Khalifa University Scholarships

Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi's research-intensive science and engineering university, funds a large share of its graduate intake through institutional scholarships: master's and doctoral admission with tuition covered, and monthly stipends on the research-based tracks. For international applicants in engineering and science this makes the university one of the region's most accessible funded research destinations.

Terms differ between programmes and are set out in the university's admission pages; the funding is applied for as part of graduate admission rather than as a separate competition.

A research-focused university in Abu Dhabi where funding follows admission rather than being applied for separately — which makes the admission application the scholarship application.

• Admission to a Khalifa University programme — master's or doctoral for the fuller packages, undergraduate for merit awards.
• A strong academic record in a relevant discipline, generally science, engineering or technology.
• Any nationality — the awards are open to international applicants.
• Research fit at postgraduate level: a supervisor and research group with capacity matters as much as your grades.
• English proficiency, with a test score to the university's requirement.
• A commitment to research contribution for funded graduate students, who are expected to work within a group.

Because funding is decided with admission, there is no second chance later in the cycle. Applying in the earliest round you are ready for is the practical advice.

Among the more generous packages in the region for graduate students in science and engineering.

• Full tuition for the programme.
• A monthly stipend at the rate the university publishes, for funded graduate students.
• On-campus accommodation or a housing allowance, in most graduate packages.
• Medical insurance, and support with the residence visa.
• Conference and research travel support for research students.
• Partial tuition awards at undergraduate level, generally renewable against a maintained grade average.

Undergraduate awards are usually partial and conditional on results, while graduate packages are more comprehensive. The two are quite different propositions and worth not confusing.

The admission application carries the funding decision, so completeness matters more than usual.

• The Khalifa University application for your programme.
• Transcripts and degree certificates.
• A statement of purpose, and a research statement for doctoral applicants.
• Two or three letters of recommendation, academic for research applicants.
• English test scores, and GRE where the programme requires it.
• A curriculum vitae, including any publications.

For doctoral applicants, contacting a prospective supervisor before applying makes a material difference. Funded places follow research capacity, and a supervisor who wants you is the strongest thing in the file.

One application, assessed for admission and funding together, on the university's intake cycle.

• Apply for the programme through the university's admission system.
• Indicate you are seeking financial support where the form asks.
• Departmental review, including supervisor matching for research programmes.
• Admission with a funding decision, issued together.
• Acceptance, then visa and housing arrangements through the university.

Dates move every cycle, so treat Khalifa University's admissions and scholarships pages as the authority on them rather than any second-hand summary — including this one. We will confirm the current timeline with you before you commit to a plan built around it.