Khalifa University

Khalifa University was established in Abu Dhabi in 2007 and took its present form after merging with the Masdar Institute and the Petroleum Institute. It concentrates on science, engineering, medicine and technology rather than offering a comprehensive curriculum.

Its colleges cover engineering and physical sciences, computing and mathematical sciences, medicine and health sciences, and a graduate school with research programmes tied to national priorities in energy, robotics, aerospace, water and health.

All instruction is in English, and the faculty is recruited internationally, which makes the academic environment closer to a Western research university than to a regional one.

Admission is selective and technical, with published criteria per programme.

• A strong secondary record with mathematics and physics for engineering entry, meeting the published minimum.
• Standardised test results where the university requires them, such as SAT for undergraduate entry or GRE for some graduate programmes.
• English proficiency at the published minimum, which is applied firmly given English-only instruction.
• A relevant bachelor's degree with a strong standing for graduate admission, plus a statement of purpose and references.
• Attestation of academic documents by the relevant authorities.

A research-focused university in Abu Dhabi where funding is decided with admission, so the published fee describes relatively few graduate students.

• A published tuition fee per programme, but funded graduate places are common in science and engineering.
• Graduate packages frequently cover tuition with a stipend and accommodation, in return for research contribution.
• Undergraduate merit awards are partial and often renewable against a maintained grade average.
• Set per level and programme — undergraduate, master's and doctoral differ.
• Additional costs — residence visa, medical insurance and student fees.
• Abu Dhabi living costs are high, though a housing allowance offsets this for funded students.

Because funding here follows admission rather than a separate application, the number that matters is what your offer package covers. Work from Khalifa University's admissions office for your specific programme and year of entry — it is the only figure that will be correct for you, and it is republished every year. We will confirm the current cost and what it includes before you commit to an application.

Khalifa is research-focused and its funding reflects that: admitted graduate students in science and engineering are frequently supported with a package combining tuition, accommodation and a stipend. Undergraduate awards are decided on academic record.

• Graduate research packages — tuition with accommodation and a stipend for admitted research students.
• Undergraduate merit awards — decided on academic record, generally renewable against results.
• Programme awards — attached to specific degrees in science and engineering.

Funding here follows admission, so the admission application carries the funding decision with it. Apply on the earliest cycle you are ready for.

A modern, well-resourced research campus in Abu Dhabi, with a graduate culture built around laboratories and research groups.

• Purpose-built modern campuses in Abu Dhabi with substantial research facilities.
• A research-led culture, particularly in engineering, energy and technology — graduate students are part of working groups.
• On-campus accommodation, included in many funded graduate packages.
• Teaching in English, with internationally recruited faculty and a diverse cohort.
• Abu Dhabi — a well-serviced capital city with good transport, healthcare and international connections.
• Very hot summers, with campus life largely indoors during the peak months.

For a research student, the group you join matters more than the campus. Contacting a prospective supervisor before applying is the single most useful thing you can do here.