Top 10 Scholarships in the UAE for 2025

Mariam MayowaSeptember 6, 2024

0 78 7 minutes read

Are you looking to study in the UAE without financial worries? Here are the top 10 scholarships in the UAE for 2025 that offer full or significant funding to help you achieve your academic goals. Each scholarship has unique benefits and requirements, so check the eligibility criteria and apply before the deadlines.

Scholarships in the UAE for 2025

1. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Scholarships

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation provides graduate scholarships for Arab students through its esteemed Fellows Programme. This initiative is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of talented youth across the Arab region by offering scholarships for Master’s Degree programs in Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration (MPA), Public Policy (MPP), and Finance at renowned international universities.

The Fellows Programme grants scholarships to qualified Arab candidates who exhibit strong leadership qualities, dedication, and a commitment to advancing the socio-economic development of the Arab World.

The scholarship package includes coverage for tuition fees, textbooks, housing, a monthly stipend, and an annual round-trip ticket for the entire duration of the study program.

2. United Arab Emirates University Scholarships

Scholarship Value: Offers a 50% reduction in tuition fees.

Eligibility: Open to local and international students at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Description: These merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements. They aim to help students reduce their financial burden while pursuing their academic goals at one of the UAE’s leading universities.

3. Abu Dhabi University Scholarships

If you are considering embarking on an educational journey in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Abu Dhabi University Scholarship presents an excellent opportunity. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the scholarship, its benefits, and the application process.

The Abu Dhabi University Scholarship for the academic year 2025-2026 is open to international students. It is available for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs, offering a full waiver of tuition, application fees, registration fees, student services fees, and health service fees.

Abu Dhabi University is committed to empowering exceptional students and encouraging them to achieve their educational goals. The scholarship and financial aid program is a crucial element of the university’s strategy for academic excellence and reflects its dedication to fostering the development of the UAE. The university views it as a national responsibility to provide equal opportunities for students pursuing higher education, enabling them to contribute positively to society regardless of their financial circumstances.

The maximum duration of any scholarship is four years or until graduation, whichever comes first. In some instances, candidates may need to meet specific English language requirements. Once awarded, students do not need to reapply for the scholarship as long as they meet the maintenance criteria specified for each scholarship type.

Application Process

The scholarship application process begins once a student is officially admitted to Abu Dhabi University (ADU) and receives a unique student ID number. This ID is used to securely log into a university account that includes a section for Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Once the university processes the student’s information, any scholarships for which the student is eligible will be displayed on their account page. Students can then complete the online application for any scholarships they qualify for, providing the necessary details and uploading required documents before submitting the application online.

Scholarship Coverage

Undergraduate Scholarships:

Academic Scholarship: Covers 20% of tuition fees for continuing students at ADU.
Abu Dhabi University Scholarship: Offers a tuition fee waiver ranging from 15% to 50% for UAE residents and GCC candidates.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Scholarship: Fully funded, covering all fees including tuition, application, registration, student services, and health service fees.
Athletic Scholarship: Provides a 25% tuition fee waiver for continuing students involved in sports.
Family Tuition Waiver: Offers a tuition discount of 15% to 25% based on the number of family members enrolled at ADU.

Masters Scholarships:

Merit-Based Graduate Scholarship: Provides a 25% tuition fee waiver.
Alumni Scholarship: Offers a 20% tuition fee waiver for alumni of Abu Dhabi University.

Eligibility Criteria

General Requirements:

Language Proficiency: English
Eligible Countries: Open to students from all countries.

Undergraduate Scholarships:

Academic Scholarship: Requires a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.60 for two consecutive semesters.
Abu Dhabi University Scholarship: Available for UAE residents and GCC nationals, based on high school performance.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Scholarship: For the top 20 public secondary school graduates in the UAE.
Athletic Scholarship: Awarded to students actively participating in ADU sports teams, requiring a minimum CGPA of 2.75.
Family Tuition Waiver: Discounts based on the number of family members enrolled.

Masters Scholarships:

Merit-Based Graduate Scholarship: Requires a minimum undergraduate CGPA of 3.5.
Alumni Scholarship: For Abu Dhabi University alumni with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 in their master’s program.

How to Apply

Complete the Online Application: Access the online application portal.
Upload Required Documents:

Certified copy of your secondary or high school certificate.
Passport-sized photo with a white background.
Valid passport copy (and residence visa if applicable).
Language proficiency certificate (IELTS, EmSAT, TOEFL, etc.).
Certificate of Good Conduct from the high school.

Submit the Application: Ensure all documents are uploaded and the application is completed before submission.

4. Khalifa University Scholarships

Scholarship Value: Includes full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, and health insurance.

Eligibility: Open to international students pursuing science and engineering degrees.

Description: Khalifa University offers highly competitive scholarships aimed at attracting top students in the fields of science and engineering. These scholarships not only cover tuition but also provide additional financial support to cover living costs.

5. American University of Sharjah Scholarships

Scholarship Value: Covers 50% of tuition fees.

Eligibility: International students at the undergraduate level.

Description: Based on academic merit and financial need, these scholarships are designed to support students with strong academic records. The American University of Sharjah aims to make high-quality education more accessible to talented students from around the world.

6. Dubai College Scholarships

Scholarship Value: Full funding.

Eligibility: Exceptional international students.

Description: These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance. Dubai College aims to nurture future leaders by providing comprehensive financial support to help students focus on their studies.

7. University of Sharjah Scholarships

Scholarship Value: 100% coverage of tuition fees.

Eligibility: Available for both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Description: These scholarships are based on academic merit and financial need. They are designed to promote educational excellence and provide significant financial assistance to students at the University of Sharjah.

8. International School of Choueifat Scholarships

Scholarship Value: Varies based on academic merit.

Eligibility: High school students.

Description: These scholarships are awarded annually to high-achieving students. The International School of Choueifat aims to support talented students in their academic pursuits and provide opportunities for further education.

9. Zayed University Scholarships

Scholarship Value: Provides tuition awards.

Eligibility: International undergraduate students.

Description: Zayed University offers scholarships to support students who excel academically and demonstrate leadership potential. These awards help reduce the financial burden of higher education and encourage academic success.

10. ADNOC Scholarships

The ADNOC Scholarship Program is designed to support the next generation of UAE nationals by investing in their higher education. This prestigious program offers scholarships to talented individuals through a competitive application process.

Key Features of the ADNOC Scholarship Program

University Options: The program includes over 80 institutions recognized in the Times Top 50 Higher Education World University Rankings.

Support Provided:

Scholarship application assistance.
Tuition fee support.
Living expenses support.
Access to the ADNOC Scholarship Portal.
Rewards for excellent academic performance.

Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate Program:

Must have attended a school recognized for academic excellence by the Ministry of Education (MoE) or relevant local authorities.

Academic Requirements:

Minimum of 85% in each science and math subject for Engineering and Science disciplines.
Average final high school results of 85% or above for domestic studies; 90% or above for overseas studies.
For British system: Completion of GCE A-Levels with specific grades or GCSE/IGCSE requirements.
For International Baccalaureate (IB): Completion of IB Diploma with a minimum of 36 points overall.

Language Proficiency:

TOEFL score of 80 and above or IELTS score of 6.0 and above.

Postgraduate Program:

Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 in an undergraduate or master’s program from an approved institution.
Language Proficiency: TOEFL score of 100 and above or IELTS score of 7.0 and above.
Professional Experience: Minimum of 4 years for master’s applicants and 6 years for doctorate applicants.

Mandatory Documents for Application

Identification:

Color copy of passport (front page and unified number page).
Color copy of family book (all pages with writing).
Color copy of Emirates ID (front and back).

Academic Documents:

Valid IELTS / TOEFL / EmSAT Certificate.
University Acceptance Letter(s).
Final transcripts for years 9, 10, and 11, and mid-term transcript for year 12.
Latest university transcript (if applicable).

References:

Reference letter from a math instructor.
Reference letter from a science instructor.
4. Personal Documents:
Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Passport photo with a white background.
Personal statement (300 words) explaining motivation for applying and chosen field of study.
National service letter (if applicable).
Employment or service certificate (if applicable).

Conclusion on Scholarships in the UAE

Studying in the UAE offers a remarkable opportunity for academic and personal growth. With these top 10 scholarships for 2025, you can pursue your education without financial stress. Explore these options and take the first step toward your future success!