Scholarships in Dubai
Scholarships in Dubai for Indian Students
Why Apply for Scholarships in Dubai?
World-Class Education in a Global Hub
Dubai hosts branch campuses of internationally renowned universities alongside prestigious local institutions. Students gain access to quality education that meets global standards while experiencing the unique cultural diversity and business opportunities that Dubai offers.
Strategic Career Advantages
Dubai’s position as a major business and innovation center provides exceptional internship, networking, and career opportunities. Scholarship recipients often gain access to exclusive industry connections and post-graduation work opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Affordable Excellence with Financial Support
While Dubai offers high-quality education at more affordable rates than many Western countries, scholarships make it even more accessible. Many awards cover substantial portions of tuition and living expenses, making world-class education attainable for talented Indian students.
Post-Study Opportunities
Dubai offers attractive post-study work permits allowing graduates to stay and work for up to 2 years, with pathways to longer-term residence. This makes scholarship investment particularly valuable for career development and international experience.
Types of Scholarships Available
1. Government Scholarships
- Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Scholarships
Provider: UAE Government Foundation
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, travel costs
Eligibility: Outstanding academic credentials, exceptional potential, commitment to positive impact
Application Deadline: Varies by program (typically April–May)
Duration: Full program duration - UAE University Scholarships
Provider: Government of UAE through public universities
Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Coverage: Full or partial tuition fee waiver, living allowances for selected programs
Eligibility: Academic excellence, specific nationality requirements
Focus Areas: STEM, business, health sciences, engineering
2. University Scholarships
- Khalifa University Scholarships
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
Coverage:
• PhD: Full tuition, AED 20,000 monthly stipend, AED 10,000 additional allowance, medical insurance
• MRTS (Master’s): Full tuition, medical insurance, AED 4,000 stipend
• Undergraduate: Merit-based partial to full scholarships
Eligibility: Strong academic record, research potential, commitment to science and tech
Application Deadline: April 30, 2025 - American University in Dubai (AUD) Scholarships
• H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship: Full tuition fee waiver for one academic year
• AUD Academic Excellence Scholarship: Merit-based partial funding
Eligibility: Outstanding academic performance, leadership potential - University of Birmingham Dubai Scholarships
Coverage: Up to 30% tuition fee waiver (up to 50% by invitation)
Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Eligibility: Academic merit; cannot be combined with other scholarships
Application: Automatic consideration with admission - Zayed University Scholarships
Zayed University Undergraduate Merit Scholarship: Up to 50% tuition fee coverage
Eligibility: Academic performance, IELTS/TOEFL scores
Level: Undergraduate - Canadian University Dubai Scholarships
• Academic Excellence Scholarship: Up to 50% tuition waiver
• New Student Study Scholarship: 5% tuition reduction (Fall 2025–26)
Eligibility: Academic merit, minimum course load - University of Dubai Scholarships
• Partial Merit-Based Scholarship: 50% tuition for 90%+ high school scores
• International Students Scholarship: Partial tuition coverage
• Academic Merit Scholarship: 10–20% tuition fee coverage - Middlesex University Dubai Scholarships
• International Study Grant: Need and merit-based
• Academic Excellence Scholarships: Merit-based awards
Coverage: Varies by student and program - Emirates Aviation University Scholarships
Chancellor’s Scholarship: Up to 100% tuition fees
Level: Undergraduate
Focus: Aviation and related fields - Heriot-Watt University Dubai Scholarships
• Future Made for Success Scholarship: AED 7,000 discount
• HWU International Scholarships: Merit-based
Level: Foundation, Undergraduate, Postgraduate
3. Specialized and Research Scholarships
- Masdar Institute Scholarships
Coverage: 100% tuition, textbooks, laptops, housing, annual return ticket, stipend
Additional: GRE and TOEFL fees covered
Focus: Renewable energy, sustainability, advanced technology
Level: Master’s (Fully Funded) - MBZUAI (Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI) Scholarships
Coverage: Full tuition and living support
Level: Master’s and PhD in AI-related fields
Eligibility: Strong technical background and research potential
4. Private and Foundation Scholarships
- Industry Partnership Scholarships: Programs with leading companies offering internships and career pathways
- Cultural Exchange Scholarships: Supporting diversity and international understanding
- Women in STEM Scholarships: Encouraging gender diversity in science and tech fields
- Community Impact Scholarships: For students committed to social contribution and community service
List of Major Scholarships for Indian Students
| Scholarship Name | Provider | Level | Coverage | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation | UAE Government | UG/PG/PhD | Full funding + stipend | Most prestigious, highly competitive |
| Khalifa University PhD Scholarship | Khalifa University | PhD | AED 30,000/month + tuition | Research-focused, STEM disciplines |
| Khalifa University MRTS | Khalifa University | Master's | Full tuition + AED 4,000/month | Research and teaching components |
| AUD Sheikh Mohammed Scholarship | American University Dubai | UG | One-year tuition waiver | Merit and leadership based |
| Zayed University Merit Scholarship | Zayed University | UG | Up to 50% tuition | Academic performance based |
| Birmingham Dubai Scholarships | University of Birmingham | UG/PG | Up to 50% tuition | Automatic consideration |
| Canadian University Dubai Excellence | Canadian University Dubai | UG | Up to 50% tuition | Merit-based, renewable |
| Emirates Aviation Chancellor's | Emirates Aviation University | UG | Up to 100% tuition | Aviation-focused programs |
| Masdar Institute Master's | Masdar Institute | Master's | Full funding + stipend | Sustainability and energy focus |
| University of Dubai Merit | University of Dubai | UG/PG | 10–50% tuition | Multiple scholarship tiers |
How to Find and Apply for Scholarships in Dubai
Step 1: Research and University Selection
- Identify universities and programs aligned with your academic background and career goals
- Research specific scholarship opportunities for each target institution
- Consider both government and private university options
Step 2: Document Preparation
- Academic Documents: Transcripts, certificates, degree equivalency documents
- English Proficiency: IELTS (typically 6.0+), TOEFL (80+), or equivalent
- Standardized Tests: SAT, GRE, GMAT as required by the program
- Supporting Documents: Statement of Purpose, CV/Resume, Letters of Recommendation
- Financial Documents: For need-based scholarships
- Portfolio: For creative or specialized programs
Step 3: Application Strategy
- Apply for university admission first (required for most scholarships)
- Submit scholarship applications separately where required
- Some scholarships offer automatic consideration with admission
- Ensure all deadlines are met (typically 3–6 months before program start)
Step 4: Follow-up and Preparation
- Monitor application status regularly
- Prepare for interviews if required
- Plan for visa applications upon scholarship award
- Research accommodation and living arrangements
Tips for Scholarship Success
- Start Early: Begin research and preparation 12-18 months before intended study start
- Maintain Excellence: Most scholarships require 80%+ academic performance
- Diversify Applications: Apply to multiple universities and scholarship types
- Highlight Unique Strengths: Emphasize leadership, research experience, community service
- Cultural Fit: Demonstrate understanding of UAE culture and values
- Career Vision: Clearly articulate how Dubai education aligns with future goals
Universities
Can Indian students get fully funded scholarships in Dubai?
Yes, government scholarships like the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and Khalifa University PhD programs offer full funding including tuition, living stipends, and additional benefits.
What GPA is required for Dubai scholarships?
Most scholarships require minimum 80% or 3.5/4.0 GPA. Top-tier awards like government scholarships may require 90%+ academic performance.
Are IELTS scores mandatory for scholarship applications?
Most programs require IELTS 6.0-7.0 overall. Some universities accept TOEFL (80+) or other English proficiency tests. A few programs may waive requirements for strong applicants.
Do scholarships cover living expenses in Dubai?
Government and fully funded scholarships typically include living stipends. University scholarships primarily cover tuition, requiring separate funding for accommodation and living costs.
Can I work while studying in Dubai with a scholarship?
Yes, international students can work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) with proper permits. Many scholarship programs also offer research or teaching assistantships.
What fields of study have the most scholarship opportunities?
STEM fields, business, AI, renewable energy, and aviation have the most opportunities, reflecting Dubai’s economic priorities and development goals.
How competitive are Dubai scholarships?
Competition varies by program. Government scholarships are highly competitive with acceptance rates below 5%, while university merit scholarships have higher success rates for qualified applicants.
Are there scholarships specifically for Indian students?
While most scholarships are open to all international students, several programs specifically welcome applications from South Asian countries including India.
Contact Educational Consultants for Dubai Scholarship Guidance
Securing scholarships in Dubai requires strategic planning, thorough preparation, and expert guidance. Educational consultants specializing in UAE education can provide:
- Comprehensive scholarship matching based on academic profile and career objectives
- Application strategy development to maximize funding opportunities across multiple institutions
- Document preparation and review ensuring competitive applications that meet all requirements
- Interview coaching for competitive scholarship programs requiring personal presentations
- Visa and immigration support following successful scholarship awards
Begin your journey toward funded education in Dubai today. With proper guidance and preparation, you can secure the financial support needed to access world-class education in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.