Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)

What you'll study

The degree is primarily research-focused; coursework is intended to equip students for their thesis work. Minimum requirement is 60 credits distributed across core courses, electives, internship, advanced research methods and a research thesis.

• Core and research: CS899 Doctoral Research Thesis (32 credits) — independent, original research over approximately three to four years; CS8001 Introduction to Machine Learning for Computer Science Research (credit hours listed in catalogue).
• Credit distribution: Core courses: 3 courses (12 credits); Electives: at least three chosen in consultation with the supervisory panel (minimum 12 credits); Internship: at least one internship of minimum three months (counted as 2 credits); Advanced Research Methods: 1 course (2 credits); Research thesis: 32 credits; Total: 60 credits.
• Supervision and course planning: A supervisory panel of two or more faculty members personalises the coursework plan based on the student’s background and research topic. Students come from diverse academic preparations and select electives to address gaps or support their research.
• Programme learning outcomes: Graduates learn to analyse complex computing problems, design rigorous research projects, interpret scientific literature, communicate publishable results, and consider the societal and entrepreneurial impacts of their work.

Entry requirements

The catalogue page provides programme admission information and a listed application deadline (15 December, 2026, 5 p.m. GST). Specific entry criteria (degrees, test scores, experience) are referenced under the university’s graduate admission process but are not detailed on this page; applicants should consult the university’s graduate admissions materials for exact prerequisites.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for research and leadership roles across academia, industry research laboratories and educational institutions. The programme emphasises producing publishable research and independent research skills that are valued in academic hiring, R&D positions and advanced technical roles in industry.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The university lists fellowship and scholar schemes on its graduate pages, including an Aspire Ph.D. Fellowship Program, Ruwwad AI Scholars (RAIS) and Postdoctoral Fellowship opportunities. Prospective students should review the university’s funding pages and specific fellowship programmes for eligibility and application details.