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United Arab Emirates Rolling intakes (autumn 2026 / spring 2027) — scholarship assessment happens alongside admission, so apply early in the intake window

Abu Dhabi University Scholarship Programme

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) runs a tiered scholarship programme that is open to international students, not just Emiratis — a useful distinction, because several UAE public awards are nationals-only. The awards are tuition waivers rather than cash: the Chairman's Scholarship sits at the top and can cover up to 100% of tuition along with application, registration, student services and health fees, while the broader academic, athletic and graduate merit lines cover a partial percentage of tuition. Postgraduate applicants are typically assessed on Bachelor's CGPA (a 3.5/4.0 or above is the usual gate for the merit-based graduate award), undergraduates on their school-leaving percentage. Coverage runs for a maximum of four years or until graduation, whichever comes first, and you must keep a minimum CGPA each term to retain it. For Sri Lankan students, ADU is worth a serious look: teaching is in English, the campuses are in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai, and the flight home is under five hours. Just remember the waiver applies to tuition only — accommodation, the UAE student visa and medical insurance, and living costs in Abu Dhabi remain your own. Scholarship bands are reviewed each intake, so confirm the current percentage tied to your grade with ADU admissions before you build a budget around it.

Abu Dhabi University

University-funded

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Value

Partial to 100% Tuition Waiver

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Duration

Up to 4 Years (or to graduation)

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Open To

International + UAE Students

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

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Strong Academic Record

Undergraduate waivers are banded by your school-leaving percentage — the top bands need results in the 90s. The merit-based graduate scholarship requires a Bachelor's CGPA of at least 3.5/4.0. Sri Lankan A/L and local-degree results are converted to ADU's scale during admission assessment.

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International Applicants Welcome

Unlike several UAE federal schemes, ADU's scholarship programme is open to students from all nationalities, including Sri Lankan citizens applying from Sri Lanka. You still need a UAE student visa, which ADU sponsors once you are enrolled and fees are settled.

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Maintain Your CGPA to Keep It

Waivers are reviewed each term. Fall below the minimum CGPA attached to your award and the waiver can be reduced or withdrawn — you then pay full tuition for the remainder. Budget for that risk rather than assuming four guaranteed years.

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Tuition Only — Not a Living Stipend

The award reduces tuition. Accommodation, food, transport, health insurance and visa costs in Abu Dhabi or Dubai are yours to fund. Plan a realistic monthly living budget on top of the discounted tuition figure.

account_tree Application Process

Apply for admission to ADU first

Submit your ADU application online with attested transcripts. Sri Lankan certificates normally need attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo and then the UAE Embassy — start this early, it is the step that most often delays UAE admissions.

Be assessed for a scholarship band

Most ADU scholarships are assessed from your admission file rather than a separate contest. Ask the admissions officer explicitly which band your grades place you in and get it in writing in your offer letter.

Accept the offer and confirm the waiver terms

Your offer should state the waiver percentage, the CGPA you must maintain, and the maximum coverage period. Query anything vague before you pay a deposit.

Arrange your UAE student visa

ADU sponsors the student residence visa after enrolment. You will need a medical test, Emirates ID registration and health insurance. Factor these fees in — they are separate from tuition and are not covered by the waiver.

Why Abu Dhabi University?

ADU is one of the UAE's larger private universities, teaching in English across campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai, with business, engineering, IT, health sciences and arts faculties. It holds international programmatic accreditations in several schools and draws a heavily international student body, so Sri Lankan students rarely feel isolated. The Gulf's proximity — a short flight, a familiar diaspora, and a large Sri Lankan community in the Emirates — makes it a lower-risk first step abroad than a move to Europe or North America.