Aerial view of the Dubai cityscape with high-rise towers under a clear sky.

United Arab Emirates Fall 2027 intake: applications open August 2026 — Priority Deadline 15 January 2027; Final Deadline 15 March 2027

MBZUAI Graduate AI Scholarship

MBZUAI (Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence) is the world's first graduate-only AI research university, opened in 2020 at Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. Critically, MBZUAI fully funds 100% of its admitted students — every Master's and PhD admitted to MBZUAI receives free tuition, free accommodation, full health insurance, a monthly stipend (AED 8,000/month for Master's = LKR 696k/month; AED 10,000/month for PhD = LKR 870k/month), and an annual return airfare home. Programmes are offered in Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, Robotics, and Computer Science. Sri Lankan applicants with strong computer science / mathematics backgrounds and research interest in AI are exactly the target profile.

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence

University-funded

emoji_events Award Overview

savings

Value

Fully Funded (100% of admitted)

school

Duration

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

flight_takeoff

Extras

Stipend + Accommodation + Flights

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

school

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/Math/Eng

Master's applicants need a Bachelor's in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, or a closely-related quantitative field. PhD applicants need a Master's in the same fields. Sri Lankan applicants from Moratuwa CS/EE, Colombo Stat/Math, or strong private CS programmes (SLIIT, IIT, Informatics Institute) are typical.

work

Strong Academic Record

Master's applicants need a Bachelor's GPA of 3.2+/4.0 (typically first-class or strong second-upper). PhD applicants need a Master's GPA of 3.5+/4.0 plus demonstrated research output (publications, conference papers, or strong final-year project).

code

Programming + Math Background

MBZUAI specifically looks for strong programming (Python, C++) and mathematical foundations (linear algebra, calculus, probability, statistics). Coursework in machine learning, AI, or computational courses is strongly preferred.

task_alt

Standardised Tests

GRE is recommended (Quant 160+) but not strictly required. IELTS 6.5+ (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 91+ is required. Sri Lankan candidates with English-medium CS degrees can request an MOI-letter waiver.

account_tree Application Process

Identify research area + supervisor

Browse MBZUAI faculty pages and identify potential supervisors whose research aligns with your interests. For PhD especially, informal email contact strengthens your application significantly. Master's applicants can apply without pre-arranged supervisors.

Submit application by 15 January

Apply via the MBZUAI online portal. Required: application form, statement of purpose, research statement (PhD), CV, transcripts, three recommendations, IELTS/TOEFL, GRE (optional). Submit by Priority Deadline (15 January 2027) for best funding consideration — though all admitted students get funded.

Interview round

Shortlisted candidates are interviewed (virtually) by MBZUAI faculty. Interviews focus on technical knowledge, research interests, and motivation. Interviews are typically held in February-April.

Offer + UAE student visa

Admitted students receive an offer letter automatically confirming full funding. MBZUAI handles UAE student visa processing for all admitted students. Programme starts in August (Fall intake).

Why MBZUAI?

MBZUAI is the world's first graduate-only AI-focused research university, founded by the UAE government with a USD 500M+ initial endowment. Faculty include leading global AI researchers; the university has rapidly published in top venues (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, CVPR). The student body is small (~200-300 across Master's and PhD), allowing dense faculty interaction. Located at Masdar City, Abu Dhabi — a planned sustainable city with the world's lowest carbon footprint per capita.