MBZUAI Scholarship For International Students For 207/2028 – Apply

UAE MBZUAI Scholarship is indeed a prestigious opportunity for international students looking to pursue their studies in the field of artificial intelligence.Quick answer: The MBZUAI Scholarship 2027 (Fall 2027 intake) closes on December 15, 2026, 5:00 PM GST. PhD applicants get a structured funding pathway, while Master’s funding is not automatic and is considered on merit during admission review.Within the scope of the MBZUAI Scholarship Program for the year 2027, there are two categories of educational programs available for students, whether they are from abroad or are domestic candidates.

MBZUAI Scholarship 2027 Deadline

• Application Deadline: December 15, 2026 (5:00 PM GST)
• Admission Cycle: Fall 2027
• Decision Notification: by March 31, 2027
• Offer Response Deadline: April 15, 2027

Application Period:

• For International Applicants and Residents of the UAE: The application period started on September 7, 2026.
• The application period ends on December 15, 2026.

1. Master’s Degree Programs: The scholarship program encompasses Master of Science degrees in the fields of Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and Natural Language, among other AI-related fields.2. Doctoral Programs: For those seeking advanced education, there are Doctor of Philosophy programs in Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and Natural Language available under this scholarship initiative.

Is the MBZUAI Scholarship Fully Funded?

It depends on the level of study. PhD students are offered a structured funding pathway. Master’s students are not funded automatically, and merit-based funding is considered during the admission review. Always confirm the funding details for your chosen program on the official MBZUAI website before you apply.

Eligibility Criteria for MBZUAI Admissions

Candidates seeking admission to UAE MBZUAI must meet the following eligibility criteria, irrespective of their nationality:

1. Academic Background: Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) field from a university recognized or approved by the United Arab Emirates Education Ministry (MoE). Acceptable majors include electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics, computer engineering, physics, and other relevant science and engineering disciplines.
2. Minimum GPA: Candidates must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 or 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (depending on the program) or its equivalent.
3. English Language Proficiency: Applicants need to demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting certified copies of one of the following:
   • IELTS Academic with a minimum score of 6.5 across all sections.
   • TOEFL iBT with a cumulative minimum score of 90.
   • A minimum score of 1550 on the EmSAT English section. Please note that TOEFL iBT and IELTS academic test results are valid for two years from the test date, while EmSAT results are acceptable for 18 months. Only traditional versions of these tests, conducted in official test centers, will be considered.
4. Exemption for Certain Nationalities: Candidates from the USA, UK, New Zealand, and Australia who have completed their K-12, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees (if applicable) in these countries may apply for an exemption. They must provide notarized and certified documentation for their application. Exemption decisions will be made within seven days of meeting all requirements.
5. Optional Requirements:
   • GRE: While not mandatory, providing a GRE score can enhance your application.
   • Statement of Purpose: Submit an essay (about 500 to 1000 words) explaining your motivations for pursuing a graduate degree at MBZUAI. Include information about your academic background, personal experiences, awards, career aspirations, and any other relevant details.
   • Two Referees: M.Sc. applicants should provide two references, one from a former course instructor or faculty/research advisor and the other from a former or current workplace supervisor.
6. Screening Exam: Applicants with complete applications will be invited to take an online screening exam. The exam covers the following areas:
   • Mathematics: Fundamental concepts in calculus, probability theory, linear algebra, and optimization.
   • Machine learning: No prior background is required for M.Sc. candidates.
   • Programming: M.Sc. candidates will be assessed on basic programming knowledge.
7. Technical Interview: A subset of applicants will be invited to a technical interview with members of the admission committee.

Prospective students are encouraged to review the official MBZUAI website for the most up-to-date information on admission requirements and procedures.

Can Nigerians Apply for the MBZUAI Scholarship?

Yes. MBZUAI accepts international applicants. As a Nigerian applicant you need a qualifying STEM degree, the required CGPA, an accepted English test (IELTS or TOEFL) and a valid passport. Nigerian universities mostly grade on a 5.0 scale, so email admission@mbzuai.ac.ae to confirm how your CGPA will be treated as an “equivalent” before you apply.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the MBZUAI Scholarship 2027

To apply for admission at UAE MBZUAI Scholarship, you can follow the steps and provide the required documents as outlined below:Application Process:

1. Online Submission: All applications must be submitted online through the university’s official application portal.
2. Application Confirmation: After submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming the receipt of your application.
3. Personal Information: Fill out all the required personal information, including your name, residence, date of birth, nationality, age, and any other relevant details.
4. Academic and Professional Information: Complete all the mandatory fields related to your academic background, professional experience, and any other relevant qualifications or affiliations.
5. Scanned Materials: Prepare and submit scanned copies of the required materials in the specified format. These materials may include:
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your academic history, professional experience, research papers, and programming/coding skills.
   • Valid passport copy.
   • A passport-sized photograph with a white background.
   • For Pakistani applicants, a certified copy of the Pakistan national identification card is required.
6. Prepare for the Screening Exam: Review calculus, probability, linear algebra, optimization and basic programming before the exam invitation arrives.

Additional Requirements Based on Nationality:

For Nationals of the UAE:

• Emirates ID.
• A copy of the passport that includes your unified Identification number.
• Records of the Family (if applicable).
• Letter of completion or exemption from the UAE National Service for UAE citizen males alone (if applicable).

For UAE Residents currently living in the UAE:

• UAE VISA.
• Emirates Identification Card.

Please ensure that all the required documents are submitted accurately and in the specified format. Be sure to review the official MBZUAI website for any updates or changes to the application process and document requirements for the specific intake year.

MBZUAI Undergraduate Scholarship 2027

MBZUAI also offers the Tahnoon bin Zayed Scholarship in AI Excellence for undergraduate students. It is merit-based and runs for four years. Applicants become eligible after meeting all undergraduate admission requirements and receiving full acceptance. Early Action closes on November 1, 2026, and Regular Decision closes on February 1, 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the MBZUAI scholarship fully funded?

PhD students are offered a structured funding pathway. Master’s students are not funded automatically, and merit-based funding is considered during admission review.

What is the MBZUAI scholarship deadline for 2027?

The final deadline for the Fall 2027 intake is December 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM GST. Decisions are expected by March 31, 2027.

What CGPA do I need for MBZUAI?

The minimum CGPA is 3.0 or 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, depending on the program you choose, or its equivalent.

Is the GRE required for MBZUAI?

No. The GRE is optional, but a good score can strengthen your application.

Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to apply?

Yes, unless you qualify for an exemption. You need IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90, and results are valid for two years from the test date.

What is on the MBZUAI screening exam?

It tests foundational knowledge in advanced mathematics (calculus, probability, linear algebra, optimization) and programming. PhD applicants are also assessed on topics related to their program.

It’s important to carefully follow the instructions and meet all deadlines for a successful application.Get scholarship and admission updates: join the Nkedugists WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaFWDEg0rGiCopDO7V0D