Khalifa University PhD Scholarship 2026 in UAE (Fully Funded)

Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, UAE, is accepting applications for its fully funded PhD programs for the Spring 2026 intake. Open to both international students and UAE nationals, the scholarship provides comprehensive financial and academic support. The deadline for PhD applications is 15 September 2025

Eligibility

• For applicants with MSc degree
  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0 (or equivalent).
  • Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with minimum CGPA 3.25/4.0 (or equivalent).
• For applicants without MSc degree (Direct PhD entry)
  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with minimum CGPA 3.5/4.0 (or equivalent).
  • GRE General Test: minimum quantitative score of 150 (taken at a test center; Home Edition not accepted). All three sections must be attempted.
• General requirements
  • English proficiency:
    • TOEFL iBT ≥ 91 (test center only), or
    • IELTS ≥ 6.5, or
    • EmSAT English ≥ 1550.
  • Two referee recommendations (submitted online).
  • Statement of purpose (500–1,000 words).
  • Research statement (500–1,000 words).

Program Dates/Location

• Application Deadline: September 15, 2025 for the Spring 2026 intake
  • Scholarships are awarded automatically through the admissions cycle to graduate (Master’s and PhD) applicants.
• Location: Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Program Benefits

Research Path (with Work Commitment)

• Tier I: 100% tuition + stipend up to 40,000 AED/month (conditional) + textbooks, insurance, flights, visa, conference support
• Tier II: 100% tuition + stipend up to 30,000 AED/month + same benefits
• Tier III: 75% tuition + 20,000 AED/month stipend + same benefits
• Tier IV: 50% tuition + accommodation (full-time) + benefits
• Note: Requires work commitment with KU or a nominee post-graduation

Study Path (without Work Commitment)

• Tier I: 100% tuition + 4,000 AED/month stipend + accommodation (full-time), textbooks, insurance, flights, visa, conference support
• Tier II: 75% tuition + 2,000 AED/month stipend + accommodation (full-time) + benefits
• Tier III: 50% tuition + accommodation (full-time) + benefits
• Tier IV: 25% tuition + accommodation (full-time) + benefits

Research Areas

PhD scholarships are available across all Khalifa University doctoral programs, including:

• Engineering (Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Nuclear, Petroleum, Robotics)
• Physical Sciences (Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences, Materials Science)
• Computing & Mathematical Sciences (Computer Science, Mathematics, Information Engineering)
• Medicine & Health Sciences (Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Life Sciences, Public Health)

Required Documents

• Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts and certificates (if applicable)
• GRE test scores (for direct PhD applicants)
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/EmSAT)
• CV or resume
• Passport copy and passport-sized photo
• Statement of Purpose (500–1,000 words)
• Research Statement (500–1,000 words)
• Two recommendation letters
• Admission interview

Application Process

1. Submit your application via the Khalifa University online admissions portal
2. Upload all required documents
3. No separate scholarship application is needed, consideration is automatic with admission
4. Applications close on 15 September 2025