Funding Higher Education in the UAE
The UAE offers extensive financial support for both UAE national students and high-performing international expat applicants. Scholarships range from full-ride grants (covering 100% tuition, campus housing, medical insurance, and monthly stipends) to merit-based fee reductions (20% to 50% tuition discounts).
Higher education funding is overseen by the Ministry of Education (MOE), Abu Dhabi Education Council / ADEK, and individual university endowment boards.
Top UAE University Scholarship Programs
| Scholarship Name | Institution | Coverage & Benefits | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYUAD Need-Based Financial Aid | NYU Abu Dhabi | 100% Full Ride (Tuition, Housing, Stipend, Flights) | Admitted student based on holistic review & financial need |
| Khalifa University President's Scholarship | Khalifa University | 100% Tuition Waiver + Monthly Stipend + Housing | GPA 3.8+ / High school score 95%+ & high STEM test scores |
| UAEU International Merit Scholarship | UAE University (Al Ain) | 100% or 50% Tuition Fee Discount | High school average 95%+ (100% grant) or 90%+ (50% grant) |
| American University of Sharjah Merit Grant | AUS Sharjah | 20% to 50% Tuition Remission | High school GPA 3.5+ (or 90%+ national scale) |
| Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Excellence Grant | Sorbonne Abu Dhabi | 15% to 75% Tuition Discount | Academic excellence in French Baccalaureate or High School |
| Heriot-Watt University Chancellor's Award | Heriot-Watt Dubai | 50% Tuition Fee Reduction | Outstanding high school academic results & application essay |
| University of Wollongong Excellence Scholarship | UOW Dubai | 15% to 50% Tuition Discount | High school score 85%+ (25% grant) or 90%+ (50% grant) |
Scholarship Types for Expats
🥇 Merit-Based Academic Scholarships
Awarded automatically or via application based on top high school marks (90%+ / A-Levels / IB 34+), SAT scores (1300+), or EmSAT results.
🔬 Graduate Assistantships (Master's & PhD)
Full tuition waiver + monthly stipend (AED 4,000–8,000) in return for teaching or research assistant duties at universities like KU, UAEU, & AUS.
🏃 Sports & Extracurricular Grants
20% to 40% tuition discounts for national or international level athletes, leadership awardees, and community pioneers.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
- 1. Apply early during initial university admission round (Early Decision / Priority Deadline)
- 2. Submit certified high school transcript attested by Ministry of Education / MOFA
- 3. Provide standardized test scores: IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL (80+), SAT (1300+), or EmSAT
- 4. Complete university financial aid CSS Profile or income verification forms (for need-based aid)
- 5. Maintain required GPA (typically 3.0+ or 3.2+) annually to renew scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions
• UAE Ministry of Education Scholarships Portal: moe.gov.ae
• ADEK Abu Dhabi Scholarship Portal: adek.gov.ae