Are you an undergraduate who has immense passion for artificial intelligence and also wants to excel in your career in research? The Undergraduate Research Internship Programme (UGRIP) 2026 at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi could be your perfect opportunity. This fully funded summer internship gives a chance to talented students from all around the world to get hands-on experience with top researchers in machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing (NLP)—all while living in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi.
What is UGRIP at MBZUAI?
UGRIP (the Undergraduate Research Internship Program) is an exceptional one-of-a-kind fully funded research internship awarded to promising undergraduate students in STEM disciplines. Participating students will be at MBZUAI’s cutting-edge campus located in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, from June 8 till July 3, 2026, for a period of 4 weeks.
You will be working alongside world-class faculty and graduate researchers on great projects of computer vision, machine learning, and natural language processing (NLP). This internship will not only enhance technical skills, but it will also facilitate the development of critical skills and networks essential for graduate studies or a research career.
Why Choose MBZUAI?
Deciding on an undergraduate internship with us at MBZUAI means choosing a world-leading institution.
- The World’s First AI University: MBZUAI is the very first university focusing primarily on AI’s research and development.
- Global Recognition: MBZUAI is ranked 10th globally in AI, machine learning, computer vision, and NLP (CS Rankings).
- Exceptional research environment: 4:1 student-faculty ratio guarantees personal attention for effective mentorship.
- Diverse Global Community: A Truly Global Community is achieved from students representing over 40 countries, which will encourage a dynamic and multicultural environment.
- Empowering Women in AI: Women constitute 39.4% of the students at MBZUAI, therefore cultivating diversity within technology.
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Benefits of UGRIP 2026
The UGRIP 2026 programme provides an ample experience, including:
- Private Accommodation: you will live comfortably in a private living space. It is free for you.
- Effortless Travel: From your visa to your airfare and airport transfers, MBZUAI takes care of all your travel arrangements.
- Comprehensive Health Insurance: You will be medically equipped for the entire period of the internship.
- Social and Cultural Activities: you will enjoy trips to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, interaction sessions, and more.
- Access to MBZUAI Facilities: you will get your experience in state-of-the-art labs and network with top researchers.
Who is Eligible to Apply for UGRIP 2026?
To be eligible for the UGRIP 2026 intake, you should fulfil the following requirements:
- Undergraduate student in the third or fourth year of a STEM-related programme.
- Minimum CGPA of 3.5/4.0 (or equivalent).
- Intending to start your final semester in Fall 2026 or later.
- English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 90+, IELTS Academic 6.5+, or documentation of English instruction).
- Provide all official documents in English or with certified English translations.
Application Requirements for UGRIP 2026
Documents required to apply for the Undergraduate Research Internship Programme 2026 include:
- Submission of Online Application Form (MBZUAI portal).
- • An enrolment letter from the registrar from your university.
- Official academic transcript up to the current semester.
- Statement of Purpose detailing motives and background, specific reasons for participation, and long-term vision.
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Application Timeline for UGRIP 2026
Don’t forget to pay close attention to these major milestones for UGRIP Summer 2026:
- Applications Open: January 1, 2026 (8:00 AM UAE Time)
- Applications Close: February 28, 2026 (5:00 PM UAE Time)
- Admission Decision Notifications: April 1, 2026 (11:00 PM UAE Time)
Note: Keep an eye on the official MBZUAI UGRIP page for any changes; however, the application deadlines do tend to change.
How to Apply for UGRIP 2026
There is a tough competition, but the process is simple. You must file the electronic form only on the MBZUAI registration portal by the deadline of February 28, 2026. It is important to note that only one application per candidate is allowed. Do your best to prepare your papers early! Late or incomplete submissions will not be reviewed, so the points in your letter should be clear to contact the editor for clarification.
Final Thoughts
Your participation in UGRIP 2026 at MBZUAI will be the ideal platform for you to thoroughly assess the development of artificial intelligence, meet the upcoming leaders, and help in creating your tech future. The courses all have all the latest topics, from machine learning and computer vision to NLP. MBZUAI provides the right tools, mentorship, and learning environment to ensure your success.
If you are really into AI and quite ahead in your transformation, we don’t want you to lose out on the opportunities of UGRIP 2026. Begin to gather your documents and be ready for the complete process of entering the AI world.
Official Call: https://mbzuai.ac.ae/ugrip/