Become a fellow

Prepare for your Ph.D. application with valuable research experience

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is the world’s first research University dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI). Ranked among the top 10 computer science institutes globally for AI*, MBZUAI attracts world-class faculty and researchers specializing in computational biology, computer science, computer vision, human-computer interaction, machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), robotics, statistics and data science, and more.

The MBZUAI Aspire Ph.D. Fellowship Program offers master’s students and pre-doctoral researchers the opportunity to engage in short-term research projects with MBZUAI faculty. This fellowship is designed to provide valuable research experience, preparing candidates for Ph.D. applications.

* CSRankings

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Program details:

Fellowship duration

Up to three months

Start date

Flexible

Location

In-person - MBZUAI campus

Key benefits:

The MBZUAI Aspire Ph.D. Fellowship Program helps candidates prepare for Ph.D. studies by offering hands-on experience in cutting-edge research. Fellows work alongside faculty and research teams on innovative projects, enhancing their research skills and expanding their professional network within the AI community.

The fellowship includes:

  • checkmark iconReturn-trip flights
  • checkmark iconHealth insurance and visa sponsorship
  • checkmark iconA monthly stipend (covering the cost of accommodation)

Application process and requirements:

  • checkmark iconApplication open date: Year-round
  • checkmark iconSelection process: Rolling basis

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • checkmark iconBe a final-year master’s student or a prospective Ph.D. applicant
  • checkmark iconHold (or be completing) a STEM degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0 (or equivalent)
  • checkmark iconDemonstrate research experience, preferably with co-authored publications in top venues within the field

Candidates must submit the following:

  • checkmark iconOfficial transcript and graduation certificate
  • checkmark iconCV/Resume (maximum three pages)
  • checkmark iconStatement of research interests (maximum two pages) – Outlining the general research direction the candidate wishes to pursue
  • checkmark iconNames of two MBZUAI faculty members whose research aligns with the candidate’s interests
  • checkmark iconProof of English proficiency, such as:
    • TOEFL iBT – Minimum total score of 90
    • IELTS Academic – Minimum overall score of 6.5
    • Official letter from the University registrar confirming English as the medium of instruction
  • checkmark iconRecommendation letter – Contact details of one referee

Join AI experts advancing society at MBZUAI

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Educate students to be highly competent in their chosen area of research while also providing them with a broad knowledge foundation in bioinformatics and computational biology.

Prepare students to apply the research techniques and knowledge they have gained to solve complex problems in the field of computer science and artificial intelligence.

Prepare students to apply the research techniques and knowledge they have gained to solve complex problems in the field of computer vision and artificial intelligence.

Provide students with a deep understanding of the theoretical, methodological, and technical aspects of human-computer interaction.

Prepare students to apply the research techniques and knowledge they have gained to solve complex problems in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Prepare students to apply the research techniques and knowledge they have gained to solve complex problems in the field of natural language processing and artificial intelligence.

Focuses on human-centered and autonomous robotics research and prepares exceptional students for careers at the cutting edge of academia, industry, and government.

Equip students with a well-rounded education in the theories and methodologies of these disciplines, enabling them to address challenges across various domains.

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MBZUAI Aspire Ph.D. Fellowship Program application form

Ready to start your new education journey?

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