The MBZUAI Graduate Scholarships 2027 offer international students an opportunity to pursue advanced studies in artificial intelligence and related disciplines at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. For eligible, funded students, the financial package includes tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, health insurance, visa sponsorship and annual return airfare.
However, there is an important distinction between the university’s master’s and PhD funding arrangements. While doctoral students follow a university-supported funding pathway, master’s candidates are generally fee-paying unless they secure merit-based funding, a faculty-sponsored assistantship or another approved funding arrangement.
This difference matters. Several scholarship announcements describe MBZUAI as offering fully funded master’s and PhD scholarships to every successful applicant. The university’s Fall 2027 admissions information presents a more conditional funding system.
For international students considering postgraduate study in the UAE, understanding these conditions before applying can prevent unrealistic financial expectations.
Applications are open for the Fall 2027 intake, with the main graduate application deadline set for 15 December 2026 at 5:00 PM Gulf Standard Time (GST). Certain programmes have different deadlines, including those for Computational Biology and the professional Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence.
This guide examines the available programmes, funding benefits, monthly stipends, eligibility requirements, application documents, selection process and deadlines. It also explains how applicants can prepare a competitive application.
Students exploring other graduate funding opportunities may also consider the CMU-Africa Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027, particularly if they are interested in technology-related postgraduate education in Africa.
MBZUAI Graduate Scholarships 2027: Overview
| Scholarship detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) |
| Country | United Arab Emirates |
| Location | Masdar City, Abu Dhabi |
| Academic intake | Fall 2027 |
| Study levels | Master of Science and PhD |
| Fields | Artificial intelligence and related STEM disciplines |
| Eligible nationalities | UAE nationals and international applicants |
| PhD funding | University-supported, subject to continued eligibility |
| MSc funding | Competitive and not guaranteed |
| International-funded MSc stipend | AED 15,500 monthly |
| International funded PhD stipend | AED 17,500 monthly |
| Tuition for funded students | Covered |
| Additional funded benefits | Annual return airfare, health insurance and eligible visa sponsorship |
| Application fee | AED 200, subject to waiver or reimbursement conditions |
| Main application deadline | 15 December 2026 |
| Computational Biology deadline | 22 January 2027 |
| Master in Applied AI deadline | 28 February 2027 |
| Expected general admission decisions | By 31 March 2027 |
| Semester commencement | Mid-August 2027 |
About Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence
The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence is a specialised university in Abu Dhabi that is dedicated to education and research in artificial intelligence and related fields.
Located in Masdar City, the institution brings together graduate students, researchers and faculty members working on computational problems with applications across science, industry and society.
Its academic programmes cover areas such as machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, computer science, computational biology, and statistics and data science.
These disciplines are becoming increasingly interconnected.
For example, machine learning techniques support medical image analysis, while natural language processing contributes to language technologies and intelligent information systems. Statistics and data science provide foundations for prediction, uncertainty analysis and evidence-based decision-making.
Consequently, MBZUAI may appeal to graduates from several quantitative backgrounds, not only those who completed undergraduate degrees specifically in artificial intelligence.
Nevertheless, the university maintains academic entry requirements. Applicants must demonstrate that their previous studies have provided sufficient preparation for their intended programmes.
Is the MBZUAI Scholarship 2027 Fully Funded?
The answer depends on the programme and the applicant’s funding status.
Funded PhD students and funded MSc students receive a substantial financial package. However, admission to an MSc programme does not guarantee funding automatically.
For doctoral students, MBZUAI provides central university funding during the first year while students work toward securing a faculty advisor. Continued funding depends on a confirmed advisor match and satisfactory academic progress.
Master’s students follow a different arrangement. The university classifies MSc students as fee-paying by default, although merit-based funding and faculty-sponsored research or teaching assistantships may be available.
Students who do not secure an approved funding source must pay the applicable tuition and fees.
The professional master in applied artificial intelligence is another separate category. It is a fee-paying programme and does not qualify for university- or faculty-sponsored scholarship funding.
Understanding the Different Funding Categories
| Programme category | Funding arrangement | Is funding guaranteed? |
|---|---|---|
| PhD programmes | Central funding in Year 1, followed by advisor-supported funding | Conditional on advisor matching and satisfactory progress |
| Research-orientated MSc programmes | Merit-based funding or faculty-sponsored assistantships may be available. | No |
| Unfunded MSc admission | The student pays tuition and applicable fees. | No scholarship |
| Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence | Fee-paying professional programme | No university or faculty scholarship |
This distinction should influence programme selection.
A student who needs financial assistance to finance postgraduate education should not assume that receiving an MSc admission offer will eliminate tuition and living expenses.
Instead, applicants should evaluate both their academic eligibility and their prospects of securing funding.
MBZUAI Graduate Scholarship 2027 Benefits
Students who receive approved university or faculty funding may qualify for several benefits.
1. Full Tuition Coverage
Funded students receive tuition coverage for the approved funding period.
This removes one of the largest expenses associated with postgraduate education.
However, MSc applicants should remember that tuition coverage applies only when they receive funding. Unfunded students remain responsible for their fees.
2. Monthly Stipend
MBZUAI publishes monthly stipend amounts based on the programme level and student category.
| Student category | Funded MSc monthly stipend | Funded PhD monthly stipend |
|---|---|---|
| International students | AED 15,500 | AED 17,500 |
| UAE nationals | AED 37,500 | AED 43,500 |
These are monthly stipend amounts for eligible funded students, not payments automatically awarded to every admitted applicant.
For an international PhD student receiving AED 17,500 monthly, the stipend represents AED 210,000 over 12 months, assuming funding remains active at the stated rate throughout that period.
Similarly, an international-funded MSc student receiving AED 15,500 monthly would receive AED 186,000 over 12 months under the same assumption.
These annual figures are illustrative calculations rather than separate scholarship awards.
3. Annual Return Airfare
The funding package includes one round of airfare each year to the student’s home country.
This can reduce the financial burden of international travel, particularly for students relocating from Africa, Asia or other distant regions.
Recipients should confirm the university’s travel procedures and conditions before making arrangements.
4. Health Insurance
Funded students receive health insurance during the approved funding period.
The coverage provides an additional form of support for students living and studying in the UAE.
5. UAE Residence Visa and Emirates ID
The university sponsors eligible funded students for a UAE residence visa and Emirates ID.
This support is particularly important for international applicants who must obtain the appropriate immigration permission before commencing their studies.
6. Research and Academic Development
Beyond financial assistance, students also gain access to an academic environment focused on specialised AI research.
Depending on their programmes, they may work on research projects involving computational models, intelligent systems, data analysis or related scientific problems.
However, applicants should evaluate individual faculty research interests and programme requirements rather than assume that every research topic is available to every student.
Does the Scholarship Include Free Accommodation?
MBZUAI’s doctoral programme information lists accommodation as one of its scholarship benefits. However, the detailed Fall 2027 graduate funding schedule does not separately define a universal accommodation allowance or guarantee identical housing arrangements for every funded student.
Therefore, applicants should confirm the applicable housing provision with the university before preparing their budgets.
They should not automatically add a separate accommodation allowance to the published monthly stipend.
MBZUAI Master’s and PhD Programmes for 2027
MBZUAI offers postgraduate education across several areas connected to artificial intelligence.
Applicants can explore research-orientated Master’s and doctoral programmes in the following fields:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Computer Vision
- Natural Language Processing
- Robotics
- Computer Science
- Computational Biology
- Statistics and Data Science
The availability of a particular degree level, admission route and research specialisation depends on the programme.
For example, a student with a strong background in statistics may consider statistics and data science particularly relevant, while someone trained in computer science may be interested in machine learning, computer vision or natural language processing.
Applicants with backgrounds in mathematics, engineering or physics may also possess useful quantitative foundations.
Nevertheless, academic compatibility remains essential. A related degree does not automatically meet the prerequisites of every programme.
Research-Orientated MSc Programmes
Research-orientated MSc programmes may suit applicants who want to deepen their technical knowledge, participate in academic research or prepare for doctoral studies.
Some students may receive merit-based financial support or research and teaching assistantships.
However, the university does not guarantee these arrangements to every MSc applicant.
Students should examine the curriculum and funding conditions of their selected programmes before submitting their application.
PhD Programmes
Doctoral programmes focus more extensively on independent research and the production of original academic work.
Applicants should demonstrate strong preparation in their proposed field, the ability to formulate research questions and an understanding of relevant computational methods.
A clear research statement is particularly important.
The PhD funding pathway also makes matching with a faculty advisor a significant part of the student’s academic progression.
Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence
The Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence, commonly abbreviated as MAAI, differs from the university’s research-orientated MSc programmes.
It is a professional, fee-paying degree designed around practical AI applications.
The programme comprises 34 credit hours and has a published tuition fee of AED 170,000, calculated at AED 5,000 per credit.
Students can pursue full-time or part-time study, subject to the programme’s conditions.
Importantly, MAAI does not offer university-sponsored or faculty-sponsored scholarships.
Applicants seeking fully funded postgraduate study should therefore distinguish this programme from the funded opportunities available elsewhere at MBZUAI.
MBZUAI Graduate Scholarships 2027 Eligibility Requirements
The university accepts applications from qualified candidates with relevant academic backgrounds.
However, admission is competitive, and minimum eligibility does not guarantee selection.
1. Relevant STEM Academic Qualification
Applicants generally need a degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics field.
Examples include computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, mathematics and physics.
Other relevant science or engineering disciplines may also qualify.
The degree must be from an accredited institution recognised under the applicable UAE education requirements.
Applicants from interdisciplinary backgrounds should review the admission criteria for their preferred programmes.
For example, a graduate in economics who has completed substantial coursework in mathematics, statistics, and programming should not automatically assume they are eligible for a data science programme. The university must determine whether the qualification satisfies the specific academic requirements.
2. Minimum CGPA
MBZUAI specifies minimum CGPA requirements of 3.0 or 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, depending on the programme.
Applicants should consult their programme’s admission criteria to determine which threshold applies.
A high CGPA can strengthen an application, but the university also evaluates other elements, including technical preparation and research potential.
3. English-Language Proficiency
Applicants must provide valid evidence of English proficiency that meets the requirements of their chosen programmes.
The university requires this evidence at the time of application.
Applicants should verify the accepted tests, minimum scores and any exemptions before preparing their documents.
4. Technical and Quantitative Preparation
Graduate study in artificial intelligence often requires mathematical and computational skills.
Relevant foundations may include linear algebra, calculus, probability, statistics, programming and algorithms.
PhD applicants may also need stronger preparation in machine learning and core computer science concepts.
These skills are particularly important because MBZUAI uses a screening examination as part of its admissions process.
5. Research Potential
Research experience can strengthen an application, especially at the doctoral level.
Relevant experience might include an undergraduate dissertation, master’s thesis, academic publication, technical research project or substantial computational investigation.
However, applicants should present genuine achievements and explain their individual contributions.
A well-explained research project may provide more useful evidence than an impressive-sounding title without supporting details.
Can Final-Year Students Apply?
Yes. Senior-level students may initially apply using their available academic transcripts.
If admitted, they must subsequently provide their completed degree certificates and official transcripts.
Applicants who obtained degrees outside the UAE may also need a Certificate of Recognition within their first semester, according to the university’s requirements.
Documents Required for MBZUAI Graduate Admissions 2027
Applicants should prepare their documents carefully before starting the online application.
| Document | MSc applicants | PhD applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Completed online application | Required | Required |
| Curriculum vitae | Required | Required |
| Bachelor’s transcript and certificate or expected graduation letter | Required | Required |
| Master’s transcript and certificate | Not generally applicable | Required where the applicant holds a master’s degree |
| Statement of purpose | Required | Required |
| Research statement | Check programme-specific requirements. | Required |
| Academic or professional recommendations | Minimum 2 | Minimum 3 |
| Proof of English proficiency | Required | Required |
| Valid passport copy | Required | Required |
| Photograph with white background | Required | Required |
| Screening examination | Required as part of the process | Required as part of the process |
Additional documents may apply to UAE nationals or residents.
Applicants should follow the exact instructions displayed in their application portals.
Preparing a Strong Curriculum Vitae
Your CV should communicate your academic preparation, relevant experience and technical capabilities.
MBZUAI specifically asks applicants to include information about their academic backgrounds, professional experience, research publications and programming skills.
For a computer science graduate, this might involve Python projects, software development experience or machine learning applications.
A mathematics graduate could highlight statistical modelling, numerical methods or programming-based coursework.
Meanwhile, a research applicant should explain relevant publications, thesis work and research responsibilities.
The objective is not to produce the longest possible CV. It is to demonstrate preparation for the programme.
Writing the Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose should connect the applicant’s previous education with their intended postgraduate studies.
A useful statement explains what motivated the applicant’s interest, which academic experiences shaped that interest and why the selected MBZUAI programme is appropriate.
Consider an applicant interested in natural language processing.
Rather than simply stating that AI is transforming the world, the applicant could discuss a project involving text classification, multilingual data or language modelling.
The statement could then explain what the applicant learned and which research questions they hope to investigate further.
This creates a more convincing academic narrative.
Preparing a PhD Research Statement
PhD applicants must submit a research statement in PDF format.
The document should demonstrate an understanding of a relevant research problem and explain the applicant’s interests.
Where appropriate, applicants can discuss the problem’s importance, relevant methods, previous work and possible research directions.
A research statement is not necessarily a final dissertation proposal. However, it should show that the applicant can think critically about research questions and identify meaningful areas for investigation.
Applicants should avoid presenting overly broad interests without explaining their academic significance.
Selecting Referees
MSc applicants need at least two recommendations, while PhD applicants need at least three.
Strong referees are individuals who can assess the applicant’s academic or research abilities.
For instance, a thesis supervisor may be able to describe research independence, problem-solving ability and technical competence.
A lecturer who taught an advanced mathematics or programming course may provide evidence of quantitative preparation.
Applicants should approach referees early and provide enough information about their intended programmes.
MBZUAI Screening Examination: What Applicants Should Expect
The screening examination is an important component of the university’s graduate admissions process.
It assesses foundational knowledge relevant to the selected programme.
Depending on the degree, the examination may cover advanced mathematics, programming, machine learning and core computer science concepts.
PhD applicants should expect a stronger emphasis on technical depth.
The precise content depends on the programme.
How to Prepare for the Screening Examination
Applicants should begin by reviewing the university’s programme-specific examination guidance.
A sensible preparation strategy involves identifying the main mathematical and computational topics, revisiting relevant undergraduate material and practising problems under timed conditions.
For example, students preparing for quantitative AI programmes may benefit from revising probability distributions, matrix operations, optimisation methods and programming fundamentals.
However, they should not assume that every programme uses an identical examination.
The university provides additional instructions and a screening examination guide through its application portal.
Can Applicants Receive an Application Fee Waiver?
Yes, but the conditions are specific.
The university normally requires an application fee of AED 200 after the screening examination.
A waiver is available if an applicant achieves an overall screening examination score of at least 75%.
Alternatively, applicants who enrol may receive reimbursement of the fee.
An application with an outstanding required fee remains incomplete and will not proceed to the review stage.
MBZUAI Graduate Scholarships 2027 Application Deadlines
The university has established different deadlines for certain programmes.
| Programme category | Application deadline | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Most graduate MSc and PhD programmes | 15 December 2026 | 5:00 PM GST |
| MSc and PhD in Computational Biology | 22 January 2027 | 5:00 PM GST |
| Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence | 28 February 2027 | 5:00 PM GST |
| Expected decisions for most graduate programmes | By 31 March 2027 | 5:00 PM GST |
| Expected MAAI decisions | By 15 April 2027 | 5:00 PM GST |
For most graduate programmes, successful applicants must respond to their offers by 15 April 2027.
The Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence has a later offer response deadline of 30 April 2027.
Applicants should remember that the MAAI deadline concerns a fee-paying programme, not an extension of the regular graduate scholarship deadline.
Why Applying Early Matters
The December deadline may appear distant, but several application requirements can take time to complete.
Obtaining references, preparing statements, securing valid English-language test results and revising technical material may require several weeks.
Applicants should also allow sufficient time for possible application portal difficulties.
Since MBZUAI permits only one application per admission cycle, students should carefully review their programme selection and documents before submission.
How to Apply for MBZUAI Graduate Scholarships 2027
The university uses an online graduate application system.
Applicants should follow the process below.
Step 1: Select an Appropriate Graduate Programme
Begin by examining the university’s MSc and PhD offerings.
Consider your previous education, research interests, technical skills and long-term objectives.
Choose a programme for which you meet the academic prerequisites.
If financial support is essential, pay particular attention to the programme’s funding arrangements.
Step 2: Review the Specific Admission Requirements
Read the requirements for your chosen programme carefully.
Confirm the minimum CGPA, accepted qualifications, English-language conditions and required supporting documents.
Applicants interested in interdisciplinary fields should determine whether their previous coursework provides adequate preparation.
Step 3: Prepare Your Supporting Documents
Gather your transcripts, degree certificates or expected graduation letter, CV, passport and other required documents.
Prepare the statement of purpose and, where applicable, the research statement.
Contact referees early enough to allow them to submit meaningful recommendations.
Step 4: Create an Online Application
Register through the university’s graduate application portal.
Complete the requested personal, academic and programme information accurately.
Ensure that names, dates and qualifications match your official documents.
Step 5: Upload the Required Documents
Upload the documents in the requested formats.
The university requires the statement of purpose and PhD research statement in PDF format.
Before proceeding, check that every uploaded document is complete and readable.
Step 6: Complete the Screening Examination
Follow the university’s instructions for the screening examination.
Review the relevant programme guidance and prepare thoroughly.
The screening examination also affects application fee waiver eligibility.
Step 7: Pay the Application Fee if Required
Applicants who do not qualify for the screening-based waiver must pay the AED 200 application fee.
The university states that unpaid applications will not proceed to the review stage.
Step 8: Attend a Technical Interview if Invited
Some applicants may receive invitations to technical interviews with admissions committee members.
The interview may provide an opportunity to discuss academic preparation, technical knowledge and research interests.
Not every applicant necessarily receives an interview invitation.
Step 9: Monitor the Admission Decision
After completing the application, monitor the university’s communications and application portal.
For most graduate programmes, MBZUAI expects to issue admission decisions by 31 March 2027.
Applicants should follow the instructions accompanying any offer, particularly regarding funding, acceptance deadlines and outstanding documentation.
How to Improve Your Chances of Admission and Funding
MBZUAI describes graduate admissions as highly competitive.
Although strong grades are important, a convincing application should demonstrate a broader combination of technical competence, academic preparation and research potential.
Build Evidence of Quantitative Ability
Applicants should demonstrate relevant skills through coursework, research projects or professional experience.
For example, someone applying to Statistics and Data Science could highlight experience with probability, statistical inference, regression modelling, Python or other analytical tools.
A machine learning applicant might discuss algorithm development, model evaluation or practical programming projects.
However, the evidence should remain accurate and relevant to the programme.
Connect Previous Research to Future Interests
Applicants with research experience should explain what they investigated and why it matters.
A final-year project involving predictive modelling could provide useful preparation for further study in machine learning.
Likewise, a dissertation using computational methods to analyse biological data might support an application to Computational Biology.
The strongest explanations show intellectual development rather than simply listing achievements.
Demonstrate Programme Fit
Applicants should explain why a particular programme suits their interests.
For doctoral study, this may involve identifying research areas that connect with the university’s faculty expertise.
However, applicants should avoid claiming an advisor relationship or research opportunity that has not been confirmed.
Prepare Carefully for Technical Assessment
Technical preparation deserves particular attention.
An excellent statement of purpose cannot compensate for every weakness in mathematical or computational foundations.
Applicants should therefore devote sufficient time to the screening examination and any subsequent technical interview.
Be Realistic About Master’s Funding
For MSc applicants, admission and funding are separate considerations.
A student who needs complete financial support should assess whether a faculty-sponsored assistantship or other approved funding source is available.
In addition, applicants may wish to compare opportunities across institutions rather than depend entirely on one scholarship.
For example, students interested in European postgraduate funding can explore the Erasmus Mundus AFEPA Master’s Scholarships 2027, which support eligible students pursuing an interdisciplinary European Master’s programme.
Although AFEPA focuses on a different academic area, comparing funding structures can help applicants make better financial decisions.
Can International Students from Africa Apply?
Yes. MBZUAI accepts qualified international applicants, including students from African countries.
Students from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and other countries may apply if they satisfy the relevant academic and admission conditions.
However, nationality does not remove the programme’s STEM qualification requirements.
An applicant must still demonstrate the appropriate academic background, English proficiency and technical preparation.
Advice for Applicants from Cameroon and Other African Countries
Applicants should pay particular attention to academic documentation.
Those who completed degrees outside the UAE may need to obtain a Certificate of Recognition after admission, according to the university’s requirements.
Students should also verify whether their qualifications satisfy the specific programme’s minimum CGPA threshold.
Where transcripts use grading systems other than the 4.0 scale, applicants should follow the university’s instructions rather than inventing their own GPA conversions.
Furthermore, prospective applicants should begin preparing their statements, references and technical examination material well before the deadline.
Is the MBZUAI Graduate Scholarship Worth Applying For?
For students with strong quantitative backgrounds and clear interests in artificial intelligence, MBZUAI represents a postgraduate opportunity worth examining.
The financial benefits for funded students are substantial.
An eligible international PhD student may receive tuition coverage, a monthly stipend of AED 17,500, health insurance, eligible visa sponsorship and annual return airfare.
However, continued doctoral funding depends on securing an advisor and maintaining satisfactory progress.
The position is different for master’s applicants.
A funded international MSc student may receive AED 15,500 monthly alongside other approved benefits, but MSc funding is competitive and not guaranteed.
Therefore, applicants should consider both academic suitability and financial feasibility.
A student who receives an unfunded MSc offer must evaluate whether the tuition and living costs are manageable before accepting admission.
The most appropriate decision depends on the programme, the funding offer and the applicant’s long-term academic objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions About MBZUAI Graduate Scholarships 2027
Is MBZUAI offering scholarships for 2027?
Yes. MBZUAI has published Fall 2027 graduate admissions and funding information for eligible MSc and PhD applicants.
Are MBZUAI scholarships fully funded?
Eligible funded students receive tuition coverage and other financial benefits. However, MSc funding is not guaranteed, and PhD funding remains conditional on advisor matching and satisfactory academic progress.
How much is the MBZUAI stipend for international students?
The published monthly stipend is AED 15,500 for funded international MSc students and AED 17,500 for funded international PhD students.
Is accommodation included?
The university’s doctoral programme information lists accommodation among scholarship benefits, but applicants should confirm the precise housing arrangements applicable to their funding offer.
Can I apply with a bachelor’s degree?
Yes, provided your qualifications satisfy the requirements of the selected programme. PhD entry conditions may differ, so applicants should consult the relevant programme criteria.
Can final-year students apply?
Yes. Senior-level students may initially apply using their available transcripts and must provide their completed qualifications after admission.
Is IELTS compulsory?
Applicants must provide valid proof of English proficiency that meets their programme’s requirements. They should check the accepted tests and exemptions on the university’s official admissions pages.
Is the MBZUAI application free?
Not generally. The published application fee is AED 200, although applicants who achieve at least 75% in the screening examination qualify for a waiver. The fee may also be reimbursed upon enrolment.
What is the MBZUAI Scholarship 2027 deadline?
The main deadline is 15 December 2026 at 5:00 PM GST. Computational Biology has a later deadline of 22 January 2027, while the fee-paying Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence closes on 28 February 2027.
Can I apply for more than one programme?
The university states that only one application per admission cycle should be submitted. Applicants should therefore review their programme choice carefully.
Do I need a research proposal?
PhD applicants must submit a research statement. Applicants should follow the university’s programme-specific instructions concerning its content and format.
Is there a screening examination?
Yes. The university uses a screening examination to assess relevant mathematical, programming and technical knowledge.
Does admission guarantee an MSc scholarship?
No. Master’s students are fee-paying by default unless they secure approved funding.
When will MBZUAI announce admission decisions?
The university expects to notify applicants for most graduate programmes by 31 March 2027. The professional master in applied artificial intelligence has a later decision deadline of 15 April 2027.
When will classes begin?
The Fall 2027 semester is expected to begin in mid-August 2027.
Official MBZUAI Graduate Admissions and Application Links
Applicants should rely on the university’s official admissions information when preparing their applications.
1. Graduate Master’s admissions, funding and eligibility
https://mbzuai.ac.ae/admissions/graduate-masters-admissions/
2. Graduate PhD admissions, scholarships and requirements
https://mbzuai.ac.ae/admissions/graduate-phd-admissions
3. Official online application portal
These pages provide information about the admissions process, required documents, funding conditions, screening examinations and relevant deadlines.
Applicants should check for updates before submitting their applications.
Final Thoughts
The MBZUAI Graduate Scholarships 2027 provide an important opportunity for students who want to develop advanced expertise in artificial intelligence and related computational disciplines.
For eligible funded students, the package includes tuition coverage, substantial monthly stipends and additional support for international study in the UAE.
Nevertheless, applicants must understand how the university’s funding system works.
PhD students follow a structured funding pathway that depends on advisor matching and satisfactory academic progress. MSc students, meanwhile, do not automatically receive scholarships upon admission.
The professional master’s in applied artificial intelligence is fee-paying and does not qualify for university-sponsored or faculty-sponsored funding.
Prospective applicants should therefore select suitable programmes, review the funding conditions carefully and prepare strong academic documents.
With the main application deadline approaching on 15 December 2026, early preparation is particularly important.
For qualified applicants with the right technical background and research interests, MBZUAI offers a route to specialised postgraduate education in one of today’s most rapidly developing academic fields.
