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United Arab Emirates Fall 2027 (Sept intake): applications close 31 March 2027; Spring 2027 (Jan intake): closed October 2026

Khalifa University Presidential Graduate Scholarship

Khalifa University's Presidential Graduate Scholarship is the UAE's most comprehensive STEM Master's and PhD award — covering full tuition, a monthly stipend of AED 8,000 for Master's (LKR 696k/month) and AED 10,000-12,000 for PhDs, plus subsidised on-campus accommodation, full medical insurance, and an annual return airfare home. Khalifa University is the UAE's top research university (ranked #182 globally by QS) and a major regional centre for engineering, computer science, AI, nuclear engineering, and aerospace. Sri Lankan applicants with strong engineering or science backgrounds — particularly those from Moratuwa, Peradeniya, SLIIT, or NSBM — find the Presidential Scholarship a strong pathway given the Gulf's proximity, relative affordability of travel, and growing UAE-Sri Lanka professional links.

Khalifa University

University-funded

emoji_events Award Overview

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Value

Full Tuition + AED 8-12k/mo Stipend

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Duration

2 yrs (Master's) / 4 yrs (PhD)

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Extras

Accommodation + Insurance + Flights

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

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Khalifa Graduate Programme Admission

You must hold (or be applying for) admission to a Master's or PhD programme at Khalifa University. Eligible programmes include all engineering disciplines, computer science, AI, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biomedical engineering, and the Khalifa Business School Master's tracks.

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Strong Academic Profile

Master's applicants need a Bachelor's GPA of 3.0+/4.0 (typically a first-class or strong second-upper degree from a recognised Sri Lankan university — Moratuwa, Peradeniya, Colombo, or accredited private institution). PhD applicants need a Master's GPA of 3.3+/4.0 plus demonstrated research output.

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Open to All Nationalities

Khalifa Presidential Scholarship is open to UAE citizens, GCC nationals, and international students alike. Sri Lankan citizens applying from Sri Lanka are eligible. The award is not capped by nationality quota — purely merit-based.

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English Proficiency

All Khalifa graduate programmes are taught in English. IELTS 6.5+ (with no band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 91+ is required. Sri Lankan applicants with English-medium degrees (from Moratuwa, SLIIT, etc.) typically qualify for the MOI-letter waiver.

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Identify supervisor (PhD only) + apply

PhD applicants should identify a Khalifa faculty supervisor whose research aligns with their interests BEFORE applying — informal email contact strengthens the application. Master's applicants apply directly to the programme without pre-arranged supervision.

Submit Khalifa application

Apply via the Khalifa graduate admissions online portal by 31 March 2027 (Fall intake). Required: application form, statement of purpose, research proposal (PhD only), CV, transcripts, three recommendations, GRE (recommended but waivable), IELTS/TOEFL.

Automatic scholarship consideration

All admitted graduate students are automatically considered for the Presidential Scholarship — there is no separate scholarship form. Tier and exact stipend amount are determined by department + central scholarships committee review.

Acceptance + UAE student visa

Successful applicants receive an offer letter with full scholarship details. Khalifa's International Student Office handles UAE student visa processing — Sri Lankan students typically receive their visa on arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport once paperwork is in order.

Why Khalifa University?

Khalifa University was formed in 2017 from the merger of Khalifa University of Science and Technology, the Petroleum Institute, and Masdar Institute. It is now the UAE's top-ranked research university, with strong industry links to ADNOC, EDGE, Etisalat, and the UAE government. The Abu Dhabi campus offers excellent research facilities, and the UAE's proximity to Sri Lanka (4-hour flight) makes family visits much easier than UK/US/AU study.