Latest Update: Dubai’s education reforms now include enhanced international scholarship programs, longer-term student visas, and career support to ensure 90% of graduates in fields like AI, sustainability, and business secure employment by 2033, making the UAE a more attractive destination for global students.

To study in UAE for Free is possible via the fully-funded scholarships at the top Saudi Arabian universities such as Khalifa University, UAE University (UAEU), and Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI. They have full tuition, monthly stipends, and accommodations, and other benefits that these institutions offer. 

As a case in point, Khalifa University extends up to 25,000 AED (approx. 5.7 lakhs/year) towards a monthly stipend in addition to fully funded tuition, housing, and transportation. UAEU, having a population of more than 17,500 students, generously supports merit-based and research scholarships.  

More than 27,500 international students of more than 150 nationalities are studying in the top UAE Universities, are affordable tuition fees! 

This guide tells you how you can apply, what is covered, and how you can plan to enhance your education in the UAE, all this without any tuition fees. 

What Scholarships Are Available to Study in UAE for Free? 

The UAE offers fully-funded scholarships for international students. These cover tuition, living costs, housing, and sometimes travel. They are provided by the government, private foundations, and companies, mainly for top students in STEM, business, and the arts.

Top scholarships include:

• Khalifa University Scholarship
• Ministry of Education (MOE) Scholarships
• Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation
• Al Qasimi Foundation Scholarship
• Etisalat Scholarship
• Emirates Airlines Scholarship

These scholarships can give up to AED 125,000 per year (around INR 2,830,000), helping students pay for tuition, living costs, and gain professional opportunities in the UAE.

Which UAE government scholarships cover full tuition?

The UAE government has invested millions of dollars every year to attract the best international students. Programs like Khalifa University, MOE Scholarships, and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation have provided full tuition and living costs

Here is a summary of the main government scholarships:

Scholarship Program	Coverage
Khalifa University Scholarship	Full tuition + living allowance (AED 125,000/year, INR 2,830,000)
Ministry of Education Scholarships	Full tuition, may include stipend (AED 110,000/year, INR 2,490,000)
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation	Full tuition + possible living support (AED 118,000/year, INR 2,660,000)

These scholarships can cover up to AED 110,000–145,000/year (INR 2,490,000–3,280,000), making UAE an affordable place to study in for international students.

Are there private organizations offering free study opportunities?

Private foundations like Al Qasimi and Emirates Foundation fund thousands of students each year. 

Here are key private scholarships to explore:

Organization	Coverage
Al Qasimi Foundation	Full or partial tuition may include a living allowance (AED 95,000/year, INR 2,150,000)
Emirates Foundation	Tuition grants, partial or full, may include living support (AED 80,000–110,000/year, INR 1,810,000–2,490,000)
Local Trusts	Tuition, living, or program-specific fees (AED 60,000–110,000/year, INR 1,360,000–2,490,000)

Many private scholarships also provide mentorship and internship opportunities, giving students practical experience while studying in UAE.

Are there corporate or company-sponsored scholarships for UAE universities?

Companies like Etisalat and Emirates Airlines sponsor students in sectors important to their business. They offer full tuition and sometimes living support (AED 80,000–125,000/year, INR 1,810,000–2,830,000). 

Here are some corporate scholarships:

Company / Program	Coverage
Etisalat Scholarship	Full tuition + possible living stipend (AED 110,000/year, INR 2,490,000)
Emirates Airlines Scholarship	Full tuition, sometimes housing support (AED 118,000/year, INR 2,660,000)
Corporate-University Partnerships	Full tuition, occasionally other allowances (AED 125,000/year, INR 2,830,000)

Corporate scholarships may also include career support and industry networking, helping students gain jobs after graduation while saving AED 80,000–125,000/year (INR 1,810,000–2,830,000).

Who Is Eligible for Free Education in UAE?

Fully-funded scholarships in the UAE are reserved for talented international students who have transformed potential into performance. 

Entries may vary by scholarship program, University, or level of study, but generally speaking, it is based on academic ability, credibility in the plus to chosen area of study, positions in leadership or achievement defined by the scholarship, and alignment with the scholarship goals.

Let’s define potential as it relates to scholarship eligibility through the following parameters:

• Student Status: Scholarships available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Fields of Study: Programs may prefer students in STEM business or arts.
• Merit/Achievements: Includes leadership, contribution to extracurricular programs or community service, etc.
• Fit with Scholarship Goals: Eligibility also has to do with how well a potential applicant aligns with the purpose or goals of the program.

Do students need specific grades or test scores to qualify?

Admission criteria for fully-funded UAE scholarships cover academic and English language attainment assessments. Universities assess students through grades, GPA's, and sometimes standardized tests of accomplishment and suitability for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. 

Key Principles:

• Academic Grades: High school GPA (for undergraduates) or bachelor’s marks (for postgraduates) must meet program minimums.
• English Tests: IELTS (6.5–7.5) or TOEFL (90–100) is typically required for international students.
• Standardized Exams: Certain programs may ask for SAT, GRE, or GMAT, depending on the field of study.

Understanding and meeting these academic requirements maximizes eligibility for the UAE’s major fully-funded scholarships.

Are there age or nationality restrictions for scholarships?

Fully funded scholarships in the UAE typically have eligibility criteria related to age and nationality, which can limit which international students can be chosen. 

The age limit for scholarships is usually between 18 and 30, and sometimes sponsors will limit a scholarship to students from certain regions or countries according to the overall goals of the scholarship or some agreements.

Here are the details for several prominent scholarship opportunities in the UAE:

Scholarship Name	Age	Nationality
Khalifa University	18–30 years	Open to all international students
MOE Scholarships	Varies by program	Some programs prioritize specific countries
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Foundation	18–30 years	Certain countries preferred (Middle East, North Africa, and select South Asian nations), open globally
Abu Dhabi University Scholarships	18–28 years	Open Internationally
UAE University Scholarships	18–30 years	Open Globally

Reviewing age and nationality requirements helps students focus on scholarships they are eligible for, streamlining applications and improving their chances of securing fully-funded study opportunities in the UAE.

Which Universities Offer Tuition-Free Programs in UAE?

A number of UAE universities have fully-funded programs to attract the best international students. The programs are typically a mix of tuition coverage and stipends (to cover living costs) for undergrad and postgrad courses in different fields.

Below are universities in the UAE that offer free programs for several students:

• Khalifa University- Full tuition fees are covered to first class students in engineering, technology, and sciences. Some programs do provide living cost stipends.
• UAE University- Fully fund programs for local and international students in all areas of study (STEM, arts, business, etc.)
• Abu Dhabi University- Merit Scholarships available for undergrad and postgrad students for tuition fees.
• Mohammed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI); Fully funded postgrad programs in AI and associated technology, open to international applicants. 

Are there any specialized universities offering free courses in STEM or Business?

A few UAE-based universities are more focused on STEM or Business programs and are willing to offer fully-funded or tuition-free studies to recruit the best international talent. 

Their programming also has the purpose of providing students with high-demand careers and defrayed tuition costs (and even living costs). 

Here are the Specialized Programs: 

• Khalifa University (STEM) - Characterizing its role in the UAE as the premier technical university, Khalifa University will cover your tuition up to 50,000 AED per year for engineering or technology or science courses. It also includes living stipends in some cases. 
• MBZUAI (STEM/AI) - Provides 100% funded postgraduate programs in AI that further includes a living stipend. 
• American University of Sharjah (Business) - Merit-based scholarship covers all direct tuition and costs for business programs and management. 
• UAE University (Business & STEM) - Provides selective fully funded programs for top students in business and the major STEM and Information Technology programs. 

These specialized universities give students studying in the areas of STEM or Business opportunities without tuition to study properties, with funding for good academics and good careers. 

How to Apply for Free Study Programs in UAE?

To apply for tuition-free or fully funded programs in the UAE, you need to have a clear and organized plan. 

Here is an outline of the steps that every student should be able to follow.

Step 1: Find Programs – Look for universities and scholarships with good value that include the full tuition and, in addition to other costs, like living stipends.

Step 2: Check if you meet the eligibility – Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements of the programs. This includes items such as academic performance, test scores, and required standard references.

Step 3: Evidence your claims – Cover yourself by documenting your academic transcript, SOP, and requested evidence like recommendation letters.

Step 4: Make application - Fill in the application forms for the respective university or scholarship program on their website.

Step 5: Follow up - Stay on top of your application, and respond when further requests are received and when interested in attending interviews. 

These steps will help students apply - and in doing so, could eventually find themselves studying in the UAE with a fully-funded scholarship.

Which Documents are mandatory for applying to Free Programs?

Most fully-funded UAE scholarships will require a list of official documents to verify academic performance, language proficiency, and eligibility. If you prepare these ahead of time, when the time comes to apply, you should have a complete, accurate, and competitive application. 

Here is the list of necessary documents for UAE Scholarship: 

• Transcripts Copy - Official high school or prior degree marks to confirm scholarly achievements, or to prove you may continue your education. 
• Test Scores - You will need to provide IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, GRE, or GMAT scores based on the program. 

Minimum recommended test scores are:

Test	Minimum Score
IELTS	7
TOEFL	90
SAT	1200
GRE	300 (Verbal + Quant)
GMAT	600

• Recommendation Letters - 1-3 recommendation letters from a teacher, professor, or employer. 
• Personal Statement - Statement of Purpose documenting academic objectives, accomplishments, and plans for future employment. 
• Passport Copy - Proof of identity and citizenship for international applications.

When Are the Application Deadlines for UAE Scholarships?

Application deadlines for fully-funded UAE scholarships depend on each university and program. Some have set yearly dates, while others accept applications on a rolling basis.

• Annual Intake – Fall semester scholarships usually open between January and March.
• Rolling Applications – Some programs accept applications all year until spots are filled.
• Program Dates – Always check official university or scholarship websites for exact deadlines.

What Are the Living Costs if Tuition Is Free in UAE?

Even with tuition fully covered, students in the UAE need to budget for living costs like housing, food, transport, and personal expenses.

Here are the estimated yearly and monthly expenses to help students plan while studying abroad:

Expense Type	Cost (AED)	Cost (INR)
Accommodation (On-Campus)	15,000–25,000/year	3,30,000–5,50,000
Food & Groceries	9,600–14,400/year	2,11,200–3,16,800
Transport (Public)	3,600–4,800/year	79,200–1,05,600
Personal Expenses	6,000–12,000/year	1,32,000–2,64,000

Total Estimated Cost in UAE : 34,200–56,200 AED/year (7,52,400–12,36,400 INR/year)

Can Students Work Part-Time to Manage Extra Costs?

International students in the UAE can work part-time under certain rules. This can help cover personal expenses while following visa regulations.

• Work Limitations – Usually, students can work up to 20 hours per week during school terms.
• Types of Jobs – Options include on-campus jobs, internships, or approved part-time work in retail, hospitality, or tutoring.
• Work Permit – Students must follow visa rules and get employer approval if needed.

Part-time work lets students earn extra money while keeping their focus on studies in the UAE.

What Are Alternative Ways to Study in UAE for Free?

Programs, lesser-known grants, or academic competitions can give students more options beyond regular scholarships and help lower costs.

Here are some ways to study in the UAE for free:

• Exchange Programs – Some universities have partnerships that let students study in the UAE for a semester without paying tuition.
• Grants & Funds – Certain organizations or foundations offer grants that cover part or all of the tuition.
• Competitions & Awards – Academic or skill-based contests sometimes give full tuition or scholarships as prizes.

What Alternative Programs Offer Tuition-Free Study in UAE?

Students can also find tuition-free options in the UAE through exchange programs, grants, and competitions.

Here are the main alternatives and what they cover, helping students plan better:

Program Type	Coverage
Exchange Programs	Tuition waived for semester- or year-long programs via partner universities; students cover living costs
Grants & Funding	Partial or full tuition provided by foundations, cultural organizations, or educational funds; some include stipends
Competitions & Contests	Merit-based competitions awarding tuition-free study or scholarships to winners

Looking into these alternative programs lets students study in the UAE for free while gaining valuable academic and international experience.

Conclusion

Studying in the UAE for free is possible if you plan and look at all the options. Scholarships, grants, exchange programs, and competitions can help you get a quality education without paying tuition. Understanding requirements, deadlines, and living costs will help you make better decisions.

By acting now and preparing your applications carefully, you can make studying in the UAE a reality. With determination and proper guidance, you can have a rewarding learning experience abroad.

Feeling overwhelmed? upGrad can help you every step of the way. Our experts provide clear information, tips for scholarships, and guidance on applications. You can also book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad experts to get personalized advice and plan your study journey confidently.