Website Khalifa University
Scholarship Overview: Khalifa University Postgraduate Scholarships 2026
Khalifa University (KU) , the top-ranked research institution in the UAE, has opened applications for its prestigious, fully-funded scholarships for the Spring 2026 intake . As a “Research Architect,” you will have the opportunity to join a world-class academic ecosystem in Abu Dhabi. These scholarships are designed for “High-Achieving Specialists” in Science, Technology, and Engineering who can navigate the complexities of advanced innovation and sustainable research with “Technical Accuracy.” You will be a vital engine of the UAE’s knowledge economy, ensuring your academic trajectory scales with the “Pristine Standards” of a global top-200 university.
Key Information
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Host University: Khalifa University of Science and Technology
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Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Levels: Master’s (MSc) and PhD
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Admission Deadline (Spring 2026): September 15, 2025
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Final Document Deadline: November 19, 2025
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Target Audience: Exceptional international and UAE national students.
Scholarship Tiers & Benefits
Scholarships are assigned based on “Academic Merit DNA” and categorized into Tiers. No separate application is required; Eligibility is assessed during admission.
1. Master’s Degree Benefits
| Benefit | Tier I & II | Tier III | Tier IV |
| Tuition Coverage | 100% Full Waiver | 50% Waiver | 0% (Fees apply) |
| Textbooks | Free | Free | Free |
| Accommodation | Free (Full-time only) | N/A | N/A |
| Medical Insurance | Full Coverage | Full Coverage | Full Coverage |
| Visa & Flights | Fully Covered | Fully Covered | Fully Covered |
2. PhD Scholarship Paths
Path A: Research Path (With Work Commitment) Designed for full-time students who commit to working with KU post-graduation.
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Monthly Stipend: Up to AED 20,000 basic + AED 20,000 additional allowance (Tier I).
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Tuition: 100% coverage (Tier I & II).
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Extra Support: Conference attendance, textbooks, and full relocation benefits.
Path B: Study Path (No Work Commitment)
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Monthly Stipend: AED 4,000 (Tier I) to AED 2,000 (Tier II).
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Tuition: Ranges from 100% waiver to 25% waiver based on Tier.
Eligibility Criteria
To meet the “Pristine Entry Standards” of Khalifa University, applicants must possess:
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Academic Pedigree: * Master’s: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0 .
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PhD: Master’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.25/4.0 (Bachelor’s must be 3.5+).
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Linguistic Mastery: IELTS 6.5 , TOEFL iBT 91 , or EmSAT English 1550 .
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Standardized Testing: GRE Score of 150 is mandatory for all MSc and PhD programs.
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Communication Polish: Successful performance in a technical admission interview.
Required Documents Checklist
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Certified Degree Certificates & Transcripts: (Equivalency from UAE MOE required for international degrees).
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CV & Passport-style Photo: (White background).
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Statement of Purpose (500-1,000 words): Outlining your “Professional Evolution.”
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Research Statement (PhD Only): Highlighting your “Contribution Goals.”
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Two Referee Recommendations: Submitted via the KU online portal.
Unique Candidate Profile: The “Impact-First” Scholar
At Khalifa University, we are looking for more than just students; We are looking for “Instructional Architects” of the future. The ideal candidate believes that the success of a global research project is built on the precision of its data and the “Academic Grit” of its lead researcher.
As a KU scholar in Abu Dhabi , you don’t just “study”; you engineer the Computational Frameworks and Scientific DNA that allow the UAE’s strategic industries—from Aerospace to Renewable Energy—to Flourish . This is a mission for a “Visionary Specialist” —someone who can navigate the complexities of high-impact publications and interdisciplinary collaboration with “scholarly polish” and the resourcefulness required to solve humanity’s shared challenges.
Whether you are using your technical mastery in our state-of-the-art labs or utilizing your communication skills at an international conference, your “excellence-first” attitude will be your greatest asset. Join us in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and let’s engineer a more extraordinary and connected future for the world of science together.
Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KU)
The Company
Khalifa University (KU) is a world-class, research-intensive public university located in the heart of Abu Dhabi. Formed in 2017 through a strategic merger of the Masdar Institute, the Petroleum Institute, and the Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research (KUSTAR), it serves as the UAE’s flagship institution for the knowledge-based economy. By 2026, KU has achieved an unprecedented milestone, jumping 25 places to rank 177th globally in the QS World University Rankings , making it the top-ranked university in the UAE for eight consecutive years. It is a hub for specialized engineering, computing, and medical education, boasting a 94% graduate employment rate.
Culture
The culture at Khalifa University is defined by “Academic Rigor, High-Impact Discovery, and National Pride.” It is an elite, high-pressure, yet rewarding environment that mirrors the UAE’s rapid technological transformation. Key cultural pillars include:
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“Innovation as a Duty”: A 2026 culture that views research not just as academic work but as a “National Strength,” with faculty and students leading the first on-site Arctic and Antarctic expeditions to study climate change.
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Global Talent Magnet: Ranked 11th globally for International Faculty , the campus is a cosmopolitan brain trust where top-tier scientists from around the world collaborate with local Emirati talent.
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Agility & Pace: A workplace and learning culture characterized by “Pace and Agility,” rapidly pivoting to solve real-world problems—from water security and 2D materials (RIC2D) to Autonomous Aerospace Prototypes (FALCON Program).
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Inclusive Excellence: A commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), ensuring that women and people of determination are central to the UAE’s STEM future.
Location
Khalifa University operates across two primary state-of-the-art campuses in Abu Dhabi, each serving as a specialized center for excellence:
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Main Campus (Abu Dhabi Island): Located at the intersection of Al Saada St. and Old Airport Rd, this 135,000-square-meter urban campus is the administrative heart. It features the “Creative Spine,” a 200-meter pedestrian walkway designed to encourage spontaneous collaboration. It houses 105 laboratories, including the region’s most advanced aerospace and underwater robotics labs.
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Sas Al Nakhl Campus: Located near Maqta Bridge, this campus hosts the ADNOC Research and Innovation Center (ADRIC) . It is a specialized hub for energy-related research, featuring 39 high-tech labs for reservoir and fluid characterization, making it a “Living Lab” for the global oil and gas industry.
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Research Infrastructure: The university hosts the UAE’s first cleanroom for micro and nanofabrication, a space technology lab, and a world-first research facility growing food and fuel using desert lands irrigated by seawater.
Khalifa University: 2026 Performance & Vertical Matrix
2026 Professional DNA & Institutional Standards
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Patent Powerhouse: In 2025–2026 alone, KU secured over 60 new patents , maintaining its position as the UAE’s leading source of homegrown intellectual property.
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Medical Milestone: Abu Dhabi’s first College of Medicine and Health Sciences at KU is now integrating AI and machine learning into surgical and clinical training to produce “Physician-Engineers.”
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Antarctic Leadership: KU faculty are currently leading international expeditions to Antarctic stations, positioning the UAE as a serious player in global polar research.
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High-Impact Citations: With an FWCI (Field-Weighted Citation Impact) of 2.21 , KU research receives more than double the global average of citations, reflecting its “Academic Reputation” (ranked 37th globally).
To apply for this job please visit www.ku.ac.ae.