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Ranked consistently as the top university in the United Arab Emirates and among the leading research institutions in the Middle East, Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KU) in Abu Dhabi is a global hub for innovation. Known for its pioneering research across artificial intelligence, renewable energy, robotics, aerospace, and biomedical sciences, KU offers an exceptional platform for international postgraduate researchers.
The Khalifa University Graduate Scholarship Program is an all-inclusive financial package awarded on a merit basis to top-tier Master’s and Doctoral candidates. One of its biggest advantages is its unified application process: you do not need to submit a separate scholarship application. All admitted full-time students are automatically evaluated for scholarship funding based on academic performance, research potential, and institutional priorities.
For the 2027 academic intake (including Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 admission cycles), preparing your application dossier early is critical. Here is your ultimate guide to understanding scholarship tiers, meeting eligibility thresholds, and securing fully funded graduate admission in Abu Dhabi.
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1. Funding Tiers & Financial Benefits Overview
Scholarship packages at Khalifa University are categorized into tiers depending on the degree level (Master’s vs. PhD) and the chosen path (Research Path vs. Study Path).
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ KHALIFA UNIVERSITY FUNDING SPECTRUM │
├──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────┤
│ PhD Research Path (Tier I/II)│ Master's Scholarship Tiers │
│ • 100% Tuition Waiver │ • Full or Partial Tuition │
│ • Monthly Stipend (20k-40k) │ • Free Textbooks │
│ • Housing & Health Insurance │ • Overseas Airfare Allowance │
│ • Conference Funding │ • UAE Visa Application Fees │
└──────────────────────────────┴──────────────────────────────┘
Full Financial Package Breakdown:
- 100% Tuition Fee Waiver: Full coverage of all academic tuition charges throughout the duration of the degree (2 years for Master’s; up to 4 years for PhD).
- Monthly Living Stipend:
- PhD Students (Research Path): Basic monthly stipend starting at AED 20,000 (~$5,440 USD), with potential progression allowances bringing total monthly support up to AED 40,000 for top-tier research candidates.
- Note: Master’s scholarships focus primarily on full or partial tuition coverage, housing support, and textbooks rather than baseline monthly stipends.
- Accommodation Support: Free university housing or a monthly housing allowance for eligible full-time international students.
- Medical Insurance & Travel: Comprehensive health insurance coverage in the UAE, annual mobilization and demobilization round-trip flight tickets from your home country, and full coverage of UAE visa processing fees.
- Research & Conference Grants: Funding support to present peer-reviewed papers at major international academic conferences.
2. Academic Colleges & Research Specialties
Khalifa University offers interdisciplinary Master’s and PhD programs across three primary colleges:
| Academic College | Targeted Disciplines & Specializations |
| Engineering & Physical Sciences | Aerospace Engineering, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Nuclear, Petroleum, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Sciences. |
| Computing & Mathematical Sciences | Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Cyber Security, Computer & Information Engineering, and Applied Mathematics. |
| Medicine & Health Sciences | Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Life Sciences, Public Health, and Molecular Medicine. |
3. Strict Admission Prerequisites & Eligibility
Khalifa University enforces rigid academic baselines. Meeting these metrics is mandatory to enter the competitive evaluation pool:
Academic Qualification & CGPA Thresholds:
- Master’s Programs: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent).
- Standard PhD Programs (With MSc): Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 3.25 out of 4.0.
- Direct PhD Programs (With BSc): Exceptional Bachelor’s graduates can apply directly to a PhD program with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 out of 4.0.
Standardized Testing Rules (In-Person Test Center Policy):
- GRE General Test: Required for Direct PhD applicants with a minimum Quantitative score of 150. Critical Rule: GRE scores taken via the “GRE Home Edition” are not accepted; you must take the test at an official accredited test center.
- English Proficiency:
- IELTS Academic: Minimum overall band score of 6.5.
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 91. Critical Rule: TOEFL iBT Home Edition is not accepted; test-center scores are mandatory.
- Waiver: Native English speakers or applicants who graduated from an accredited institution where English was the sole language of instruction may qualify for an official English test waiver.
4. Step-by-Step Application Roadmap
1.Select Your Program & Identify Research Units:Step 1.
Explore the graduate catalog at Khalifa University. If applying for a PhD, identify faculty members whose ongoing research labs and publication outputs match your research interests.
2.Prepare Your Standardized Test Reports:Step 2.
Book and complete your IELTS/TOEFL and GRE exams at physical, certified test centers. Ensure your official score reports are uploaded or sent directly via institutional codes (TOEFL Code: 0960).
3.Draft Your Research Statement & SOP:Step 3.
Write a 500–1,000 word Statement of Purpose detailing your academic background, career objectives, and reasons for choosing Khalifa University. PhD applicants must include a detailed Research Proposal demonstrating technical depth.
4.Execute the Online Portal Application:Step 4.
Submit your admission dossier via the official KU portal and pay the standard application fee of AED 200 (~$55 USD). Check the box indicating your request for graduate scholarship consideration.
5.Pass the Academic Selection Interview:Step 5.
Shortlisted candidates receive an invitation for an academic review interview (held virtually for international applicants) with the department selection committee.
Official Links for Khalifa University Graduate Scholarships
- Postgraduate Scholarships Main Page: Khalifa University Graduate Scholarships
- International Student Scholarship Tiers: Graduate Research & Teaching Scholarships
- Graduate Admissions Portal & Application: Khalifa University Postgraduate Admissions
- Online Application System: KU Postgraduate Application Portal
- Degree Programs Directory: KU Master’s & PhD Degree Programs
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5. Key Deadlines for the 2027 Academic Intake
Khalifa University opens admissions for two distinct intake windows each academic year:
| Intake Term | Target Deadline Range | Operational Focus |
| Spring 2027 Intake | September 15, 2026 | Closing window for international applicants seeking admission and scholarship starting in January 2027 . |
| Fall 2027 Intake | February – March 2027 | Primary recruitment cycle for international scholars starting in August/September 2027 . |
FAQ’s
Do I need to submit a separate application for the Khalifa University scholarship?
No. Scholarship evaluation is integrated directly into the general postgraduate admission process. When you submit your online admission application, the selection committee automatically assesses your dossier for available scholarship tiers based on your academic merit and research alignment.
Is the GRE required for all Master’s and PhD programs?
The GRE General Test is mandatory for Direct PhD applicants (those applying directly with a Bachelor’s degree). While not strictly mandatory for all regular MSc tracks, submitting a high quantitative GRE score can significantly strengthen your application for Tier I funding.
Are online or “Home Edition” English and GRE test scores accepted?
No. Khalifa University strictly rejects TOEFL iBT Home Edition, IELTS Indicator, and GRE Home Edition tests. All standardized exam certificates must be issued from physical, accredited test centers.
Final Tip From ScholarshipsHive
When drafting your Research Statement for a PhD application at Khalifa University, do not write a generic proposal. Take time to reference the university’s flagship research centers—such as the System on Chip Center (SoCC), the Healthcare Innovation Institute (HII), or the Advanced Power and Energy Center (APEC). Showing direct alignment with KU’s active research clusters drastically increases your chances of securing a Tier I stipend.
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