Aspire Ph.D. Fellowship Program - MBZUAI Aspire Ph.D. Fellowship Program
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MBZUAI Aspire Ph.D. Fellowship Program

 

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.

* According to CSRankings in AI, computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and robotics (correct as at August 2025).

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Program details

  • Fellowship duration: Up to three months
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: In-person at MBZUAI campus, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi

Join AI experts advancing society at MBZUAI

MBZUAI collaborates with world-class faculty who conduct groundbreaking research aimed at societal advancement. Explore our faculty research portfolio in the directory linked below.

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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:

  • Return-trip flights
  • Health insurance and visa sponsorship
  • A monthly stipend (covering the cost of accommodation)

Application process and requirements

• Application open date: Year-round

• Selection process: Rolling basis

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

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

Candidates must submit the following:

  • Official transcript and graduation certificate
  • CV/Resume (maximum three pages)
  • Statement of research interests (maximum two pages) – Outlining the general research direction the candidate wishes to pursue
  • Names of two MBZUAI faculty members whose research aligns with the candidate’s interests
  • Proof 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
  • Recommendation letter – Contact details of one referee

Ph.D. Programs

Application for the MBZUAI Aspire Ph.D. Fellowship Program

For more information, please email: student.recruitment@mbzuai.ac.ae.