Both UAE citizens and foreign students are welcome to apply for the Khalifa University PhD Scholarship 2026, which is now accepting applications for the Spring 2026 intake. This program is completely sponsored, meaning that students will receive full financial support during their studies. Full tuition, monthly stipends, housing, health insurance, flight assistance, book allowances, and the cost of obtaining a UAE visa are all covered by the scholarship.
One of the best universities in the area is Khalifa University, which provides cutting-edge research facilities and chances to collaborate on innovative projects in technology, science, engineering, and medicine. In addition to receiving financial stability, recipients of this fellowship will also have access to a robust academic and professional network, international collaboration opportunities, and significant research exposure.
Scholars with a good academic background and a clear research vision who are highly motivated are the target audience for this program. Academic excellence, research potential, and compatibility with the university’s strategic aims are the main criteria for admission, which is competitive.
This is a rare opportunity to complete PhD studies in the United Arab Emirates with full financial support and to make a significant contribution to research that tackles global issues.
Host Country: UAE
University: Khalifa University
Opportunity Type: PhD
Subjects: All Subjects
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
For Applicants with a Master’s Degree (MSc):
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0 (or equivalent, e.g., UK upper second-class honors) from an accredited institution.
- A Master’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum CGPA of 3.25/4.0 (or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
For Applicants Applying Directly to the PhD (without a Master’s Degree):
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum CGPA of 3.5/4.0 (or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
- GRE with a minimum quantitative score of 150 (must be taken at a test center; Home Edition is not accepted). All three GRE sections are required.
English Proficiency Requirements (for all applicants):
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 91 (test center only).
- IELTS Academic: Minimum overall score of 6.5.
- EmSAT English: Minimum score of 1550.
- English Language Test Exemption:
- The English proficiency requirement may be waived if the applicant meets one of the following conditions:
- Native English speaker.
- Completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at an English-medium institution.
Benefits:
- Complete Tuition Coverage: Students will not incur any academic expenses because all tuition fees for the PhD program are fully subsidised.
- Free Textbooks: The necessary course materials and textbooks will be given to students at no extra cost.
- Accommodation Support: All scholarship holders are eligible for free lodging, either on campus or through facilities provided by the university.
- Comprehensive Medical Insurance: Students have access to healthcare services in the United Arab Emirates thanks to the full health coverage that is included.
- Flight Coverage: Students who wish to travel from their home country to the United Arab Emirates at the beginning and end of the program are supported with round-trip ticket coverage.
- Coverage of Visa Fees: The entire cost of acquiring a student visa for the United Arab Emirates is covered, guaranteeing a seamless admissions process free of administrative costs.
Deadline:15 September 2025