Top 20 Scholarships for Emirati Students

Emirati students have access to a wide range of fully funded and partial scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies both in the UAE and abroad. Whether you aim to study at top universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, or within the UAE, these 20 opportunities offer financial support covering tuition, living expenses, and travel. This guide breaks down each scholarship, eligibility criteria, and key deadlines to help you plan your academic future.

1. Khalifa University Scholarships (UAE)

Khalifa University offers one of the most comprehensive graduate and undergraduate scholarship programs for Emirati students. The awards cover full tuition, a monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, and flight tickets for international study components.

• Coverage: 100% tuition + stipend + housing.
• Eligibility: UAE nationals with a minimum high school GPA of 95% for undergraduate programs.
• Fields: Engineering, science, medicine, and technology.
• Deadline: Typically open year-round with specific intake periods.

2. ADNOC Scholarship Program (UAE)

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) sponsors Emirati students to study at top international universities. It is one of the most prestigious corporate scholarships in the region.

• Coverage: Full tuition, monthly allowance, accommodation, annual flights, and health insurance.
• Eligibility: UAE nationals, high school graduates with a minimum 85% average.
• Fields: Engineering, business, IT, and geosciences.
• Note: Requires a commitment to work for ADNOC after graduation.

3. Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) Scholarships

This specialized university in Abu Dhabi offers fully funded master’s and PhD scholarships for Emirati and international students. For Emiratis, the scholarship includes a generous monthly salary.

• Coverage: Full tuition, health insurance, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
• Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in STEM fields with strong academic records.
• Fields: Computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing.

4. Sandooq Al Watan Scholarships (UAE)

Sandooq Al Watan is a national initiative that partners with UAE universities to offer financial aid. It focuses on supporting students in priority fields for the nation’s development.

• Coverage: Partial to full tuition support, depending on need and merit.
• Eligibility: Emirati students enrolled in partner UAE universities.
• Fields: Engineering, medicine, AI, and renewable energy.

5. UAE Government Scholarship Program (Ministry of Education)

The Ministry of Education offers a competitive scholarship for Emirati students to study at top 100 global universities. It is the largest government-funded scholarship initiative.

• Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance.
• Eligibility: UAE nationals with a minimum 90% in high school or 3.0 GPA in university.
• Fields: All fields, with priority for science and technology.

“The Ministry of Education scholarship opened doors I never thought possible. It allowed me to pursue a degree in engineering at a top US university without financial worry.” — Ahmed Al Mansoori, former scholarship recipient.

6. Zayed University Scholarship Program

Zayed University offers multiple merit-based and need-based scholarships for Emirati students enrolled in their undergraduate and graduate programs.

• Coverage: Tuition waivers from 25% to 100%.
• Eligibility: UAE nationals with strong academic performance and financial need.
• Fields: Arts, business, education, sustainability.

7. Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) Scholarships

HCT provides several scholarship options for Emirati students, including the President’s Scholarship for top achievers and the Applied Bachelor’s Scholarship.

• Coverage: Full tuition and a monthly stipend for President’s Scholars.
• Eligibility: High school graduates with 95%+ average.
• Fields: Applied sciences, business, health sciences.

8. University of Sharjah Internal Scholarships

The University of Sharjah offers competitive scholarships for Emirati students based on academic excellence and financial circumstances.

• Coverage: Up to 100% tuition reduction.
• Eligibility: UAE nationals with high school GPA above 90%.
• Fields: All disciplines offered at the university.

9. Mubadala Scholarship Program

Mubadala Investment Company sponsors Emirati students to study at leading international universities. This is a highly selective program focused on future leaders.

• Coverage: Full tuition, housing, travel, and a monthly living allowance.
• Eligibility: UAE nationals with exceptional academic records and leadership potential.
• Fields: Finance, engineering, law, and business.

10. Abu Dhabi University Chancellor’s Scholarship

This merit-based scholarship rewards top-performing Emirati students enrolling in undergraduate programs at Abu Dhabi University.

• Coverage: 50% to 100% tuition fee waiver.
• Eligibility: High school average of 95% or higher.
• Fields: All programs offered.

11. Oxford University Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship (UK)

Emirati students can apply for this prestigious scholarship that covers full costs for master’s studies at Oxford. It targets students committed to public service.

• Coverage: Full tuition, college fees, and a living grant of at least £18,000 per year.
• Eligibility: Outstanding academic record and leadership experience.
• Fields: All graduate courses offered at Oxford.

12. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Funded by the UK Foreign Office, Chevening offers full scholarships for one-year master’s programs. Emirati students are eligible to apply.

• Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, travel, and visa costs.
• Eligibility: UAE nationals with at least two years of work experience.
• Fields: Any field of study.

“Chevening changed my perspective on global leadership. I returned to the UAE equipped with skills to contribute to my community.” — Mariam Al Suwaidi, Chevening alumnus.

13. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

The Fulbright Program provides fully funded opportunities for Emirati students to pursue master’s or PhD degrees in the United States.

• Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, living stipend, and health insurance.
• Eligibility: UAE nationals with a bachelor’s degree and strong English proficiency.
• Fields: All fields, with preference for STEM and social sciences.

14. KAUST Fellowship (Saudi Arabia)

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology offers one of the most generous graduate fellowships globally. Emirati students are welcome to apply.

• Coverage: Full tuition, annual living allowance of $30,000, housing, and medical insurance.
• Eligibility: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in STEM.
• Fields: Science and engineering disciplines.

15. Qatar Foundation Scholarships (Qatar)

Emirati students can apply for fully funded scholarships at Education City universities in Qatar, including partner institutions like Georgetown and Carnegie Mellon.

• Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, travel, and monthly allowance.
• Eligibility: Strong academic record and IELTS score of 7.0 or higher.
• Fields: Business, international relations, computer science, and medicine.

16. Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)

This Australian scholarship funds international students, including Emiratis, for graduate research degrees at participating Australian universities.

• Coverage: Tuition fees and annual living stipend of AUD $35,000.
• Eligibility: Research proposal aligned with university priorities.
• Fields: All research fields.

17. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada)

Offered by the University of Toronto, this scholarship covers all costs for outstanding international students, including Emiratis.

• Coverage: Tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support.
• Eligibility: Exceptional academic achievement and creativity.
• Fields: All undergraduate programs at U of T.

18. Singapore Government Scholarships (Singapore)

The Singapore Ministry of Education offers the ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship to students from the UAE, covering full costs at Singapore universities.

• Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, and annual living allowance of SGD $5,800.
• Eligibility: Strong academic record and leadership qualities.
• Fields: Engineering, business, and science.

19. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (France)

This French government scholarship targets top international students for master’s and PhD programs. Emirati students are eligible.

• Coverage: Monthly allowance of €1,181 for master’s, plus travel and insurance.
• Eligibility: Under 30 years old for master’s application.
• Fields: Engineering, economics, law, and political science.

20. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)

Available for master’s and PhD study in the UK, Commonwealth Scholarships are open to Emirati students with financial need.

• Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, living allowance, and warm clothing allowance.
• Eligibility: UAE nationals with a bachelor’s degree.
• Fields: Development-related fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the easiest scholarship to get for Emirati students?

Scholarships with lower GPA requirements, such as those offered by HCT or Zayed University for students with 85% averages, tend to have higher acceptance rates. However, all scholarships require strong academic standing and a complete application.

2. Can Emirati students get full scholarships to study abroad?

Yes, many programs like the UAE Ministry of Education Scholarship, ADNOC, and Chevening cover 100% of tuition and living expenses for study abroad. These are highly competitive but fully funded.

3. Do I need IELTS for most scholarships?

Most international scholarships require proof of English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL. Some UAE-based programs may waive this if you studied in an English-medium school.

4. Are there scholarships for Emirati students with average grades?

Yes, some need-based scholarships and internal university awards consider financial need over grades. HCT and University of Sharjah offer options for students with 70-80% averages.

5. How do I apply for the ADNOC scholarship?

Applications open annually on the ADNOC website. You need to submit your high school transcripts, a personal statement, and pass an interview process.

6. Can I work while on a scholarship?

Most scholarships allow part-time work as long as it does not interfere with studies. International scholarships like Chevening and Fulbright permit limited work hours.

7. What fields are most in demand for Emirati scholarships?

STEM fields, particularly engineering, AI, renewable energy, and medicine, receive the most funding. The UAE government prioritizes these areas for national development.

8. Is there an age limit for graduate scholarships?

Many scholarships have age limits. For example, the Eiffel Scholarship requires applicants to be under 30, and Chevening has no strict age limit but prefers candidates with work experience.

9. Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?

Yes, but be aware of restrictions. Some scholarships require you to accept only one offer. Always read the terms and conditions carefully.

10. What happens if I fail a course while on a scholarship?

Most scholarships require maintaining a minimum GPA. Failing a course can lead to probation or loss of funding. Always check the academic progress policy of each scholarship.

Conclusion

Emirati students have no shortage of high-quality scholarship options for both local and international study. From government-funded initiatives like the Ministry of Education Scholarship to corporate programs like ADNOC and Mubadala, the opportunities are diverse and generous. The key to success lies in early preparation, maintaining strong academic records, and submitting complete applications before deadlines. Whether you aim to study in the UAE, UK, USA, or Canada, these 20 scholarships for Emirati students can turn your academic dreams into reality without financial burden. Start your research now and take the first step toward a fully funded education.