General requirements
MBZUAI is seeking the next generation of AI leaders. To apply, the students should demonstrate:
Mathematical fluency
The students should demonstrate this fluency through strong high school results in math and science courses, particularly at the most advanced levels offered by their high school. Alternatively (or additionally), this fluency can be documented through high scores on quantitative standardized test results such as SAT Math.
Effective communication skills
Strong communication skills can be showcased through high school excellence in subjects like English, as well as involvement in debating or theater, both in class and through extracurricular activities. Students are also recommended to submit a brief video outlining their interest in MBZUAI’s program, their goals, and how they plan to apply their knowledge.
Leadership and/or entrepreneurial aptitude
Leadership skills and entrepreneurial spirit are critical to thrive in our program. Students can demonstrate this by showing examples of having taken on leadership roles in school activities, through volunteering initiatives, or involvement in businesses or enterprises.
Computer programming familiarity
Previous coding experience is not required to enter the program. If coding competency can be demonstrated through GitHub or other open-source engagement, it will give the student a competitive advantage for admission and potentially exempt you from elementary programming courses.
English proficiency
High school grades demonstrating strong communication skills may be sufficient to prove English proficiency. However, if their high school education was in a language other than English or if their English grades are not strong, they will need to show sufficient English fluency differently. The simplest way to do this is by submitting standardized test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL (with a minimum score of 6.5 for IELTS or a minimum overall 90 for TOEFL iBT).
To learn more about each program’s specific admissions criteria, learning outcomes, and completion requirements please choose your program of study on either one of these links:
Application process
Ensure you have the required documents to complete your application in one sitting before the deadline to avoid any delays in the review of your application, or the inability to submit before the deadline.
Applicants must provide their completed certificates and official transcripts when submitting their application. A certificate attestation (for certificates from the UAE) or an equivalency certificate (for certificates acquired outside the UAE) should also be furnished within their first semester at the University.
All submitted documents must either be in English, originally, or include legal English translations. Additionally, official academic documents must be stamped and signed by the high school authorities.
All applicants
- Complete online application form.
- Academic records: Submit your high school certificate with course grades or provisional results.
- Personal statement: Submit a statement highlighting your passion for AI, its societal impact, and your career aspirations.
- Resume: Provide a detailed resume showcasing your academic background, achievements, and any work experience.
- Recommendation letters (recommended but not mandatory): Include up to two teachers, mentors, or supervisors as references.
- Technical portfolio (recommended but not mandatory): Share your GitHub or relevant URLs showcasing your AI projects and technical expertise.
- Extracurricular achievements: Highlight competitions, awards, or leadership roles that demonstrate your skills.
UAE nationals
- Valid Emirates ID
- Valid passport copy with unified ID number
- UAE national service completion/exemption letter (only for UAE national males)
- Family book (or UAE national mother’s family book, for children of Emirati mothers)
- UAE birth certificate (only for children of Emirati mothers)
- UAE national mother’s valid Emirates ID (only for children of Emirati mothers)
- UAE national mother’s valid passport copy (only for children of Emirati mothers)
- Valid UAE visa (only for non-GCC children of Emirati mothers)
UAE residents (living in the UAE)
- Valid UAE visa
- Valid Emirates ID
If shortlisted, we may request and schedule an interview with you.
We expect to send out decision notifications for all applicants no later than June 15, 2026 (5 p.m. GST).
Important dates
| Application portal opens | ED* deadline | Final (RD**) deadline | ED offer decisions | Final (RD) deadline |
| September 1, 2025 (8 a.m. GST) |
November 15, 2025 (5 p.m. GST) |
April 30, 2026 (5 p.m. GST) |
December 31, 2025 (5 p.m. GST) |
June 15, 2026 (5 p.m. GST) |
* ED – Early decision
** RD – Regular decision
Early decision (ED) application is a binding commitment. If accepted, the applicant is legally and morally obligated to attend MBZUAI and withdraw all other applications. All ED and regular decision (RD) applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged. For inquiries, please email ai.ug@mbzuai.ac.ae. Admission is highly competitive and space in the incoming cohort is limited.
Scholarships
At MBZUAI, we believe that financial barriers should not stand in the way of talent. Both merit-based and needs-based scholarships are available, covering up to 100% of tuition and cost of attendance. Some seats will be sponsored by our industry partners, giving students direct exposure to AI leaders and innovators.
Tuition fees are $45,000 USD per annum, with an additional cost of attendance. To find out more, please contact ai.ug@mbzuai.ac.ae.
Students may refer to the University Catalogue for more information regarding their financial entitlements and obligations.
Exceptional talents
As an elite AI program, we are looking for exceptional talents who have an extraordinary track record of achievement in various domains:
- STEM competitions: International Mathematics Olympiad, International Olympiad in Informatics, International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), International Biology Olympiad (IBO), International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL), World Robot Olympiad (WRO)USA Computing Olympiad, International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), American Mathematics Competition (AMC), USA Computing Olympiad (USACO), or other international/national level STEM competitions.
- Business and innovation competitions: Entrepreneurship competitions, founder/startup achievements, or business case competitions.
- Arts, humanities and high performing athletes: World Schools Debating Championship, major arts exhibitions, musical achievements, or a sustained record of achievement in elite sports.