Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence University

Mohammed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is a graduate research university shaping the next generation of AI leaders. The artificial intelligence university offers advanced programs in AI fields like machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing. These courses are aligned with UAE’s strategic goals to make Abu Dhabi a global AI hub. In this blog, we will explore the top reasons to study at MBZUAI, including unique research opportunities, how the university supports international students, and insights into the AI programs. We will also cover the worldwide ranking of MBZUAI, acceptance rates, process of application, options of accommodation, and how it prepares students for a successful career in artificial intelligence (AI).

Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence: An Overview

Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is a renowned graduate-level research university located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence (AI) through innovative education and research, the university aspires to become a global leader in AI innovation.

MBZUAI provides students with a rich academic environment, state-of-the-art research facilities, and strong support for international students, making it a preferred destination for aspiring AI professionals worldwide. Below is an overview of key details about the university:

Category	Details
Name of University	Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
Programs Offered	AI-related programs, including Machine Learning, Computer Vision, and Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Research Focus	AI research in Machine Learning, NLP, and Robotics
Global Ranking	Top AI-focused university in the UAE, region, and worldwide
Acceptance Rate	Competitive; based on academic excellence and AI-related skills
Support for International Students	Online application, academic record submission, online screening exam, and technical interview
Location of the University	Abu Dhabi, UAE
Application Process	Top AI-focused university in the UAE, the region, and worldwide
On-Campus Housing	Available for international students

Also Read: Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi

Artificial Intelligence Programs and Research Opportunities at MBZUAI

Building on its reputation as a top AI-focused university, MBZUAI offers graduate-level programs designed to provide students with both in-depth theoretical knowledge and extensive research experience. The university’s academic environment encourages collaboration with world-class faculty and offers opportunities to engage with industry partners on cutting-edge projects.

This combination allows students to tackle real-world AI challenges while refining their technical expertise. Several key features make MBZUAI an attractive choice for prospective students:

Reasons to Study at MBZUAI	Details of the Reasons
Board of Trustees and Faculty Expertise	MBZUAI’s Board of Trustees includes globally recognised AI experts. Faculty members combine academic research with real-world experience, ensuring students gain updated knowledge and practical insights.
Full Scholarships and Government Support	Fully funded by the UAE government, MBZUAI provides comprehensive scholarships covering tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. This reflects the nation’s vision of nurturing global AI talent.
Advanced Research Facilities and Internships	The university houses one of the most powerful GPU clusters worldwide, featuring 800 NVIDIA GPUs (400 A100 + 400 V100). These facilities enable cutting-edge AI research, while industry internships offer hands-on experience.
Professional Development and Sustainable Campus	The eco-friendly Dubai campus offers world-class labs, a knowledge centre, modern housing, sports facilities, and wellness spaces. Students benefit from professional growth opportunities, practical projects, and a supportive learning environment.

Available Programs at MBZUAI

Following the strong research opportunities and professional development support, MBZUAI offers specialised programs designed to deepen students’ expertise in artificial intelligence. The university provides Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs, each focusing on the three core pillars of modern AI. These programs combine rigorous theoretical foundations with extensive research opportunities, preparing graduates to lead in AI innovation globally.

Master’s Programs	Ph.D. Programs
M.Sc. in Machine Learning (ML)	PhD in Computer Vision (CV)
M.Sc. in Computer Vision (CV)	PhD in Natural Language Processing (NLP)
M.Sc. in Natural Language Processing (NLP)	Ph.D. in Natural Language Processing (NLP)

MBZUAI Master’s and PhD Programs Overview

Building on the specialised MSc and Ph.D. programs offered at MBZUAI, each program is carefully structured to provide deep technical expertise in artificial intelligence. Students gain a strong research foundation, access to advanced internships, and collaboration opportunities with global technology leaders, positioning them for leadership roles in AI.

Program	Eligibility Requirements	English Proficiency	Additional Requirements
Master of Science (M.Sc.) Programs	Bachelor’s degree in STEM (Example):Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics) with minimum CGPA of 3.2 (4.0 scale).	TOEFL iBT: Minimum score 90- IELTS Academic: Minimum score 6.5- EmSAT English: Minimum score 1550	GRE (optional, considered a plus). 500-1000 word Statement of Purpose addressing motivation, background, achievements, goals, and career plans. Two (2) referees: One academic, one professional.
	An academic degree must be recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE).	English test results must be valid:TOEFL/IELTS Two yearsEmSAT: 18 months.Waivers for citizens of the UK, USA, Australia, and New Zealand (if educated entirely in these countries).	Online screening exam (optional but recommended): Covers Math (Example: Calculus, Linear algebra), Programming (Example: Python, algorithms), and specialisation topics.
Ph.D. Programs	For Ph.D. in Computer Science: Bachelor’s (min. 50% Computer Science content) with CGPA 3.5 or Master’s with CGPA 3.2.	TOEFL iBT: Minimum score 90- IELTS Academic: Minimum score 6.5- EmSAT English: Minimum score 1550.(Waivers for eligible citizens as per Master’s requirements).	Research Statement: A detailed proposal addressing the research gap, methods, relevance, and timeline for a four-year Ph.D. program. Three (3) referees: At least one academic and others professional.
	For Ph.D. in other fields (Example: Machine Learning, Robotics) Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in STEM with respective CGPA (3.5 for Bachelor’s, 3.2 for Master’s).		Online screening exam (recommended): Covers advanced topics in Math, Machine Learning (e.g., neural networks, clustering), Programming (e.g., OOP, recursion), and specialisation areas.

Key Features of the Admission Process

Following the MBZUAI Master’s and Ph.D. Programs Overview, it is essential to understand how applicants transition from meeting eligibility requirements to being officially admitted. The Key Features of the Admission Process highlight the university’s rigorous evaluation, ensuring that only candidates with strong academic credentials, research aptitude, and AI-related skills are selected.

Steps for Admission Process	Details
Screening Exam	An optional online assessment covering Mathematics (example, Calculus, Linear Algebra), Programming (example, Python, algorithms), and specialisation topics to evaluate readiness for advanced AI study.
Interview	Shortlisted candidates may undergo an interview with faculty members to assess motivation, research interests, and suitability for the program.
Online Courses (Recommended)	Students are encouraged to strengthen foundational skills in Python programming, linear algebra, probability, and other relevant topics to prepare for the intensive curriculum.

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Document Requirements at MBZUAI University: Comparison Master’s vs. PhD. Programs

Continuing from the Key Features of the Admission Process, applicants must prepare specific documents that demonstrate academic qualifications, research potential, and language proficiency. The Document Requirements at MBZUAI University provide a detailed comparison between Master’s and Ph.D. programs, highlighting the additional research focus expected from doctoral candidates:

Document	Master’s Programs	Ph.D. Programs
Completed Degree Certificate	Required	Required
Official Transcripts	Required	Required
Degree Attestation	Required (from UAE MoE or equivalent authority)	Required (from UAE MoE or equivalent authority)
English Proficiency Test	Required, subject to eligibility	Required, subject to eligibility
GRE Score (Optional)	Optional but considered an advantage	Optional but considered an advantage
Statement of Purpose	500–1000 words	500–1000 words, plus an additional research statement
Referee Recommendations	Two references: one academic and one professional	Three references: at least one academic and the remaining professional

How To Apply for MBZUAI?

Building on the document preparation requirements, the next step in the admission journey is understanding How To Apply for MBZUAI. The application process is structured to ensure that candidates meet academic and research standards while providing all necessary documentation for evaluation.

Steps to Apply for MBZUAI	Details of Applying in MBZUAI
Step 1: Review Program Criteria	• Complete the online application form. • Submit a CV detailing academic background, work experience, research publications, and coding skills. • Provide official transcripts, degree certificates, or an expected graduation letter. • PhD applicants must submit a research statement. • Provide at least two (MSc) or three (PhD) referee recommendations. • Submit an English language proficiency certificate. • Include a valid passport and a photo with a white background. • Additional documentation is required for UAE nationals (example: Emirates ID, national service letter).
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents	• Complete the online application form. • Submit a CV detailing academic background, work experience, research publications, and coding skills. • Provide official transcripts, degree certificates, or an expected graduation letter. • PhD applicants must submit a research statement. • Provide at least two (MSc) or three (PhD) referee recommendations. • Submit an English language proficiency certificate. • Include a valid passport and a photo with a white background. • Additional documentation is required for UAE nationals (exmple: Emirates ID, national service letter).
Step 3: Submit Application Online	Complete the application and submit by the deadline. Application Timeline: • Date of Opening of Portal: 1 October 2025 • Last Date of Submission: 15 January 2025 (5:00 PM UAE time) • Date of Decision Notification: 31 March 2025 (5:00 PM UAE time) • Last Deadline: 31 May 2025 (5:00 PM UAE time) Note: International students applying by the regular deadline will be given priority. Late applications are not guaranteed to be considered.
Step 4: Online Screening Exam (Optional)	Applicants with complete files and recommendations will be invited to an online screening exam. This is not mandatory but highly recommended.
Step 5: Technical Interview	Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a technical interview. It is recommended to prepare thoroughly in your field and area of application.
Step 6: Wait for the Admission Decision	Admission decisions will be communicated by 31 March 2025 for applicants who applied by the regular deadline.
Step 7: Credit Transfer (If Applicable)	Applicants seeking to transfer credits should provide supporting documentation. • A maximum of 25% of total credit hours can be transferred. • Courses must have a grade of B or better and align with the degree program.

Scholarships at MBZUAI

Following the application process, MBZUAI ensures that admitted students receive extensive financial support through Scholarships at MBZUAI, enabling them to focus fully on their AI studies without financial concerns.

Benefits of Scholarships at MBZUAI	International/UAE Resident Students	UAE National Students
Tuition Fee	100% Free	100% Free
On-Campus Accommodation	Included	Included
Health Insurance	Included	Included
UAE Visa Sponsorship	Included (for non-UAE nationals)	Included
Monthly Stipend	MSc: AED 8,000PhD: AED 10,000	MSc: AED 30,000 (single), AED 33,000 (married)PhD: AED 36,000 (single), AED 39,000 (married)
Housing Allowance (for Married PhD)	AED 5,000 (upon approval)	N/A

Benefits of Scholarship for Students at Zayed University

Following the Scholarships at MBZUAI, the Benefits of Scholarship for Students at Zayed University extend beyond financial support, providing a complete framework for students to focus on their studies and research. Key advantages include:

• The scholarship at MBZUAI covers the full cost of tuition, meaning students do not have to pay for their academic program at all.

• Students receive free accommodation on campus, offering a convenient and comfortable living space during their studies.

• Students are provided with health insurance to ensure they have access to necessary medical care while studying at the university.

• For non-UAE nationals, the university sponsors a UAE visa, making it easier for international students to live and study in the UAE.

• Students receive a monthly stipend to help cover living expenses. The stipend amount varies depending on the program (MSc or PhD) and the student’s residency status (international, UAE resident, or UAE national).

Stipend Breakdown For Domestic and International Students

Following the comprehensive scholarship coverage, MBZUAI also provides stipends to support students’ living expenses, varying by program and residency status:

Program	Stipend for International and UAE Resident Students	Stipend for UAE National Students
MSc (Single)	AED 8,000/month	AED 30,000/month
MSc (Married)	AED 8,000/month	AED 33,000/month
PhD (Single)	AED 10,000/month	AED 36,000/month
PhD (Married)	AED 10,000/month	AED 39,000/month
PhD (Married with Housing Allowance)	AED 10,000/month + AED 5,000 housing allowance (subject to approval and documents)	AED 39,000/month + AED 5,000 housing allowance (subject to approval and documents)

Accommodation Options for International Students at MBZUAI

Following the stipend and financial support details, MBZUAI ensures that student accommodation is comfortable, convenient, and fully equipped to support learning and personal growth. The university provides housing close to academic buildings and research labs, making it easy for students to balance study and campus life.

Accommodation Options in MBZUAI	Details of Accommodation
Accommodation Location	Within walking distance of laboratories and main buildings
Accommodation Type	Split into four blocks: male and female sections
Apartment Layout	Bedroom, kitchen, toilet, shower, living/dining, study area
Private Balconies	Yes
Facilities	Canteen (for meals), retail outlets (restaurants and cafés), parking (north car park)
Furnishings and Appliances	Electric cooker, fridge, microwave, bed, study desk, wardrobe, bedside cabinet, soft furnishings, dining table and chairs
Private Bathroom	Yes
On-Site Support	24/7 availability

Internship Program at MBZUAI 

Following accommodation support, MBZUAI further enhances practical learning through its Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP), giving students hands-on experience in cutting-edge AI research. This program allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world projects, strengthening both their technical skills and professional networks.

Internship Program at MBZUAI	Details of Internships Program at MBZUAI
Program Duration	9th June – 4th July 2025 (4 weeks)
Location	Abu Dhabi Campus
Eligibility	Undergraduate students with an interest in AI from the UAE and around the world
Research Areas in AI	– Computer Vision: Camera Detection, Weather Condition, Tracking, Camouflage Detection, Tumour Detection – Machine Learning: Explore AI algorithms, data, and statistics – Natural Language Processing: Fake News Detection, Chatbots, Machine Translation, Speech Recognition
Application Deadline	28th February 2025 (5:00 PM UAE time)
Application Portal & Timings	Apply online between 1st January (8:00 AM UAE time) and 28th February 2025 (5:00 PM UAE time)
Program Focus	Work on innovative AI research projects, connect with experts, build your network, and receive mentorship
Outcome	Gain valuable experience and guidance on further study options from top-class faculty or graduate students
Networking Opportunities	Connect with fellow students and faculty members from the UAE and globally

How MBZUAI Prepares Students for Careers in Artificial Intelligence

Following the hands-on learning gained from internships, MBZUAI further prepares students for professional success through a comprehensive career development framework. This framework ensures that graduates are not only technically proficient but also ready to enter and excel in the AI industry.

Career Preparation Aspect	Details
Career Services & Internships Support	Personalised services to assist students with career decisions, internships, job search strategies, resume writing, personal branding, and interview preparation.
Employer Engagement Opportunities	Events, workshops, and networking opportunities to connect students with potential employers in the AI industry.
MBZUAI Student Careers Portal	An online platform where students can book 1:1 appointments, apply for internships and jobs, register for employer events, and access career resources.
Internship Opportunities	Hands-on experience in AI through internships, allowing students to gain practical industry skills while applying academic learning.
Employer Portal	A free platform for employers to list AI-related opportunities, connect with students, and find suitable candidates.
Networking & Events	Regular employer engagement events, including career fairs, workshops, and networking sessions to build connections within the AI industry.

The Career Services and Internships team ensures that students are equipped with the necessary skills for AI careers, including crafting impactful resumes, building personal branding, navigating job searches, and performing well in interviews. Strong connections with regional communities, government entities, and private-sector organisations further enhance access to internships and employment.

A central feature of this support is the MBZUAI Student Careers Portal, which serves as a hub connecting students, alumni, and employers, facilitating one-on-one guidance, applications, and access to a wealth of career-related resources.

Also Read: University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD): The Premier Australian University in Dubai

How Zayed University Supports Students in the UAE

Extending the career preparation and internship opportunities provided at MBZUAI, Zayed University further enhances student support across the UAE by offering personalised career services, access to employer networks, and ongoing guidance for internships and job placements

List of Services Supported by MBZUAI	Details
Career Services	Personalised career support, resume writing, job search strategies, interview preparation
MBZUAI Student Careers Portal	Platform for booking appointments, applying for jobs/internships, accessing career resources
Internship Support	Assistance with securing AI-related internships, resume and application support
Employer Engagement	Access to job fairs, interviews, employer sessions, and networking events
Alumni Support	Continued access to the portal, career events, and job search activities after graduation
Workshops and Webinars	Employability workshops, technical and non-technical interview prep, AI job profiles, and career advice

Conclusion

Mohammed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence provides an exceptional environment for students aspiring to advance in the field of AI. With its innovative facilities, comprehensive scholarships, extensive research programs, and strong industry and alumni networks, MBZUAI ensures students are fully prepared for the demands of the AI sector.

Whether pursuing a Master’s or PhD, students gain the expertise, practical experience, and professional connections necessary to excel and lead in this rapidly evolving global field.

FAQs

We hope this blog gives you a complete overview of Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence University for International Students. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu for more such content on student life abroad. Thank you for reading!

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