Muhammad Bin Zayed University MBZUAI Scholarships 2026
MBZUAI offers students a choice of graduate programs in a modern and innovative university setting, located in the thriving capital of the UAE. Combining a contemporary education system and robust curriculum with the rich culture and heritage of Abu Dhabi, MBZUAI offers an experience like no other.
All students admitted on a full-time basis are granted the privilege to complete their study with a full scholarship. However, to maintain the scholarships, stipends and other benefits, students are expected to maintain high academic standing, comply with the university code of conduct, and fulfil certain requirements during their study tenure.
About the University:
Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is a prestigious institution situated in Abu Dhabi, the vibrant capital of the United Arab Emirates. Established as a pioneering university dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI), MBZUAI offers a range of cutting-edge graduate programs encompassing computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, mathematics, physics, and other relevant engineering disciplines. It stands as a beacon of innovation and academic excellence in the field of AI, attracting bright minds from around the globe.
One of MBZUAI's distinctive features is its commitment to fostering talent in AI by providing full scholarships to all students admitted on a full-time basis. These scholarships cover not only tuition fees but also offer additional benefits such as monthly stipends and health insurance. The university's modern and innovative campus, combined with its rich cultural environment in Abu Dhabi, offers an unparalleled educational experience. MBZUAI is not only dedicated to academic rigor but also emphasizes the importance of maintaining high academic standards, adhering to the university's code of conduct, and meeting specific requirements to continue benefiting from scholarships and stipends.
MBZUAI's mission is to advance the field of artificial intelligence and empower future leaders in AI research and innovation. With its comprehensive academic programs, world-class faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities, MBZUAI plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI education and research, making it a destination of choice for students passionate about artificial intelligence and its transformative potential.
Degree Level
- Master's
- PhD
Available Subjects
MBZUAI offers the following graduate degree programs:
Master’s Programs (M.Sc.)
- Master of Science in Machine Learning
- Master of Science in Computer Vision
- Master of Science in Natural Language Processing
- Master of Science in Robotics (if offered)
- Master of Science in Computational Biology (starting Fall 2027)
- Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) (scholarship not applicable)
Ph.D. Programs
- Ph.D. in Machine Learning
- Ph.D. in Computer Vision
- Ph.D. in Natural Language Processing
- Ph.D. in Robotics (if offered)
- Ph.D. in Computational Biology (starting Fall 2027)
- Ph.D. in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) (starting Fall 2027)
Eligible Academic Backgrounds
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a STEM field, such as:
- Computer Science
- Electrical/Computer Engineering
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Data Science
- Biotechnology / Bioinformatics
- Any relevant engineering or science major
- Minimum CGPA: 3.0–3.5 / 4.0 (depending on program)
Benefits
MBZUAI offers full scholarships for all M.Sc. and Ph.D. students (except MAAI). The scholarship includes:
1. 100% Tuition Fee Coverage
- All academic costs are fully covered.
2. Monthly Stipend (AED)
M.Sc. Stipend
- UAE Nationals: 37,500 AED
- International Students: 15,500 AED
Ph.D. Stipend
- UAE Nationals: 43,500 AED
- International Students: 17,500 AED
3. Free UAE Visa Sponsorship
4. Health Insurance Coverage
5. On-Campus Housing Option
- Priority for first-year students
- Monthly fee: AED 7,500 (deducted from stipend)
Eligible Nationalities
Open to domestic and international students of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must hold a bachelor's degree (for M.Sc.) or a master's degree (for Ph.D.) in a STEM field, such as:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Data Science
- or other relevant scientific/engineering majors
- Degree must be from a university recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE).
- Minimum required CGPA: 3.0 – 3.5 / 4.0 (varies by program).
- Final-year students may apply with current transcripts; official documents must be submitted upon admission.
- Must submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose
- Research Statement (for Ph.D.)
- Two referee recommendations
- GRE (optional, but recommended)
- Must pass the MBZUAI Screening Exam.
- Must successfully complete the technical interview.
- International applicants must be eligible for UAE visa sponsorship.
Application Procedure
1. Prepare Required Documents
Applicants must upload:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificate (or current transcript for final-year students)
- Updated CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Research Statement (for Ph.D.)
- Two referee recommendation letters
- GRE score (optional)
Additional requirements:
- Degree attestation (UAE degrees)
- Certificate of recognition (non-UAE degrees)
2. Prepare for the Screening Exam
All eligible candidates are required to take an online technical screening exam covering:
- Math and statistics
- Programming (Python)
- Machine learning fundamentals (varies by program)
3. Technical Interview
Shortlisted applicants attend a faculty interview to assess:
- Technical skills
- Research potential
- Academic readiness
- Motivation for the program
4. Wait for the Admission Decision
Results are announced on March 15 via email and the applicant portal.
Why Choose MBZUAI?
- World-class AI research university in Abu Dhabi
- Fully funded M.Sc. and Ph.D. scholarships
- International student-friendly environment
- State-of-the-art labs and AI innovation center
- Strong employment and research outcomes
