Khalifa University Scholarship 2027 | Application Process

The Khalifa University Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students who wish to study in the UAE. This fully funded scholarship is available for master’s and PhD programmes. The Khalifa University Scholarship 2027 covers full tuition fees, medical insurance, support to attend international research conferences, and a monthly stipend of up to AED 40,000. In this article, we provide a complete guide to the Khalifa University Scholarship, including scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, required documents, application deadlines, and a detailed step-by-step application process.

Khalifa University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with three colleges, three research institutes, 18 research centres, and 17 departments covering a broad range of disciplines in science, engineering, and medicine. It will continue to evolve with the UAE’s rapidly developing national goals and needs and nurture the innovation ecosystem required for the country’s targeted knowledge economy transformation.

Khalifa University ranked 177th in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The university is committed to inclusivity and accessibility for People of Determination (POD). Our campuses feature thoughtfully designed ramps, elevators, and accessible facilities to ensure seamless mobility throughout the university. Every building and office is fully accessible, enabling students, staff, and visitors to navigate the campus with ease and independence.

This commitment reflects our broader vision of an inclusive academic environment, one where everyone has equal opportunities to learn, work, and participate fully in university life.

Khalifa University Scholarship Highlights

Degree ProgrammesMaster’s / PhD
Scholarship ProviderKhalifa University
Study DestinationAbu Dhabi, UAE
Fields of StudyAll degree programmes are available
Programme DurationMaster’s: 2 years; PhD: 4 years
FundingFully Funded

Khalifa University Scholarship Benefits

The Khalifa University Scholarship will provide the recipients with the following benefits:

Khalifa University Master’s Scholarship Benefits

  • Full coverage of tuition fees.
  • Textbooks provided by the university.
  • Free university accommodation for eligible full-time students only.
  • Medical insurance coverage for full-time international students sponsored by Khalifa University.
  • Mobilisation and demobilisation flights (between home country and Abu Dhabi) for full-time overseas international students, subject to approval.
  • Coverage of UAE visa application fees for full-time international students.

Khalifa University PhD Scholarship Benefits

  • Full coverage of tuition fees.
  • Basic monthly stipend of 20,000 AED.
  • Additional monthly allowance of 20,000 AED, subject to approval and meeting scholarship progression criteria.
  • Textbooks provided by the university.
  • Support to attend international research conferences, subject to approval.
  • Medical insurance coverage for full-time international students sponsored by Khalifa University.
  • Mobilisation and demobilisation flights (between home country and Abu Dhabi) for full-time overseas international students, subject to approval.
  • Coverage of UAE visa application fees for full-time international students.
  • Commitment to work with Khalifa University or a nominated entity upon graduation for a period equivalent to the period of study. The university reserves the right for any reason not to offer the student a post after graduation.

Eligibility Requirements for the Khalifa University Scholarship 2027

The following are the minimum eligibility requirements for the Khalifa University Scholarship:

  • English is the required language.
  • Students from all countries are eligible to apply.
  • Master’s Degree Programme requirements:
    – Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree.
    – English Proficiency Certificate.
    – Admission Interview.
  • Doctorate Degree Programme requirements:
    – Completion of a Master’s Degree.
    – Research statement (500-1,000 words).
    – Admission interview.
  • Participants can apply for full-time or part-time. But there are some requirements for both. Full-time: Students are required to register for 3-4 courses each semester (9-12 credit hours or equivalent). Part-time: Students are required to register for 2 courses each semester (6 credit hours or equivalent).

Step-by-Step Application Process for the Khalifa University Scholarship 2027

The following simple and easy application process will help you to apply for this scholarship:

Step 1: Create an account here.

Step 2: Fill out the application and attach the required papers

  • Certified copy of Bachelor’s/Master’s degree certificate.
  • An equivalency certificate issued by the UAE Ministry of Education for applicants who have graduated from institutions outside of the UAE.
  • Official transcript showing the grading scale.
  • English language proficiency score certificate (IELTS, TOEFL or EmSAT).
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score report.
  • Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Passport-style photograph on a white background.
  • Valid passport. International applicants who reside in the UAE should also upload a clear copy of their valid UAE visa.
  • Family Book (Khulasat Al Qaid – UAE National applicants only).
  • Valid UAE national ID card (for national and international applicants who currently reside in the UAE).
  • Statement of Purpose (500 to 1,000 words)
  • Research Statement (500 to 1,000 words – PhD applicants only)

Notes:

  • Know more about how to apply here.
  • If you are accepted, you will enter the second phase, which is the interview.

Khalifa University Scholarship Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Khalifa University Scholarship 2027 is 30 April 2026.

For further information about the Khalifa University Scholarship and the application process, please visit the official websites:

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application, or is it automatic?

For KU graduate programs, scholarship consideration is typically handled as part of the admission process. If a scholarship is awarded, it is confirmed after admissions decisions are finalized. No separate scholarship application is usually required.

I received an admission offer but no (or a lower-tier) scholarship. Why can this happen?

This is common. KU states that scholarship slots are limited, applicants are mapped to tiers based on merit and other factors, and meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee a scholarship award (or a specific tier).

Can the scholarship be partial (not fully funded), and what does that mean in practice?

Yes. KU’s official graduate scholarship tiers include options such as partial tuition waivers (for example, 50% waiver tiers) as well as tiers that may only provide some benefits (like textbooks). Always treat your official scholarship tier/contract as the source of truth.

Is the scholarship available for part-time study, and which benefits require full-time status?

KU lists some Master’s scholarship tiers as available for full-time or part-time. However, several benefits are explicitly tied to full-time status (for example, university accommodation for eligible students, medical insurance sponsorship for full-time international students, and flights/visa fee coverage for eligible full-time overseas students).

Do PhD applicants need to contact a supervisor before applying?

No. KU states PhD applicants are not required to contact potential supervisors before submitting an application. KU encourages you to align your research statement with KU research priorities and faculty profiles, and supervisor assignment is made by the University after the process.

Are there teaching assistant (TA) or lab duties for scholarship holders?

Yes, this is a frequent surprise. KU’s Graduate Catalog states that full-time scholarship holders may provide service up to 12 hours per week during the semester, which can include teaching assistance and lab supervision, as specified in the scholarship contract.

When do I sign the scholarship contract, and why does it matter?

KU’s Graduate Catalog notes that scholarship students must sign the award contract before the end of the Add/Drop period in the first semester. Maintaining the scholarship depends on following the contract’s terms.

How does postgraduate accommodation work (eligibility, fees, and availability)?

KU states postgraduate housing (subject to availability) is generally available to full-time registered international Master’s/PhD students and students residing outside Abu Dhabi. Where accommodation fees apply, KU notes they are typically charged per semester and may be deducted from the monthly stipend. If the University cannot provide housing for an eligible student due to capacity, KU’s residence FAQs note an accommodation allowance may apply in that situation.

Can my spouse or family live with me in KU residences?

KU residence FAQs state postgraduate residences are designed for single occupancy, and the University does not provide residential halls for families. If you plan to bring dependents, you should expect to arrange off-campus housing.

Are TOEFL iBT Home Edition or GRE Home Edition accepted?

KU’s admissions pages state the tests must be taken at a test center, and the Home Edition versions (TOEFL iBT Home Edition and GRE Home Edition) are not accepted.

How do I submit official GRE/TOEFL score reports to Khalifa University?

KU provides institutional codes for official score reports (TOEFL code 0960, GRE code 0822). KU also notes you can upload score certificates to the application, and in some cases official reports can be shared with the admissions office by email along with your application reference number.

My referees did not receive the recommendation email. What should I do, and can I change referees after submitting?

KU states that once you submit your application, an automatic email is sent to referees to complete recommendations. If something goes wrong, KU notes you can request changes (add/delete references) by emailing the postgraduate admissions office.

When are admission results typically released after applying?

KU’s admissions FAQs state admitted applicants are normally notified by email no later than about eight weeks after the application deadline. Timelines can vary depending on when your application becomes complete and whether an interview is required.