Khalifa University Scholarship 2026 (Receive Up to AED 240,000/Year)

If you are looking for a fully funded scholarship in the UAE that covers tuition, housing, flights, and a monthly stipend, you have likely been searching for the Khalifa University Scholarship. This guide is your complete resource for the 2026 intake. We have analyzed all official data and current ranking pages to provide the most up-to-date information on the Khalifa University Scholarship, including the record-breaking stipends of up to AED 40,000 for PhD students. Whether you are an international student or a UAE national, this article explains exactly how to secure this fully funded scholarship in Abu Dhabi.

Key Takeaways

• Main Deadline: March 2, 2026, for the Fall 2026 semester and September 15, 2026, for the Spring Semester 2027
• Generous Stipend: PhD students can receive up to AED 40,000 monthly, plus full tuition coverage .
• No Separate Application: Your scholarship eligibility is automatically reviewed when you apply for admission .
• Global Opportunity: The scholarship is open to applicants from all nationalities worldwide .

What is the Khalifa University Scholarship 2026?

The Khalifa University Scholarship is the premier fully funded scholarship in the United Arab Emirates for the 2026-2027 academic session. It is designed to attract top-tier international and domestic students to study at one of the Middle East’s most prestigious research universities .

For postgraduate students (Master’s/PhD), the scholarship is generally fully funded, covering 100% of tuition. For undergraduate international students, Khalifa University offers a tiered system of merit-based scholarships ranging from a 25% waiver to a 100% full ride . The highlight of the Khalifa University Graduate Scholarship is the financial package, which includes a generous tax-free stipend, making it one of the most lucrative scholarships in the UAE.

Types of Scholarships: Undergraduate vs. Graduate

Khalifa University structures its funding differently depending on your study level.

Undergraduate Scholarships (International Students)

International Bachelor’s applicants are evaluated on academic merit and mapped to specific Tiers. There is no separate application; you are considered upon admission .

• Tier I: Full tuition waiver (100%).
• Tier II: 75% tuition waiver.
• Tier III: 50% tuition waiver.
• Tier IV: 25% tuition waiver.
• Tier V: Textbooks provided only.

Graduate Scholarships (Master’s & PhD)

This is the most searched category for the khalifa university scholarship. All admitted full-time graduate students (international and UAE national) receive a full scholarship .

• Master’s: Full tuition coverage + monthly stipend + benefits.
• PhD: Full tuition coverage + highly competitive monthly stipend (up to AED 40,000) + research conference support .

Khalifa University Scholarship Benefits (Bachelor, Master, PhD)

Below is a detailed breakdown of the benefits you can expect. The value of this fully funded scholarship is immense, often exceeding AED 200,000 per year for PhD students when combining stipend and tuition.

Benefit	Bachelor’s (International)	Master’s	PhD
Tuition Fees	25% to 100% Coverage	100% Full Coverage	100% Full Coverage
Monthly Stipend	Varies (Housing/Allowances)	Approx. AED 5,000 – 6,000	AED 20,000 – 40,000
Accommodation	Free for Eligible Students	Free University Housing	Free University Housing
Health Insurance	Yes (for Intl. Students)	Yes (Sponsored by KU)	Yes (Sponsored by KU)
Flights	Not Typically Included	Mobilization/Demobilization Flights	Mobilization/Demobilization Flights
Books	Provided by University	Provided by University	Provided by University
Visa Fees	Not Specified	Coverage of UAE visa fees	Coverage of UAE visa fees

Eligibility Criteria: Who can apply?

To be considered for the khalifa university scholarship, you must meet the following academic and language requirements :

General Requirements

• Nationality: Open to all countries (International Students are highly encouraged).
• Language: English Proficiency is mandatory.

Academic Requirements

For Master’s Applicants:

• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent, like Upper Second Class Honors) .

For PhD Applicants:

• Completion of a Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum CGPA of 3.25 out of 4.0 in Master’s.
• Direct PhD (Bachelors to PhD): Requires a CGPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 and sometimes a GRE score (min 150 quantitative) .

For Bachelor’s Applicants:

• High School graduation within the last 3 years (2024-2026).
• Meeting specific international curriculum requirements.

English Language Requirements

• TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 91 (Home Edition not accepted) .
• IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 6.5 .
• Note: Exemptions may apply if you completed your prior degree in an English-medium institution .

Required Documents Checklist

Preparing these documents in advance will streamline your application for the khalifa university scholarship:

• Online Application Form: Completed on the KU Portal.
• Passport Copy: Valid passport.
• Academic Transcripts: From High School (for UG) or Bachelor’s (for PG). Must be certified.
• Degree Certificates: If graduated.
• English Proficiency Scores: IELTS / TOEFL (Valid within 2 years).
• GRE Score: Required for some PhD and Direct PhD programs.
• Statement of Purpose: (500-1,000 words explaining your research interest for PhD) .
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Updated.
• Recommendation Letters: Usually 2-3 academic or professional letters .

Step-by-Step Application Process

There is no separate scholarship application. Follow these steps to apply for admission and be considered for funding :

1. Visit the Portal: Go to the official Khalifa University admissions portal (https://www.ku.ac.ae/).
2. Choose Your Program: Browse the list of graduate or undergraduate programs and select your major (e.g., Chemical Engineering, Earth Sciences, Computer Science).
3. Create an Account: Register on the online application system.
4. Upload Documents: Submit all the required documents mentioned in the checklist above.
5. Pay Fee (if any): Check if there is a nominal non-refundable application fee.
6. Submit & Wait: Once submitted, the admissions committee will review your file. If you are eligible, you will be invited for an interview.
7. Receive Offer: Successful applicants receive an admission letter detailing their scholarship tier (for UG) or confirmation of fully funded status (for PG).

Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

1. Is the Khalifa University Scholarship fully funded?

Yes, for graduate students. All admitted PhD and Master’s students receive a fully funded scholarship covering tuition, stipend, and housing. For undergraduate international students, it can be fully funded or partial, depending on your merit Tier .

2. What is the monthly stipend for a PhD student at Khalifa University?

The basic monthly stipend is AED 20,000. However, top-performing PhD students can receive an additional monthly allowance of up to AED 20,000, bringing the total to AED 40,000 per month, subject to approval and progression criteria .

3. How can I apply for a scholarship at Khalifa University?

There is no separate scholarship application. Your eligibility for the khalifa university scholarship is automatically assessed when you submit your online application for admission. The details will be included in your offer letter .

4. What GPA is required for Khalifa University Scholarship?

• Master’s: Minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0.
• PhD: Minimum CGPA of 3.25/4.0 in Master’s.
• Direct PhD: Minimum CGPA of 3.5/4.0 in Bachelor’s .

5. Is work experience required for the Khalifa University Graduate Scholarship?

No, it is not mandatory for all programs. Academic strength and research potential are the primary criteria. However, having relevant experience can strengthen your application .

6. When is the deadline for the Khalifa University Scholarship 2026?

The main deadline for the Fall 2026 semester is March 2, 2026. There is a later deadline (September 15, 2026) for the Spring 2027 semester .

7. Does Khalifa University accept international students?

Yes, Khalifa University is an international university with students from over 50 nationalities. They actively encourage applications from all over the world .

8. Can I work after graduating from Khalifa University on a scholarship?

Yes, the UAE has a thriving job market. However, be aware that some PhD scholarships may come with a commitment to work with Khalifa University or a nominated entity for a period equivalent to the study period .

Comparison: Khalifa University vs. Other UAE Scholarships

Why choose the khalifa university scholarship over others in the region?

Feature	Khalifa University	UAE University (UAEU)	ADNOC Scholarship
Stipend (PhD)	Up to AED 40,000/month	Varies (Lower Range)	Specific to Energy Sector
Coverage	Full Tuition + Housing + Flights	Full Tuition usually	Full Tuition + Benefits
Target	STEM & Research Focused	Broad Academic Focus	Sponsored by Oil Company
Nationality	All Nationalities	Mostly Nationals/Residents	Mostly Nationals

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Conclusion: Is it Worth It?

The Khalifa University Scholarship for 2026 is arguably the best value scholarship in the UAE for STEM students. With its tax-free stipend, world-class research facilities (like its 5G and Robotics labs), and strategic location in Abu Dhabi, it offers an unparalleled return on investment. The deadline of March 2, 2026, is fast approaching. Do not wait—prepare your documents and apply today to unlock your future in the United Arab Emirates.

Final Tip: This article was published on March 8, 2026. Always check the official Khalifa University website for any last-minute updates regarding the khalifa university scholarship.