American University in Dubai Scholarships: Complete Guide (2026-2027)

Quick Overview

Key Takeaways

• AUD scholarships are not just for UAE nationals. The H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship is open to people from all countries.

• AUD considers financial need along with how well you have performed in school including the main Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid award.

• You need to have an average of at least 90% or equivalent to be eligible for AUD undergraduate scholarships.

• Graduate students can benefit from the AUD Alumni Tuition Waiver (25%) and the AUD School of Education Tuition Waiver (40%).

• If you are a student at the American University in Dubai (in your last year of undergraduate studies) and have a grade point average of at least 3.5 you can apply for the American University in Dubai Senior Scholarship which covers 25%, 50% or even 100% of your tuition.

• The American University in Dubai fees include a 5 percent value added tax where required as stated on the American University in Dubai fees page.

• You should apply for the American University in Dubai scholarships early because there are a limited number of spots available and some of them are given out on a first-come first-served basis.

• Always verify the latest eligibility and deadlines on the official AUD scholarships page. 

Introduction

Have you been thinking of studying at an American-style university without the costs of studying in the United States? If so, the American University in Dubai might be on your list. 

If you plan to study at the American University in Dubai (AUD) you are probably worried about the tuition fees. The good news is that AUD offers an aid and scholarship program to help both local and international students. This guide will cover all the scholarships, eligibility requirements and financial planning steps for the 2026–2027 academic year.

About the American University in Dubai (AUD)

The American University in Dubai (AUD) was established in 1995. It is a university located in Dubai Media City and is accredited by SACSCOC. The university follows the liberal arts model and has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, giving you a focused academic environment. The university has students from over 100 nationalities and is culturally diverse. The American University in Dubai is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education. Its programs are also accredited by bodies like AACSB, for business and ABET for engineering. Getting into AUD is competitive. The university looks at your profile and English proficiency when making admission decisions.

American University in Dubai Fees and Estimated Yearly Budget

Before understanding the value of AUD scholarships, it helps to know the actual cost. According to the official AUD fee schedule, undergraduate tuition for a standard load of 12 to 16 credits is approximately AED 53,025 per semester and AED 106,050 per year. Additional mandatory fees include a Services and Technology Fee of AED 1,000 per semester. All fees are inclusive of 5% VAT where applicable.

Estimated Yearly Budget

When planning your budget, it is important to account for living expenses in addition to your annual tuition. The following table provides an estimated monthly breakdown for a student living in Dubai to help you calculate your total financial requirement. The table below converts the estimated monthly and annual costs into Indian Rupees (INR) based on a planning rate of 1 AED = 23.00 INR

American University in Dubai Scholarships for International Students

The American University in Dubai offers scholarships and tuition waivers for students. These are available for both graduate students. Below is a complete breakdown of every available AUD scholarship program, including who can apply, what it covers, and what you need to qualify. 

Tier 1: Scholarships Open to All International Nationalities

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship: 

• It is fully accessible to South Asian applicants.

• Coverage: Partial tuition reductions to 100% full-ride waivers.

• Criteria: You need at least 90% (or equivalent CGPA) in high school exams. The final waiver percentage depends on your need.

AUD Senior Scholarship: For good performing students already studying at AUD.

• Coverage: 25%, 50%, or 100% tuition coverage for up to 32 credit hours.

• Criteria: You need a CGPA of at least 3.5 and a clean disciplinary record.

Tier 2: Geographically Restricted & Domestic Awards

Some funds are for people from specific regions:

• Gebran Tueni Award: 100% tuition + housing. Only Lebanese Nationals can apply.

• MBRSC Communication Grant: 100% tuition waiver for the Arabic-language media track. Only Arab League Nationals can apply.

• DEWA Intilaq / ICT Funds: Full ride + monthly living stipends. Only UAE Nationals can apply. 

Does American University in Dubai Offer Scholarships?

People often ask: "Does American University in Dubai offer scholarships?" and "Do American universities give scholarships to international students?"

 The answer is yes. American University in Dubai has a financial aid program. This includes merit-based scholarships, need-based components and sector-specific tuition waivers. The H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship, is an option for international students, including those from India and considers both academic achievement and financial need.

Most AUD scholarships are renewable, until graduation. You need to keep up grades and meet the scholarship conditions. The renewal criteria vary by scholarship. So review the terms carefully before applying.

AUD Scholarships at a Glance

Use the table below to compare all available AUD scholarships and tuition waivers quickly.

American University in Dubai Merit Scholarship

The American University in Dubai gives merit scholarships to students who perform well in school or previous university studies. To get this scholarship you usually need to have a high school average of at least 90% or if you are already a student at American University in Dubai you need to have a cumulative GPA. Because there are a lot of students who want this scholarship you need to perform well in academics to be a strong applicant to be considered for the American University in Dubai Merit Scholarship.

Need-Based Scholarship

The American University in Dubai also has need-based scholarships. These scholarships are for students who have a strong academic profile but need help paying for school. The H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship is one of these scholarships. To get this scholarship you need to show that your family needs help. You have to give American University in Dubai papers that show how much money your family makes.

General Eligibility Requirements for AUD Scholarships

Each scholarship at American University in Dubai has its rules. But most scholarships for students need the following:

• Academic Performance: You need to have a high school average of at least 90% (or equivalent CGPA) to get most scholarships at American University in Dubai.

• Nationality: Some scholarships are open to everyone. Some are only for certain nationalities, like Lebanese or Arab students.

• Program Enrollment: Some scholarships are for certain programs like engineering or education at American University in Dubai.

• CGPA Maintenance: If you want to get the American University in Dubai Senior Scholarship you need to have a GPA of at least 3.5.

• Conduct Record: You need to have a clean conduct record to get the American University in Dubai Senior Scholarship.

• Financial Need: American University, in Dubai considers how much financial help you need when they consider you for the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid scholarship.

How to Apply for American University in Dubai Scholarships

Follow these steps to submit a strong scholarship application to AUD: 

• Research All Available Scholarships: Visit the AUD Scholarships page and identify which programs you are eligible for based on your nationality, academic record, and field of study.

• Confirm Eligibility and Deadlines: Read each scholarship's criteria carefully. Deadlines vary by program. The Clinton Scholarship, for example, has a deadline of April 15 for the Fall semester. Other scholarships may follow admission deadlines.

• Gather Your Documents: Prepare the following before you begin your application.

• Complete the Application Form: Fill in the AUD scholarship application accurately. Double-check all information and ensure all required documents are uploaded.

• Submit Before the Deadline: Follow the specific submission process outlined for each scholarship (online portal, email, or mail).

• Attend an Interview if Required: Some scholarships, such as the Clinton Scholarship and DEWA Intilaq, require a phone or panel interview.

• Monitor Your Application: Check your email and AUD communication channels regularly for updates or requests for additional documents.

American University in Dubai Merit Scholarship

The American University in Dubai gives American University in Dubai Merit Scholarships to students who work hard and perform well in school. They look at the students' high school grades or expected results submitted during applications to decide the scholarship allotment. 

Fully Funded Scholarships at AUD

It is very tough to get a fully-funded scholarship in the UAE. Some special programs like the Gebran Tueni Media Scholarship can cover 100% tuition waiver and in some cases, this includes other costs like a place to live and visa fees. Most of the AUD scholarships are partial waivers than fully funded so students should check what each scholarship covers.

Scholarship Deadlines

Students should apply early for the American University in Dubai scholarships.

• Fall Semester: Early applications are encouraged through March/April; late applications are generally accepted through July/August.

• Spring Semester: Early applications should be submitted by October/November, with late submissions accepted through December/January.

Scholarship Interview Tips

Some American University in Dubai scholarships require an interview like- The Gebran Tueni Media Scholarship is one of them. For such interviews,  preparation is key:

• Research the Mission: learn the organization’s goals and align your responses with their values.

• Practice Your Narrative: Discuss your personal passions, academic achievements, and why you are a strong fit for the specific award.

• Prepare Thoughtful Questions: Asking the interviewer insightful questions demonstrates your genuine interest and engagement.

Can Transfer Students Get AUD Scholarships?

Transfer students can apply for AUD scholarships but they need to meet the admission requirements for their program. To confirm eligibility transfer applicants should talk to the AUD admissions office and ensure all previous academic transcripts are evaluated.

Important: Document Attestation for Indian Students

To get a scholarship Indian students need to get their Class 12 board marks recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education. This requires an Equalization Certificate. The process involves:  Verifying documents with the HRD, Getting attestation from the Ministry of External Affairs, in India, stamping by the UAE Embassy. Students should start this process early to avoid delays in getting their scholarship.

Common Mistakes Students Make When Applying for AUD Scholarships

Here are the common mistakes that can be avoided:

• Applying without checking nationality restrictions: Applying for scholarships without checking if they are available to their nationality or not. Scholarships like Gebran Tueni and DEWA Intilaq are restricted to specific nationalities. If you apply for these kinds of scholarships, you will be wasting your time.

• Missing document requirements: Some scholarships require you to send a creative portfolio and also an interview. Students often skip these steps and get disqualified. 

• Waiting too long to apply: If you wait long to apply for a scholarship you might miss out, AUD scholarship seats are limited. Some awards are given out on a come first served basis. So you should start your application as soon as you can.

• Confusing admission deadlines with scholarship deadlines: Do not get the deadline for applying to the university mixed up with the deadline for applying for a scholarship. These deadlines are often different. Always make sure to check both deadlines.

• Submitting unattested documents: Indian students must make sure that academic certificates are properly attested where required by AUD.

• Ignoring CGPA maintenance: If you get a scholarship and then your CGPA falls below the required level you might lose your scholarship. So it is very important to maintain your CGPA if you have a scholarship.

• Not tracking communication from AUD: You should always be checking your email and other communication channels for messages from the American University in Dubai. The scholarship committee might need information from you or they might want to schedule an interview with you. 

At Study From UAE, we manage this entire logistical pipeline for you. We coordinate document handoffs across state and federal desks, prep your financial need essays for the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid selection committee, and match your profile directly with verified education loan providers. Click here to begin your AUD scholarship diagnostic check with a Study From UAE counselor.

By fixing the exchange rate calculation error, separating the scholarships by actual eligibility, and highlighting the mandatory attestation process, this guide shifts from a basic overview into a highly authoritative, conversion-optimized resource.

What Do AUD Scholarships Cover?

The coverage of AUD scholarships varies significantly by program. Here is a clear breakdown:

American University in Dubai Scholarships: What Indian Students Need to Know

Many Indian students ask: "Do American universities give scholarships to international students from India?" At AUD, the answer depends on which scholarship you are targeting. Here is what Indian students should keep in mind:

AUD Programs Popular Among Indian Students

Students tend to prefer programs in Business Administration, Engineering and Architecture. If you are targeting the Senior Scholarship in your final year, you should maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.5 from your first semester. For broader scholarship opportunities across UAE universities that Indian students can explore, the UAE Scholarships for Indian Students guide on Study From UAE.

AUD Scholarship Renewal Conditions

To ensure your scholarship continues until graduation, you must meet the following criteria each academic year:

• Maintain Academic Standards: Meet the specific GPA or CGPA requirements for American University in Dubai scholarships, such as a minimum 3.5 CGPA for the Senior Scholarship.

• Full-Time Enrollment: Remain enrolled in a full-time credit load at American University in Dubai, typically: 12–16 credit hours per semester.

• Code of Conduct: Adhere to the American University in Dubai Student Code of Conduct at all times as any violations may result in the loss of funding.

• Annual Review: Participate in the review process to confirm your continued eligibility for financial support.

American University in Dubai Acceptance Rate and Admissions

The American University in Dubai acceptance rate is approximately 60-74% based on available data, making it competitive but accessible for well-prepared applicants. AUD accepts applications for three intakes: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

General undergraduate admission requirements include:

• Completion of Class 12 or a recognized High School Diploma

• English proficiency: IELTS Academic 6.5 (or 6.0 with possible conditional admission), TOEFL, EmSAT, or equivalent

• Transcripts, passport copy, and supporting documents

• Program-specific requirements (e.g., portfolio for Architecture, Art, and Design programs)

Graduate programs typically require a recognized UG degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, along with a GMAT score and minimum 2 years of work experience for the MBA program. Explore AUD programs in detail on the Study From UAE AUD page.

Are There Fully Funded Scholarships in Dubai at AUD?

Students often search for fully funded scholarships in Dubai for international students. At American University in Dubai the following can be considered fully funded options:

• H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship: Can cover full tuition for all nationalities with strong academic performance and demonstrated financial need 

• Gebran Tueni Media Scholarship: Covers tuition, dormitory and visa charges for Lebanese nationals in media/communication.

• DEWA Intilaq Scholarship: Covers full tuition plus AED 6,500 monthly allowance and medical insurance for UAE nationals.

• AUD Senior Scholarship (100% option): Covers full tuition for eligible final-year students with a minimum CGPA of 3.5.

For broader UAE-wide fully funded scholarship options, you can explore the UAE Scholarships on Study From UAE, which covers programs across multiple universities.

Conclusion

Securing a scholarship at the American University in Dubai is a competitive but achievable goal for students who prepare early. By focusing on high academic performance, ensuring your document attestation is completed well ahead of deadlines, and accurately forecasting your annual budget, you can set yourself up for a successful academic career. Start your scholarship application process as early as possible to maximize your chances of success.