MBZUAI opens graduate admissions for class of 2025, including new Master in Applied AI

MBZUAI has opened admissions for the 2025/26 academic year, with five M.Sc. and five Ph.D. programs on offer, as well as a recently announced Master in Applied AI (MAAI) which aims to equip students with the tools to solve organizational and societal challenges.

The new MAAI degree is is designed for working professionals and is expected to appeal to government and large organizations that require highly skilled, in-house AI practitioners to drive transformation. It will be taught by MBZUAI’s faculty and international guest speakers to develop participants’ skills in advanced technology adaptation in industry, research, and development, and in critical government functions.

The program offers a balanced mix of fundamental AI knowledge, practical projects, and industry experience and gives students access to MBZUAI’s cutting-edge research community and facilities, as well as a lifetime alumni network. Students will be able to study full-time or part-time and will benefit from networking opportunities with industry professionals and an AI industry placement where they will apply and assess AI concepts and theories in practical settings.

Professor Eric Xing, President of MBZUAI, said, “The programme recognises the growing need for experts who understand the broad potential of AI in its various forms and how to apply it in specific scenarios to deliver solutions that are accurate, effective, safe and ethical. The MAAI further expands MBZUAI’s scope and ability to develop the next generation of AI practitioners capable of delivering AI solutions with the potential to improve society and people’s lives.”

Learning from the best minds in AI

As well as the MAAI, the University offers fully-funded scholarships for its M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in computer science (CS), computer vision (CV), machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and robotics (ROB). The application deadline for priority submissions is January 15, 2025, while late applications will be accepted until May 31, 2025, subject to availability and evaluation.

“We are excited for what we anticipate will be our largest cohort yet,” said Professor Timothy Baldwin, MBZUAI Provost and Professor of NLP. “MBZUAI is committed to cultivating a global pipeline of AI talent with the expertise to develop safe, ethical, and effective solutions for real-world challenges. For the 2025/26 academic year, we aim to continue recruiting students from top universities in the UAE and internationally.”

Successful applicants who earn a place at MBZUAI will learn from some of the best minds in AI. The university maintains an exceptional 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized mentorship and access to world-class faculty and researchers. Admitted students receive accommodation in the University’s halls of residence, on site at the MBZUAI campus in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. The campus includes state-of-the-art sports and leisure facilities including a gymnasium, sports hall, swimming pool, and badminton and squash courts.

MBZUAI’s student body is rapidly expanding, with the last intake welcoming 209 students — a 47% increase from the previous year. Representing 36 countries, this cohort includes more than 40 talented Emiratis, and sees a total of 147 students pursuing M.Sc. degrees and 62 enrolling on Ph.D. programs. Currently, the university hosts a total of 365 students from 49 countries. Since its founding, MBZUAI has fostered diversity, with women now making up 31% of its students.

Ranked among the world’s top 20 institutions in AI, CV, ML, NLP, and ROB by CSRankings, MBZUAI stands alongside leading universities such as Stanford, MIT, and UC San Diego. To date, 212 students have graduated from the University, many of whom have chosen to remain in the UAE, contributing to its dynamic AI ecosystem.