Khalifa University Scholarship to Study in UAE

Khalifa University offers highly competitive, merit-based PhD scholarships to outstanding students. Applicants should indicate their interest in scholarship consideration when submitting their admission application. 

Applications for Spring 2027 admission to PhD programs only will be open from 3 August 2026 to 31 August 2026.

• Table of Content
• About Khalifa University
• Khalifa University Scholarship to Study in UAE
• Aim and Benefits of Khalifa University Scholarship to Study in UAE
• Requirements for Khalifa University Scholarship to Study in UAE Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Khalifa University

Khalifa University (also known as Khalifa University of Science, Technology & Research, or KUSTAR) is a science-focused university located in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates with a satellite campus in Sharjah. In 2016 it was ranked as the 481st best university in the world by QS rankings.

Khalifa University Scholarship to Study in UAE

Aim and Benefits of Khalifa University Scholarship to Study in UAE

Depending on the scholarship awarded, benefits may include:

• Full or partial tuition fee coverage
• Monthly stipend
• Enrollment in pension (UAE national only)
• Textbooks
• Accommodation
• Medical insurance
• Visa processing support and travel assistance to/from the UAE (for students residing abroad)
• Support for participation in conferences (subject to funding)
• International research internship (subject to funding)
• Teaching experience and career development

Requirements for Khalifa University Scholarship to Study in UAE Qualification

• Regular PhD (For applicants with a Master’s degree)
  • Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0, or equivalent (e.g. an upper second-class honors in a UK-style degree, from a reputable accredited institution).
  • Completion of a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 3.25 out of 4.0 or equivalent from a reputable accredited institution.

• Direct PhD (For applicants without a Master’s degree)
  • Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 out of 4.0 or equivalent from a reputable accredited institution.
  • A minimum quantitative score of 150 in the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (The test must be taken at a test center as the GRE Home Edition is not accepted). Applicants must attempt all three sections of the GRE.

• Requirements for Both Regular & Direct PhD Applicants
  • A minimum level of English proficiency in the form of either:
    • iBT TOEFL (internet-based test) score of 91 (The test must be taken at a test center as the TOEFL iBT Home Edition is not accepted) or equivalent,or
    • Overall academic IELTS score of 6.5, or
  • A minimum of two referee recommendations (provided via online form).
  • Statement of purpose (500-1,000 words).
  • Research statement (500-1,000 words).
  • Admission interview.

Check also:
Commonwealth Master's Scholarship to Study in UK 2027/2028
Wageningen University Masters Scholarship to Study in Netherlands 2027/2028

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more information, kindly visit Khalifa University webpage.