Published 2026-02-17 | Updated 2026-02-23

Khalifa University Scholarship 2026 in UAE — Application Guide

The Khalifa University Scholarship is one of the most searched UAE funding options for international and local students applying to Khalifa University. This guide explains how the Khalifa University Scholarship works for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD applicants in the Fall 2026 cycle, using official KU admissions and scholarship pages.

Khalifa University Scholarship 2026: Quick Facts

  • Scholarship name: Khalifa University Scholarship
  • University: Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
  • Intake: Fall 2026
  • Deadline: 2 March 2026
  • Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
  • Scholarship form: No separate form; Khalifa University Scholarship assessment is part of admission
  • Official apply pages:
    • https://www.ku.ac.ae/undergraduate-admissions
    • https://www.ku.ac.ae/postgraduate-admissions

Is the Khalifa University Scholarship Fully Funded?

A common question is whether the Khalifa University Scholarship is fully funded for everyone. Official KU pages describe a tier-based model, so funding depends on the assigned scholarship tier.

Khalifa University Scholarship for Bachelor’s

The Khalifa University Scholarship at undergraduate level can include:

  • Full or partial tuition support
  • Textbooks
  • Accommodation/transport support for eligible students under policy conditions

KU scholarship FAQ states stipend is not offered to Emirati and international bachelor’s students under the listed scheme.

Khalifa University Scholarship for Master’s

For master’s applicants, Khalifa University Scholarship benefits may include:

  • Tuition waiver up to 100% (tier-based)
  • Health insurance for eligible full-time international students
  • Accommodation for eligible full-time students
  • Mobilization and demobilization flights for eligible overseas full-time students
  • UAE visa fee coverage for eligible full-time international students
  • Textbooks

KU notes no standard monthly stipend for master’s in the listed framework.

Khalifa University Scholarship for PhD

At PhD level, the Khalifa University Scholarship may include:

  • Tuition waiver up to 100% (tier/path dependent)
  • Competitive monthly stipend for high-caliber candidates
  • Health insurance, accommodation, flights, and visa fee support for eligible full-time international students
  • Textbooks

Khalifa University Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

Bachelor’s Eligibility

  • Grade 12 or equivalent in accepted curriculum
  • Program-specific subject prerequisites
  • English score requirement or approved exemption pathway
  • Additional assessments for shortlisted applicants

Master’s Eligibility

  • Relevant bachelor’s degree
  • Published minimum CGPA requirement
  • English requirement (TOEFL/IELTS or approved equivalent/exemption)
  • Two recommendations
  • Statement of purpose
  • Interview for shortlisted applicants

PhD Eligibility

  • Regular PhD: relevant bachelor’s plus master’s
  • Direct PhD: higher bachelor-level CGPA pathway
  • GRE requirement applies to Direct PhD route under KU rules
  • English score requirement or approved exemption pathway
  • Two recommendations
  • Statement of purpose and research statement
  • Interview for shortlisted applicants

Khalifa University Scholarship Required Documents

To improve your chances for the Khalifa University Scholarship, prepare complete documents early.

Undergraduate Documents

  • School certificates/transcripts
  • Equivalency/attestation documents when applicable
  • English test score (if required)
  • Passport and photo
  • UAE resident documents if applicable

Postgraduate Documents (Master’s/PhD)

  • Degree certificate(s) and transcripts
  • Equivalency/recognition documents where required
  • English test score report
  • CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • Research statement for PhD
  • Two recommendations through KU system
  • Passport/photo and residency documents if applicable

Khalifa University Scholarship Application Process (Step by Step)

  1. Choose your program
    • Select one KU program that matches your academic background.
  2. Start the official KU application
    • Use official KU admissions portals only.
  3. Complete profile and upload documents
    • Ensure all documents are complete and clear.
  4. Complete assessment steps
    • Undergraduate and postgraduate shortlisted candidates follow KU evaluation/interview process.
  5. Monitor status and communication
    • Check portal and email regularly for updates and requests.
  6. Review offer and scholarship tier
  • Your Khalifa University Scholarship tier appears in your admission offer.

Khalifa University Scholarship Deadline 2026

The published application close date for Fall 2026 is 2 March 2026.
Always reconfirm this date on official KU admissions pages before final submission.

Common Mistakes in Khalifa University Scholarship Applications

  • Assuming every Khalifa University Scholarship award is fully funded
  • Applying through unofficial third-party pages
  • Submitting incomplete files close to deadline
  • Missing equivalency and attestation requirements
  • Ignoring recommendation status or interview communication

FAQ: Khalifa University Scholarship

Do I submit a separate Khalifa University Scholarship application?

No. KU states scholarship assessment is integrated with admission.

Is GRE required for every Khalifa University Scholarship postgraduate applicant?

No. GRE is specifically required for Direct PhD route in KU guidance.

Is IELTS mandatory for Khalifa University Scholarship applicants?

KU publishes score requirements and approved exemptions. Check current official rules for your case.

Is Khalifa University Scholarship guaranteed if I meet minimum requirements?

No. KU states admission and scholarship are competitive and availability is limited.

Is one benefit package applied to all Khalifa University Scholarship recipients?

No. Benefits vary by level, tier, and scholarship conditions.

Official Sources