Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) offers graduate study opportunities for international students seeking Master's and PhD degrees in artificial intelligence and related fields in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. For funded graduate students, MBZUAI provides full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, one return airfare to the student's home country each year, health insurance for the approved funding period, and a university-sponsored UAE residence visa and Emirates ID where eligible. Graduate funding is based on a partnership between the university and faculty advisors. Funding availability, benefits, and continued eligibility depend on the student's program and academic standing. For M.Sc. students, funding is not guaranteed for all admitted students and may depend on merit-based funding, a faculty-sponsored research or teaching assistantship, or an approved government scholarship. PhD students receive university funding in Year 1 while matching with a faculty advisor, with funding transitioning to faculty funding no later than the start of Year 2 subject to a confirmed advisor match and satisfactory academic progress. The Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) is a fee-based program and is not eligible for University or faculty-sponsored funding. MBZUAI accepts international applicants from around the world. Applicants generally need a relevant STEM degree from an accredited or recognized institution and must meet the academic, English-language, screening exam, and program-specific requirements. For the 2027 Fall intake, the main graduate application deadline is December 15, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. GST for programs other than the Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence. The MAAI has a separate deadline of February 28, 2027 at 5:00 p.m. GST.
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) offers graduate study opportunities for international students seeking Master's and PhD degrees in artificial intelligence and related fields in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. For funded graduate students, MBZUAI provides full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, one return airfare to the student's home country each year, health insurance for the approved funding period, and a university-sponsored UAE residence visa and Emirates ID where eligible. Graduate funding is based on a partnership between the university and faculty advisors. Funding availability, benefits, and continued eligibility depend on the student's program and academic standing. For M.Sc. students, funding is not guaranteed for all admitted students and may depend on merit-based funding, a faculty-sponsored research or teaching assistantship, or an approved government scholarship. PhD students receive university funding in Year 1 while matching with a faculty advisor, with funding transitioning to faculty funding no later than the start of Year 2 subject to a confirmed advisor match and satisfactory academic progress. The Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) is a fee-based program and is not eligible for University or faculty-sponsored funding. MBZUAI accepts international applicants from around the world. Applicants generally need a relevant STEM degree from an accredited or recognized institution and must meet the academic, English-language, screening exam, and program-specific requirements. For the 2027 Fall intake, the main graduate application deadline is December 15, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. GST for programs other than the Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence. The MAAI has a separate deadline of February 28, 2027 at 5:00 p.m. GST.
Graduate Funding: MBZUAI's graduate funding model is based on a partnership between the University and faculty advisors. Funding, benefits, and continued eligibility depend on the student's program and academic standing.
PhD Funding: PhD students receive Year 1 funding centrally from the University while they are matched with a faculty advisor. Funding transitions to the faculty advisor's funding no later than the start of Year 2, subject to a confirmed advisor match and satisfactory academic progress.
M.Sc. Funding: M.Sc. students are fee-paying by default, although merit-based funding may be available. Funding may be secured through a faculty-sponsored research or teaching assistantship or, where applicable, an approved government scholarship. Funding is not guaranteed for every admitted M.Sc. student.
Funding Benefits: Funded students receive free tuition fees, a monthly stipend, one return airfare each year to their home country, health insurance for the approved funding period, and a University-sponsored UAE residence visa and Emirates ID where eligible.
International Monthly Stipend: The published monthly funding amount for international students is AED 15,500 for M.Sc. students and AED 17,500 for PhD students.
Application Fee: All graduate applicants are required to pay an AED 200 application fee after completing the screening exam. Applications with unpaid fees are considered incomplete. Fee waivers are available under the conditions stated by MBZUAI.
Benefits & prizes
Tuition coverage: 100%
MBZUAI Graduate Funding Package · 100% tuition covered · Basis: Program And Faculty Supported Funding · One-time · Funded students receive full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, one return airfare each year to their home country, health insurance for the approved funding period, and a University-sponsored UAE residence visa and Emirates ID where eligible. For international students, the published monthly stipend is AED 15,500 for M.Sc. students and AED 17,500 for PhD students. PhD students are centrally funded by the University during Year 1 while being matched with a faculty advisor, with funding transitioning to the faculty advisor no later than the start of Year 2, subject to a confirmed advisor match and satisfactory academic progress. M.Sc. students are fee-paying by default, but merit-based funding may be available through faculty-sponsored research or teaching assistantships or applicable government scholarships; funding is not guaranteed for all admitted M.Sc. students. The Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) is fee-based and is not eligible for University or faculty-sponsored funding. Funded students are expected to maintain an in-person presence on campus throughout their funded period.
Who can apply
International Applicants: International applicants from around the world may apply if they meet the academic, English-language, screening exam, and program-specific admission requirements.
Relevant STEM Academic Background: Applicants must generally hold a degree in a STEM field such as computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, mathematics, physics, or another relevant science or engineering field from an accredited university or college recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education.
Academic Requirement: The minimum CGPA requirement is 3.0 or 3.5 on a 4.0 scale depending on the selected graduate program.
English Proficiency: Applicants must meet the English language proficiency requirements applicable to their selected graduate program.
Screening Exam: Applicants must complete the required MBZUAI screening exam according to the selected program's requirements.
One Application Per Intake: Applicants may submit only one application per admission cycle. Multiple submissions will not be processed.
Gender: Female, Male, Other
Eligibility rules
Academic Standing
1. Academic Degree Requirement
Rule description:
Applicants must hold a completed degree in a STEM field such as Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or another relevant Science or Engineering major from an accredited or recognized university or college.
2. Minimum GPA Requirement
Rule description:
The minimum CGPA requirement varies by graduate program and is generally 3.0 or 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must meet the program-specific academic requirement.
3. PhD Academic Requirement
Rule description:
PhD applicants must meet the academic requirements of their selected doctoral program. Depending on the program, applicants may qualify with a relevant STEM Bachelor's degree or a relevant Master's degree, subject to the required CGPA and program-specific criteria.
4. English Language Requirement
Rule description:
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide acceptable evidence of English language proficiency according to MBZUAI requirements, unless they qualify for an applicable waiver.
5. Screening Exam
Rule description:
Applicants must complete the required MBZUAI screening exam. The screening process evaluates foundational knowledge relevant to the selected graduate program, including areas such as mathematics and programming.
6. Recommendation Requirement
Rule description:
Applicants must provide referee recommendations. M.Sc. applicants generally require at least two referees, while PhD applicants generally require at least three referees.
7. One Application Per Admission Cycle
Rule description:
Applicants may submit only one application per admission cycle. Multiple applications will not be processed.
8. International Applicants
Rule description:
MBZUAI accepts applicants from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, including international students, provided they meet the applicable admission requirements.
9. Academic Documents
Rule description:
Applicants must provide official academic transcripts and degree certificates. Senior-level students may initially apply with an official transcript and expected graduation documentation, but must submit the completed official degree documents upon admission.
10. Application Fee
Rule description:
Graduate applicants must pay an AED 200 application fee after completing the screening exam. Applications with unpaid fees are considered incomplete. Fee waivers are available under specific conditions stated by MBZUAI.
11. Technical Interview
Rule description:
A selected group of applicants may be invited to a technical interview as part of the admission process.
Important dates
Application deadline: Dec 15, 2026
Note: The main deadline for all graduate programs except the Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) is December 15, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. GST. The MAAI has a separate deadline of February 28, 2027 at 5:00 p.m. GST.
Fields of study
Artificial Intelligence
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Computer Vision
Data Science
Machine Learning
Mathematics
Robotics
Software Engineering
Statistics
Computational Biology
How to apply
1
Select one eligible MBZUAI Master's or PhD program that matches your academic background and research interests.
Only one application may be submitted per admission cycle. Multiple applications will not be processed.
2
Review the admission requirements for your selected program, including the required STEM degree, minimum CGPA, English proficiency, required documents, and program-specific criteria.
The minimum CGPA varies by program and is generally 3.0 or 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
3
Prepare your CV, academic transcripts and degree certificates, statement of purpose, referee recommendations, English proficiency evidence, and any additional documents required by your selected program. PhD applicants must also prepare a research statement.
Senior-level students may initially apply with an official transcript and must provide the complete official degree documents upon admission.
4
Create an account on the MBZUAI application portal, complete the online application form, upload the required documents, and submit your application.
For the main graduate programs, the application portal opens September 7, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. GST. The final deadline is December 15, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. GST. The Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence has a separate deadline of February 28, 2027.
Required documents
Curriculum Vitae (CV) — Include academic background, work experience, research publications, and programming or coding skills.
Official Bachelor's Degree Transcript and Degree Certificate — Senior-level students may initially submit a transcript and expected graduation documentation, subject to MBZUAI requirements.
Official Master's Degree Transcript and Degree Certificate (optional) — Required for PhD applicants who already hold a master's degree.
Statement of Purpose — Required for graduate applicants according to the applicable program requirements.
Research Statement — Required for PhD applicants and should be submitted according to MBZUAI instructions.
Referee Recommendations — A minimum of two referees is required for M.Sc. applicants and a minimum of three referees for PhD applicants.
English Language Proficiency Certificate — Applicants must provide accepted evidence of English proficiency according to the requirements of the selected program.
Valid Passport Copy — Submit a valid identification document as required by the application portal.
Funded graduate students receive full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, one return airfare each year to their home country, health insurance, and a University-sponsored UAE residence visa and Emirates ID where eligible. However, funding is not automatically guaranteed for every graduate applicant. Funding availability and continuation depend on the selected program, academic standing, and applicable funding arrangement.
Related opportunities
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) 2027 | Fully Funded Scholarship in China
Unpaid
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) 2027 is a Chinese government-funded scholarship program that supports eligible international students and scholars who wish to pursue higher education or research in China. The program is administered through the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and is available through different scholarship routes, including university-based opportunities and programs coordinated through designated authorities.
Depending on the scholarship category and host institution, CSC opportunities may support undergraduate, master's, doctoral, general scholar, senior scholar, and other study or research programs. Applicants may study at participating Chinese universities in a wide range of academic fields.
Depending on the applicable category, the scholarship package may include tuition fee coverage, accommodation or an accommodation allowance, a monthly stipend, and comprehensive medical insurance.
Applicants must carefully check the specific scholarship category, eligible degree level, participating university, Agency Number, application deadline, required documents, language requirements, and application procedure before submitting an application.
For university-based Type B applications, applicants select Program Category Type B and enter the five-digit Agency Number provided by the Chinese university. The exact requirements and deadlines can vary by scholarship route, university, academic program, embassy, or designated authority.
For applicants from Afghanistan, CSC-related opportunities may be available through applicable official routes. Afghan applicants should follow the current instructions published by the relevant Chinese Embassy, Afghan dispatching authority, or participating Chinese university for the specific scholarship cycle.
Important: CSC is not one single scholarship with one universal deadline or identical eligibility requirements. Applicants must verify the current official requirements and deadline for their specific application route and host institution.
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28 | Fully Funded UK Master’s Scholarship
Unpaid
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2027/28 are fully funded scholarships for eligible citizens of low and middle income Commonwealth countries to undertake full-time taught Master’s study at approved universities in the United Kingdom.
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), the programme supports candidates who have strong academic potential and who would otherwise be unable to afford postgraduate study in the UK.
The scholarship is intended to support sustainable development by helping talented graduates gain advanced knowledge and skills that can contribute to development in their home countries.
The 2027/28 scholarship is for study beginning in September or October 2027. Applicants must apply through the CSC Central application system and also apply through an eligible nominating agency. The CSC does not accept direct applications without a nominating route.
The scholarship provides approved return airfare, full approved tuition fees, a monthly living allowance of £1,712, or £2,000 per month for scholars studying at universities in the London metropolitan area, and a study travel grant. Eligible single parents, widows or divorced scholars with children may also receive family allowances subject to the programme conditions.
Applicants must normally hold a first degree at least equivalent to a UK upper second-class (2:1) standard by September 2027, or a lower second-class degree together with a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master’s degree. Applicants must also demonstrate that they cannot afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
The programme is available only to citizens or eligible refugees from the Commonwealth countries listed by the CSC. Afghanistan is not included in the current eligible-country list.
Applicants should carefully check the eligibility requirements of their specific nominating agency because agencies may have additional requirements and earlier deadlines than the CSC deadline.
UBC International Scholars Program 2027 | Undergraduate Scholarship in Canada
Unpaid
The UBC International Scholars Program 2027 supports exceptional international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia. The program is intended for students with superior academic achievement, leadership qualities, meaningful contributions to their communities, and significant financial need. Applicants must be entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school and must meet UBC general and degree-specific admission requirements. Applicants for the 2027 Winter Session must have graduated from high school no earlier than June 2026. UBC assesses each applicant's financial circumstances using information such as family income, expenses, assets, dependents, and available sources of support. There are four award categories: Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award, International Impact Award, and Vantage One Excellence Award. Applicants do not choose an award category; UBC automatically considers eligible applicants for the awards for which they qualify. The Vantage One Excellence Award is available through UBC Vantage College for academically outstanding international students who do not yet meet the English Language Admission Standard for direct entry and can be worth up to the full cost of the academic program and living expenses. The International Scholars Program application deadline for the 2027 intake is November 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Applicants must first submit their UBC admission application, then complete the award application and nomination process. Required admission documents and the applicable English language requirement must be completed by January 31, 2027 for International Scholars applicants.
Bachelor
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2027 | PhD Scholarship in Canada
Unpaid
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is a prestigious three-year doctoral scholarship for students pursuing PhD research broadly related to the humanities and social sciences and addressing issues relevant to Canada's future. For the 2027 competition, eligible applicants include Canadian students enrolled at Canadian or international universities and international students enrolled at Canadian universities.
Scholars can receive up to CAD 50,000 per year for three years to support tuition and living expenses, plus up to CAD 20,000 per year for research, networking, and travel related to their doctoral work and Foundation activities. The program also provides mentorship, experiential learning, and membership in the Foundation's multidisciplinary community.
Applicants must be in the first or second year of a PhD program at the time of application. Their doctoral research must align with at least one of the Foundation's four themes: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, or People and their Natural Environment.
The 2027 application process has two stages. Applicants must first submit an eligibility confirmation request by October 2, 2026. Applicants whose eligibility is confirmed can then access the full application. Three reference letters are required, including one from the PhD supervisor, one from another academic referee, and one from a non-academic referee. The complete application deadline is November 6, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
International students who are living outside Canada or enrolled at a university outside Canada are not eligible for the 2027 competition.
PhDFully Funded
KAIST Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarship in South Korea
Unpaid
The KAIST Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for eligible international students admitted to the KAIST undergraduate program in South Korea. The scholarship provides a full tuition fee exemption for eight semesters, a monthly living allowance of KRW 350,000, and national health insurance. There is no separate scholarship application. International applicants must apply for KAIST undergraduate admission and select “KAIST scholarship” in the Statement of Financial Resources section of the online application. To continue receiving the scholarship after the freshman year, students must maintain a GPA above 2.7 out of 4.3 at KAIST. Applicants must meet KAIST's international undergraduate admission requirements and should use the official 2027 admission guide as the final source for eligibility, documents, English proficiency requirements, and application procedures.
MAAI Funding Exception: The Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) is a fee-based program and is not eligible for University or faculty-sponsored funding.
In-Person Study: Funded students are expected to maintain an in-person presence on campus throughout their funded period.
2027 Fall Intake: The 2027 Fall semester begins in mid-August 2027.
Decision Date: For the main graduate programs, MBZUAI expects to send admission decision notifications no later than March 31, 2027 at 5:00 p.m. GST.
University: Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
Host country: United Arab Emirates
Deadline: Dec 15, 2026
Eligible students: Asia, International, Middle East
Study levels: Master, PhD
Funding: Fully Funded
Posted by: Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) — Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is a graduate-level research university in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, dedicated to artificial intelligence and related fields. The university offers graduate programs and provides funding opportunities through university and faculty-supported arrangements.
Language test required
Unpaid opportunity
5
Complete the required MBZUAI screening exam after submitting the application, following the instructions provided through the application portal.
The screening exam evaluates foundational knowledge relevant to the selected program, including advanced mathematics and programming. For PhD applicants, it also covers machine learning and core computer science topics.
6
Pay the AED 200 application fee after completing the screening exam.
Applications with unpaid fees are considered incomplete and will not proceed to the review stage. A fee waiver is available if the overall screening exam score is 75% or above, or the fee is reimbursed upon enrollment.
7
If selected, attend the technical interview with members of the MBZUAI admission committee according to the instructions provided by the University.
A subset of applicants will be invited to a technical interview.
8
Monitor your application and email for the admission decision and any further instructions from MBZUAI.
For the main graduate programs, decision notifications are expected no later than March 31, 2027 at 5:00 p.m. GST.
9
If you receive an admission offer, review the offer conditions and respond before the specified deadline.
For the main graduate programs, the offer response deadline is April 15, 2027 at 5:00 p.m. GST. The MAAI has a separate offer response deadline of April 30, 2027.
Recent Passport-Style Photograph — Follow the university's stated photograph specifications.
Screening Exam — Applicants must complete the MBZUAI screening exam according to the selected program's requirements.
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is a graduate-level research university in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, dedicated to artificial intelligence and related fields. The university offers graduate programs and provides funding opportunities through university and faculty-supported arrangements.
