How to Study in Dubai for Free?

Pursuing higher education in Dubai without the financial burden of tuition fees is possible through a range of competitive scholarships and grants. While several universities and foundations in the UAE offer fully-funded scholarships that cover not only tuition but also living expenses, housing, and other costs. These scholarships, which are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, are typically awarded to international students who demonstrate exceptional academic merit, research potential, or talent in specific fields. Prominent universities offering these comprehensive scholarships include Khalifa University and Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). Additionally, the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) offers fully funded scholarships, and the American University of Sharjah (AUS) provides merit-based scholarships that can cover up to 100% of tuition and housing for high-achieving students. 

This blog will explore the various scholarship opportunities available and guide prospective students on how to navigate the application process to make their dream of studying in Dubai a reality.

Type of Scholarship	Fully Funded (Free)
Scholarships For	Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Ph.D. degree programmes
Location	Dubai & Abu Dhabi, UAE
Target Audience	Indian / International Students
Duration	Varies, typically full-time for the duration of the program
Funding Amount	Full (100% tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, textbooks, and visa costs)

Benefits of Studying in Dubai for Free

Getting a scholarship to study in Dubai for free offers international students a fantastic opportunity to access top-tier education and a globally connected lifestyle without the financial burden. The benefits extend beyond just cost savings, providing a significant boost to an international student’s academic and professional future.

• World-Class Education: Dubai hosts branch campuses of top global universities, allowing students to earn internationally recognized degrees. It is ranked as the best student city in the Arab world by QS.
• Strong Career Prospects: The city has a robust, low-unemployment economy (UAE unemployment rate was 2.15% in 2023). Key sectors like technology and finance are rapidly growing.
• Tax-Free Income: A major draw for graduates is the tax-free income policy, which allows them to maximize their earnings after finding a job.
• Multicultural Hub: Dubai is home to over 200 nationalities, providing a diverse environment for cross-cultural networking. This is particularly beneficial for Indian students due to the large Indian community.
• Safety and High Quality of Life: The city is known for its safety and modern infrastructure, offering a high standard of living.

List of Scholarships to Study in Dubai for Free

Pursuing a degree in Dubai for free is possible for exceptional international students through a variety of fully-funded scholarships. These awards are highly competitive and are generally offered by universities and foundations aiming to attract top global talent.

Here is a list of prominent scholarships for international students in Dubai and the UAE:

Scholarship Name	Offered By	Programs	Coverage
Mohamed Bin Zayed University of AI (MBZUAI) Scholarship	Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)	Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, and Robotics.	Fully-funded: Includes 100% tuition waiver, a monthly stipend, free on-campus accommodation, health insurance, and a UAE visa.
Khalifa University Scholarships	Khalifa University	Undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs in Engineering, Science, and Medicine.	Fully-funded (for most postgraduate programs): Provides full tuition, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and support for attending international research conferences. Specific awards may also cover travel and visa costs for international students.
American University of Sharjah (AUS) Scholarships	American University of Sharjah (AUS)	Undergraduate degrees across all colleges, including Architecture, Arts, Sciences, and Engineering.	Partial to fully-funded: The highly competitive AUS President’s Scholarship can cover 100% of tuition and lab fees, a monthly stipend, housing, and health insurance. Other merit-based scholarships can offer up to a 50% tuition waiver.
Heriot-Watt University Dubai Scholarships	Heriot-Watt University Dubai	Undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields including Engineering, Business, and Design.	Partial to full tuition waivers: Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, with some awards providing a 100% tuition fee waiver for high-achieving students, especially in engineering.
University of Dubai Scholarships	University of Dubai	Undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, with specific awards for high achievers and international students.	Partial to full tuition waivers: Awards are based on academic excellence. The university offers specific scholarships for high school students with exceptional grades, and special funds for international students pursuing programs in Information & Communication Technology.
RIT Dubai Scholarships	Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai	Undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including business, computing, and engineering.	Partial tuition waivers: Merit-based scholarships can provide up to a 45% tuition discount for undergraduate students. RIT also offers a 50% athletics scholarship for students with exceptional sports achievements.
University of Birmingham Dubai Scholarships	University of Birmingham Dubai	Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in subjects like Business, Computer Science, Law, and Education.	Partial tuition waivers: The Chancellor’s Academic Merit Scholarship offers a tuition fee reduction of up to 30% for high-achieving students.
Al Qasimi Foundation’s Doctoral Research Grants	Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research	Ph.D. students conducting research in areas such as education, public policy, and related social sciences.	Fully-funded: Offers a grant to Ph.D. students who are conducting research on topics related to the UAE. The grant includes a monthly stipend, housing, a research allowance, and support for visa fees.

Also Read: Study in UAE For International Students

Fully Funded Scholarships in Dubai

Here are the top 5 well-regarded scholarships to study in Dubai for free, offering to International students with fully funded financial support.

Mohamed Bin Zayed University of AI (MBZUAI) Scholarship

The Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) scholarship is a fully-funded opportunity for exceptional international students pursuing graduate studies in AI for the 2025-26 academic year. The scholarship is automatically considered with the admission application and provides a comprehensive financial package that includes a 100% tuition waiver, a monthly stipend (AED 8,000 for Master’s and AED 10,000 for Ph.D.), free on-campus accommodation, health insurance, and a UAE visa. To be eligible, applicants must have a strong academic background in a STEM field with a minimum GPA of 3.2, and provide proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90). The scholarship is highly competitive, and the university’s priority application deadline for Fall 2025 was January 15, 2025, with a late deadline of May 31, 2025, which has now passed.

Particulars	Details
Coverage	Fully-funded: Includes 100% tuition, monthly stipend, on-campus housing, health insurance, and a UAE visa.
Eligibility	Open to all nationalities with a Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and a minimum GPA of 3.2. English proficiency (IELTS 6.5) is mandatory.
Application Deadline	Regular deadline for Fall 2026 is typically in January 2026.
Official Link	https://mbzuai.ac.ae/study-ai-degrees/

Khalifa University Scholarships

Khalifa University, a leading research institution in Abu Dhabi, offers a range of scholarships for international students, with many of its postgraduate awards being fully funded. The scholarships are a part of the university’s strategy to attract top academic talent in fields critical to the UAE’s knowledge economy. For the 2025-26 academic year, these scholarships cover full tuition fees, a generous monthly stipend (typically AED 8,000 for Master’s and AED 12,000 for Ph.D. students), health insurance, support to attend international research conferences, and even assistance with travel and visa costs for international students.

The scholarships are automatically considered as part of the admission process for both undergraduate and graduate applicants, so no separate application is needed. Eligibility is based on a strong academic record, with specific GPA and English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) requirements. The application deadline for Ph.D. programs for the Spring 2026 intake is September 15, 2025.

Particulars	Details
Coverage	Fully-funded (for most postgraduate programs): Provides full tuition, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and conference support
Eligibility	Open to all nationalities. Academic requirements vary by program, but a minimum GPA of 3.0 or 3.25 is generally needed. English proficiency (IELTS 6.5) is required.
Application Deadline	The application deadline for Ph.D. programs for Spring 2026 is September 15, 2025
Official Link	https://www.ku.ac.ae/postgraduate-admissions

American University of Sharjah (AUS) President’s Scholarship

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) President’s Scholarship is a highly competitive, fully-funded award designed to attract and support exceptional international undergraduate students. It provides a comprehensive financial package, including a 100% tuition and lab fee waiver, a monthly stipend, on-campus housing, student medical insurance, and even three round-trip airline tickets during the study period. To be eligible, applicants must have completed their secondary education outside the UAE and demonstrate outstanding academic excellence, typically with a high school average of 95% or higher.

They must also showcase remarkable personal qualities, leadership abilities, and extracurricular achievements through a personal essay, a three-to-five-minute video, and two letters of recommendation. The scholarship application for the Fall 2025 semester has closed, with a past deadline of April 17, 2025. This scholarship is renewable as long as the student maintains the specific academic and other requirements.

Particulars	Details
Coverage	Fully-funded: Covers 100% of tuition and lab fees, a monthly stipend, on-campus housing, and airfare
Eligibility	For new international undergraduate students with a high school average of 95% or above
Application Deadline	The application deadline for Fall 2025 has passed. The deadline for the next academic year is usually in April.
Official Link	https://www.aus.edu/admissions/financial-grants-and-scholarships

Heriot-Watt University Dubai Scholarships

Heriot-Watt University Dubai offers a variety of scholarships for international students, which can range from partial to full tuition waivers, though fully-funded scholarships are less common compared to other institutions. The university’s scholarships are primarily merit-based, rewarding students with exceptional academic records. For the 2025-26 academic year, one of the main options is the Merit-Based Scholarship, which can provide significant tuition fee reductions based on a student’s high school or previous academic performance. Some students in specific, high-demand programs like engineering may even be eligible for awards that can cover up to 100% of their tuition fees.

Additionally, the university offers the Future Made for Success Scholarship and other specific awards for certain schools or programs. While scholarships do not typically cover living expenses, they are crucial for making an education at Heriot-Watt more affordable. The application for these scholarships is often tied to the university’s admission process, and in some cases, a separate application form or essay may be required. The deadline for scholarships tied to the September 2025 intake is August 31, 2025, so prospective students should apply promptly.

Particulars	Details
Coverage	Partial to fully-funded: Merit-based awards that can provide up to a 100% tuition fee waiver for high-achieving students
Eligibility	Open to international students with exceptional academic records. Eligibility varies by program and a separate scholarship application may be required
Application Deadline	The deadline for the September 2025 intake is August 31, 2025. Deadlines for other programs vary
Official Link	https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships-and-bursaries

Al Qasimi Foundation’s Doctoral Research Grants

The Al Qasimi Foundation’s Doctoral Research Grants are a fully-funded opportunity for Ph.D. students from around the world who are conducting research on topics relevant to policy-making in the United Arab Emirates. The grant provides comprehensive financial support for the field research component of a student’s dissertation. This includes covering all associated expenses like round-trip airfare, furnished accommodation for up to 12 months, a monthly living stipend, and research support.

To be eligible, applicants must be current Ph.D. students in good academic standing at an accredited university, have completed all coursework, and have an approved research proposal that focuses on the UAE, specifically the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Preference is given to proposals addressing issues in education, public policy, and related social sciences. The application cycle for 2025-2026 has a deadline of September 15, 2025.

Particulars	Details
Coverage	Fully-funded: Includes a monthly living stipend (AED 2,000/month), furnished accommodation for up to 12 months, round-trip airfare, visa costs, and research support
Eligibility	Open to all nationalities. Must be a current Ph.D. student with all coursework completed. Research proposal must be approved and focus on Ras Al Khaimah (UAE), in education, public policy, or social sciences
Application Deadline	The application cycle for 2026 is expected to open in November 2025
Official Link	http://alqasimifoundation.com/en/what-we-do-l3/2/doctoral-research-grants

Top Universities in Dubai for International Students to Study in Dubai for Free

The table below highlights some universities with scholarships providing significant financial aid for international students, including the types of courses and specialisations offered.

University Name	Scholarship Name	Coverage	Focus
The University of Dubai	The University of Dubai Merit Scholarships	Full tuition fees	High academic achievers across various disciplines
American University in Dubai (AUD)	AUD Undergraduate Merit Scholarships	Full tuition fees and additional benefits	High academic achievers across various disciplines
Zayed University	Zayed University Scholarships	Full or partial tuition fee waivers	High academic achievers across various disciplines
Khalifa University	Khalifa University President’s Scholarship	Full tuition fees, monthly stipend, health insurance (sponsored students)	Engineering, Science, Technology
Emirates Aviation University	Emirates Aviation University Chancellor Scholarships	Full tuition fees, accommodation, living allowance	Aviation related programs
Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)	MBZUAI Scholarship	Full tuition fees, housing, living allowance, health insurance	Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Engineering
Heriot-Watt University Dubai	Dubai Merit Scholarship	Up to 50% tuition fee reduction	Various disciplines
Middlesex University Dubai	International Student Scholarships	Up to 50% tuition fee reduction	Various disciplines
Manipal University Dubai	Merit-based Scholarships	Up to 50% tuition fee reduction	Various disciplines
Canadian University Dubai	Merit-based Scholarships	Up to 50% tuition fee reduction	Various disciplines

Also Read: Dubai Student Visa

How to Apply for Scholarships in Dubai

Applying for scholarships in Dubai involves a strategic process of research, preparation, and timely submission, as many are highly competitive and require specific documentation. The process can vary depending on the university and the specific scholarship, but some general steps apply to most applications.

1. Research Scholarships That Fit Your Profile: Look for scholarships that align with your academic background, field of study, and achievements. Websites of universities like Khalifa University, Zayed University, and the University of Dubai are great places to start.

2. Check Eligibility Requirements: Every scholarship has specific criteria. Some prioritize academic excellence, while others focus on leadership, community service, or financial need. Ensure you meet these requirements before applying.

3. Gather the Necessary Documents: International students are advised to gather the commonly required documents in order to avoid last minute hassle. To avoid any confusion, find the list of necessary documents from the following:

• Academic transcripts
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL scores).
• A well-written personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume
• A research proposal (especially for Ph.D. or Master’s by research programs)
• Proof of financial status (if applicable)

4. Prepare a Standout Personal Statement: Use this opportunity to showcase your achievements, aspirations, and reasons for choosing Dubai as your study destination. Tailor it to the specific scholarship you’re applying for.

5. Submit Your Application Early: Deadlines are strict in Dubai. Submit your application well in advance to avoid any last-minute hurdles. Double-check all forms and documents before submission.

6. Don’t forget To Take Regular Follow Up: Some scholarships require interviews or additional assessments. Stay updated by checking your email regularly and being responsive to inquiries from the scholarship committee.

Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Securing a Scholarship in Dubai

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!

• A high GPA is often a primary requirement. Strive for consistent academic performance and aim for top grades in your field.

• Scholarships often value well-rounded individuals. Engage in leadership roles, volunteer work, sports, or creative pursuits that highlight your versatility.

• Your personal statement is your voice. Use it to tell a compelling story about your journey, passions, and goals. Make it personal, but keep it professional and relevant.

• Approach teachers, mentors, or employers who know you well. Give them ample time to write detailed, glowing recommendations that reflect your capabilities-

• If an interview is part of the process, practice answering common questions about your achievements, goals, and why you deserve the scholarship. Confidence and authenticity go a long way.

• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Explore different options to increase your chances of securing funding.

• Keep a calendar of application deadlines and required steps. Missing a deadline can mean missing out on an opportunity.

• Keep a calendar of application deadlines and required steps. Missing a deadline can mean missing out on an opportunity.

• Many scholarships in Dubai favour candidates who have a clear plan for how their education will contribute to society or their field of study. Be specific about your goals.

By staying proactive and well-prepared, you can significantly improve your chances of studying in Dubai for free!

Also Read: 7 Best Dubai University Scholarships for New Students

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