General requirements

Applicants to MBZUAI’s graduate programs must hold a degree in a STEM field such as computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, mathematics, physics, or other relevant science or engineering majors from an accredited university or college recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE), with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 or 3.5 (on a scale of 4.0) depending on the program. Senior-level students can apply initially with a copy of their transcript and upon admission must submit official complete degree certificate/transcript. A degree attestation (for degrees from the UAE) or a Certificate of Recognition (for degrees acquired outside the UAE) should also be furnished within their first semester at the university.

Other elements required:

  • Curriculum vitae
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (optional)
  • Statement of purpose
  • Research statement
  • Referee recommendations
  • Screening exam

To learn more about each program’s specific admissions criteria, learning outcomes, and completion requirements please choose your program of study on either one of these links:

M.Sc. programs
›
Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI)
›
Ph.D. programs
›

Application process

Ensure you have the required documents to complete your application before the deadline to avoid any delays in the review of your application, or the inability to submit before the deadline.

Application documents must either be in English, originally, or include legal English translations. Additionally, official academic documents should be stamped and signed by the university authorities.

All applicants

  • Complete online application form
  • CV (with academic background, work experience, research publications, and programming/coding skills)
  • Official bachelor’s degree transcript and degree certificate or expected graduation letter
  • Official master’s degree transcript and degree certificate or expected graduation letter (only for Ph.D. applicants with a master’s degree)
  • Referee recommendations (minimum of three for Ph.D. applicants and two for M.Sc. applicants)
  • Research statement (only for Ph.D. applicants) (make sure to upload as a PDF)
  • Statement of purpose (make sure to upload as a PDF)
  • Valid English language proficiency certificate (must meet the admission criteria and required upon admission)
  • Valid passport copy
  • Photo with white background

UAE nationals

  • Valid Emirates ID
  • Valid passport copy with unified ID number
  • UAE national service completion/exemption letter (only for UAE national males)
  • Family book (or UAE national mother’s family book, for children of Emirati mothers)
  • UAE birth certificate (only for children of Emirati mothers)
  • UAE national mother’s valid Emirates ID (only for children of Emirati mothers)
  • UAE national mother’s valid passport copy (only for children of Emirati mothers)
  • Valid UAE visa (only for non-GCC children of Emirati mothers)

UAE residents (living in the UAE)

  • Valid UAE visa
  • Valid Emirates ID

The screening exam is designed to assess your foundational knowledge in areas relevant to your program, including advanced mathematics, programming, and, for Ph.D. applicants, machine learning and core computer science topics.

For topics covered on the exam and resources to help you prepare, visit the program specific pages for more information.

A subset of applicants will be invited to a technical interview with admission committee members. Instructions will be provided before the interview.

We expect to send out decision notifications for all applicants no later than April 15, 2026 (5 p.m. GST).

Important dates

Application portal opens Priority deadline * Final deadline Decision notification date Response deadline
September 1, 2025
(8 a.m. GST)		 November 15, 2025
(5 p.m. GST)		 December 15, 2025
(5 p.m. GST)		 March 15, 2026
(5 p.m. GST)		 April 15, 2026

* Applications submitted by the priority deadline will be reviewed first. While all applications submitted by the final deadline (December 15, 2025) will be considered, applying by the priority deadline is strongly encouraged. Admissions are highly competitive and space in the incoming cohort is limited.

Scholarships

MBZUAI offers students a choice of graduate programs in a modern and innovative university setting, located in the thriving capital of the UAE. Combining a contemporary education system and robust curriculum with the rich culture and heritage of Abu Dhabi, MBZUAI offers an experience like no other.

For M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs*, MBZUAI grants all full-time admitted students the privilege of completing their studies with a full scholarship. However, to maintain scholarships, stipends, and other benefits, students are required to uphold high academic standing, adhere to the University’s Code of Conduct, and fulfill specific academic and research expectations throughout their studies.

*Scholarships do not apply to the MAAI program.

The graduate scholarship at MBZUAI includes the following benefits:

  • 100% tuition coverage
  • Monthly stipend (see details below)
  • UAE visa sponsorship (for non-UAE nationals)
  • Health insurance coverage

Monthly stipend rates (AED)

Student category M.Sc. (AED) Ph.D. (AED)
UAE nationals 37,500 43,500
International students 15,500 17,500

Note: The stipend amount is inclusive of housing support. Students are responsible for paying housing costs (on or off campus) from their stipend.

On campus housing allocation:

  • Primarily offered to undergraduate and first year graduate students
  • Monthly fee: AED 7500
  • Fees are deducted directly from the student’s stipend

For questions regarding For questions regarding stipends or housing allocations details:

Students may refer to the University Catalogue for more information regarding their financial entitlements and obligations.