Scholarships in Dubai for Indian Students 2026

Thinking of studying in Dubai? You're not alone. The city has become a top choice for Indian students seeking a global education. While the cost of studying in Dubai can seem high, scholarships in Dubai are a game-changer. What if you could study at a world-class university with a scholarship that covers not just your tuition, but also your living expenses and even your flight?

This isn't a dream. Top universities and government bodies in the UAE offer fully-funded scholarships that can make your study abroad journey virtually free. This guide will walk you through the types of scholarships available, the benefits they offer, and how to apply, so you can turn your Dubai study dream into a reality.

Types of Scholarships in Dubai for International Students

There are multiple scholarships in Dubai categorised into government-funded, non-government, and institution-specific scholarships. These opportunities aim to make higher education more accessible and affordable while fostering academic excellence and diversity.

• Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to students for exceptional academic achievements and high standardised test scores, these scholarships can cover part or all of your tuition fees.
• Need-Based Scholarships: Designed for students with financial need, these scholarships make education accessible by covering tuition fees and other related costs.
• Sports Scholarships: Given to talented athletes, these scholarships allow you to balance academic and athletic pursuits simultaneously.
• Research Scholarships: These scholarships support students interested in research by providing financial assistance for research projects and advanced studies.
• Cultural Scholarships: Promote cultural exchange by awarding scholarships to students from diverse nationalities and backgrounds.
• Industry Partnership Scholarships: In collaboration with leading industries, these scholarships may include internships or cooperative education programmes for a practical experience.
• Community Impact Scholarships: Awarded to students with a strong commitment to community service and making a positive societal impact.
• Alumni Scholarships: Exclusively for graduates of partner institutions, these scholarships foster a sense of community among international students and alumni.
• Government Scholarships: Supported by UAE government initiatives, these scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs for international students.

Government Scholarships in Dubai

Indian students looking for government scholarships in Dubai should focus their search on top public universities, as the most generous funding is typically offered through these institutions rather than a centralised government programme. Institutions like Khalifa University and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) offer fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, living stipends, health insurance, and even travel costs for high-achieving international students. These prestigious scholarships in Dubai are highly competitive and are a direct pathway for Indian students to pursue a world-class education in fields like AI and engineering without the financial burden.
 

University Specific Scholarships in Dubai

Dubai hosts a series of public and private universities in Dubai that offer their own scholarships and financial aid for international students. These scholarships cover a wide range of costs, from full tuition fees to a certain amount paid every year. Each scholarship has its own set of rules and regulations that are to be followed by applicants applying.

Let’s give you a list of university-specific scholarships in Dubai:

Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) Scholarships: 

The H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Scholarship is a highly competitive, merit-based award for new high school graduates. 

Eligibility Requirements of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) Scholarships: 

Recent High School Graduate: Must have graduated from high school in the same academic year as applying to HBMSU institutes like Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU).

Academic Excellence: Achieved a minimum average of 90% in high school.

HBMSU Admission: Must meet the general entry requirements for the chosen undergraduate programme at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU).

Full-Time Enrolment: Must enrol and maintain continuous active registration in the admitted programme.

Academic Progression: To retain the scholarship, a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.50 out of 4.00 must be maintained.

Competitive Basis: Awarded on merit following a competitive selection process.

Scholarship Grant: HBMSU covers full tuition fees. 

American University in Dubai (AUD) Scholarships

The AUD university offers H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship for Undergraduate Study to all international students. This scholarship reflects a deep commitment to education as the driving force in the accomplishment of Dubai’s and the UAE’s economic 10-year academic mission. 

Eligibility Requirements of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship

• Academic Merit: Require a high school average of 90% or higher.
• Need-Based: Financial need is a significant factor in the selection process.
• Inclusivity: Available to all undergraduate programmes and nationalities.

Scholarship Grant: Full Tuition fees. 

BITS Pilani Dubai Campus Scholarships

BITS Pilani offers merit-based scholarships ranging from 10% to 25% on tuition and hostel fees. These scholarships are awarded based on your performance in the BITSAT or your high school scores. To renew your scholarship for the second year, you'll need to maintain a strong academic record, typically a CGPA of 9 or higher.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai Scholarships

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai Campus offers a variety of scholarships to help students achieve their academic dreams. These awards are based on merit, financial need, leadership, and extracurricular achievements, making a quality education more accessible for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Eligibility Requirements of Manipal Institute Scholarships along with Scholarship Grant:

• Merit-based scholarships are offered for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, with fee waivers ranging from 10% to 30%, depending on previous academic performance.
• Undergraduate applicants can qualify for scholarships based on high school or A-Level results, with higher grades earning greater tuition discounts.
• Postgraduate students with strong undergraduate scores and limited work experience can receive up to 15% tuition reduction.
• Sports scholarships are available for students who have represented their state or country, offering 5% to 50% fee waivers for the first year.
• Alumni discounts provide a 25% reduction in tuition fees for graduates continuing their studies at the same institution.
• Women-focused initiatives offer full scholarships to support education and skill development under specific empowerment programmes.

Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus Scholarships

Heriot-Watt University Dubai offers a variety of scholarships to help students manage their educational costs. These scholarships, including the Future Made for Success Scholarship and the Undergraduate/Postgraduate Merit Scholarships, are based on merit, academic performance, and other specific criteria.

It's important to note that you can only receive one scholarship, though you may qualify for multiple discounts. All scholarships are for your first year of study at the Dubai campus only and cannot be transferred to other Heriot-Watt locations. You must apply using the university's scholarship request form, and all decisions are final.

Here are eligibility criteria for Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus: 

MBA Professional Experience Scholarship

• Open to applicants with at least five years of full-time professional experience and an unconditional offer for the MBA programme (starting January 2026).
  Candidates must be self-funded and complete a separate application, including an 800-word essay and an interview process.
• Award: Up to 50% tuition fee waiver.

Sports and Community Engagement Scholarship

• For students actively involved in sports, community service, or extracurricular activities, and willing to participate in university events and marketing initiatives.
• Award: Up to 30% tuition fee reduction (available for up to 30 students).

Alumni Scholarship

• Available to Heriot-Watt graduates who have previously studied for at least one year at any of the university’s global campuses.
• Award: 20% discount on postgraduate taught courses.

Canadian University Dubai (CUD) Scholarships 

Canadian University Dubai (CUD) offers a range of scholarships designed to help students overcome financial barriers and reward academic excellence. These scholarships are open to all nationalities, provided you meet the admission and scholarship criteria.

Here are eligibility criteria of Canadian University Dubai (CUD) Scholarships: 

Academic Excellence Scholarship

• Eligibility: Enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours with strong academic performance (CGPA as per criteria).
• Award: Up to 50% tuition fee waiver.

Sports Scholarship

• Eligibility: Talented athletes with proven achievements at least at city level; minimum 70% in high school or 3.0 CGPA for returning students.
• Award: Up to 40% tuition fee waiver.

Financial Hardship Scholarship

• Eligibility: Students facing financial challenges; minimum 75% in high school or 2.8 CGPA for returning students.
• Award: Up to 40% tuition fee waiver. 

Special Needs Scholarship

• Eligibility: Students with documented physical or other disabilities; minimum 2.0 CGPA for current students.
• Award: Up to 40% tuition fee waiver.

University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) Scholarships

The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) offers a variety of scholarships to help new and continuing students with tuition costs. These scholarships, which include Academic Merit Scholarships and Sports Scholarships, provide a fixed percentage discount on your tuition fees.

Here are the eligibility criteria and award details of UOWD Scholarships: 

Academic Merit Scholarship (New Students)

• Eligibility: Open to new undergraduate students of any nationality who meet UOWD’s academic and admission requirements and have achieved the required grades as per their curriculum.
• Award: 15% to 50% tuition fee waiver each trimester (excluding textbooks, accommodation, and other study-related costs).

Academic Merit Scholarship (Continuing Students)

• Eligibility: Current undergraduate students with a minimum cumulative WAM of 75 and at least 36 completed credit points.
• Award: 15% or 25% tuition fee waiver for the following academic year, awarded at the start of the Autumn trimester.

Sports Scholarship (Continuing Students)

• Eligibility: Continuing students with a minimum WAM of 65, at least 36 completed credit points, and a recommendation from the UOWD Sports Coordinator. Recipients must actively participate in university sports teams throughout the year.
• Award: Up to 25% tuition fee waiver for the next academic year. 

Private and Foundation Scholarships in Dubai

For Indian students, private and foundation-based scholarships in Dubai are a fantastic alternative to government-backed programmes. These awards are typically offered by private universities, corporations, or non-profit foundations. 

Here are the Private Scholarships in Dubai for Indian students:

Al Qasimi Foundation's Doctoral Research Grants

The Al Qasimi Foundation offers Doctoral Research Grants to PhD students who want to conduct research in the UAE. This grant is designed to support scholars in various fields whose work can inform policy in the country.

Here are the eligibility criteria and award details of this scholarships: 

• Eligibility: Open to current PhD students in good academic standing at an accredited university. Applicants must have completed all coursework, possess an approved (or pending approval) research proposal with IRB clearance, and include Ras Al Khaimah or the UAE as part of their research. A TOEFL iBT score of 85 or IELTS 6.5 is required if English is a secondary language.
• Award: Covers return airfares, furnished accommodation for up to 12 months, living stipend, and research support for fieldwork in the UAE.

ICT International Fund (at University of Dubai)

The ICT Fund helps educational institutions create top-quality courses in telecommunications and IT to nurture local talent. It provides funding for up to five years, covering a maximum of 75% of expenses for universities and research institutes, or 50% for companies. 

Here are the eligibility criteria and award details for ICT Educational Institutions Fund: 

• Eligibility: Open to legally registered universities, research institutes, or companies with majority UAE ownership.
• Award: Funding support for up to 5 years, covering a maximum of 75% of budgeted expenses for academic and research institutions, and 50% for companies. 

Eligibility Criteria for Applying to Scholarships to Study in Dubai

To apply for Dubai Scholarships international students need to meet certain eligibility requirements that focus on academic performance and financial need. Knowing these criteria can help you navigate the application process more effectively and boost your chances of receiving support.

• Academic Performance: Maintain high academic standards with excellent grades or standardised test scores.
• University Enrollment: Must be accepted or currently enrolled at a recognised Dubai-based university or institution.
• Nationality: Scholarships are generally available to international students, including Indian nationals.
• English Language Proficiency: Non-native speakers may need to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate language skills.
• Specific Criteria: Some scholarships require enrollment in specific programmes or fields of study.
• Financial Need: Certain scholarships are need-based and require proof of financial inability.
• Supporting Documents: Submit required documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
• Research Proposals: For research-focused scholarships, provide a detailed research proposal and necessary approvals (for doctoral studies).

How to Apply for Scholarships to Study in Dubai?

Applying for scholarships in Dubai involves a strategic approach to ensure you meet all requirements and stand out from other candidates. By following a step-by-step process, you can enhance your chances of securing financial support for your studies.

• Research Scholarships: Begin by exploring various scholarships available in Dubai. Identify those that align with your academic and career goals. Understand their eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and required documentation.
• Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the specific requirements for each scholarship. Verify academic qualifications, financial need, and any other criteria outlined by the scholarship provider.
• Gather Documents: Prepare all necessary documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, proof of financial need, and a well-crafted resume or CV.
• Write Personal Statements/Essays: Draft compelling personal statements or essays that highlight your achievements, goals, and how the scholarship will help you. Tailor each essay to the specific scholarship’s focus.
• Submit Applications: Complete and submit your applications before the deadlines. Ensure that all required documents are included and formatted according to the guidelines.
• Prepare for Interviews: If required, practice for interviews by reviewing common questions and preparing responses that showcase your strengths and experiences.
• Proofread and Review: Carefully proofread your application materials to correct any errors and ensure clarity.
• Follow Up: After submission, check the status of your application and follow any additional instructions provided by the scholarship committee.

Scholarships in Dubai offer a fantastic opportunity to ease the financial burden of your studies while giving you access to a world-class education. With a variety of options, including both government and non-government scholarships, you can find support for various fields and academic levels. These scholarships help with tuition and living costs and provide valuable networking opportunities and cultural experiences.

Ready to take the next step in your academic journey? AECC experts will guide you through the entire application process. Contact us today to start your journey and turn your academic dreams into a reality.