Postgraduate Scholarships - Khalifa University

What Khalifa University offers

You get a merit-based scholarship to study a master's or PhD at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi. Depending on the award, benefits can include full or partial tuition coverage, textbooks, accommodation, medical insurance, visa support and travel help to and from the UAE. PhD students also receive a monthly stipend (a fixed monthly payment to cover living costs), plus possible support for conferences, an international research internship and teaching experience. The university decides the exact package per student. For Chinese nationals there is a joint programme with the China Scholarship Council. It pays about EUR 2,300 per month (9,200 AED), full tuition and free accommodation (or a housing allowance up to about EUR 500/2,000 AED) for up to four years.

Who can apply

• Level: You are applying for a master's or PhD at Khalifa University.
• Field of study: Your subject fits engineering, science, computing or health.
• Grades (master's): You hold a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0/4.0 grade average (or an upper second-class UK honours).
• Grades (PhD with a master's): You hold a bachelor's at 3.0/4.0 plus a master's at 3.25/4.0.
• Grades (PhD without a master's): You hold a bachelor's at 3.5/4.0 and a GRE quantitative score of at least 150.
• English: You have a TOEFL iBT score of 91 or IELTS 6.5, taken at a test centre. Native speakers may be exempt.
• Nationality: Open to UAE nationals and international students. The combined master's-PhD scholarship (CMDRTS) is for UAE nationals only. The CSC joint PhD is for Chinese nationals only.

How to apply

You apply online through the Khalifa University postgraduate portal. Tick your interest in scholarship support in the same application. You will also sit an admission interview. Applications for Spring 2027 PhD admission are open from 3 to 31 August 2026. Chinese nationals applying for the CSC joint PhD must apply by 10 February for the autumn intake.

How realistic are your chances?

These scholarships are competitive and depend on your field and grades. You need strong marks (at least 3.0/4.0, higher for PhD routes) in engineering, science, computing or health. If you clearly meet the grade and English thresholds and your research fits the university's priorities, your prospects are solid. The size of the package often follows how strong your profile is. Applying early in the window helps.