The UAE offers fully funded PhDs at research universities such as Khalifa University and MBZUAI.
PhD opportunities in United Arab Emirates
Why do a PhD in United Arab Emirates?
- Scholarships with tuition, stipend and housing
- AI and engineering research
- International cities
Universities in United Arab Emirates
Well-known research universities and institutes for PhD study in United Arab Emirates include:
- Khalifa University
- Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
- United Arab Emirates University
- NYU Abu Dhabi
- American University of Sharjah
Choose a university by your supervisor and research group, not the overall ranking — fit with the group decides most PhD outcomes.
PhD structure
Coursework, qualifying exams and dissertation.
Fees and funding
Fees: Scholarships cover tuition.
Main funded routes: MBZUAI and Khalifa University PhD funding.
Official starting points: MBZUAI · Khalifa University
See PhD funding by country to compare routes across 46 countries, or estimate your budget with the study cost calculator.
Applying for a PhD in United Arab Emirates
Apply directly to universities, usually by winter for autumn entry.
Language: IELTS/TOEFL required.
Your application checklist
- CV with research experience and any publications
- Research proposal or statement written for the project or supervisor — see our research proposal guide
- Master's (and undergraduate) transcripts and degree certificates; for Pakistanis, HEC-attested copies
- Two or three academic references — see our recommendation letter guide
- English test score or proof of English-medium study, if required
- Interview preparation — see our interview guide
Student visas and work
Visa: Universities sponsor student residence visas.
Working during your PhD: Part-time work only with permission.
After your PhD
Work requires employer sponsorship; Golden Visa schemes exist for outstanding graduates.
Open PhD opportunities in United Arab Emirates
MBZUAI PhD in Artificial Intelligence (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
United Arab Emirates
- Funding not confirmed
- Open to all nationalities
- Study level: PhD
- 4 years
Khalifa University PhD Scholarship (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Khalifa University of Science and Technology
United Arab Emirates
- Fully funded, Partially funded, Stipend
- Open to all nationalities
- Study level: PhD
- 4 years
This guide gives an overview for international applicants. Rules on fees, funding and visas change — always confirm the details on the university, funder and embassy websites before you apply.
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