How to Study in UAE for Free: Scholarships and Tips

Latest update: The University of Birmingham Dubai has introduced 125th Anniversary Scholarships, offering up to 50% tuition fee waivers for meritorious students enrolling in September 2025.

Looking to study in UAE for free? The UAE offers multiple free education opportunities in the UAE for international students through scholarships, grants, and government-funded programs. With over 120,000 international students enrolled across its top universities, the UAE is rapidly becoming a global education hub. Scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, and sometimes even living expenses, making quality education accessible. 

Popular universities like Khalifa University, UAE University, and American University of Sharjah offer merit-based and need-based scholarships to attract bright minds worldwide. Additionally, government initiatives promote free education for talented students in STEM, business, and arts fields. With the UAE’s strong economy and expanding job market, study in UAE for free is a valuable chance for international students to grow academically and professionally. 

Explore free education opportunities in the UAE for international students and make your study abroad dream a reality in 2025!

Read: Study in Dubai: Indian Students' Academic Journey Unveiled

 

Fully Funded Scholarships to Study in UAE for Free

The UAE offers generous scholarships for international students pursuing bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs. These scholarships often cover tuition, living expenses, and other cost.

1. Khalifa University Scholarships

Degree Level: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD

Eligibility:

• Strong academic record (minimum GPA requirement varies by program).
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
• Some programs may require research experience or GRE scores.

Financial Coverage:

• Full tuition fee waiver.
• Monthly stipend for living expenses.
• Medical insurance and flight tickets (for international students).

Application Process & Deadlines:

• Applications open in January and close by May each year.
• Apply online via Khalifa University’s official website.

2. Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) Scholarships

Degree Level: Master's, PhD

Eligibility:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related STEM field.
• Strong academic and research background.
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).

Financial Coverage:

• 100% tuition fee coverage.
• Monthly stipend for accommodation and expenses.
• Visa sponsorship and health insurance.

Application Process & Deadlines:

• Applications open twice a year (Spring & Fall intakes).
• Apply through the MBZUAI official portal.

3. United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) Scholarships

Degree Level: Master’s, PhD

Eligibility:

• High academic performance (minimum GPA requirement).
• Research experience for PhD applicants.
• English language proficiency required.

Financial Coverage:

• Full tuition fee waiver.
• Monthly stipend for living expenses.
• Research funding and conference grants.

Application Process & Deadlines:

• Applications open in March and close in July.
• Students must apply via the UAEU official website.

4. Zayed University Merit-Based Scholarships

Degree Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s

Eligibility:

• Outstanding academic performance (minimum GPA requirement).
• Strong extracurricular or leadership achievements.
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).

Financial Coverage:

• Partial to full tuition fee waiver based on merit.
• Some programs offer additional support for living expenses.

Application Process & Deadlines:

• Applications open in April and close by August.
• Apply online through Zayed University’s official portal.

5. University of Sharjah Full Scholarships

Degree Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD

Eligibility:

• High academic standing with a competitive GPA.
• Strong recommendation letters and personal statement.
• English proficiency test scores (if required by the program).

Financial Coverage:

• Full tuition fee waiver for selected programs.
• Stipends for living expenses (for research-based programs).
• Health insurance and visa support for international students.

Application Process & Deadlines:

• Applications open twice a year (Spring & Fall intake).
• Apply via the University of Sharjah’s admissions portal.

Check Out: Student Life in UAE

6. Abu Dhabi University Scholarships

Degree Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD

Eligibility:

• Academic excellence with a strong GPA.
• Demonstrated leadership and extracurricular involvement.
• IELTS/TOEFL scores (if required).

Financial Coverage:

• Full or partial tuition fee coverage based on merit and financial need.
• Additional support for top-performing students.

Application Process & Deadlines:

• Scholarship applications open alongside admission applications (varies by intake).
• Submit applications through Abu Dhabi University’s official website.

7. Al Qasimi Foundation International Student Scholarship

Degree Level: Master’s, PhD

Eligibility:

• Open to international students pursuing graduate studies in education, public policy, and social development.
• Strong academic record with a minimum GPA requirement.
• Demonstrated commitment to community service or research.

Financial Coverage:

• Full tuition fee coverage at selected universities in the UAE.
• Living stipend and accommodation support.
• Research funding for dissertation projects.

Application Process & Deadlines:

• Applications open in January and close by April.
• Apply through the Al Qasimi Foundation's official portal.

8. Masdar Institute Full Scholarships (Part of Khalifa University)

Degree Level: Master’s, PhD

Eligibility:

• Open to students in engineering, sustainability, and renewable energy fields.
• Strong academic background in STEM.
• Must meet English language proficiency requirements.

Financial Coverage:

• Full tuition waiver for all selected students.
• Monthly stipend for living expenses.
• Accommodation and medical insurance provided.

Application Process & Deadlines:

• Applications open in December for Fall intake.
• Apply via Masdar Institute/Khalifa University’s admissions portal.

9. American University of Sharjah (AUS) Chancellor’s Scholarship

Degree Level: Bachelor’s

Eligibility:

• Open to outstanding international undergraduate students.
• Requires a minimum GPA of 95% (or equivalent) in high school.
• Strong extracurricular or leadership involvement.

Financial Coverage:

• Full tuition waiver for eligible students.
• Additional support for housing and textbooks.

Application Process & Deadlines:

• Scholarship applications open in April for Fall intake.
• Submit applications through AUS’s admissions office.

Tuition-Free and Low-Cost Universities in UAE

The UAE is an emerging education hub - Public universities often provide low-cost education, while private institutions offer merit-based tuition waivers and financial aid grants to help reduce expenses.

Public & Private Universities Offering Full Tuition Waivers

Several universities in the UAE offer 100% tuition waivers for high-achieving students or those pursuing research-based programs.

• Khalifa University – Full scholarships for undergraduate, master's, and PhD students based on academic merit.
• United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) – Full funding for research-based postgraduate programs in STEM, Business, and Healthcare.
• Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI (MBZUAI) – Tuition-free education for AI-focused master’s and PhD programs.
• Abu Dhabi University – Chancellor’s Scholarship offers full tuition coverage for undergraduates with 95%+ high school scores.
• American University of Sharjah – Partial and full merit-based grants for exceptional students.

Research-Based Master’s & PhD Programs with Tuition Exemptions

For students focused on research and innovation, some universities in the UAE provide full tuition exemptions through government and institutional funding.

• Khalifa University – PhD in Engineering, MSc in Computer Science.
• United Arab Emirates University – Research-driven master’s in Business, Healthcare, and Engineering.
• Masdar Institute – Fully funded master’s and PhD programs in Renewable Energy & Sustainable Engineering.

Must Read: Dubai Golden Visa: Benefits, Eligibility, Requirements & More

Affordable Universities for International Students

While the UAE has many premium institutions, some universities offer affordable tuition fees along with scholarships for international students.

University	Annual Tuition Fees	Popular Courses
Ajman University	AED 30,000–50,000 (₹6.5–₹11 lakh)	Business, IT, Engineering
University of Dubai	AED 35,000–55,000 (₹7.5–₹12 lakh)	Management, Finance, Cybersecurity
Middlesex University Dubai	AED 40,000–60,000 (₹8.5–₹13 lakh)	Law, Data Science, Marketing
American University in Dubai	AED 50,000–80,000 (₹10.5–₹17 lakh)	Media, Architecture, International Business

How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in UAE

Step 1: Research & Choose the Right Scholarship

Look for government, university, and private scholarships that align with your field of study. Some popular UAE scholarships include:

• Khalifa University Scholarships
• UAEU Chancellor’s Graduate Scholarships
• MBZUAI AI Scholarships

Step 2: Prepare Academic Documents

A well-prepared application requires:

• SOP (Statement of Purpose) – Explaining academic goals and research interests.
• LORs (Letters of Recommendation) – From professors, employers, or industry mentors.
• Academic Transcripts – Official records of previous education.

Step 3: Meet English Language Requirements

Most UAE universities require:

• IELTS or TOEFL scores to prove English proficiency.
• Some institutions may conduct internal language tests for specific programs.

Step 4: Submit Application Before Deadlines

• Scholarship deadlines vary by university, so apply early.
• Ensure all required documents are properly formatted and submitted.

Step 5: Interview & Selection Process

Some scholarships involve interviews or additional rounds of evaluation. Prepare to discuss:

• Your academic background and future goals.
• Why you chose the UAE for your studies.
• Your research proposal (for postgraduate applicants).

Part-Time Work Opportunities to Cover Living Expenses in UAE

Work Rights for International Students in UAE

Yes, but with restrictions. Students in free zone universities can work part-time on-campus or in approved roles. Those outside free zones need a work permit to take up part-time jobs.

Types of part-time jobs available
Students can find jobs in:

• On-campus roles – Library assistants, administrative support, student ambassadors.
• Retail & Hospitality – Sales assistants, baristas, event staff.
• Freelancing & Online Jobs – Tutoring, content writing, digital marketing.
• Corporate Internships – IT, business, finance, and marketing roles.

Internships and Research Assistantships

Many UAE universities offer paid internships and research assistantships to international students. 

• Paid Internship Programs for Students in UAE
  • Dubai Internship Program – Opportunities in banking, media, and hospitality.
  • Abu Dhabi Global Market Internships – For finance, law, and business students.
  • Corporate Internships at Multinational Companies – IBM, Emirates, PwC, and other major employers.
• Research and Teaching Assistant Opportunities
• Khalifa University & UAEU – PhD and master’s students can work as research or teaching assistants, earning stipends.
• Masdar Institute – Paid research assistantships for sustainability and energy programs.
• University of Sharjah – Offers research grants with assistantship roles.

Cost of Living in UAE for International Students: Budgeting Tips

While the UAE is known for luxurious living, students can budget wisely and keep expenses manageable. Below is a breakdown of monthly costs.

City-Wise Cost Comparison for Students

Expense Category	Dubai (Monthly AED/INR)	Abu Dhabi (Monthly AED/INR)	Sharjah (Monthly AED/INR)
Accommodation	2,500–5,000  (₹56,000–₹1.12 lakh)	2,000–4,500 (₹45,000–₹1 lakh)	1,500–3,500  (₹34,000–₹79,000)
Food & Groceries	800–1,500  (₹18,000–₹34,000)	700–1,400  (₹16,000–₹32,000)	600–1,200  (₹13,500–₹27,000)
Transportation	300–600  (₹6,700–₹13,500)	250–500  (₹5,600–₹11,200)	200–400  (₹4,500–₹9,000)
Health Insurance	500–1,200  (₹11,200–₹27,000)	500–1,200  (₹11,200–₹27,000)	400–1,000  (₹9,000–₹22,500)
Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Mobile, etc.)	500–1,000  (₹11,200–₹22,500)	400–900  (₹9,000–₹20,000)	300–800  (₹6,700–₹18,000)
Total (Approx.)	4,500–9,300  (₹1 lakh–₹2.1 lakh)	3,850–8,500  (₹86,000–₹1.9 lakh)	3,000–6,900  (₹67,000–₹1.6 lakh)

Budgeting Tips for Students on Scholarships

• Find affordable student housing – Shared apartments in Sharjah or Ajman are cheaper than in Dubai.
• Use public transport – Monthly metro and bus passes cost AED 300–400 (₹6,700–₹9,000), much cheaper than taxis.
• Eat smart – Supermarkets like Lulu Hypermarket and Carrefour offer budget-friendly grocery options.
• Look for student discounts – Many entertainment spots and cafes offer discounts for students.

Tips for Maximizing Free Education Opportunities for a Master’s in the UAE

If you’re looking to study for your Master’s in the UAE without spending a lot of money, you’re in luck. There are ways to get scholarships and keep your costs low. Here’s how you can make it happen:

• Start Early: Plan Ahead for Scholarships
  If you give yourself enough time, you can gather all your documents and apply without any rush. Applying early means you have a better chance of getting the scholarship.
• Meet Academic Requirements: Keep Your Grades Up
  Universities and scholarship providers want to see that you can handle the work, so it’s important to keep your GPA high.
• Apply for Multiple Scholarships: Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
  Look for options from the university, government programs, and other private organizations. The more scholarships you apply for, the higher your chances of getting financial support.
• Prepare a Strong SOP: Write a Personal and Convincing Statement
  Your Statement of Purpose (SOP) is one of the most important parts of the application. This is your chance to tell the scholarship committee why you want to study in the UAE and how the scholarship will help you.
• Leverage Academic Networks: Connect with Alumni and Current Students
  Universities also have mentorship programs, where you can connect with people who’ve already received scholarships and learn from their experiences.

How upGrad Abroad Can Help You Pursue a Master’s in the UAE for Free

If you’ve always dreamed of to study in the UAE for free, upGrad Abroad is here to help. Let us take care of the details so you can focus on your studies and future career.

Our Services to Help You Succeed:

• Scholarship Guidance: We’ll help you find fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, living costs, and more.
• University Selection: We’ll help you choose the best UAE universities that match your career goals and offer full funding.
• Application Support: We assist with your Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), and all the necessary documents to strengthen your application.
• Visa Assistance: We’ll guide you through the student visa application process to ensure a smooth experience.

We Also Help You Explore Education in Other Countries:

• Study in Germany
• Study in Ireland
• Study in  France
• Study in the UK

Ready to Study for Free in the UAE?

Let upGrad Abroad help you get a master’s degree in the UAE for free. Reach out to us today for expert guidance!