Are you an undergraduate student passionate about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and looking for a global research opportunity? The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi is inviting applications for its Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP) 2026, a fully funded, immersive AI research experience.
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What is UGRIP?
UGRIP is MBZUAI’s flagship AI research internship for undergraduates worldwide, launched in 2023. The program offers a unique chance to:
- Conduct cutting-edge research in AI fields such as Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, and Robotics
- Collaborate with international students and world-leading faculty
- Gain mentorship, networking, and hands-on experience in a top AI-focused research university
The 2026 program will run from Sunday, 31 May to Friday, 26 June, giving students four weeks of immersive research experience at MBZUAI’s state-of-the-art campus in Abu Dhabi.
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Why Choose MBZUAI?
Located in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s hub for sustainability and innovation, MBZUAI stands out as the world’s first AI-focused research university. Highlights include:
- Top 10 global ranking in AI, Computer Vision, ML, NLP, and Robotics
- Student-faculty ratio of 5.6:1, ensuring personal guidance
- Diverse international student body from 60+ countries
- Support for women in STEM (28% of students)
- Access to cutting-edge labs, AI centers, and research facilities
MBZUAI graduates go on to launch startups, invent breakthrough technologies, and drive innovation across industries.
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Research Opportunities
UGRIP interns work on projects related to core AI areas and applied research. Past projects have included:
- AI models for brain tumor detection
- Automated systems for media bias detection
- Interactive music generation systems
- Advancements in machine translation for dialectal Arabic
- Safe robotics obstacle avoidance systems
Interns will explore available projects in the first two days of the program and choose their top three preferences after discussions with faculty.
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Who Can Apply?
UGRIP 2026 is open to:
- Undergraduate students in the penultimate year of a STEM major
- Students graduating after August 2026
- Minimum CGPA 3.5/4.0 (or equivalent)
Required Documents:
- Enrollment letter from your university
- Official academic transcript
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, EmSAT, or university instruction letter)
- Valid passport copy
- Statement of Purpose (motivation, achievements, goals, career path)
All documents must be in English or include certified translations.
Benefits of UGRIP
UGRIP is a fully funded program, offering:
- Generous stipend
- Accommodation, visa, airfare, and airport transfers
- Health insurance
- Access to MBZUAI’s student facilities
- Social and cultural activities in Abu Dhabi
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: 1 January 2026, 8 a.m. GST
- Applications Close: 28 February 2026, 5 p.m. GST
- Admission Decisions: 31 March 2026, 5 p.m. GST
- Program Dates: 31 May – 26 June 2026
Start Your AI Journey
UGRIP is your chance to accelerate your AI career while experiencing life in Abu Dhabi. If you meet the requirements, mark your calendar and prepare to apply from January 1, 2026.
