Khalifa University Scholarship 2026-27: Stipend, Eligibility, Deadline and Application Guide

Overview

What is the Khalifa University Scholarship?

The Khalifa University Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program for students applying for postgraduate programs at Khalifa University of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi. 

The scholarship is available for eligible Master’s and PhD candidates, including international students. The scholarship may not be a single fixed award. Rather, Khalifa University sorts students into the appropriate tuition scholarship tier given their academic achievements, program fit and other university requirements. 

The key is that your scholarship consideration is part of your admission application. 

Khalifa University says scholarship consideration is an integral part of the admission process. So, you do not have to fill in a separate scholarship form. Your grades, documents (resume, transcript, references, etc.), Statement of Purpose, research fit, test scores and overall quality of application also count. 

In other words, simply meeting the minimum entry requirement may not be sufficient. A student who barely meets the minimum criteria and a student who meets the criteria exceptionally well (i.e. excellent CGPA, strong research direction, well-focused SOP, etc.) may both be eligible but may not receive the same scholarship support tier. 

Khalifa University’s official postgraduate admissions page currently says that Fall 2026 postgraduate admissions are closed. The university’s application portal also shows that online postgraduate applications are currently closed, so students planning the next intake should keep checking the official KU admissions page before applying. 

Is the Khalifa University Scholarship fully funded?

Some of the Khalifa University scholarship tiers may be fully funded. However, this may not be the case for every student.

When it comes to Master’s students the higher tiers can support full tuition as well as benefits such as textbooks, housing for eligible full-time students, medical insurance, flight allowance for eligible overseas students and UAE visa application fee sponsorship. (Khalifa University)

For PhD students the highest published package can be awarded under the PhD Research Path Tier I. This can support full tuition as well as a basic monthly allowance of AED 20,000 and again an AED 20,000 monthly allowance, to bring total monthly support up to AED 40,000, depending upon scholarship progression and approval. (Khalifa University)

So the honest answer is:

Khalifa University scholarships can be fully funded but the final value depends upon your scholarship tier, level of study and admission outcome.

Students should wait to hear from the university with the admission and scholarship outcome before assuming the final details.

Khalifa University Master’s Scholarship: benefits by tier

Khalifa's Master’s program offers international students different scholarship tiers. The tier determines whether or not you receive full tuition support, partial tuition support or only select benefits.

One thing students often misunderstand is the Master’s stipend. Khalifa University’s official graduate scholarship page lists Master’s benefits such as tuition, accommodation, medical insurance, textbooks, flights and visa support, but it does not publish a fixed monthly stipend amount for Master’s students on that scholarship page. 

So, if you are budgeting for a Master’s degree, do not assume that you will receive a monthly cash stipend. Confirm the exact financial package with Khalifa University once your scholarship tier is issued.

Khalifa University PhD Scholarship stipend: How much can students receive?

The PhD scholarship structure is more detailed than the Master’s structure.

Khalifa University separates PhD scholarships into two paths:

1. PhD Research Path — with a work commitment
2. PhD Study Path — without the same work commitment

This difference is important because the stipend, tuition waiver and post-study obligation are not the same.

PhD Research Path: with work commitment

The PhD Research Path is designed for full-time PhD students. It offers the highest published stipend support, but it also includes a work commitment after graduation.

Under this path, students may be required to work with Khalifa University or a nominated entity for a period equivalent to their study duration. Scholarship eligibility is also assessed annually. 

This is the section most PhD applicants should read carefully. The stipend can be very strong, but the work commitment is a real condition and should not be ignored.

PhD Study Path: without work commitment

The PhD Study Path gives students financial support without the same post-graduation work obligation. However, the stipend amounts are lower than the Research Path.

The Study Path may suit students who want more flexibility after graduation. The financial support is lower, but the absence of a work commitment may matter more depending on your long-term career plan.

Research Path vs Study Path: which one should you choose?

This is not a decision students should make only by looking at the stipend amount. 

The Research Path has the stronger financial package. At Tier I, the total published monthly support can go up to AED 40,000, subject to approval and scholarship progression criteria.  This can be extremely helpful for students who want to focus fully on research while living in Abu Dhabi. 

However, the Research Path also comes with a work commitment.  That means you need to understand what happens after graduation, how long the commitment lasts, who you may be required to work with and what conditions apply. 

The Study Path, on the other hand, gives more flexibility.  The monthly stipend is lower, but students are not tied to the same post-graduation work condition.

A simple way to think about it is this:

Neither path is automatically better. The right choice depends on your financial needs, research plans, career goals and comfort with the work commitment.

Who can apply for the Khalifa University Scholarship?

International students can apply for Khalifa University scholarships if they meet the admission requirements for their chosen postgraduate program.

However, because the scholarship is competitive, students should not think only in terms of minimum eligibility. Minimum eligibility may allow you to apply, but a stronger profile will usually be needed to compete for the better scholarship tiers.

Eligibility for Master’s applicants

For Master’s admission, applicants generally need:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline
• Minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, or equivalent
• IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5, or TOEFL iBT score of 91
• English test taken through an accepted format; TOEFL iBT Home Edition is not accepted
• At least two referee recommendations
• Statement of Purpose of 500 to 1,000 words
• Admission interview, if required by the program

Khalifa University’s postgraduate admissions page confirms the minimum CGPA, English score, SOP, referee and interview requirements. 

Eligibility for PhD applicants

PhD applicants need to check whether they are applying through the Regular PhD route or the Direct PhD route.

Regular PhD route

Applicants usually need:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0
• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with minimum CGPA of 3.25 out of 4.0

Direct PhD route

Applicants usually need:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with minimum CGPA of 3.5 out of 4.
• Minimum quantitative GRE score of 150
• GRE taken at an approved test centre; GRE Home Edition is not accepted

For both PhD routes, applicants should also be ready with English proficiency proof, referee recommendations, a Statement of Purpose, a Research Statement and an interview if shortlisted. 

Khalifa University PhD Admissions: What the Process Actually Looks Like

Understanding PhD eligibility is one thing. Understanding how KU's PhD admissions process actually works in practice is another — and this is where a lot of applicants lose time or submit weaker applications than they should.

Applications go through the central portal. Khalifa University PhD applications are submitted through the same postgraduate admissions portal as Master's applications. There is no department-by-department application system — everything goes through one central online process.

Supervisor contact before applying. For PhD applicants, especially those on the Research Path, reaching out to a potential supervisor at KU before submitting a formal application is strongly recommended. Many PhD programs at research-focused universities — and KU is no exception — respond better to applicants who have already made contact with a faculty member whose research aligns with their interests. This doesn't guarantee anything, but it shows seriousness and helps the academic assessment.

Research statement is not optional for PhD. Your research statement needs to be specific — not a general interest in "advancing science" or "contributing to the field." It should name a research area, ideally connect to one of KU's published research priorities (energy, water, environment, space, health), and demonstrate that you've actually read about what the university is working on.

Annual reassessment applies. PhD students on the Research Path are not given a fixed scholarship for the duration of the program. Scholarship eligibility is reassessed annually. This means strong performance throughout the PhD is required to maintain the tier and the associated financial support.

Two distinct PhD routes — check which applies to you. As outlined in the eligibility section above, the Regular PhD and Direct PhD routes have different CGPA requirements and GRE obligations. Before you start the application, confirm which route you're applying through and make sure your documents match that route's requirements.

Processing time varies. KU does not publish a fixed timeline for PhD admission decisions. Depending on the intake and the program, the assessment process can take several weeks. Applicants should not expect an immediate response and should not follow up too early after submission.

Khalifa University Scholarship deadline 2026-27

Deadlines are one of the most important parts of the application process. Missing the deadline usually means waiting for the next intake.

As of June 2026, Khalifa University’s official postgraduate admissions page says that Fall 2026 admissions are closed. The postgraduate application portal also says online applications are currently closed. 

Since this date is not currently shown as an open application deadline on KU’s live admissions page, students should treat it as a planning reference and verify it directly from Khalifa University before applying. 

A safe approach is to start preparing your documents, test scores and SOP at least three to four months before the expected deadline.

Documents required for Khalifa University Scholarship application

Before starting the application, prepare your documents properly. This is where many students lose time.

You may need:

• Certified copy of Bachelor’s or Master’s degree certificate, depending on your route
• Official academic transcript with grading scale
• UAE equivalency or degree recognition certificate, if your degree was completed outside the UAE
• IELTS, TOEFL iBT or EmSAT English proficiency certificate
• GRE score report, if required
• Updated CV
• Statement of Purpose, usually 500 to 1,000 words
• Research Statement, usually required for PhD applicants
• Passport-size photograph with white background
• Valid passport copy
• UAE visa copy, if you are already living in the UAE
• Emirates ID copy, if applicable
• Family Book, only for UAE national applicants

Khalifa University’s postgraduate admissions page also confirms that the application fee is AED 200, inclusive of VAT. 

Do not leave document preparation until the final week. Transcripts, references, equivalency paperwork and test scores can take time.

How to apply for the Khalifa University Scholarship

The Khalifa University Scholarship is linked to the admission process. That means your online admission application plays a major role in scholarship consideration.

Step 1: Choose the right program

Start by selecting a Master’s or PhD program that matches your academic background and career goals. Khalifa University offers postgraduate programs across areas such as engineering, computing, science, medicine, health sciences and research-focused disciplines.

Do not choose a program only because it has scholarship funding. Choose one where your academic record, skills and long-term goals make sense.

Step 2: Check the requirements carefully

Before filling out the form, compare your profile with the official admission criteria. Check your CGPA, English score, GRE score if applicable, degree background and research experience.

A student who meets only the minimum requirement may be able to apply, but higher scholarship tiers are competitive.

Step 3: Prepare your documents early

Collect your transcripts, certificates, grading scale, passport, photograph, CV, SOP, English test result and GRE report if needed.

If your degree is from outside the UAE, start the equivalency or recognition process early. This step can take longer than expected.

Step 4: Submit the online application

Applications are submitted through Khalifa University’s postgraduate admissions portal. Upload all documents clearly and label them properly.

Blurry scans, incomplete transcripts or missing grading scales can delay the process.

Step 5: Pay the application fee

The application fee is AED 200, inclusive of VAT. Pay it through the application portal when submitting your application.

Step 6: Prepare for the interview

Some programs may invite shortlisted applicants for an interview. Be ready to explain:

• Why you chose Khalifa University
• Why you selected that specific program
• How your previous studies or experience connect to the course
• What your research interests are
• What you plan to do after graduation

For PhD applicants, the interview can be especially important because it shows whether your research direction fits the university.

Step 7: Wait for admission and scholarship decision

Khalifa University confirms scholarship availability and tier assignment at the end of the admission process. No separate scholarship form is usually required.

Khalifa University Scholarship for Indian students

Indian students can apply for Khalifa University scholarships as international applicants.

This scholarship can be especially relevant for Indian students from engineering, science, mathematics, computing, technology and research backgrounds. Popular areas of interest may include computer science, artificial intelligence, robotics, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, petroleum engineering, biomedical engineering, applied physics and applied mathematics.

Here is what Indian applicants should focus on:

1. Keep your academic documents ready

Your CGPA and transcript matter. Make sure your transcript clearly shows the grading scale used by your university. If your marks are in percentage format, prepare supporting documents that explain the scale.

2. Take IELTS or TOEFL early

Khalifa University requires accepted English proficiency scores. TOEFL iBT Home Edition is not accepted, so book the correct test format at an approved test centre. 

3. Do not depend on GRE Home Edition

For Direct PhD applicants, GRE is required, and the home edition is not accepted. Book a test centre appointment early if GRE applies to your route.

4. Write a specific SOP

Do not write a generic SOP that could be sent to any university. Your SOP should clearly explain:

• Why Khalifa University
• Why the UAE
• Why this program
• How your background fits the course
• What you want to do after graduation

5. Align your PhD research statement

If you are applying for a PhD, your research statement should connect with Khalifa University’s research strengths. A focused, well-researched statement is much stronger than a broad one.

6. Start UAE degree recognition early

If your degree is from an Indian university, you may need UAE degree recognition or equivalency documentation. Start early so this does not delay your application.

Why choose Khalifa University?

Khalifa University has become one of the UAE’s most recognised research-focused universities.

In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Khalifa University announced that it ranked 177th globally and remained the top institution in the UAE for the eighth consecutive year.

For postgraduate students, this matters because ranking, research quality, faculty strength and industry links can all influence the value of a Master’s or PhD degree.

The university is especially known for areas linked to engineering, technology, energy, computing, artificial intelligence, robotics, health sciences and applied research. Its location in Abu Dhabi also gives students access to a safe, modern and industry-connected study environment.

Common mistakes to avoid while applying

A strong profile can still become a weak application if students make basic mistakes. Avoid these before submitting your Khalifa University application.

1. Thinking all scholarship tiers are the same

They are not. Tier I and Tier IV can offer very different benefits. Always read the tier structure before making financial plans.

2. Assuming Master’s students get a monthly stipend

Khalifa University publishes specific stipend amounts for PhD tiers. The Master’s scholarship section lists tuition and support benefits, but not a fixed monthly stipend. 

3. Ignoring the PhD work commitment

The PhD Research Path can offer higher support, but it includes a work commitment. Understand this properly before accepting the award.

4. Taking the wrong test format

TOEFL iBT Home Edition and GRE Home Edition are not accepted for the relevant KU postgraduate requirements. This can create serious problems if discovered late. 

5. Writing a generic SOP

Your SOP should not sound like a copied template. It should show why your background, goals and chosen program fit Khalifa University specifically.

6. Leaving equivalency until the last minute

Degree recognition or equivalency can take time. Start early, especially if your previous degree was earned outside the UAE.

7. Applying too close to the deadline

References, test scores, transcripts and SOP drafts all take time. Starting three to four months before the expected deadline is much safer.

Final checklist before submitting your application

Before you submit your Khalifa University application, make sure you have:

• Checked whether your chosen program is open for the target intake
• Verified the latest deadline on Khalifa University’s official admissions portal
• Matched your CGPA with the requirement for your route
• Completed IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT through an accepted test format
• Completed GRE at a test centre if applying through the Direct PhD route
• Prepared your Statement of Purpose
• Prepared your Research Statement if applying for PhD
• Collected transcripts with grading scale
• Started degree equivalency or recognition if your degree is from outside the UAE
• Prepared clear scanned copies of all supporting documents
• Budgeted for the AED 200 application fee
• Indicated scholarship interest during the application process where required

Khalifa University Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students

Most searches on Khalifa University scholarships land on postgraduate information, but a number of students — especially those finishing school or a foundation year — are looking for undergraduate scholarship options too.

Khalifa University's undergraduate programs are structured differently from its postgraduate ones. The university primarily focuses on engineering, computing, science and technology disciplines at undergraduate level. International students interested in undergraduate admission should check Khalifa University's official undergraduate admissions page directly, as undergraduate scholarship availability and eligibility are managed separately from the postgraduate scholarship structure covered in this guide.

What international undergraduate students should know:

Khalifa University does offer financial support for undergraduate students, but the terms, tier structure and benefits are not the same as the postgraduate scholarship system. KU's undergraduate programs are typically four-year degrees across areas like electrical engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering and computer science.

For undergraduate international applicants, the general requirements usually include:

• A strong secondary school record, typically with high scores in mathematics and science subjects
• English proficiency — IELTS or TOEFL scores meeting KU's minimum undergraduate thresholds
• Possible entrance assessment or interview depending on the program

The scholarship support available at undergraduate level may include tuition waivers and other benefits, but these are assessed separately by the university at the time of undergraduate admission. Students should not assume that the postgraduate stipend figures — such as AED 20,000 or AED 40,000 per month — apply to undergraduate awards.

If you are looking at undergraduate study at Khalifa University as an international student, the best starting point is KU's official undergraduate admissions portal, where current program availability, entry requirements and financial support details are listed.

For postgraduate scholarship details — Master's and PhD — the rest of this guide covers everything you need to know.

Is the Khalifa University Scholarship worth applying for?

Yes, the Khalifa University Scholarship is worth considering if you are a strong postgraduate applicant and your field fits the university’s academic strengths.

For Master’s students, the top tiers can reduce major costs such as tuition, accommodation, medical insurance, textbooks, visa support and flights.

For PhD students, the Research Path can be especially attractive because the top published support may reach up to AED 40,000 per month, subject to approval and progression criteria. 

That said, this is not a casual scholarship application. It is competitive. Students should prepare seriously, check official deadlines, submit complete documents and write a strong SOP or research statement.

If your profile is strong and your goals match Khalifa University’s programs, this scholarship can be a major opportunity to study in the UAE with significant financial support.

Special Khalifa University Scholarship Programs

Beyond the standard postgraduate tier structure, Khalifa University also runs several named scholarship programs. These are separate from the general merit-based tiers and have their own eligibility conditions.

KU Medical Scholarship (UAE Nationals)

This scholarship is specifically for UAE nationals admitted to Khalifa University's medical programs. The monthly stipend published under this program is significantly higher than the standard graduate tiers. Students interested in this program should check the current stipend and conditions directly on KU's official scholarships page, as figures can be updated each cycle.

Buhooth Scholarship (UAE Nationals)

The Buhooth Scholarship is designed for UAE national researchers. It offers higher stipend support compared to standard tiers, and published information indicates additional financial allowances for married students. Eligibility and availability should be confirmed directly with Khalifa University.

Combined Master/Doctoral Research Training Scholarship (CMDRTS)

This is a combined pathway scholarship for students who want to pursue both a Master's and PhD under a single research training program. It is suited to students with a clear research direction who want to fast-track their postgraduate journey. Students considering this route should confirm program availability and entry requirements with KU's admissions office before applying.

Master Research Teaching Scholarship (MRTS)

The MRTS is aimed at students who combine research with teaching responsibilities during their graduate studies. This scholarship may suit students considering an academic career path. Details on stipend, workload expectations, and eligibility are available through KU's official postgraduate scholarships page.

China Scholarship Council – Khalifa University Joint PhD Scholarship

This is a bilateral scholarship program for students from China, run jointly between the China Scholarship Council and Khalifa University. Eligible Chinese nationals should check the CSC application process in addition to KU's postgraduate admissions portal, as the application route for this program differs from the standard KU scholarship process.

Note: These programs are separate from the standard Master's and PhD tier structure covered earlier in this guide. Availability, stipend amounts, and eligibility conditions for each named program should always be verified directly on Khalifa University's official scholarships page, as details can change between intake cycles.