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United Arab Emirates Fall 2027 intake: applications close 15 May 2027; admissions open continuously

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Merit Scholarship

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is the official UAE campus of France's historic Sorbonne University — established in 2006 under an agreement between the UAE government and France. The Merit Scholarship offers tuition reductions of 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% to outstanding international undergraduate applicants. The total annual tuition is approximately AED 75,000 (LKR 6.5M), so even the 50% tier saves AED 37,500 per year. Programmes are offered in French (humanities, history, art history, philosophy) and English (business, law, economics, computer science). The campus is on Reem Island in central Abu Dhabi, with a strong Francophone academic identity. Sri Lankan applicants — especially those with prior French education through Alliance Française Colombo — find Sorbonne Abu Dhabi a unique pathway.

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi

University-funded

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Value

25% / 50% / 75% / 100% Tuition

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Duration

3 Years (renewable)

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Application

Automatic at Admission

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

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Sorbonne Abu Dhabi UG Admission

You must be applying to a Sorbonne Abu Dhabi undergraduate programme (Licence-equivalent 3-year Bachelor's). Eligible fields include Business, Law, Economics, Computer Science (English-track) and History, Philosophy, Art History, French Studies (French-track).

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Strong Academic Record

Top award tier (100%) typically requires 3 As at A/L, IB 38+/45, or French Baccalauréat 16+/20. Mid-tiers (50-75%) for solid second-upper results. Subject choices should align with the intended programme (e.g. combined maths for CS).

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French OR English Pathway

Most Sorbonne Abu Dhabi humanities programmes require strong French (DALF C1 or equivalent). Business, Law, Economics, and CS are taught in English with French as a required minor. Sri Lankan applicants from Alliance Française Colombo with DELF B2+ can target French-track entry.

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Renewable with Strong Grades

Scholarship is renewable each year subject to maintaining academic performance — typically a GPA of 12/20 (French system) or 3.0+/4.0 (US-equivalent). Drops below the threshold reduce the award tier.

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Apply via Sorbonne online portal

Submit your Sorbonne Abu Dhabi UG application via the online admissions portal. Application fee approximately AED 500. Required: A/L statement, school transcripts, IELTS/TOEFL OR DELF/DALF (depending on track), motivation letter (in French or English), recommendations.

Possible interview

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to a virtual interview, particularly for French-track programmes. Interviews assess language proficiency, motivation, and fit with the Sorbonne academic culture.

Automatic scholarship review

Sorbonne Abu Dhabi's admissions office automatically reviews applications for both admission and scholarship tier. There is no separate scholarship application. Strong academic record + clear motivation letter = best chance at higher tiers.

Offer + UAE student visa

Successful applicants receive their offer letter specifying scholarship tier. Sorbonne Abu Dhabi handles UAE student visa processing. The campus on Reem Island offers on-campus accommodation (separate fees apply).

Why Sorbonne Abu Dhabi?

Sorbonne University in Paris is one of the world's most historic universities (founded 1257) and a global leader in humanities, sciences, and medicine. The Abu Dhabi campus delivers the same Sorbonne degree (validated by Paris) in a smaller, more international setting on Reem Island. With around 1,500 students from 80+ countries, it offers an intimate Parisian academic experience in the UAE. For Sri Lankan students with French language background, this is a unique pathway to a recognised European degree close to home.