Khalifa University PhD Scholarship in UAE for spring 2026 intake | Fully Funded

Applications are now open for the Khalifa University PhD Scholarship for the Spring 2026 intake. This fully funded program welcomes both international students and UAE nationals who want to conduct advanced research in the UAE. The KU Scholarship 2026 covers all major expenses, making it one of the best opportunities to study in the region.

The PhD scholarship covers full payment of the tuition fee, monthly stipends, free accommodation, health insurance, textbook provision, and visa facilitation. In addition, international students will be given airfares and travel expenses. The program also offers chances to join conferences and do teaching practice, along with research internships, helping students grow faster in their studies and careers.

Khalifa University has earned its reputation mainly due to a strong focus on research and innovation. The scholarship is available for talented students with excellent academic records and a passion for conducting meaningful research. This program aims not only to provide education but also to prepare graduates for potential careers in academia, research, and industry.

Now, let’s apply for the Khalifa University PhD Scholarship in the UAE. Follow the step-by-step guide below. 👇

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Host Country:

• UAE

Host University:

• Khalifa University

World University Ranking:

• #177 in QS World University Rankings 2026

Degree Level:

• PhD/Doctorate

Eligible Degree Programs:

• All PhD programs at the university. Check your desired graduate program here.

Application Fee:

• 200 AED

Deadline:

• September 15, 2025

Benefits of the Khalifa University PhD Scholarship:

• Full or partial tuition fee coverage
• Monthly stipend
• Textbooks
• Accommodation
• Health insurance
• Visa processing support 
• Airfare to/from the UAE
• Support for participation in conferences (subject to funding)
• International research internship support
• A chance to gain teaching experience and career development

Also Check: Ghent University Belgium Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded PhD & Postdoc in Belgium

Eligibility Criteria for Khalifa University PhD Scholarship in UAE:

For applicants with a Master’s degree,

• You need to have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a CGPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent and a Master’s degree in the relevant discipline with a CGPA of 3.25/4.0 or equivalent.

For applicants without a Master’s degree,

• You need to have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a CGPA of 3.5/4.0 or equivalent and a GRE score of 150 (all three sections must be attempted).

English Language Requirements:

• To be eligible for admission, you must provide IELTS (overall 6.5 bands) or iBT TOEFL (at least 91 scores)

English Language Test Exemptions:

• All native English speakers who completed their previous education in English are exempted.
• Or, applicants who completed their previous education from an institute where the medium of instruction was English are also exempted.

All other applicants must provide proof of English proficiency.

Also Check: NHR Scholarship Germany 2026 for Ph.D | PhD Scholarship in Germany for International Students

Documents Required for Khalifa University PhD Scholarship in UAE:

• CV/Resume
• Previous Degrees and Certificates
• English Proficiency Score (IELTS/TOEFL/EmSAT)
• Family Book (for UAE Nationals only)
• GRE Score Report (if applicable)
• Interview
• Official Transcripts
• Passport & UAE Visa (for international applicants)
• Passport Size Photo
• Research Statement (PhD applicants)
• Statement of Purpose
• Two Recommendation Letters
• UAE ID (for UAE Nationals only)
• UAE Ministry of Education Equivalency Certificate (if applicable)

Also Check: Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026/27

How to apply online for Khalifa University PhD Scholarship in the UAE:

To apply for the KU PhD scholarship and admission, follow these steps

• Step 1: Choose the degree program that you want to study at KU
• Step 2: Check its postgraduate admission requirements. Make sure you fulfill them
• Step 3: Now, go to the official website, create an account and start your application
• Step 4: Provide all required details and provide two reference letters (Your referee will submit directly to the university on your behalf)
• Step 5: Attach all required documents (in PDF, Word, or scanned file format)
• Step 6: Review your application, pay the application fee of 200 AED, and hit submit.

Now you have successfully submitted your application for both admission and scholarship at Khalifa University. Best of Luck!

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Frequently Asked Questions: