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So, you want to study at the University of Dubai, but the tuition fees have you sweating? Don’t panic because we’ve got you covered. This blog breaks down the 7 best Dubai University Scholarships for new students in 2025, showing you exactly which scholarships can cut your costs, how they work, and what you need to grab them. Read this, and you’ll know which scholarships actually matter, how to apply, and which ones can make your life way easier while studying in Dubai.
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Dubai University Scholarship 2025: Quick Highlights
The University of Dubai (UD) is a top accredited university in the UAE, offering strong business, IT, and engineering programs. To support talented students, UD provides several scholarships and tuition fee waivers for 2025.
| Established | 1997 by Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry |
| Accreditation | UAE Ministry of Education, AACSB (Business Programs) |
| Location | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Programs Offered | Undergraduate, MBA, MSc, PhD |
| Scholarship Focus | Merit-based, need-based, alumni, and UAE national support |
| Coverage | Partial and full tuition waivers |
| Official Website | ud.ac.ae |
What is the Dubai University Scholarship?
The Dubai University Scholarship is a set of financial aid programs offered by the University of Dubai (UD) to help students pay for their education. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and financial need, making it easier for both local and international students to study in Dubai.
In 2025, UD offers several scholarships and tuition discounts, including merit-based awards for high achievers, need-based grants for students from modest-income families, and special awards for UAE nationals, alumni, and community contributors.
To learn about studying in Dubai, watch the video below:
7 Best Dubai University Scholarships for New Students (2025)
The University of Dubai offers a variety of scholarships to support new students in 2025. These awards recognize academic excellence, financial need, and community contributions, making education more accessible to deserving students.
1. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship
This prestigious scholarship honors exceptional academic performance and supports top UAE national students. It covers full tuition and is awarded to high achievers each year.
| Coverage | Full tuition waiver |
| Eligibility | UAE nationals with top academic records |
| Application Process | Submit application through UD portal |
2. Adel Al Kamel Scholarship
Named after the Emirati businessman Adel Al Kamel, this scholarship rewards high-performing students with full tuition coverage. It is open to UAE nationals and residents who meet academic requirements.
| Coverage | Full tuition waiver |
| Eligibility | Minimum 95% high school GPA and UAE nationals/residents |
| Application Process | Submit application through UD portal |
3. Alumni & Friends of UD Scholarship Fund
This need-based scholarship helps students from families with limited income access higher education. It emphasizes both academic performance and financial need.
| Coverage | Partial tuition assistance |
| Eligibility | Students from families with limited income |
| Application Process | Submit application through UD portal |
4. Merit-Based High School Score Discounts
These discounts reward undergraduate students for excellent high school results. Higher scores qualify for bigger tuition reductions.
| Coverage | Tuition fee discount based on GPA |
| Eligibility | High school graduates with strong grades |
| Application Process | Submit application through UD portal |
5. Graduate Referral Discount
Current UD students can earn tuition discounts by referring new students to graduate programs. Each successful referral reduces the referring student’s tuition fees.
| Coverage | Tuition fee discount per referral |
| Eligibility | Current UD graduate students |
| Application Process | Submit referral through UD portal |
6. Employee and Family Discounts
Employees of Dubai government entities and their immediate family members are eligible for tuition discounts. These include:
| Coverage | 35% off for bachelor’s programs |
| 20% off for master’s programs | |
| Eligibility | Employees of entities like Dubai Police, DEWA, and Dubai Chamber |
| Application Process | Submit application through UD portal |
7. Esaad Cardholder Benefits
Holders of the Esaad Card (issued by Dubai Police) are entitled to:
| Coverage | 35% off on bachelor’s programs |
| 20% off on master’s programs | |
| Eligibility | Esaad Cardholders and their immediate family members |
| Application Process | Submit application through UD portal |
Also Read: How To Study in Ireland for Free?
Eligibility Criteria for Dubai University Scholarship
Eligibility varies depending on the scholarship type, but here are the generic requirements for most Dubai University Scholarships:
- Academic Excellence: High school graduates typically need strong grades (85%+ or equivalent). Postgraduate applicants must have a competitive GPA from their previous degree.
- Enrollment Status: Students must be officially admitted into an undergraduate or graduate program at the University of Dubai.
- Financial Need: Some scholarships are need-based, requiring proof of family income or financial constraints.
- Nationality: Certain scholarships (like the ICT Fund) are reserved for UAE nationals, while others are open to all students.
- Continuity: Students must maintain the required GPA throughout their studies to continue receiving the scholarship.
- Special Criteria: Some awards consider leadership, community service, or alumni connections as part of eligibility.
Also Read: Canadian University Dubai Scholarships 2025
How to Apply for Dubai University Scholarship
Applying for a Dubai University Scholarship is straightforward, but it requires attention to detail. Here’s the process for most scholarships:
- Apply for Admission: First, submit your application to the University of Dubai through its official admissions portal. Only admitted students are eligible for scholarships.
- Check Available Scholarships: Review the scholarships and tuition discounts available for your program and intake (Spring or Fall 2025).
- Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather transcripts, financial statements (if need-based), identification documents, and any other required materials.
- Submit Scholarship Application: Some scholarships are automatic with admission, while others require a separate application form. Submit all documents via the UD portal.
- Follow Up and Maintain Eligibility: Once awarded, maintain the required GPA and enrollment status to continue receiving scholarship benefits.
Also Read: Harvard University Scholarships for Indian Students
FAQs
Ans: Yes! Some scholarships at the University of Dubai cover full tuition fees, like the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship and the Adel Al Kamel Scholarship. These are usually for students with excellent academic records.
Ans: You can study for free by applying for merit-based or need-based scholarships at universities like the University of Dubai. Meeting eligibility criteria and maintaining a strong GPA helps you get full tuition coverage.
Ans: Tuition varies by program, but scholarships can significantly reduce or cover costs. Without a scholarship, undergraduate programs typically cost around AED 50,000 to AED 70,000 per year, while MBA programs can be higher.
Relatable Reads
That was everything you needed to know about the 7 best Dubai University scholarships for new students. For more such guides, visit the Scholarships page and stay informed with reliable, updated content on Leverage Edu!
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