Dubai is a city known for its luxury, creativity, and ability to connect people all over the world. It has quickly become one of the best places to study abroad. Dubai attracts international students from all over the world with its world-class colleges, a rich culture, and a strong economy.
Studying in Dubai offers a unique opportunity to gain a global perspective, access cutting-edge research, and enhance career prospects in a dynamic environment. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to support international and Indian students in pursuing their academic aspirations in this vibrant city.
Table of Contents:
- Top 10 Scholarships in Dubai for International/Indian Students
- Overview Table of Scholarships in Dubai
- Detailed Breakdown of the Top 10 Dubai Scholarships
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Top 10 Scholarships in Dubai for International/Indian Students
Dubai has many scholarships to offer for international students, including those from India. These scholarships are offered by the universities, the Government, and private organizations. These scholarships support and recognize academic excellence and help students fulfill their study abroad dream by fulfilling their financial needs. Many of these are fully funded scholarships in Dubai, covering many costs.
Overview Table of Top 10 Scholarships in Dubai
Here’s a quick look at some of the prominent scholarships available in Dubai:
| Scholarship Name | Offered By | Level of Study | Coverage/Benefits |
| Khalifa University Scholarships | Khalifa University | PhD | Full tuition fees, medical insurance, monthly stipend |
| UAE University Scholarships | United Arab Emirates University | Undergraduate, Postgraduate | Full or partial tuition fee waiver |
| H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship | American University in Dubai (AUD) | Undergraduate | Tuition fee waiver for one academic year |
| Zayed University Undergraduate Merit Scholarship | Zayed University | Undergraduate | Up to 50% tuition fee coverage |
| Emirates Aviation University Chancellor’s Scholarship | Emirates Aviation University | Undergraduate | Covers up to 100% of the tuition fees |
| University of Birmingham Dubai Chancellor’s Academic Merit Scholarship | University of Birmingham Dubai | Undergraduate, Postgraduate | Partial funding (up to 50%) |
| Canadian University of Dubai Academic Excellence Scholarship | Canadian University of Dubai | Undergraduate | Up to 50% tuition waiver |
| Middlesex University Dubai Scholarships | Middlesex University Dubai | Undergraduate, Postgraduate | Varies |
| Future Made for Success Scholarship | Heriot-Watt University Dubai | Foundation, Undergraduate, or Postgraduate | A discount of AED 7,000 |
| H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Scholarships | Abu Dhabi University | Undergraduate | Covers full tuition, including accommodation, health insurance |
Detailed Breakdown of the Top 10 Dubai Scholarships
Let’s delve deeper into the details of each scholarship mentioned above:
Khalifa University Scholarships
Khalifa University is a leading science and technology-focused institution in the UAE. It offers a range of scholarships to attract and support outstanding international students, particularly those pursuing advanced degrees. Khalifa University provides fully funded scholarships in Dubai.
Eligibility
- Strong academic record in relevant disciplines.
- Research potential and a commitment to contributing to the advancement of science and technology.
- Specific eligibility criteria may vary depending on the program.
Deadline
- Application deadlines vary depending on the specific program and intake.
Amount/Benefits
- Full tuition fee coverage.
- Medical insurance.
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
- May also include research grants and other benefits.
- The KU scholarships 2025 are divided into different levels. The scholarship funding depends on the scholarship level.
UAE University Scholarships
The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the UAE. It provides various scholarships to international students at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Eligibility
- Academic merit, based on high school or university transcripts.
- Financial need may also be considered for some scholarships.
- Specific requirements vary by program and scholarship.
Deadline
- Deadlines vary.
Amount/Benefits
- Full or partial coverage of tuition fees.
- The extent of the scholarship varies depending on the student’s academic performance and the availability of funds.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship
In 1999, the American University in Dubai declared that Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s name would be used to create scholarships, stating that His Highness’ generosity demonstrates a strong dedication to education as the key to achieving Dubai’s and the United Arab Emirates’ national goals. In addition to rewarding academic achievement, the scholarship was created to address financial necessity.
Eligibility
- High school applicants should have a 90% grade average (or equivalent). Financial need, as demonstrated by insufficiency to fund educational expenses, will also be considered.
- Open to all nationalities.
- Open to all undergraduate programs
Deadline
- The HH. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarships are awarded only in the fall semester.
Amount/Benefits
- Subject to the Scholarship Committee’s approval, the recipient of the scholarship is eligible for a partial or whole tuition waiver. As long as eligibility requirements are met, the scholarship is awarded for the first academic year and is maintained until graduation. There are terms and conditions.
Zayed University Scholarships
Zayed University offers scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships support students who have demonstrated academic excellence.
Eligibility
- High academic performance in secondary school or university (85% for CBSE students).
- EmSAT 900 or SAT Math 590 or equivalent.
- The applicant must submit a reference letter from their most recent school with their application.
Deadline
- May 31, 2025
Amount/Benefits
- Partial funding towards tuition fees.
- The scholarship will cover the full tuition fees, but will not cover additional costs such as a laptop, food, housing, or transport.
Emirates Aviation University Chancellor’s Scholarship
Emirates Aviation University provides scholarships for students pursuing aviation-related programs. Up to ten students per academic year are eligible to receive the Chancellor’s Scholarship, which is only given out during the first (fall) semester. Applications are only accepted from recently admitted full-time undergraduate students.
Eligibility
Undergraduate Applicants:
- Minimum cumulative average of 95% in the final year of secondary education.
- IELTS 6 academic, or equivalent English language proficiency.
Postgraduate Applicants:
- Minimum CGPA of 3.8/4.0 in their bachelor’s degree.
- IELTS 7 academic, or equivalent English language proficiency.
All Applicants:
- Expected to demonstrate outstanding personal qualities.
- Expected to demonstrate the ability to contribute to the University and the community.
Scholarship Maintenance:
- Recipients must maintain an excellent academic standing (minimum CGPA of 3.8) throughout their studies at EAU to retain the Chancellor’s Scholarship.
Deadline
- May 31, 2025
Amount/Benefits
- The scholarship covers up to 100% of the tuition fees.
- The scholarship does not cover the registration fee, textbook fees or fees paid to an external partner for dual award programmes and other charges.
University of Birmingham Dubai Chancellor’s Academic Merit Scholarship
For international students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees, the University of Birmingham Dubai provides a variety of scholarships. Predicted grades are the basis for the Chancellor’s Academic Merit Scholarship.
Unless your last and/or master’s year of study is in the UK, the scholarship will be awarded for all academic years, including our student exchange year there: MEng Mechanical Engineering, MEng Computer Science and Software Engineering, BSc Biomedical Science, and MSc Biomedical Science.
Eligibility
- Applicants must have received an offer and accepted a Conditional Offer from the University of Birmingham Dubai.
- Applicants must have satisfied the deposit payment condition of AED 5,000.
Academic Merit (based on predicted or achieved grades):
- The scholarship is based on predicted grades for undergraduate applicants.
- For postgraduate programs, the scholarship is based on bachelor’s (or equivalent) grades.
The exact percentages or grades may vary slightly depending on the curriculum:
- For Foundation Programmes:
- A Levels: BBB (30% scholarship), BBC (20% scholarship), BCC (10% scholarship)
- AS Levels: AAA (30% scholarship), AAB (20% scholarship), ABB (10% scholarship)
- American High School GPA: 3.7 GPA (30% scholarship), 3.5 GPA (20% scholarship), 3.0 GPA (10% scholarship)
- Al Thaneweya: 95% grades (30% scholarship), 90% grades (20% scholarship), 85% grades (10% scholarship)
- For Undergraduate Programmes:
- A Levels: A*AA (30% scholarship), AAA (20% scholarship), AAB (15% scholarship), ABB (10% scholarship)
- IB: HL 7,6,6 (30% scholarship), HL 6,6,6 (20% scholarship), HL 6,6,5 (15% scholarship), HL 6,5,5 (10% scholarship)
- CBSE: Above 90% (30% scholarship), Above 85% (20% scholarship), Above 80% (15% scholarship), Above 75% (10% scholarship)
- For Postgraduate Programmes:
- Classification Grading System: 1st Class (30% scholarship), 2:1 Upper second class (20% scholarship), 2:2 Lower second class (10% scholarship)
- GPA Grading System (out of 4): 3.7 GPA (30% scholarship), 3 GPA (20% scholarship), 2.8 GPA (10% scholarship)
- Percentage Grading System: Above 80% (30% scholarship), From 75% – 80% (20% scholarship), From 70% – 74% (10% scholarship) (Note: this system is assessed on a case-by-case basis due to variations between countries).
Deadline
- Varies
Amount/Benefits
- Partial funding, up to 30% of tuition fees.
Canadian University of Dubai Academic Excellence Scholarship
As long as the student registers for at least 12 credit hours per semester and maintains the CGPA as stated below, scholarships granted for the fall semester are valid for a full year.
Eligibility
- To be considered eligible for the Academic Excellence Scholarship, students need to be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours.
Deadline
- The scholarship application deadline for the fall semester is July 7th.
- The scholarship application deadline for the spring semester is December 20th
Amount/Benefits
- 50% tuition waiver
Middlesex University Dubai Scholarships
Middlesex University Dubai provides several scholarships and grants to support international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. International students studying at the Foundation, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate levels can redeem an International Study Grant.
Eligibility
- International applicants for the International Foundation Programme, Undergraduate/Bachelor’s programmes, and Postgraduate/Master’s programs.
- Applicants must apply, accept their offer, and make a deposit payment of AED 3,000.
Deadline
- September 2025
Amount/Benefits
- Varies depending on the scholarship.
Future Made for Success Scholarship
Students who have received an offer letter from the institution, either unconditional or conditional, are eligible for this grant. Before the academic year begins, students who have received a conditional offer letter must submit the remaining paperwork in order to receive an unconditional offer letter from the university.
Eligibility
- Students with an unconditional offer letter or a conditional offer letter from the university can apply.
- To avail this discount, students must apply and pay 10% of their tuition fees as an advance payment (non-refundable) against their tuition fee.
Deadline
- 31 May 2025
Amount/Benefits
- Any student (foundation, undergraduate, or Postgraduate) who applies and submits the tuition fee deposit by 31 May 2025 for the September 2025 intake will receive a discount of AED 7,000.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Scholarships
The H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Scholarship, primarily associated with Abu Dhabi University (ADU), is a prestigious scholarship program designed to support outstanding students. It aims to empower academically excellent students to pursue their higher education goals. It reflects a commitment to supporting educational development within the UAE.
Eligibility
- Available to the top 20 public secondary school graduates across the UAE.
- Applicants must be newly admitted and join ADU in the fall semester of their high school graduation year.
- Scholarship receipt is subject to selection and formal approval from the Office of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
- Applies while the student is enrolled full-time at ADU (minimum 12 credit hours).
- Requires meeting the English language proficiency requirements of the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
- EmSAT (or equivalent international exams) requirements:
Minimum EmSAT Math score: 1,200
Minimum EmSAT English score: 1,600
Minimum EmSAT Arabic score: 900 (for all colleges)
Deadline
- 10 Jun, 2025
Amount/Benefits
- Recipients receive a 100% waiver on tuition, application, registration, student services, and health services fees.
Conclusion
The many scholarships open to international students show that Dubai cares about education. These scholarships not only make it easier for international students to study abroad, but they also help make the city more intellectual and multicultural. Whether you are an Indian student with excellent academic achievements or an international student with a passion for research, there are many opportunities to find financial support for your studies in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are scholarships in Dubai only for international students?
While many scholarships target international students, some are also available for domestic students or students of specific nationalities.
How to get scholarship to study in UAE?
To get a scholarship to study in the UAE:
- Research: Explore government, university, and private scholarships online.
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the specific criteria for each scholarship.
- Note Deadlines: Apply well before closing dates.
- Prepare Documents: Gather transcripts, language tests, recommendations, and a personal statement.
- Apply: Follow the application process for each scholarship.
How do I apply for scholarships in Dubai?
The application process varies depending on the scholarship provider. Generally, you’ll need to:
- Research and identify suitable scholarships.
- Review the eligibility criteria and application requirements.
- Prepare the necessary documents (transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.).
- Submit your application by the specified deadline.
What documents are typically required for scholarship applications?
Common documents include:
- Academic transcripts.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Statement of purpose or personal essay.
- Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
- Passport copies.
- Any other documents specified by the scholarship provider.
Where can I find more information about scholarships in Dubai?
You can find more information on the following platforms:
- University websites.
- Government websites.
- Scholarship databases.
- Educational advisory services.
Can I work while studying in Dubai on a scholarship?
Work regulations for international students vary. Some scholarships may allow part-time work, while others may have restrictions. Check the specific scholarship terms and UAE visa regulations.
How can I study in Dubai for free?
Look for full scholarships that cover all expenses to study in Dubai for free. Pay attention to colleges with a reputation for offering substantial scholarships, such as Khalifa University and MBZUAI. Excellent grades are required, and you must fulfill certain requirements.
