MBZUAI's graduate funding model is built on a partnership between the University and faculty advisors. Funding, benefits, and continued eligibility depend on the student's program, academic standing, and for M.Sc. students, whether they have secured a faculty-sponsored research or teaching assistantship, or an approved government scholarship.
Funding model
Ph.D.
| Year 1 funding |
Centrally funded by the University while matching with a faculty advisor
|
| How funding is secured |
Confirmed faculty advisor match by the end of Year 1
|
| Funding transition |
Moves to the faculty advisor's funding no later than the start of Year 2
|
| Guarantee of funding |
Subject to a confirmed advisor match and satisfactory progress
|
M.Sc.
| Year 1 funding |
Not automatically funded, fee-paying by default; however, merit-based funding may be available
|
| How funding is secured |
Faculty advisor-sponsored research/teaching assistantship, or an approved government scholarship (for UAE nationals). Merit-based funding is considered during the admissions review process
|
| Funding transition |
Transfers to the faculty advisor as soon as a match is confirmed (no fixed date)
|
| Guarantee of funding |
Not guaranteed for all admitted students; students without a funding source are classified as fee-paying
|
*The funding model and benefits described on this page apply to the Ph.D. and M.Sc. programs. The Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) is a fee-based program and is not eligible for University or faculty-sponsored funding; see Cost of Attendance below.
What funded students receive:
-
free tuition fees;
-
a monthly stipend;
-
one return airfare each year to their home country;
-
health insurance for the approved funding period; and
-
University-sponsored UAE residence visa and Emirates ID (where eligible).
| Student category |
M.Sc. (AED) |
Ph.D. (AED) |
| UAE nationals |
37,500 |
43,500 |
| International students |
15,500 |
17,500 |
Funded students are expected to maintain an in-person presence on campus throughout their funded period and to obtain approval before being away. Students receiving external scholarships or fellowships must disclose this funding to the University; external funding normally replaces the University stipend rather than being paid in addition to it.
Cost of attendance
M.Sc.
For M.Sc. students who are not funded through a faculty-sponsored research or teaching assistantship, or an approved government scholarship, tuition and fees apply.
Cost of Attendance figures for Fall 2027 are currently being finalized and will be published here once confirmed.
MAAI
The Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) is a fee-based program; it is not eligible for University or faculty-sponsored funding. Tuition is paid each semester.
| Program expenses |
Cost |
| Tuition (per credit) |
AED 5,000 (approx. USD 1,362) |
| Program length |
34 credit hours |
| Total tuition |
AED 170,000 (approx. USD 46,291) |
