MBZUAI Graduate Programs Admission Requirements and Scholarships 2026
The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s first universities dedicated entirely to artificial intelligence research and education. For the 2026 admission cycle, MBZUAI is offering competitive graduate programs that provide both rigorous academic training and comprehensive scholarships to outstanding international students.
Applicants are expected to meet strict academic requirements while also benefiting from fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, stipends, health insurance, and visa sponsorship. This makes MBZUAI a unique destination for students seeking advanced study in artificial intelligence and related fields.
Summary of Key Information
- Host Institution: Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
- Host Country: United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Programs Offered: M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence-related fields
- Eligibility: Graduates from STEM backgrounds (Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, etc.)
- Minimum GPA: 3.0/4.0 (Master’s) | 3.5/4.0 (Ph.D.)
- Scholarship Benefits: Full tuition, stipend, visa sponsorship, and health insurance
- Application Opens: September 1, 2025
- Priority Deadline: November 15, 2025
- Final Deadline: December 15, 2025
- Decision Notification: March 15, 2026
General Admission Requirements for MBZUAI Graduate Programs
- Applicants must hold a degree in a STEM discipline such as computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics, physics, or another relevant science or engineering field.
- Accreditation: The degree must come from an institution recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE).
- Minimum GPA Requirements:
- Master’s: At least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Ph.D.: At least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Senior Students: Final-year undergraduates may apply with unofficial transcripts but must submit official degree certificates before enrollment.
- Document Attestation: Students must provide either a degree attestation (for UAE degrees) or a Certificate of Recognition (for international degrees) within the first semester.
Additional Admission Components for the MBZUAI Graduate Programs Admission
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining academic achievements and professional background
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (optional, but strongly recommended)
- Statement of Purpose, highlighting academic and career goals
- Research Statement (for Ph.D. applicants)
- Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees
- Completion of a screening exam designed to evaluate technical competency
Application Process and MBZUAI Graduate Programs Admission
Important Dates and Deadlines for MBZUAI Graduate Programs Admission
- Application Portal Opens: September 1, 2025 (8:00 a.m. GST)
- Priority Deadline: November 15, 2025 (applications reviewed first)
- Final Deadline: December 15, 2025 (last date for submission)
- Decision Notification: March 15, 2026
- Offer Response Deadline: April 15, 2026
Note: Applying by the priority deadline is highly recommended due to limited seats and competitive selection.
Scholarships at MBZUAI for 2026
MBZUAI offers fully funded scholarships for both Master’s and Ph.D. programs. These scholarships provide financial relief and allow students to focus entirely on research and academic success.
- 100% tuition coverage for all admitted full-time students
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses
- Health insurance coverage
- Student visa sponsorship for non-UAE nationals
Monthly Stipend Rates (AED)
| Student Category | M.Sc. (AED) | Ph.D. (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| UAE Nationals | 37,500 | 43,500 |
| International Students | 15,500 | 17,500 |
Stipends include housing support. Students are responsible for paying housing fees directly from their stipend.
On-Campus Housing Information
- Eligibility: Housing is primarily offered to first-year graduate students.
- Monthly Fee: AED 7,500 (deducted from stipend).
- Facilities: Fully furnished accommodation with essential amenities.
Conditions for Scholarship Retention and MBZUAI Graduate Programs Admission
- Maintain high academic standing throughout the program
- Comply with MBZUAI’s Code of Conduct
- Actively participate in research activities and academic requirements
Contact Information
- Housing Inquiries: graduate.housing@mbzuai.ac.ae
- Stipend and Academic Affairs: gsepa@mbzuai.ac.ae
- Refer to the official MBZUAI University Catalogue for more detailed information on financial entitlements.
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FAQs on MBZUAI Graduate Programs and Scholarships
Applicants must hold a STEM-related bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (Master’s) or 3.5 (Ph.D.).
Yes, all admitted full-time students in M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs receive fully funded scholarships, except those enrolled in the Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) program.
The scholarship covers tuition, monthly stipends, visa sponsorship, and health insurance.
Housing is available, but students pay AED 7,500 per month directly from their stipend.
The final deadline is December 15, 2025, but priority is given to applications submitted by November 15, 2025.
Conclusion
The MBZUAI Graduate Programs Admission Requirements and Scholarships 2026 provide ambitious students with the opportunity to study artificial intelligence at one of the most innovative universities in the world. With full financial support, access to advanced research facilities, and world-class faculty, MBZUAI stands as a premier destination for graduate education in AI.
For students with a strong STEM background and a passion for artificial intelligence, this is a life-changing opportunity to gain world-class expertise while studying in Abu Dhabi, a global hub of innovation.