Khalifa University Scholarships in UAE 2026 | Fully Funded

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The UAE offers modern cities and strong research schools. Khalifa University (KU) in Abu Dhabi leads in science, engineering, and health. For Fall 2026, Khalifa University scholarships help top international Master’s and PhD students. No separate form – admission checks you for aid.

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KU gives tiers of support: full tuition, stipend, housing, insurance, and more for high performers. Slots limited and competitive. English programs dominate; no IELTS if you prove proficiency.

From my work with UAE schools, KU values strong grades, research, and fit. Top applicants get full packages. Lower tiers cover less. Tools like Numbeo show Abu Dhabi costs AED 8,000-12,000/month single. Full scholarship makes it easy.

Also check: University of Genova Scholarship 2026/27 in Italy (Without IELTS)

What Is this Scholarship?

KU gives merit scholarships to new postgraduate students. Open to all nationalities.

Key facts:

  • Assessed with admission.
  • Tiers by merit, research, and priorities.
  • Master’s and PhD.
  • Full-time main; part-time possible.
  • No extra application.

Competitive – top profiles win best tiers.

Abu Dhabi safe, modern, hot summers. Campus new with top labs.

Eligibility Criteria

General:

  • Strong record.
  • Relevant degree.
  • English: iBT TOEFL 91, IELTS 6.5, or EmSAT 1550.

Master’s:

  • Bachelor’s CGPA 3.0/4.0 or equal.

PhD:

  • Master’s CGPA 3.25/4.0 or Bachelor’s 3.5 for direct.
  • GRE 150 quantitative.
  • Interview.

Opinion: High bars but fair. Research experience boosts PhD.

Scholarship Benefits

Tiers vary.

Typical for internationals:

  • Full tuition waiver (up to 100%).
  • Monthly stipend (competitive for top; e.g., high tiers AED thousands).
  • Housing or aid.
  • Medical insurance.
  • Textbooks.
  • Visa/flight support.
  • Conference travel.

Table: Example Tiers (based on recent)

TierTuition WaiverStipendOther
Top100%High monthlyHousing, insurance, flights
Middle50-75%LowerInsurance, books
BasicPartialNoneBooks

Full covers most. Recent stable; top for research stars.

Programs You Can Pick

Three colleges:

  • Engineering and Physical Sciences (mechanical, electrical, aerospace, etc.).
  • Computing and Mathematical Sciences (AI, data, cyber).
  • Medicine and Health Sciences (biomedical, genetics).

Many English. Full list on ku.ac.ae/programs.

Required Documents

  • Degree certificate (equivalency if outside UAE).
  • Transcripts.
  • English score.
  • GRE (PhD).
  • CV.
  • Photo.
  • Passport (visa if in UAE).
  • 2 recommendations.
  • Statement of purpose.
  • Research statement (PhD).

How to Apply for Khalifa University Graduate Scholarships?

  1. Online at ku.ac.ae/apply.
  2. Create account.
  3. Pick program.
  4. Upload docs.
  5. Submit (no fee mentioned recent).
  6. Interview if shortlisted.

Deadline: March 2, 2026 (Fall; confirm site).

Tip: Strong SOP and recs key. Contact professors early.

Why Study at Khalifa University?

Top UAE research. Industry links. Diverse campus.

Abu Dhabi calm vs Dubai. Good transport, events.

Contrarian: Hot, costly without full aid. But top scholarships beat many places. Reddit: Good for serious research, supportive.

Better focus than party cities.

More Opportunities

Useful Links

  • ku.ac.ae/scholarships-postgraduate – Official, detailed.
  • ku.ac.ae/postgraduate-admissions – Apply guide.
  • ku.ac.ae/programs – List clear.
  • numbeo.com Abu Dhabi – Costs real (AED 10,000 single).
  • scholarshipportal.com – More UAE.
  • studyinuae.ae – Visa/living.

Application Checklist

  • High CGPA proof.
  • English score.
  • GRE ready (PhD).
  • Strong CV/research.
  • SOP 500-1000 words.
  • 2 recs.
  • Passport/docs.
  • Apply early.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Weak SOP (generic). Miss GRE. Late docs. Think guaranteed full (tier based). No professor contact.

PAA: Full for all? No, merit tiers. Deadline March 2. Stipend? Top high.

Living Costs in Abu Dhabi

Single AED 8,000-12,000/month (Numbeo Jan 2026). Rent AED 4,000-6,000 one-bed. Food AED 1,500. Full scholarship covers well.

Numbeo honest: Higher than Europe but tax-free.

Strong opinion: KU great for STEM impact. Top scholarship life-changing. Apply if strong profile.

Questions? Comment. Check ku.ac.ae/postgraduate now.

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