The MBZUAI Scholarships 2027 in UAE offer international students an opportunity to pursue advanced graduate education in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, Robotics, Computer Science, and Statistics and Data Science at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi. The university welcomes students from around the world and focuses specifically on advanced AI education, research, and innovation.

For eligible funded students, MBZUAI provides significant financial support that can include full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, health insurance, annual return airfare, and UAE residence support. PhD programs are described by MBZUAI as fully funded, while funding for M.Sc. students depends on the program, academic standing, and available faculty-sponsored or merit-based funding.

Apply for: SINGA Scholarship 2027

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MBZUAI Scholarships 2027 Details

MBZUAI’s current graduate admissions page states that the main deadline for graduate programs other than the Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence is December 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM GST. The university expects decisions for these programs by March 31, 2027.

Important: The Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) has a different deadline of February 28, 2027, but it is a fee-based program and is not eligible for University or faculty-sponsored funding.

Data Source

The information in this article has been checked against the current MBZUAI graduate admissions, funding, program, and admissions FAQ pages. Applicants should always check the official university website before submitting an application because program requirements, funding arrangements, and deadlines can change.

Detail Description

The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is a graduate-level research university in Abu Dhabi dedicated specifically to artificial intelligence and related areas.

The university offers graduate programs in areas including Computer Science, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Robotics, and Statistics and Data Science. Its academic environment is designed for students who want to develop advanced technical skills and contribute to AI research and innovation.

MBZUAI accepts applicants from different countries and evaluates candidates based on factors such as academic performance, technical preparation, research potential, and alignment with the selected program. Admission is competitive because the university has a limited number of places available in each incoming cohort.

For students interested in AI and Machine Learning, the university can be particularly relevant because its graduate programs are built around advanced areas of artificial intelligence and computational research.

Apply for: KAUST Scholarship 2027 in Saudi Arabia

Benefits of MBZUAI Scholarships 2027 in UAE

The exact funding package depends on the graduate program and funding arrangement. MBZUAI currently states that funded graduate students may receive the following:

1. Full Tuition Fee Coverage

Funded students receive free tuition fees for the approved funding period. This can substantially reduce the overall cost of graduate study in the UAE.

2. Monthly Stipend

Funded students receive a monthly stipend. MBZUAI’s current funding information lists the stipend at AED 15,500 per month for international M.Sc. students and AED 17,500 per month for international PhD students under the stated funding model.

3. Annual Return Airfare

Funded students receive one return airfare each year to their home country, subject to the applicable funding terms.

4. Health Insurance

Health insurance is included for funded students during the approved funding period.

5. UAE Residence Support

Eligible funded students may receive a University-sponsored UAE residence visa and Emirates ID.

6. Research Environment

Students have access to MBZUAI’s AI-focused academic and research environment, including faculty supervision and research facilities.

7. Fully Funded PhD Programs

MBZUAI states that its doctoral programs offer a full scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, healthcare, student visa, and a monthly stipend.

Important Funding Note for Master’s Applicants

Applicants should not assume that every Master’s admission automatically comes with full funding.

MBZUAI currently states that M.Sc. students are fee-paying by default, although merit-based funding and faculty-sponsored research or teaching assistantships may be available. Funding is therefore not guaranteed for every admitted M.Sc. student.

The Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) is specifically fee-based and is not eligible for University or faculty-sponsored funding.

Available Study Areas at MBZUAI

MBZUAI focuses on advanced artificial intelligence and related disciplines. Depending on the level and program, applicants can explore areas such as:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Science
• Machine Learning
• Computer Vision
• Natural Language Processing
• Robotics
• Statistics and Data Science
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Other AI-related research areas

MBZUAI’s Computing and Mathematical Sciences division identifies areas including computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, systems, human-computer interaction, robotics, and statistics and data science among its research areas.

Who Should Apply for MBZUAI Scholarships 2027?

The opportunity is particularly relevant to students who:

• Have a strong background in STEM.
• Want to specialize in Artificial Intelligence.
• Are interested in Machine Learning or related fields.
• Want to pursue advanced AI research.
• Have strong mathematical and technical preparation.
• Have programming or coding experience.
• Want to study in a research-focused university.
• Are interested in careers in AI research, technology, academia, industry, or innovation.
• Have a strong academic record.
• Can demonstrate research potential for PhD study.

Students interested in other fully funded AI and STEM opportunities can also explore the SINGA Scholarship 2027 and KAUST Scholarship 2027.

Eligibility Criteria for MBZUAI Scholarships 2027

The exact eligibility requirements depend on the specific Master’s or PhD program.

General Academic Requirement

Applicants must generally hold a degree in a relevant STEM field, such as:

• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Other relevant science or engineering disciplines

The degree must come from an accredited university or college recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education. MBZUAI states that the minimum CGPA varies by program, with requirements generally around 3.0 or 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, depending on the program.

Master’s Applicants

Master’s requirements vary according to the selected program. Applicants should carefully review the requirements for their chosen M.Sc. program before applying.

MBZUAI’s general graduate admissions requirements include a relevant STEM degree, CV, statement of purpose, referee recommendations, English proficiency, and a screening exam.

PhD Applicants

PhD applicants generally need a relevant STEM background and must demonstrate stronger academic and research preparation.

For example, MBZUAI’s Machine Learning PhD criteria state that applicants may qualify with either:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant STEM field with a minimum CGPA of 3.5/4.0; or
• A Master’s degree in a relevant STEM field with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0.

PhD applicants must also submit a research statement, statement of purpose, recommendations, English proficiency evidence, and other required application materials.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must provide valid evidence of English language proficiency according to the requirements of their selected program.

MBZUAI also provides certain English-language exemptions. For example, applicants who completed a degree entirely in English at a university in a country where English is an official language and the dominant language of higher education may qualify for a full exemption. Nigeria is among the countries listed by MBZUAI for this exemption category, subject to the university’s verification requirements.

Applicants should still carefully review the specific English-language requirements for their intended program before submission.

Screening Exam

The current MBZUAI graduate admissions process includes a screening exam.

The exam is designed to assess foundational knowledge relevant to the applicant’s selected program. Areas may include:

• Advanced mathematics
• Programming
• Machine learning
• Core computer science topics for PhD applicants

Applicants should use MBZUAI’s official screening-exam information to prepare for the assessment.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents, according to their program:

• Completed online application form
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Official academic transcripts
• Degree certificate or expected graduation documentation
• Statement of Purpose
• Research statement for PhD applicants
• Recommendation letters
• English language proficiency evidence
• Valid passport copy
• Recent photograph
• Other program-specific documents

For PhD applicants, MBZUAI currently requires a minimum of three referee recommendations, while M.Sc. applicants require two recommendations under the general graduate admissions process.

Applicants should make sure that transcripts that are not in English are accompanied by the required official English translation.

Is GRE Required?

The original scholarship information lists GRE as optional. However, applicants should not rely on a general GRE statement because requirements can differ by program.

MBZUAI’s current admissions system places emphasis on the screening exam, while certain program-specific admission criteria may also contain standardized-test requirements or waivers. Applicants should therefore check the exact requirements for their chosen program before submitting an application.

Application Fee

There is currently an AED 200 graduate application fee after completion of the screening exam.

MBZUAI states that fee waivers are available in specific situations, including applicants who achieve an overall screening-exam score of 75% or above, or applicants who are already enrolled, with the fee reimbursed upon enrollment.

Therefore, the scholarship itself may provide substantial funding, but applicants should still understand the university’s application-fee rules before applying.

MBZUAI Scholarships 2027 Deadline

For the main graduate programs, the current final application deadline is:

December 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM GST.

The application portal opened on September 7, 2026. MBZUAI expects to send decisions for the main graduate programs by March 31, 2027 at 5:00 PM GST.

Important Deadline Difference

The Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) follows a different timeline:

• Application deadline: February 28, 2027
• Decision notification: April 15, 2027
• Offer response deadline: April 30, 2027

However, MAAI is a fee-based program and is not eligible for University or faculty-sponsored funding.

Applicants seeking a funded graduate opportunity should therefore distinguish between the research-oriented M.Sc./PhD programs and the fee-based MAAI program.

How to Apply for MBZUAI Scholarships 2027

Follow these steps to apply:

Step 1: Visit the MBZUAI Graduate Admissions Website

Go to the official MBZUAI graduate admissions page and review the current requirements.

Step 2: Choose Your Program

Select the Master’s or PhD program that matches your academic background and research interests.

Step 3: Review the Requirements

Check:

• Academic requirements
• CGPA requirements
• English-language requirements
• Screening exam
• Recommendation requirements
• Research statement requirements
• Program-specific documents

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Prepare your CV, transcripts, degree certificates, statement of purpose, research statement where required, recommendations, passport, English-language evidence, and other required documents.

Step 5: Complete the Online Application

Create your account on the MBZUAI application portal and provide your personal, academic, and program information.

Step 6: Complete the Screening Exam

Applicants should follow the university’s instructions regarding the screening examination and complete the assessment required for their application.

Step 7: Pay or Qualify for the Application Fee Waiver

The current graduate application fee is AED 200 after the screening exam, subject to MBZUAI’s fee-waiver conditions.

Step 8: Submit Before the Deadline

For the main graduate programs, submit the application before:

December 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM GST.

Step 9: Prepare for Possible Interview

Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview or technical assessment. MBZUAI states that shortlisted applicants participate in an online interview with faculty members as part of the admissions evaluation.

APPLY NOW: MBZUAI Graduate Admissions

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: MBZUAI Admissions and Aid

Tips for a Strong MBZUAI Application

1. Build a Strong Technical Profile

AI programs require strong technical preparation. Highlight programming, mathematics, machine learning, data science, computer science, engineering, or other relevant skills.

2. Show Research Potential

For PhD applicants especially, your research interests should be clear and connected to the field you want to study.

3. Prepare a Strong Statement of Purpose

Your statement should explain:

• Why you want to study AI.
• Why you selected your particular program.
• Your academic background.
• Your research interests.
• Your long-term career goals.
• Why MBZUAI is relevant to your goals.

4. Make Your CV Research-Focused

Include:

• Academic achievements
• Research projects
• Publications
• Programming skills
• Internships
• AI/ML projects
• Competitions
• Technical certifications
• Relevant work experience

5. Prepare for the Screening Exam

Because the current admissions process includes a screening exam covering areas such as mathematics and programming, preparation should begin early.

6. Do Not Wait Until the Deadline

Admissions are competitive and the university has limited places. Submitting early also gives you time to address missing documents or technical issues.

Why Study Artificial Intelligence at MBZUAI?

Artificial intelligence is increasingly important across industries including:

• Healthcare
• Finance
• Robotics
• Cybersecurity
• Transportation
• Manufacturing
• Education
• Climate and sustainability
• Computer vision
• Natural language processing
• Data science

MBZUAI is designed specifically around AI and related research areas rather than offering AI as just one department within a much broader university. Its research environment includes machine learning, computer vision, NLP, robotics, human-computer interaction, and statistics and data science.

For students who want to build a career in AI research, graduate-level study at a specialized AI university can provide opportunities to work closely with researchers, develop advanced technical skills, and participate in research projects.

Apply for: KAUST Scholarship 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the MBZUAI Scholarships 2027?

The MBZUAI Scholarships refer to the funding opportunities available to eligible graduate students at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in the UAE. PhD programs are fully funded, while M.Sc. funding is available through applicable funding mechanisms but is not guaranteed for every admitted M.Sc. student.

2. Is MBZUAI open to international students?

Yes. MBZUAI welcomes students from diverse nationalities and backgrounds.

3. What is the deadline for MBZUAI Scholarships 2027?

The main deadline for graduate programs other than the Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence is December 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM GST.

4. Is the MBZUAI PhD fully funded?

Yes. MBZUAI states that its doctoral programs offer full scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, healthcare, student visa, and a monthly stipend.

5. Are all Master’s programs fully funded?

No. Current MBZUAI information states that M.Sc. students are fee-paying by default, although merit-based and faculty-sponsored funding may be available. Funding is not guaranteed for every admitted M.Sc. student.

6. Is the Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence fully funded?

No. The Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence is currently a fee-based program and is not eligible for University or faculty-sponsored funding.

7. How much is the monthly stipend?

For funded international graduate students, MBZUAI currently lists AED 15,500 per month for M.Sc. students and AED 17,500 per month for PhD students under the stated funding model.

8. Do I need IELTS?

Applicants must provide acceptable English-language proficiency evidence unless they qualify for an applicable exemption. MBZUAI lists specific countries and circumstances under which applicants may qualify for an English-language waiver.

9. Can Nigerian students apply?

Yes. International applicants are welcome, and MBZUAI specifically lists Nigeria among countries whose applicants may qualify for an English-language exemption when the stated conditions are satisfied.

10. Is there an application fee?

Yes. The current graduate application fee is AED 200 after the screening exam, although certain applicants may qualify for a waiver or reimbursement under MBZUAI’s stated conditions.

11. Can I apply for more than one MBZUAI program?

No. MBZUAI states that applicants can submit only one application per admission cycle.

12. When does the 2027 Fall semester begin?

The 2027 Fall semester begins in mid-August 2027.

Final Thoughts

The MBZUAI Scholarships 2027 in UAE provide an important opportunity for students who want to pursue advanced education and research in Artificial Intelligence and related STEM fields at a university dedicated specifically to AI.

The opportunity is particularly relevant for students interested in Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, Robotics, Computer Science, Statistics and Data Science, and other AI-related research areas. PhD applicants can benefit from MBZUAI’s fully funded doctoral programs, while M.Sc. applicants should carefully review the funding arrangements for their specific program because funding is not automatically guaranteed for every Master’s admission.

For the main graduate programs, the current application deadline is December 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM GST. Because admission is competitive and applicants must prepare academic documents, recommendations, English-language evidence, statements, and the screening exam, it is advisable to begin the application process early.

If you have a strong STEM background and want to build an academic or professional career in artificial intelligence, MBZUAI is an opportunity worth researching carefully before the deadline.

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