Khalifa University Scholarship

The Khalifa University Scholarship for PhD study is managed through Khalifa University postgraduate admissions in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Applicants are evaluated for admission and scholarship tier as part of one process, with scholarship availability limited. Official KU scholarship information states that benefits may include tuition waiver up to 100 percent, competitive monthly stipend for high-caliber candidates, and additional support for eligible full-time international students.

United Arab EmiratesPhDPartially FundedDeadline: March 2, 2026 (Fall 2026 intake)

Official source: Khalifa University Postgraduate Admissions and Scholarship FAQs • Last updated:

Quick summary

The Khalifa University Scholarship for PhD study is managed through Khalifa University postgraduate admissions in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Applicants are evaluated for admission and scholarship tier as part of one process, with scholarship availability limited. Official KU scholarship information states that benefits may include tuition waiver up to 100 percent, competitive monthly stipend for high-caliber candidates, and additional support for eligible full-time international students.

Eligibility

Eligible nationalities
UAE nationals and international applicants can apply
Degree level
PhD
Study location
United Arab Emirates
Academic background
Regular PhD requires a relevant bachelor's and master's degree
Admission required
Yes, scholarship is assessed as part of admission
Minimum GPA/grades
Regular PhD requires master's CGPA 3.25/4.0; Direct PhD requires bachelor's CGPA 3.5/4.0
Work experience
No universal work-experience requirement is officially stated
Field of study
Must satisfy requirements of the selected PhD discipline
Residency requirement
No universal residency requirement is officially stated
Document language/translations
UAE equivalency/recognition process may apply for international degrees
Current enrollment status
Final-year postgraduate applicants can apply with current transcripts and expected graduation evidence
Age limit
Age policy varies by applicant category and published call rules
Language requirements
TOEFL iBT 91 or IELTS Academic 6.5, with published exemption pathways subject to approval

Benefits

Tuition
Tier-based waiver can be up to 100 percent, with different tuition obligations by tier and study/work-commitment path
Stipend
Competitive monthly stipend may be provided for high-caliber UAE national and international PhD students
Accommodation
Free university accommodation may be provided for full-time eligible students
Travel
Mobilization and demobilization flights may be provided for full-time overseas international students
Health insurance
Available for full-time international students sponsored by Khalifa University
Other benefits
Textbooks are provided by the university under listed scholarship tiers
Visa/residence support
Coverage of UAE visa application fees may be provided for full-time international students
Application fee
200 AED including VAT for postgraduate admissions (as listed on KU postgraduate admissions page)

Application process

  1. Where to apply: Submit via Khalifa University postgraduate admissions portal
  2. Track selection: Choose the appropriate PhD route (regular PhD or Direct PhD, where eligible)
  3. Profile and referees: Complete the online application and provide referee details for two recommendations
  4. Documents and fee: Upload required files, including research statement for PhD, and pay the postgraduate application fee
  5. Selection: Shortlisted applicants are invited for interview before final decisions
  6. Decision: KU states admitted applicants are normally notified within about eight weeks after deadline
  7. Account/nomination: Create an account or complete nomination/referral steps where the provider requires it.

Required documents

  • Bachelor's and master's degree certificates/transcripts (as applicable)
  • Equivalency/recognition documents for qualifications from outside the UAE (as applicable)
  • English proficiency certificate (TOEFL/IELTS/EmSAT as applicable)
  • GRE General score report for Direct PhD applicants (minimum quantitative score 150, all sections attempted)
  • Detailed CV
  • Statement of purpose (500-1000 words)
  • Research statement (500-1000 words)
  • Passport-style photo
  • Valid passport copy
  • UAE visa and Emirates ID for current UAE residents (if applicable)
  • Two recommendation letters submitted via KU's online reference process
  • CV/Resume
  • Admission letter / proof of enrollment (if required)
  • Certified translations (if required)
  • Medical / health certificate (if required)
  • Any additional forms requested by the provider

Good to know

  • KU scholarship FAQ indicates PhD scholarship tiers differ by work-commitment path and can change tuition liability.
  • Scholarship slots are limited, and meeting minimum admission criteria does not guarantee scholarship award.
  • There is no separate scholarship form; your scholarship tier is communicated in the admission offer.

FAQ

Is Khalifa University PhD scholarship always fully funded?

Not always. KU applies tier-based scholarship models, and tuition obligations vary by tier and selected path.

Do I need GRE for KU PhD applications?

KU states GRE (minimum quantitative 150, with all sections attempted) is required for Direct PhD applicants.

Is there a stipend for PhD students?

KU states competitive monthly stipend may be available for high-caliber PhD students, depending on scholarship tier and conditions.

Is a separate scholarship application required for PhD?

No. KU scholarship consideration is integrated into the admission application process.

Broaden this shortlist

Use these routes to move from one scholarship page into the wider country and hub structure before you make a final choice.

Scholarships in United Arab Emirates Compare this route with the wider United Arab Emirates scholarship pool before you decide.

Scholarships still open 2026 Use this when active deadlines matter more than a single scholarship profile.

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Ready to apply?

Applications are completed on the official provider website. Be cautious with third-party sites and always verify scholarship details at the source.

Go to official application page →