent, with a minimum CGPA of 3.0.

• Ph.D. Programs: Doctoral students must hold a Master's degree or equivalent, with a minimum CGPA of 3.25.

Required documents include a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, academic degrees and transcripts, English proficiency certificates, an education equivalency certificate (for international students), GRE scores (if applicable), a Statement of Purpose, a Research Statement, and a comprehensive CV. International applicants are strongly advised to apply during the first admission round to maximize their chances.

Comprehensive Scholarship Benefits

The Khalifa University Scholarship provides extensive financial and academic support, with benefits tailored to nationality and degree level. The program is primarily fully funded.

• Undergraduate (UAE Nationals/Children of Emirati Mothers): Full tuition, free university accommodation (eligible), free weekly transportation (eligible), and textbooks.

• Undergraduate (International Students): Tier I offers full tuition and textbooks; Tier II provides a 50% or 75% tuition waiver and textbooks; Tier III covers textbooks only.

• Graduate (Khalifa University Medical Scholarship for UAE Nationals): Full tuition, free accommodation, AED 27,000 monthly stipend, textbooks, and additional allowances.

• Graduate (Khalifa University Scholarship for International Students): Full tuition, free accommodation, textbooks, and additional allowances.

• KU Master Research Teaching Scholarship (MRTS) for International Students: Full tuition, health insurance, airfare allowance (to/from UAE), and international conference support.

• Combined Master/Doctoral Research Training Scholarships (CMDRTS): Monthly allowance (AED 8,000 MSc, AED 12,000 Ph.D.), full tuition, health insurance, international conference support, flight assistance, and free university accommodation.

• China Scholarship Council – Khalifa University Joint Ph.D. Scholarship: Combined monthly allowance (KU AED 5,500 + CSC), CSC flight tickets, full coverage of fees and research costs, free university accommodation, free textbooks, visa processing costs, and UAE health insurance.

• Doctoral Research Training Scholarships for International Students: AED 12,000 monthly allowance, full tuition, medical health insurance, international conference support, flight assistance, and free university accommodation.

• Buhooth Scholarship for UAE Nationals: Monthly stipend (AED 30,000 single MSc, AED 33,000 married MSc; AED 36,000 single PhD, AED 39,000 married PhD), full tuition, international research conference support, and opportunities to visit global research centers.

Khalifa University also partners with external sponsors, such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, to offer scholarships that integrate research, industry connections, and practical skill development, further enhancing student career prospects.