Khalifa University Graduate Scholarship 2027 in UAE | Fully Funded Opportunity

Khalifa University of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, offers one of the most competitive and comprehensive graduate scholarship packages available in the region for Master’s and Doctoral (PhD) students. The university, consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Arab world and recently climbing into the global top 150 in major rankings, supports outstanding postgraduate talent through merit-based scholarships that cover educational costs and provide living support.

Scholarship consideration is automatic. Applicants do not submit a separate scholarship form. During the admissions review, candidates are evaluated on academic merit, research potential, alignment with the university’s strategic priorities, and other relevant factors. Successful applicants are mapped to a specific scholarship tier. The number of awards is limited, and meeting minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award.

Applications for Spring 2027 admission (primarily PhD programs) are open with a deadline of 28 September 2026. Fall intakes typically close earlier in the year. Prospective students should always verify the latest dates and program availability on the official Khalifa University postgraduate admissions page.

About Khalifa University

Khalifa University focuses on research-intensive education in engineering, physical sciences, computing, mathematics, medicine, and health sciences. It hosts specialized research centers and emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and real-world impact. The campus environment is multicultural, with students from dozens of nationalities, and the university provides strong support for international students, including visa assistance and orientation services.

Graduate programs typically last two years for full-time Master’s degrees (longer for part-time) and around four years for PhD programs. Students can pursue full-time or part-time study, though the most generous scholarship packages usually require full-time enrollment and research commitments.

Scholarship Benefits and Tiers

Benefits depend on the assigned tier and whether the student is pursuing a Master’s or PhD, as well as full-time or part-time status. Top-tier awards for international students, especially on the PhD research path, are among the most generous offered by universities in the UAE.

A fully funded top-tier (often called Tier I or Research Path) package commonly includes:

Full coverage of tuition fees.
Basic monthly stipend of 20,000 AED.
Additional monthly allowance of up to 20,000 AED (subject to approval and continued academic/research progress), bringing potential total support to around 40,000 AED per month for the highest PhD awards.
Textbooks provided by the university.
Medical insurance coverage for full-time international students sponsored by the university.
Mobilization and demobilization flights (between home country and Abu Dhabi) for eligible full-time overseas international students, subject to approval.
Coverage of UAE visa application fees for full-time international students.
Support to attend international research conferences (subject to approval and available funding).
In some cases, free or subsidized university accommodation for eligible full-time students.

Lower tiers may provide partial tuition waivers (for example 75 percent, 50 percent, or 25 percent), textbooks only, or reduced stipend levels. UAE national students often receive additional benefits such as pension contributions under certain schemes.

Scholarship recipients on the highest tiers may be required to commit to work with Khalifa University or a nominated entity for a period equivalent to the duration of their funded study after graduation. Eligibility is typically reassessed annually based on academic performance and progress.

Note that stipend amounts and exact tier structures can be updated by the university. Always refer to the official postgraduate scholarships page and the admission offer letter for the precise package awarded.

Eligibility Requirements

Minimum requirements vary slightly between Master’s and PhD programs and between regular and direct-entry tracks. Meeting them is necessary but not sufficient for admission or scholarship award.

For Master’s degree applicants:

Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent, such as an upper second-class honors in a UK-style system) from a reputable accredited institution.
English language proficiency: TOEFL iBT score of 91 or equivalent, overall academic IELTS score of 6.5, or 1550 EmSAT English score. (Some sources note that home-edition TOEFL may not be accepted; check current policy.)
Statement of purpose (500–1,000 words).
Minimum of two referee recommendations (submitted via the online form).
Admission interview.

For PhD applicants (regular track with Master’s degree):

Completion of a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 3.25 out of 4.0 or equivalent from a reputable accredited institution (some programs may accept a lower threshold in combination with strong research experience).
The same English proficiency requirements as above.
A minimum quantitative score of 150 on the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Applicants must attempt all three sections. Official scores should be sent using institutional code 0822 where applicable.
Research statement (500–1,000 words).
Statement of purpose (500–1,000 words).
Two referee recommendations.
Admission interview.

Direct Bachelor’s-to-PhD admission usually requires a higher Bachelor’s CGPA (often 3.5 out of 4.0) plus strong research potential and the other standard requirements.

Additional notes:

Degrees obtained outside the UAE generally require an equivalency certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education. This process can take time, so applicants should start early.
All nationalities are eligible. UAE nationals and children of Emirati mothers may have access to specific national scholarship tracks with enhanced benefits.
Some specialized programs (for example certain nuclear engineering tracks) may have nationality restrictions.

Required Documents

Applicants must upload clear, legible scans of the following through the online portal (PDF, Word, or image formats are typically accepted):

Certified copy of Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree certificate(s).
Official transcripts showing the grading scale.
Equivalency certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education (for degrees earned outside the UAE).
English language proficiency score report (IELTS, TOEFL, or EmSAT). Official TOEFL scores can be sent using code 0960.
GRE score report (when required).
Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Statement of Purpose (500–1,000 words).
Research Statement (500–1,000 words) for PhD applicants.
Passport-style photograph on a white background.
Copy of valid passport. Applicants already residing in the UAE should also upload their valid UAE visa.
Copy of Family Book (Khulasat Al Qaid) for UAE National applicants only.
Valid UAE national ID card (for applicants currently residing in the UAE).
Two referee recommendations (handled via the online system).

An application fee of 200 AED (inclusive of VAT) is generally required upon submission. Incomplete applications may not be reviewed.

How to Apply (Step by Step)

Visit the official Khalifa University postgraduate admissions page and review the list of available Master’s and PhD programs. Confirm which programs are open for the desired intake (Spring 2027 or later Fall cycles).
Carefully check the specific admission requirements for your chosen program, including any additional prerequisites such as prior coursework or research experience.
Create an account on the university’s graduate admission portal.
Complete the online application form accurately. Indicate interest in scholarship consideration if the form provides that option (though consideration is automatic in most cases).
Upload all required documents in the specified formats. Ensure files are clear and complete.
Pay the application fee if required.
Submit the application before the deadline. After submission you will usually be directed to a status page where you can track progress and upload any remaining materials.
If shortlisted, prepare for the admission interview. This is typically conducted online or in person and assesses academic readiness, research interests, and fit with the program.
Monitor your email and the application portal for updates. Successful applicants receive an official admission offer that includes the scholarship tier and associated benefits.

Official application portal and detailed guidance are available at ku.ac.ae under Postgraduate Admissions. Applicants are strongly advised to begin the process early, especially for document authentication and English/GRE testing.

FAQs

Is a separate scholarship application required?

No. Scholarship eligibility is assessed automatically as part of the regular graduate admission process.

What is the maximum monthly stipend?

Top-tier PhD research path awards can reach approximately 40,000 AED per month (20,000 basic plus up to 20,000 additional allowance), subject to continued progress and approval. Master’s stipends are typically lower.

Can I apply if I only have a Bachelor’s degree for a PhD?

Yes, direct Bachelor’s-to-PhD admission is possible for outstanding candidates who meet a higher CGPA threshold (often 3.5/4.0) and demonstrate strong research potential.

Is the GRE mandatory?

A minimum quantitative score of 150 is generally required for many PhD programs, and applicants must attempt all sections. Check the specific program requirements.

Are part-time students eligible for scholarships?

Yes, but the most generous packages (full stipend, flights, etc.) are usually reserved for full-time students. Part-time awards tend to focus more on tuition support.

Do I need an IELTS or TOEFL score if English is my first language or previous degree was in English?

The university sets minimum scores. Exemptions may be possible in limited cases, but most applicants must submit an official test score. Confirm current policy on the admissions page.

What happens after graduation for scholarship recipients?

Top-tier awards often include a work commitment with Khalifa University or a nominated entity for a period equal to the funded study duration.

How competitive is the scholarship?

Very competitive. Limited slots are awarded based on overall merit relative to the applicant pool and university priorities.

Where can I find the official and most up-to-date information?

Always refer to the Khalifa University website (ku.ac.ae), specifically the Postgraduate Admissions and Postgraduate Scholarships sections. Third-party sites may contain outdated or incomplete details.

APPLY HERE