MBA Scholarships in Dubai (UAE) 2026-27 for International Students

Securing an MBA in Dubai (UAE) is a transformative career move, and for international students, finding the right financial aid is crucial. Dubai, a dynamic global business hub, hosts top-tier international branch campuses offering diverse MBA programs with key specializations like Finance, International Business, Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, and Business Analytics. Scholarships for the 2026-27 intake offer significant benefits, often providing full or partial tuition fee waivers, sometimes extending to cover monthly stipends, accommodation, health insurance, and visa costs, substantially lowering the financial barrier to entry and facilitating a focus on academic and professional growth in a tax-free economy. This competitive funding is typically merit-based, targeting high-achieving leaders.

In this blog, we provide a comprehensive, up-to-date guide on the leading MBA scholarships in Dubai for 2026-27, detailing eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and specific coverage for international students.

Types of MBA MBA Scholarships in Dubai (UAE)

Securing an MBA in Dubai (UAE) as an international student is often made more accessible through various scholarships. These typically fall into broad categories based on the award criteria.

Scholarship Type	Basis of Award	Eligibility Criteria
Merit-Based Scholarships	Academic and Professional Excellence	High GPA/CGPA, exceptional GMAT/GRE scores, strong professional experience, demonstrated leadership, or entrepreneurial success.
Need-Based Scholarships	Financial Situation	Demonstrated financial need, often requiring supporting documentation of income and expenses. These are sometimes called Bursaries or Financial Hardship Grants.
Special Category / Diversity Scholarships	Demographic or Specific Achievement	Targeted groups such as Women in Business/STEM, specific nationalities/regions, or those with significant community/social impact or athletic achievement.
University-Specific Awards	Institutional Affiliation/Partnerships	Alumni of the university, employees of corporate partners, or early applicants (Early Enrollment Discounts).

List of Top MBA Scholarships In Dubai (UAE)

A number of universities and foundations in Dubai (UAE) offer scholarships for international students pursuing an MBA. These are typically merit-based (academic excellence) or special category (leadership, specific field) awards, ranging from partial tuition waivers to fully funded programs.

Scholarship Name	Coverage (Amount/Type)	Important Eligibility Criteria for MBA
Hult International Business School Scholarships	Varies widely (e.g., 15% to 50% tuition waiver). Includes awards like Senior Leaders, Global Professional, and Entrepreneurial Impact scholarships.	Merit-Based: Exceptional academic/professional record, demonstrated leadership, strong GMAT/GRE scores (often preferred), successful interview.
University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) Academic Merit Scholarship	15% to 50% tuition fee waiver for each trimester.	Merit-Based: High academic standing (e.g., a minimum CGPA of 3.5 in the undergraduate program), based on overall profile.
University of Birmingham Dubai Chancellor’s Academic Merit Scholarship	Partial funding (up to 30% tuition fee waiver).	Merit-Based: High academic performance in previous degree, often based on equivalent UK classification (e.g., a 1st Class or 2:1 equivalent).
Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Scholarship (Dubai School of Government)	Full coverage (Tuition, living expenses, and travel may be included).	Special Category/Merit: High-potential leaders from developing countries, admitted to an Executive MBA or similar program, demonstrated commitment to public impact.
INSEAD Deepak and Sunita Gupta Endowed Scholarship	Varies (Partial funding).	Special Category: Specifically for Indian students with demonstrated financial need who are admitted to the INSEAD MBA program in the Middle East campus.
Middlesex University Dubai Scholarships	Varies (e.g., 10% to 50% tuition waiver). Includes Academic Excellence Scholarships and Postgraduate/Master’s Study Grants.	Merit-Based: Achieving high academic standing in the previous degree (e.g., achieving an unconditional offer letter), and making an advance deposit.
Khalifa University Postgraduate Scholarships	Fully Funded (Covers full tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, medical insurance, and potential travel support).	Merit-Based/STEM Focus: Exceptional academic record, admitted to an eligible postgraduate program (often science/technology focus, which may include certain MBAs), and meeting specific program CGPA requirements.

General Scholarship Categories

Many universities in Dubai, such as American University in Dubai (AUD), Amity University Dubai, BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, and IMT Business School, offer internal scholarships that fall into the following broad categories:

Scholarship Type	Coverage	Eligibility Requirements
Academic Excellence/Merit Scholarships	Typically 10% to 50% tuition waiver.	High CGPA/GPA in the Bachelor’s degree, competitive GMAT/GRE score (if required), and strong interview performance.
Alumni Scholarships	Typically 10% to 25% tuition waiver.	Applicant is an alumnus or a family member of an alumnus of the same university.
Corporate/Partner Scholarships	Varies (e.g., 30% tuition waiver).	Applicant is an employee of a university’s specific corporate or government partner (e.g., Dubai Police, RTA).
Early Enrollment Discounts	Small one-time discount or a percentage waiver on the first-semester tuition.	Submitting the application and/or paying the deposit by a specified early deadline.
Financial Need/Bursaries	Varies (Partial tuition support).	Demonstrated financial need, usually requiring submission of supporting documentation (e.g., income statements, bank records).

Also Read: How to Study in Dubai for Free?

Details of Top MBA Scholarships in Dubai

You can get your MBA degree in the dynamic business hub of the UAE with the help of famous scholarships designed to help Indian and International students like you. These top 5 MBA scholarships in Dubai offer unique benefits and eligibility requirements. Explore these top choices in more detail to find out how to get the scholarships you need for your MBA degree in Dubai.

Hult International Business School MBA Scholarships

Hult International Business School offers a variety of merit-based scholarships for MBA students, such as the Social Impact Scholarship for applicants committed to social good, the Global Professional Scholarship for those with full-time experience in a large global corporation, and the Entrepreneurial Impact Scholarship for professionals demonstrating leadership in an entrepreneurial project. These scholarships are generally partial tuition awards, and eligibility is determined by an evaluation of the candidate’s professional background, leadership potential, academic excellence (sometimes via the Academic Excellence Scholarship), and an accompanying essay/video submission, with amounts varying significantly based on the applicant’s profile and competition.

Benefits	Varies (Rewards achievements and potential).
Eligibility	Academic high achievers, entrepreneurs, proven leaders, or professionals with experience in large global corporations (e.g., Global Professional Scholarship).
Application Process	Part of the online application to Hult.
Deadline	Varies by Round: Round 1: Nov 30, 2025; Round 2: Jan 31, 2026; Round 3: Mar 31, 2026; Round 4: May 31, 2026. (Apply early as competition increases)
Official Link	https://www.hult.edu/mba/admissions/

University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) Master’s Academic Merit Scholarship

University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) Master’s Academic Merit Scholarship is a partial tuition fee waiver for new, full-time international students enrolling in a Master’s program like the MBA, with the value typically ranging from 15% to 25% of the tuition fees each trimester. Eligibility for the 25% award generally requires a high level of academic achievement in the applicant’s prior degree, such as an equivalent of 75% to 80% for Indian or Egyptian students, or a 3.8 GPA for US/UAE curricula, with the 15% award requiring slightly lower but still high grades, and retention is subject to maintaining a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of ≥65 and having no fail grades.

Benefits	15% – 25% of tuition fees.
Eligibility	Continuing Students: Minimum cumulative Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 75, completed a minimum of 24 credit points.
Application Process	Submit an Application for Scholarship form and supporting documents to FRED and registry services.
Deadline	Varies by semester.
Official Link	https://www.uowdubai.ac.ae/join-uowd/scholarships/master-scholarships-for-continuing-students

University of Birmingham Dubai Chancellor’s Academic Merit Scholarship

Available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, including those in the MBA program, this merit-based scholarship provides a partial tuition fee reduction, typically ranging from 10% to 30% of the fees across all years of study. Eligibility is strictly based on the applicant’s academic performance in their prior qualification, with specific grade requirements varying by the grading system (e.g., 30% for a 3.7 GPA or above 80% for a percentage system) and the scholarship is automatically reviewed upon admission offer and deposit payment.

Benefits	10% to 30% tuition fee reduction.
Eligibility	Based on Bachelor’s (or equivalent) grades: e.g., 3.7 GPA → 30%; 3.0 GPA → 20%.
Application Process	Automatic: Awarded after applicant receives and accepts a Conditional Offer and pays the deposit (5,000 AED). No separate application needed.
Deadline	Varies
Official Link	https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/dubai/study/fees/scholarships

INSEAD Deepak and Sunita Gupta Endowed Scholarship (Dubai Campus option)

While INSEAD’s primary campuses are in Europe and Asia, the Global Executive MBA program utilizes the Middle East campus in Abu Dhabi/Dubai, and this specific need-based scholarship is targeted at outstanding MBA candidates from emerging/developing countries who can demonstrate a proven financial need. The award amount can be significant, up to €25,000 (or currency equivalent), and the application requires a detailed financial aid submission and essays that address the applicant’s background and contribution to their region, aiming to build human capacity in economically challenged areas.

Benefits	Up to EUR 25,000.
Eligibility	Candidates from emerging/developing countries who can demonstrate proven financial need.
Application Process	Submit through the Financial Aid Application on the INSEAD Scholarship Portal.
Deadline	Varies
Official Link	https://www.insead.edu/master-programmes/mba/insead-scholarships/insead-deepak-and-sunita-gupta-endowed-scholarships

Middlesex University Dubai Academic Excellence Scholarship (Postgraduate)

Middlesex University Dubai offers Academic Excellence Scholarships that apply to postgraduate studies, including the MBA, with an award amount that can go up to 50% of the tuition fees, although a typical partial award might be a 10% discount. International students with an unconditional or conditional offer for a postgraduate program are eligible to apply, and the scholarship is awarded based on high academic achievement (high CGPA/grades in the bachelor’s degree) and often requires an advance payment of a portion of the tuition fee to avail the discount.

Benefits	Up to 50% tuition fee reduction.
Eligibility	Academic achievement based on previous studies/curriculum.
Application Process	Apply, accept the offer, and pay the deposit (AED 3,000). Students are typically notified of eligibility.
Deadline	September Intake: Applicants must apply, accept offer, and pay deposit by the expiry date (e.g., Sep 2025).
Official Link	https://www.mdx.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships-and-bursaries/

Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in Dubai 2025: Complete Guide

Tips for a Successful MBA Scholarship Application in Dubai

Applying for a competitive MBA scholarship in Dubai as an international student requires a strategic and meticulous approach. For the 2026-2027 intake, focus on the following important tips:

• Start Early: Begin research and preparation 9–12 months before the deadline.
• Maximize Academics: Ensure a high undergraduate GPA/WAM (e.g., 3.5+) is reflected in your transcripts.
• Target High GMAT/GRE: A competitive test score is essential for most merit-based awards.
• Tailor Your Essay: Customize every personal statement to align precisely with the scholarship’s mission.
• Use Actionable Examples: Show leadership and impact using the STAR method; quantify your achievements.
• Articulate Clear Goals: Define specific, well-researched post-MBA career goals in the UAE or globally.
• Highlight Uniqueness: Emphasize the distinct cultural, professional, or regional diversity you bring.
• Secure Strong LORs: Request detailed, personalized letters from recommenders who know your potential.
• Proofread Meticulously: Ensure zero typos, grammatical errors, or formatting mistakes.
• Submit Early: Complete and submit your entire application package well ahead of the official deadline.

Is Dubai Good for studying MBA?

Yes, Dubai is generally an excellent choice for international students pursuing an MBA in the 2026-2027 intake, primarily due to its strategic business environment, high quality of life, and internationalized education system.

The city offers a unique blend of global business exposure and local market insight.

• Dubai serves as a crucial gateway connecting the business markets of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
• The economy is robust and diversified, with massive opportunities in sectors highly relevant to MBAs, such as Finance (DIFC), Logistics/Supply Chain, Technology, Real Estate, and Tourism/Hospitality.
• The city is home to regional headquarters for countless Multinational Corporations (MNCs), offering rich networking, internship, and post-graduation job prospects.
• Dubai hosts branch campuses of highly reputable universities from the UK, USA, Australia, and India (e.g., London Business School, Hult, SP Jain).
• Many programs hold major international accreditations (like AACSB, AMBA, or EQUIS), ensuring the quality of the curriculum.
• The language of instruction for most MBA programs is English, making the transition seamless for international students.
• A major draw for post-MBA careers is the absence of personal income tax in the UAE, which significantly increases the take-home salary and ROI (Return on Investment).
• There is consistent, high demand for skilled professionals in leadership and strategy roles across various growing sectors.
• The UAE has increasingly favorable visa policies, including job-seeker visas and the prestigious Golden Visa for highly-skilled professionals, aiding the transition from student to employee.
• Over 200 nationalities live in Dubai, creating a truly cosmopolitan and diverse learning environment that is invaluable for building a global professional network.
• Dubai is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the world, with excellent modern infrastructure.

To learn more about studying in Dubai, watch this video:

Which Countries Offer Scholarships for MBA Programs?

Many countries and institutions worldwide offer scholarships for MBA programs, catering to international students based on merit, need, diversity, or specific career goals.

Here is a table outlining some major countries and their associated scholarships, along with benefits:

Country	Scholarship Name	Important Benefits
United States (USA)	Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships (for Indian students)	Funding covering tuition, airfare, living stipend, and health insurance (benefits vary).
	Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship (Stanford GSB, for Indian students)	Financial assistance for tuition and associated fees.
	HBS Need-Based Fellowships (Harvard Business School)	Grants covering partial to full tuition, based on demonstrated financial need.
	Forte MBA Fellowships (University-specific, multiple schools)	Financial awards, often $10,000–$40,000, for women with strong leadership potential.
	University/School-Specific Merit Scholarships	Partial to full tuition waivers based on academic and professional excellence.
	American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships	Funding ranging from $18,000–$30,000 for women pursuing graduate studies who plan to return to their home country.
	Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)	Covers full tuition, travel, and a monthly living allowance for professionals from developing countries for development-related studies (available in some US schools).
	Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans	Financial support for tuition and living expenses for immigrants and children of immigrants.
United Kingdom (UK)	Chevening Scholarships	Fully funded, covering full tuition fees, travel costs, and a monthly living allowance (stipend).
	Commonwealth Shared Scholarships	Covers full tuition fees, airfare, and a living stipend for students from developing Commonwealth countries.
	GREAT Scholarships	Minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year Master’s/MBA degree.
	Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship (Oxford Saïd)	Full tuition, college fees, and a grant for living expenses for social entrepreneurs.
	Clarendon Fund (University of Oxford)	Full tuition and college fees, plus a generous grant for living costs.
Canada	University-Specific Entrance Scholarships (e.g., Rotman, Ivey)	Varies from partial tuition reduction to significant awards based on academic merit and leadership.
	Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS)	$15,000 per year (for a limited number of international students).
	MPOWER MBA Scholarship	Awards up to US$10,000 to support international MBA students.
	Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships	$50,000 per year for three years for doctoral studies (may include some applied programs).
France	Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program	Monthly allowance, round-trip international travel, and health insurance (tuition is typically covered by the French state for public institutions).
	HEC Paris MBA Scholarship for Excellence	Partial funding, typically a tuition reduction based on merit.
	INSEAD Business School International Scholarships	Over 140 scholarships, typically partial funding based on merit, need, and diversity.
Germany	DAAD Scholarships (German Academic Exchange Service)	Monthly stipend, travel allowance, and health insurance. Tuition fees are often low or non-existent at public universities.
	ESMT MBA Scholarships	Partial tuition waivers, such as the Women in Business Scholarship or the Dean’s Excellence Scholarships.
Australia	Australia Awards Scholarships	Fully funded, covering full tuition, return air travel, a living stipend, and health cover for students from developing countries (Indo-Pacific focus).
	University-Specific MBA Scholarships (e.g., Melbourne Business School)	Partial tuition fee reduction, typically up to AUD 10,000–20,000.
Switzerland	IMD MBA Scholarships	Partial funding, often CHF 30,000–50,000, based on merit, need, and regional diversity.

Also Read: List of Best Dubai Universities for International Students

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