How to Study in Dubai for Free?

Studying in Dubai or the UAE has become one of the most attractive options for international students, especially those looking for world-class education, modern campuses, excellent job opportunities, and a strong return on investment. While the UAE is known for its high living standards, the country also offers a wide range of fully funded and partially funded scholarships that make it possible to study here with little to no cost.

Top universities like MBZUAI, Khalifa University, University of Dubai, Abu Dhabi University, and AUS offer generous scholarships covering tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipends, insurance, and other academic benefits. In addition, the UAE government and several private foundations also provide funding opportunities for high-achieving international students.

In this guide, we break down the top scholarships in the UAE, who they are meant for, typical benefits you can expect, and how to apply, so you can plan your higher education in Dubai without financial stress.

Can You Study in the UAE for Free?

Yes, studying in the UAE for free is possible if you secure a fully funded scholarship. Several top universities and government-backed programs offer scholarships that cover 100% tuition fees, and many also provide monthly stipends, accommodation, medical insurance, and other academic benefits.

These opportunities are designed to attract academically strong, research-driven, and high-achieving students from around the world. Most fully funded scholarships are available for STEM, AI, Engineering, Business, IT, and specialized postgraduate programs, although some universities also offer merit-based funding across all disciplines.

Who Can Study in UAE for Free?

You can study in the UAE for free if you qualify for:

• Fully Funded University Scholarships (e.g., MBZUAI, Khalifa University)
• Government-Funded Scholarships
• Private or Corporate Scholarships
• Merit Scholarships for High-Achieving Students
• Need-Based and Research-Based Funding
• Special Talent or Leadership Scholarships

Even though tuition can be completely waived, students should still account for living costs unless the scholarship includes:

• Transportation allowance
• Accommodation or housing allowance
• Monthly stipend
• Meals or cafeteria credits
• Health insurance

Top Scholarships in the UAE for International Students

The UAE offers several fully funded and partially funded scholarships for international students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. These scholarships are backed by leading universities, the UAE government, and private foundations, making it possible for students to study in Dubai or Abu Dhabi with little to no cost.

Below are the most reputable and high-value scholarships international students should explore:

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) Scholarship — Fully Funded

One of the UAE’s most competitive postgraduate scholarships, MBZUAI offers 100% tuition coverage, along with:

• Monthly stipend (varies by degree level)
• Free on-campus accommodation
• Health insurance
• Visa sponsorship
• Access to internships and research labs

This scholarship is ideal for students interested in AI, machine learning, data science, and computer vision.

Khalifa University Scholarships — Fully Funded

Khalifa University offers generous funding for international students in STEM, engineering, medicine, and technology.

Benefits typically include:

• Full tuition fee waiver
• Monthly stipend
• Medical insurance
• Support for research or conference travel
• On-campus facilities and housing options

Khalifa University is one of the best UAE choices if you’re looking for top-ranked engineering and research programs.

UAE University (UAEU) Scholarships

UAEU offers multiple scholarship categories for international undergraduate and postgraduate students:

• Full Tuition Scholarships (for high academic achievers)
• Partial Fee Waivers
• Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many postgraduate scholarships also include:

• Stipends
• Health insurance
• Research funding support

Abu Dhabi University Scholarships

ADU offers merit-based and need-based scholarships covering:

• Up to 100% tuition fees
• 10%–30% fee waivers for strong academic profiles
• Funding options for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs

This is a popular choice for students in business, engineering, law, and humanities.

University of Dubai (UD) Scholarships

The University of Dubai offers academic and merit scholarships for international students, which may include:

• 50%–100% tuition fee waivers
• Partial scholarships for high-performing students in business, IT, engineering, and law

These scholarships are best suited for students seeking industry-focused programs with strong employability outcomes.

American University of Sharjah (AUS) Scholarships

AUS offers competitive scholarships such as:

• Merit Scholarships
• Chancellor’s Scholarship
• Sharakah Scholarship
• Athletic and Talent-Based Awards

Some scholarships can cover full tuition costs, while postgraduate programs often include assistantships with stipends.

Ajman University Scholarships

Ajman University provides:

• Tuition fee waivers for academically strong students
• Discounts for specific programs
• Annual merit awards for continuing students

This is a strong option for students looking for accessible and high-value programs.

Which UAE Government Scholarships Offer 100% Funding?

The UAE government actively supports talented international students through several fully funded scholarship programs. These initiatives aim to strengthen the country’s research, innovation, and high-skill workforce, offering complete tuition coverage and, in many cases, generous financial benefits.

Below is an overview of the major government-backed scholarships:

Scholarship Program	Funding Benefits
Khalifa University Scholarship	Covers full tuition + annual stipend of approx. AED 125,000 (₹28.3 lakh)
Ministry of Education (MOE) Scholarships	100% tuition waiver, with potential stipend support amounting to about AED 110,000/year (₹24.9 lakh)
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Scholarship	Full tuition coverage + optional financial assistance worth nearly AED 118,000/year (₹26.6 lakh)

Do Private Foundations Offer Fully Funded Study Options in the UAE?

Yes. Several well-known private organisations and charitable trusts in the UAE support international students through fully funded and partially funded scholarship schemes. These programs help cover tuition fees and may also offer living allowances, making education more affordable.

Below are some major private scholarship providers:

Organization	Funding Benefits
Al Qasimi Foundation	Offers full or partial tuition support, with possible living allowance of around AED 95,000/year (₹21.5 lakh)
Emirates Foundation	Provides full or partial tuition grants; some awards include living expenses worth AED 80,000–110,000/year (₹18.1–24.9 lakh)
Local UAE Trusts & Private Endowments	Support may include tuition waivers, housing assistance, or coverage of specific academic costs, typically AED 60,000–110,000/year (₹13.6–24.9 lakh)

Who Can Receive Free Education in the UAE?

Fully funded scholarships in the UAE are designed for high-performing international students who demonstrate strong academic excellence, leadership, and a clear commitment to their chosen field. While each scholarship or university has its own criteria, most programs look for candidates who combine strong academics with proven potential.

In general, eligibility is determined by the following factors:

• Student Level: Opportunities exist for both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.
• Preferred Disciplines: Many scholarships prioritize STEM, Business, IT, and Arts programs, though some are open to all fields.
• Merit & Accomplishments: Evidence of leadership, community involvement, extracurricular achievements, or innovation significantly strengthens an application.
• Alignment With Program Objectives: Selection committees also consider how well the applicant’s goals match the scholarship’s mission or long-term vision.

Do Students Need Specific Academic Scores or Exams to Qualify?

Yes. Most fully funded scholarships in the UAE have clear academic and English language benchmarks. Universities evaluate applicants through grades, test scores, and occasionally standardised exams to ensure they are prepared for rigorous academic programs.

Core Requirements Include:

• Strong Academic Performance:
  • High school grades or GPA for undergraduate applicants
  • Bachelor’s degree marks for postgraduate applicants
• English Proficiency:
  • IELTS typically 6.5–7.5 or
  • TOEFL iBT 90–100
• Standardized Tests (Program-Specific):
  • Some courses may require SAT, GRE, or GMAT, especially in engineering, business, or research-heavy fields.

Meeting these academic criteria significantly increases your chances of winning the UAE’s most competitive fully funded scholarships.

Also Read: Dubai Student Visa

Documents Checklist for UAE Fully Funded Scholarships

To apply for free or fully funded education in the UAE, students must submit a complete and accurate set of documents. While requirements differ slightly across universities and scholarship programs, the following checklist covers everything commonly asked for.

1. Academic Documents

• Class 10 & 12 Mark Sheets / Transcripts
• Bachelor’s Degree Marksheets & Certificate (for postgraduate applicants)
• Official Transcripts (sealed or digital, depending on university policy)
• School/College Leaving Certificate (if applicable)

2. Identity & Personal Documents

• Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Passport-size Photographs (as per UAE guidelines)
• Birth Certificate (sometimes required)

3. English Proficiency Proof

• IELTS (6.5–7.5) or
• TOEFL iBT (90–100)
• PTE / DUOLINGO (only if accepted by the university)

4. Standardised Test Scores (if required)

• SAT/ACT (for undergraduate programs)
• GRE/GMAT (for postgraduate or specialized programs)

5. Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Motivation Letter

• Clearly outlining academic goals, achievements, and reasons for choosing the program/university.

6. Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

• Typically 1–3 letters from teachers, professors, or employers.

7. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume

• Highlighting academics, extracurriculars, internships, skills, and leadership roles.

8. Scholarship-Specific Documents

• Portfolio (for design, architecture, arts programs)
• Research Proposal (for MS/PhD applicants)
• Work Experience Certificates (if required)

9. Financial Documents

(Only needed for partially funded or need-based scholarships.)

• Bank Statements
• Affidavit of Support
• Parent/Guardian Financial Proof

10. Additional University Forms

• Visa information form (later in the process)
• Application form
• Health/medical form (if requested)

How to Apply for Fully Funded Education in Dubai?

Applying for fully funded scholarships in Dubai requires careful planning, organized preparation, and timely submissions. While each university or scholarship program has its own application portal and criteria, the general process is similar across institutions.

Step 1: Identify Scholarships That Fit Your Profile

• Research scholarships that match your academic level, field of study, and achievements.
• Focus on programs at top universities like Khalifa University, MBZUAI, UAE University, and American University of Sharjah.
• Check government, private, and corporate scholarship options.

Step 2: Check Eligibility Criteria

• Confirm academic, age, nationality, and language requirements.
• Ensure you meet GPA standards, English proficiency scores (IELTS 6.5–7.5 / TOEFL 90–100), and any other program-specific conditions.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

• Collect all academic transcripts, SOPs, CV/resume, recommendation letters, and standardized test scores.
• Ensure documents are official, complete, and up to date to avoid delays.

Step 4: Write a Strong Personal Statement

• Highlight your achievements, aspirations, and motivation for choosing Dubai and the specific program.
• Tailor your statement to align with the scholarship’s goals.
• Keep it concise, professional, and impactful.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

• Apply through the university’s official scholarship portal or designated application form.
• Double-check all fields, upload documents correctly, and ensure no deadlines are missed.

Step 6: Follow Up & Prepare for Interviews

• Some scholarships may require interviews or additional assessments.
• Monitor emails regularly and respond promptly to university or scholarship communications.
• Practice answering questions confidently about your achievements, goals, and motivation.

Cost of Living and Expenses in Dubai

Even with a fully funded scholarship covering tuition, students need to budget for living costs while studying in Dubai. Understanding typical expenses helps plan finances and ensures a smooth experience.

Accommodation
On-campus housing costs between 15,000 and 25,000 AED per year (around 3,30,000–5,50,000 INR). Off-campus apartments can be more expensive, depending on the location and amenities.

Food and Groceries
Monthly expenses for meals and groceries usually range from 800 to 1,200 AED (approximately 17,600–26,400 INR), depending on eating habits and cooking at home versus dining out.

Transport
Public transport, including metro and buses, costs around 300–400 AED per month (6,600–8,800 INR). Many students also use taxis or ride-sharing apps occasionally, which can increase costs.

Personal Expenses
Other expenses such as mobile bills, clothing, entertainment, and leisure activities can range from 500 to 1,000 AED per month (11,000–22,000 INR), depending on lifestyle.

Estimated Total Cost
For students living in Dubai, the total yearly cost excluding tuition typically falls between 34,200 and 56,200 AED (around 7,52,400–12,36,400 INR). This includes accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.

Part-Time Work Opportunities
International students can work part-time under visa regulations, usually up to 20 hours per week during semesters. On-campus jobs, internships, or roles in retail, hospitality, and tutoring can help cover personal expenses.

Planning Ahead
Even with a fully funded scholarship, budgeting for living costs ensures students can focus on academics without financial stress. Keeping track of expenses and exploring part-time work or student discounts can make life in Dubai more affordable.Pro Tips to Boost Your Application

• Keep a calendar of deadlines for multiple scholarships to maximize your chances
• Apply early to avoid last-minute stress and ensure priority consideration.
• Demonstrate well-rounded abilities, including leadership, community service, or creative talents.

Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Securing a Scholarship in Dubai

The following are some tips and tricks to increase your chances of securing a scholarship in Dubai for free, grasp the points and make your journey valuable!

Tips to Boost Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship in Dubai

Securing a fully funded scholarship in Dubai is competitive, but the right approach can make a big difference. Here are practical tips to strengthen your application:

Maintain Strong Academic Performance
A high GPA is often the first requirement. Focus on consistent grades and aim to excel in your field to meet scholarship eligibility.

Showcase Well-Rounded Skills
Scholarship committees value students with diverse achievements. Participate in leadership roles, volunteering, sports, or creative projects to highlight your versatility.

Craft a Compelling Personal Statement
Your personal statement is your opportunity to share your journey, ambitions, and reasons for choosing Dubai. Keep it professional, authentic, and tailored to the scholarship.

Secure Strong Recommendations
Request letters from teachers, mentors, or employers who know you well. Give them enough time to provide detailed, supportive recommendations that highlight your strengths.

Prepare for Interviews
If your scholarship requires an interview, practice common questions about your achievements, goals, and motivation. Confidence and honesty leave a strong impression.

Apply to Multiple Scholarships
Don’t rely on a single opportunity. Explore different scholarships to increase your chances of success.

Track Deadlines and Requirements
Maintain a calendar of application deadlines and required documents. Missing a deadline could cost you a valuable opportunity.

Align Goals with Scholarship Objectives
Many scholarships favour candidates who demonstrate how their education will contribute to society or their chosen field. Be clear and specific about your goals.

Also Read: 7 Best Dubai University Scholarships for New Students

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