Fast facts

MBZUAI offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in fields like Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, Robotics, and Computer Science.

The university is located in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, a dynamic and sustainable area.

Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through tests such as TOEFL (minimum score of 90) or IELTS (minimum score of 6.5).

No, applicants can only apply to one program per semester.

There is no age limit for admission to MBZUAI programs.

Yes, MBZUAI welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities.

Yes, students are eligible for full scholarships, covering tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend, subject to maintaining academic standards.

The specific deadlines vary; the application process usually opens in October. Applicants are advised to check the https://mbzuai.ac.ae/study/admission-process/ for updates.

Yes, MBZUAI offers on-campus accommodation with separate male and female quarters, along with access to gym facilities, dining, and recreational areas.

Masdar City is highly walkable, and students have access to various low-carbon public transportation options like electric buses and golf carts.

M.Sc. programs require 36 credits and must be completed within two years, while Ph.D. programs require 60 credits and up to four years to complete.

Students may transfer up to 25% of total credits from another recognized institution, subject to approval by the Academic Committee.

MBZUAI is led by President Eric Xing, a globally recognized expert in AI. The faculty is made up of 40 plus specialists in machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, human centered intelligence and computer science.

The university has several departments focused on AI research, including:

• Computer Vision
• Machine Learning
• Natural Language Processing
• Robotics
• Computer Science

MBZUAI will launch a 4-year undergraduate program in 2025.

You can explore MBZUAI’s faculty directory and view individual profiles of faculty members to choose a mentor whose research aligns with your interests. The directory provides detailed information on their research expertise and areas of focus.

You can fill out a contact form on the MBZUAI faculty directory page, where you provide your name, organization, and message to get in touch with faculty members for potential collaborations.

Yes, many faculty members have links to their publications, research work, and profiles on academic platforms such as Google Scholar. For further details, you can explore MBZUAI’s faculty directory

The IFM is a dedicated research hub at MBZUAI focused on the development and understanding of foundation models, such as large language models (LLMs) and multi-modal models. These models have applications in various fields including healthcare, climate change, and sustainability.

The IFM has developed several notable models, including:

K2-65B: A sustainable large language model that surpasses performance benchmarks like Meta’s LLaMA 2.

JAIS: The world’s most advanced Arabic language model.

ClimateGPT: A model focused on climate change and sustainability discussions.

GLaMM: A multi-modal foundation model with advanced image analysis capabilities.

These models can be used in various sectors including personalized medicine, social media analysis, finance, and environmental engineering, offering solutions that are adaptable to different languages and data types.

The IFM encourages collaboration with scientists, engineers, and organizations to advance the development of foundation models. Interested parties can connect with MBZUAI to explore partnerships in research and application development.

IFM aims to lead global research on foundation models, focusing on creating reusable, scalable, and efficient AI models that meet societal needs and advance innovation in key sectors such as healthcare and climate change.

The IEC, launched in 2023, aims to become the MENA region’s leading incubator focused on AI. It supports AI innovators by providing mentorship, funding opportunities, networking, and strategic business insights.

The IEC provides a range of resources, including entrepreneurship courses, access to AI research and technical expertise, and opportunities to pitch for funding. They also offer guidance in transforming ideas into business ventures, covering everything from legal considerations to pitching skills.

The IEC runs programs such as intensive entrepreneurship courses that help students learn business literacy and how to commercialize AI solutions. These courses include workshops on idea generation, prototyping, market discovery, and more.

Yes, the IEC offers opportunities for funding. For instance, during the Demo Day pitches, startups can secure Proof of Concept (POC) grants to help accelerate the development of their business ideas.

The IEC is open to MBZUAI students and alumni who are passionate about AI and entrepreneurship. Participants have diverse backgrounds and nationalities, with a focus on developing AI-based solutions across industries.

Interested individuals can apply through the MBZUAI website when the call for applications is open. Applicants should have a strong idea or passion for AI-based innovation and be committed to transforming it into a viable business.

• Academic partners, such as local and international universities, research institutes, and think tanks.
• Industry partners, collaborating on AI research, development projects, and new technologies.

The goal is to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government to create AI innovations that benefit multiple sectors, from healthcare to energy. Partnerships help leverage the university’s expertise in AI to solve real-world problems and provide students with market-relevant skills.

Industry collaborations can include joint research, consultancy projects, employment opportunities for students, and developing joint academic curricula. These collaborations ensure MBZUAI research aligns with market needs, providing practical benefits to industry partners.

MBZUAI partners with various industries, including healthcare, life sciences, and education.

Organizations can collaborate by engaging in joint research, sponsoring academic projects, providing internships, or recruiting MBZUAI graduates. Companies interested in collaboration can contact MBZUAI to explore potential projects and partnership models.

MBZUAI’s collaborations with global companies are standard academic-industry partnerships, similar to those at US universities. The University has chosen to work with partners from countries that are aligned with the UAE’s strategic goals of collaboration.

MBZUAI follows strict compliance with US export controls and legal procurement of technologies. The university maintains rigorous access controls and publicly shares its research, which is open source.

MBZUAI offers executive and professional training programs tailored for leaders and managers in both government and private sectors. These programs focus on how AI can be implemented in business and society, helping leaders understand AI’s impact on business operations and strategic goals.

These programs are primarily designed for executives, organizational leaders, and decision-makers in various sectors, including healthcare, energy, education, and finance. They aim to provide participants with the tools to lead AI-driven digital transformation within their organizations.

The programs cover a wide range of AI-related topics, including AI for leadership, Industry 4.0, data analytics for leaders, and AI’s role in strategic decision-making. Some programs, like the Executive Program, also include hands-on problem-solving where participants work on real-world challenges using AI principles.

Yes, participants can choose specialized programs such as “AI for Leadership,” “Industry 4.0 and AI for Industrial Leaders,” and “Data Analytics for Leaders.” Each of these programs is designed to address specific industry needs, providing practical and theoretical knowledge relevant to the participants’
field.

The duration of the programs varies. For instance, the Executive Program typically runs over several months, with classes held on specific days. There are also accelerated programs that offer a more intensive, shorter learning experience.

The programs are held at MBZUAI’s campus in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, a cutting-edge hub for sustainable technology and AI research. Some programs may also include international exposure through visits to leading global companies using AI.

Interested participants can apply directly via the MBZUAI Training Programs page.