Admission process

Admission process

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum requirements to apply for the following MBZUAI programs.

Admission requirements

  • Online application form (view guide here)
  • CV (with academic background, work experience, research publications, and programming/coding skills)
  • Valid passport copy
  • Photograph with white background
  • Valid Pakistan national identity card copy (only for Pakistan nationals)
  • Emirates ID
  • Passport copy with unified ID number.
  • Family book
  • UAE National Service completion/exemption letter (for UAE National male only)

Credit transfer

Students applying for admission who wish to transfer credit from a federal or licensed institution in the UAE, or a foreign institution of higher learning based outside the UAE and accredited in its home country must provide evidence, as outlined in the admission procedure, which will allow the Academic Committee to make a determination regarding the transfer.

  • The limit for the number of transfer credits which may be accepted for a specific degree program is 25 per cent of total credit hours for MSc and Ph.D. programs.
  • Transfers will only be permitted for students who are in good academic standing and who are eligible to return to their current or former institution.
  • MBZUAI will accept the transfer of credits only for courses relevant to the degree that provide equivalent learning outcomes and in which the student earned a grade of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better.
  • The grade of the transfer credit course will be recorded as a “TC” on the transcript record. The approved transfer credits will be calculated towards the credit hours but not included in GPA calculation.
  • The course transfer credits may not have been used previously in any graduate program to fulfil the requirement of any other graduate degree.
  • The course credits must have been completed no more than a maximum of (2) years prior to the student’s acceptance into the program of MBZUAI.
  • The MBZUAI Academic Committee will have the ultimate right to accept or reject the transfer requests for any student.

All applications for transfer credit to M.Sc. or Ph.D. programs must be submitted online providing all required documentation.

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.

All students admitted on a full-time basis are granted the privilege to complete their study with a full scholarship. However, to maintain the scholarships, stipends and other benefits, students are expected to maintain high academic standing, comply with the university code of conduct, and fulfil certain requirements during their study tenure.

The scholarship includes:

  • 100% free tuition fee
  • On-campus student accommodation
  • Health insurance and UAE visa sponsorship for non-UAE nationals
  • Monthly stipend (subject to the University’s rules and regulations, as mentioned in the University Catalogue)
    • International and UAE resident students
      • MSc: AED 8,000
      • PhD: AED 10,000 (Married PhD students may request to live off-campus and receive an additional AED 5,000 housing allowance subject to approval and submission of official documents.)
    • UAE national students
      • MSc: AED 30,000 (single) or AED 33,000 (married; will require the submission of official documents)
      • PhD: AED 36,000 (single) or AED 39,000 (married; will require the submission of official documents)

Students may refer to the University Catalogue available on the university website for information regarding their financial entitlements and obligations.

Application deadlines

 

Fall 2024 admission cycle for MSc and PhD programs

Applicant type First day of receiving applications Last day of receiving applications Last day of sending admission decision notifications Review process
International and UAE Residents 1st September 2023 31st March 2024 30th April 2024 Throughout the admission cycle, the Admission Committee will review applications and make admission decisions.
UAE Nationals 1st September 2023 31st May 2024 30th June 2024

Summer 2024 admission cycle for Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP)

First day of receiving applications Last day of receiving applications Last day of sending admission decision notifications Review process
1st January 2024 29th February 2024 31st March 2024 Throughout the admission cycle, the Admission Committee will review applications and make admission decisions.

Contact admissions office

Applicants are encouraged to get in touch with the team via email at admission@mbzuai.ac.ae or by completing the form below.